02 Google Drive Logistics

Hello Everyone!

I am very excited to meet many of you tonight and to get started with school next Tuesday! 

Before we begin, I just wanted to go over a couple of pieces for the class and see how you all feel.

Among other things, in this class we will be learning the basics of computer documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. However, instead of using the usual programs downloaded onto the computers, I would like to use the Google Drive versions for a number of reasons: 

1) Google Drive has most of the programs we will be using in a universal format, so students don't need to learn new setups when moving between home and school, new and old computers. (Google Drive programs have many of the same features and looks of the other programs like Microsoft Word so it would still transfer roughly to those.)

2) Google Drive automatically saves work while students are working, so no more lost papers because of a dead battery or power outage!

3) Google Drive has everything saved online in organized files so students can easily work at home on projects they started at school—and no lost papers because of hard drive failures!

You can go to Google Drive and check it out if you haven't yet—it is quite intuitive and handy! 

The one issue is that students will need to have (or have access to) a google email address in order to log in to Google Drive. They can make their own address (they can use their first names only in the information in order to not give out any personal information—but they'll need to put the parent's (or fake) birthday to be old enough at above 18 years old), or they can use a parent's address. 

If this is alright with you, just send your kids to school next Tuesday knowing the username and password they would like to use—or let me know and I can help them set up an account for themselves in class. 

If you don't feel comfortable with your kids having an email address yet, let me know and they can use the regular computer versions (but please send a flash drive with your kids so they can keep their work with them for homework.)

Thanks everyone!

01 Syllabus

Hello! In this computers class, you will be learning an array of computer skills, from typing to the use of word-processing, presentation, and spreadsheet programs!

I am very excited to meet you all, and if you have any questions throughout the year, feel free to come talk to or email me any time!

Computer objectives:

• Students will be able to…
• Type correctly and quickly
• Use Google Drive to hold and send all documents and homework
• Use the basic functions of Documents, Presentations, and Spreadsheets
• Use the internet for research
• Complete several exciting projects

If you are struggling with the homework or not understanding anything in class, come talk to me or email me—I'm always happy to help and we can certainly figure something out!

Absences:

• We complete a lot of work in-class, and as I see you only 1 day per week, this time is invaluable. Most days, class will include graded activities. If the class is missed--even for excused absences--that grade will show up as a zero. However, these grades can be made up within 2 weeks of class by completing an assignment of my choice that relates to the in-class work. Email me within one week of the missed class to ask what make-up assignment can be completed.

Late Homework:

• In addition the to practical consequences of late work, late work will receive a lowered grade.
• You may turn in work one day late (over email to me) for full credit.
• You may turn in work one week late (over email or in class to me) for 50% credit.

Homework:

• Homework assignments will be posted each week at computer-options.blogspot.com.
• If it is not posted, I may have had technical difficulties without realizing it (sometimes I will post but the internet will not actually send it through. It happens occasionally). Feel free to email me and I will repost as soon as possible.

• Every assignment should be saved in an electronic folder specifically for this class. Typing and saving assignments will make revising papers much easier and will help clear up any situations of lost papers.

**We will learn in class how to work with Google Drive so don't stress too much about it yet :)