An Introduction Introduction to Technology to Technology Lesson ...

An In t roduction to Technology Lesson Plans by Bob Pau ley School Dist ri ct o f Pal m Beach Coun ty 1

Lantana Community Middle School

A Message to Parents… 2

Mr. Pauley, Technology Greetings…and most importantly, what can you, as a parent, expect by sending your child to Lantana Middle Community School? At Lantana, teachers and staff do more than they are required to do to achieve accreditation, having been recognized for exceptional performance at the county, state and federal government levels. Consequently, you may expect your child to score better, to achieve more at LMCS. A productive learning environment – both orderly and safe – is offered at Lantana Middle School. Today’s modern classroom includes essential values, expectations, learning experiences and rules. They are designed to promote learning so that you as a parent can expect to see significant progress in your child’s academic achievement. Competent educators provide essential teaching skills at LMCS. They are derived from an extensive body of research and study as part of a statewide educational program. Every teacher must undergo rigorous training, testing and demonstration of teaching skills. In the past 12 months Mr. Pauley, as one example, has completed 18 credits of educational study at Florida Atlantic University. As an active participant in the Golden Key Honor Society he must maintain a 3.5 grade point average or higher in that endeavor. A personal aside, Mr. Pauley is from Appalachia, born in the previous home of Devil Anse Hatfield on the site of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. He is a former mining engineer in the coalfields of West Virginia and the phosphate mines of Central Florida. He is a published songwriter (A Brandy Alexander recorded by MCA recording artist Mel Tillis) and has written several screenplays for Chicken Soup for the Soul. He is the author of two full-length books addressing the criminal justice system on Florida’s Death Row, an active member of Toastmasters International, and he is a former jet fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Mr. Pauley has received over 200 credits of university study, nearly half computer-related, and currently serves on the board of the Student Advisory Council at Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, Mr. Pauley heads its annual educational research symposium where he is a published author. He serves on the parliament of the FAU Alumni Association alongside president Frank Brogan. While not a teaching skill, the characteristics of an upbeat attitude reflect Mr. Pauley’s effectiveness, caring, enthusiasm and high expectations at LMCS. A positive attitude promotes learner motivation. In a democratic environment Lantana Middle exudes this attitude creating an atmosphere of confidence. At the same time, it views students as responsible and holds them accountable for their actions. Mr. Pauley’s classes offer awards, rewards and praise for outstanding performance. A well-organized classroom must use its 55 minutes of class time for each class to promote learning. Communication and feedback during this time is essential. Disciplinary problems can and do sometimes disrupt effective learning. Time is a valuable resource here; students and teachers must use time effectively to ensure learning. Academic 3

learning time, used from the minute they arrive in the classroom, improves their performance. Technology is a basic skill that improves performance in Florida’s schools. At LMCS we provide FCAT training and preparation online, and Mr. Pauley’s classroom is no exception. Several hours of each term is devoted to systematically solving problems students face in the real world. The FCAT Explorer software (www.fcatexplorer.com) is an invaluable learning tool available to your child at school or at home. Your student will be introduced to Riverdeep software in algebra and mathematics as well. Learning is a cooperative venture, and teachers, students and parents are in it together (see syllabus). Learning techniques in Mr. Pauley’s classroom are twofold: Teacher-centered, in which the teacher’s role is to present the knowledge to the students; and, learner-centered, in which learners, with the teacher’s guidance, are responsible for constructing their own understanding. The latter is usually done in selected team settings so the student may motivate and/or be motivated, creatively discovering the root of the lesson at hand. It is Mr. Pauley’s job to provide guidance and leadership as necessary. From the LMCS ESE Department: One of the key requirements to effective education is “a new framework for pluralizing intelligence in ensuring effective classrooms for our diverse student population. The traditional classroom is ‘teacher centered,’ but the MI (multiple intelligence) classroom is ‘kid centered.’ The activities drive the classroom. The teacher becomes a facilitator of learning – a coach, who ensures that access to all the information and materials necessary for learning are there, so that students can make their own knowledge and collaborate with others in the process.” Mr. Pauley is seriously concerned about the progress of your child. He is available for consultation and/or private tutoring from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on most Monday through Friday mornings. Contact Mr. Pauley at 540-3400 or at [email protected] to arrange for consultation or tutoring for your child. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us anytime. We look forward to your input, questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress at Lantana Middle Community School at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time. Contact: Robert A. (Bob) Pauley, Director of Technology [email protected] LCMS, School District of Palm Beach County For more information please see our Website: http://web.mac.com/bobpauley

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Syllabus for Mr. Pauley’s Classes Phone: 561-540-3400, Email: [email protected]

Course Description: Students must learn to use technology effectively to be prepared to live and work in our complex, information-rich world. Technology skills for students are woven throughout Florida's Sunshine State Standards. Although technology can be used to help students meet many of these standards, a panel of Florida's educational technology leaders has identified the following in which technology should be considered an integral component of education. Technology Standards for Students The Sunshine State Standards are specific to Florida and are related to subject areas; the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS) are cross-curricular and apply to schools throughout the nation. These technology standards focus on six areas of technology competencies: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Basic operations and concepts Social, ethical, and human issues Technology productivity tools Technology communication tools Technology research tools Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Middle school students should be able to: 1. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively. 2. Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide. 3. Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use. 4. Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. 5. Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, digital cameras and scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. 6. Use telecommunications efficiently to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests. 7. Use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for 5

the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. 8. Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. 9. Determine which technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. 10. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources.

Computer Applications: This course intends to help students excel in all classes through the study of cutting-edge technology and to prepare for a smoother transition into high school when that day arrives. Lesson plans are designed to improve basic computer skills and to promote a more thorough understanding of the wondrous world of digital technology. Your Textbook A host of knowledge about technology will be provided from various sources, including books, current events and the Internet. The School District does not dictate a single textbook for technology therefore none will be prescribed. School Rules As outlined in the student handbook. Classroom Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Be in your seat with pencils sharpened before the bell rings. Stay in your seat unless you are granted permission to get up. Begin the startup assignment on the board on your own by the time the bell rings. Show respect to everyone and their property. Raise your hand if you want to speak in class or ask a question. When working in a group, talk quietly with your group members only. Do not eat, drink or chew gum in class. I will confiscate anything that does not belong in class, for example, video games, pictures, magazines, lipstick, combs, brushes, and rubber bands. 9. Keep desks and chairs in place, desk and classroom clean and free of debris. Discipline Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4.

Verbal warning / motivator (home detention) Student/Teacher conference Phone call home Administrative referral

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Any behavior detrimental to learning will require immediate disciplinary action. It is possible the parent/guardian may receive a telephone call during class to maintain an appropriate positive learning environment. Materials Needed for Class 1. A notebook for specific computer assignments and evaluations 2. Lined notebook paper for selected assignments (no spiral tear-outs will be accepted) 3. Pencils with erasers Grading Scale 0-59 = F

60-69 = D

70-79 = C

80-89 = B

90-100

=A Tutoring Mr. Pauley is available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on most mornings Monday through Friday for additional instruction or consultation. Please call for appointment.

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Mr. Pauley’s Technology Class

Substitute Information – Pencil & Paper is Required of Every Student – See Syllabus for Classroom Rules. A large and varied supply of Technology Lesson Plans is provided in the Computer Lab. Students can quickly access their daily assignment at Edline.net. See (and use if you prefer) textbook: Introduction to Technology. Optional Assignments: 1. Engage Learning Tools at School District of Palm Beach County Website http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us. 2. Have students engage Math or Reading sections of studyisland.com or fcatexplorer.com. 3. Log onto any appropriate section of fcatexplorer.com and answer questions provided 4. In Introduction to Technology textbook read and then answer questions at the end of any chapter in book

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