Technology Class Homework
Since students below the Fourth Grade do not receive trimester or final
grades for Technology Class, I do not assign homework or give quizzes or
tests to these students
For students in Fourth through Eighth Grades students are expected to bring
a composition book and pen or sharpened pencil to class each week. I
will give the students specific notes to record in their composition books
including concepts related to the current class topic, or vocabulary words I
expect them to learn. The information in the notes may appear on future
quizzes or tests; I will give the students ample notice of upcoming quizzes
and tests. In some cases, I will ask students to demonstrate to me, on the
computer, their understanding of specific techniques, processes, or computer
activities we have learned in class. In preparation for these assessment
activities I expect the students to take their composition books home to
study from, if possible with help from the parents.
Due to the wide range of personal computers, applications, and types of
internet connectivity available to MDP students at home, I do not assign
technology homework (papers, projects, etc.) other than studying for
scheduled tests or quizzes. I will post the dates of the tests and quizzes
on the "Homework" page of this website so parents should check that page on
at the end of the day their student has computer class.
Technology Class Study Notes
This year, I will be expecting students in Fourth through Eighth grades to
bring a copy book and pencil or pen to class each week. When appropriate, I
will have them take notes in the copy book from which they will study for an
upcoming test or quiz. In addition, I may hand out study notes for specific
topics that will appear on a quiz or test. Each student will receive one
copy of the study note sheet and be asked to keep it in their copy book to
be available when they study. If the student should lose the sheet I give
them, they should visit the "Study Notes" page of this website
where they can download and print a new copy at home. I will not give out
additional copies at school. A copy of the Technology Vocabulary List is
available on the same page.
My Goal: "No Child Left Behind" in Technology
I have a great love for, and many year of experience in, the technology
field in corporate America as well as in education. I try to instill that
interest and develop those skills in my students to prepare them for their
continuing education and entrance into the "real world" where computers and
technology are embedding themselves into almost every profession.
Therefore, when I see that a student is having trouble with a specific topic
being taught, or gets an unsatisfactory grade on a paper or test, I offer to
meet with them outside of class to determine what I can do to help the
student understand, if not master, the material. I really want every student
to pass this class. Therefore, on the first class session, I give each
class (Grades 4 through 8) the following message:
"If you see "Please See Me! Mr.D." stamped on a graded paper, I
will expect you to see me before the next class so we can discuss what you
need to do to improve your grade and your understanding of the material with
which you had a problem. I will meet with you during a lunch recess or
before or after school. If your parent(s) contact me to discuss the grade, I
will let them know whether you and I have met. It is up to you!"
What can you, as parent(s), do? If you check the www.rvsgradebook.com
website
and see a grade you are not happy with on an assignment, please speak with
your student to see whether they have asked to meet with me to discuss the
grade and ask them to show you their copy book notes and/or study
notes/handouts. Ask them if they had studied the notes, and even ask them
a few questions from the information in the notes to assure yourself that
they in fact did study. My experience has shown me that most students who
receive less than satisfactory grades did not pay attention in class, did
not ask questions in class if they did not understand the material and/or
did not study the notes they took or were given, prior to the graded test,
quiz or paper.
You can contact me via email at ed.davidson@mdpschool.com, or through the
school office (610-265-2323). If you call me to discuss the grade, I will
let you know whether the student has made arrangements to meet with me.
Recommended Home Technology Environment for MDP Students
It is understood that in some households, parents have put restrictions on
computer access for their children. In other households, students have
greater access to use home computers under the supervision of the parents.
And in still other households, students may even have their own personal
computers at home. [Although it is not required, I strongly request
that each family go to the "Home Technology Survey" page from my Home Page
and let me know what your home computing environment is; it will help me
adjust my expectations for what students can do at home with the information
I am giving them in class] In any case, it is strongly recommended
that if and when possible, each family purchase a copy of Microsoft Office
Home and Student Edition. This package is available a Staples as well as
other stores at a cost of about $125-$150. The package, which allows the
purchaser to install the complete program on up to three computers, includes
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Powerpoint, the programs
students will be using beginning in Pre-K with Powerpoint and First Grade
with Word and Excel. Beginning in 4th grade, students will begin working
with Microsoft Access database but Access is NOT included in
this package.
MDP School Technology Environment
MDP School uses Microsoft Office XP (also known as Microsoft Office 2002).
This package includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access). We do not
have WordPerfect or MS Works installed. If your students do any work
at home that they need to bring to school to access or print, they must save
their work in a format compatible with a file type for versions of our
software for 1997-2003 (e.g., Word 1997-2003) if possible to avoid problems
and delays in having their file printed or accessed in our software.
Acceptable Use Policy to be signed by each student
In the summer information packet that each family received is a copy of the
Archdiocese Acceptable Use Policy. Parents should review the contents of
this policy with each MDP student in the family. The student and a parent
should sign the form at the end of the policy indicating that they
understand and will abide by the policy. The completed form should be
returned to school with the student on their first day of school for the
year. No class will be allowed access to the internet or school network
until all forms for that class have been returned to the school and the
school student database has been updated to reflect the receipt of the forms.