Digital Literacy (Leading in a Digital World)
Course Syllabus 2014 - 15
Grades 6
Instructor(s):
Tony Tepedino
585.381.4560 ext. 236
Judy Van Alstyne
jvanalstyne@allendalecolumbia.org
585.381.4560 ext. 294
Rm. Rumsey Library Media Center
Digital Literacy? Illiteracy?
Philosophy:
Contrary to popular belief, no one is truly a "digital native." Being able to navigate or create quickly in a given digital environment (server, web site, application, etc.) does not speak to the sophisticated thought processes needed to do it well. Knowing the choices of available environments, evaluating them, choosing the one best suited to a given task, and then working within it successfully, require higher order levels of thinking. The cognitive skills, when combined with the skills needed to work ethically with others towards a common goal, are best approached as grouped into the 5Cs: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Citizenship.
Digital Literacy teaches students how to learn and work using the 5Cs with the various technological tools available. The students acquire the skills needed for maintaining and operating their iPads for their coursework, but those skills are secondary as we focus on the 5Cs. Mastering these skills will give students the ability to be successful in any role, job, or situation they encounter in the future, regardless of the technological tools of the day.
The students are able to experience the possibilities of the digital world in a safe environment. They learn and understand the power of the Internet, and also the ethics and responsibilities necessary to make the experience beneficial to themselves and their peers.
Goals and Methods:
All students will know and understand our Student Code of Conduct. (Available in the MS Handbook)
All students will work through and master the digital literacy skills necessary for success in Middle School.
All projects are determined based on collaboration possibilities with other MS courses, students' personal interests, or current issues/media/opportunities as they arise.
All course materials are distributed using Google Drive and a Learning Management System (LMS) called Google Classroom.
Materials:
Charged iPad
Apps as provided by the school
Apple ID memorized or written down.
Class Expectations:
Challenge yourself to find creative solutions to problems or tasks
Strive to answer questions independently with various resources, including friends
Engage with your peers respectfully to help everyone succeed
Assessments:
Assessments include self, peer and teacher evaluations
Achievement
Students’ individual or group tasks/projects are graded with an emphasis on growth
Students’ individual or group progress is assessed using rubrics for many specific skills which fall under the umbrella of the 5Cs: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication (written, verbal, and visual), Collaboration, and Citizenship
Effort - This grade is determined using the scale below
Effort Scale
Description of ideal work habits | Always | Often | Sometimes | Rarely | Never |
Preparation Comes to class promptly with expected materials, can demonstrate completion of homework assignments, and hands in projects on time | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Positive Attitude Contributes to a positive learning environment by showing enthusiasm and respect for classmates, teachers, property, and classroom protocol | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Participation Contributes to collective knowledge both verbally and in writing, takes notes, and engages attentively in classroom activities | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Initiative Takes responsibility for learning by attempting to problem-solve independently, asking for help when needed, and extending work beyond requirements | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |