Digital Communications Course Syllabus
Course Description
Digital Communications is designed to teach basic digital input skills including keying using the touch method, speech recognition, and use of hand-held devices. Emphasis is on the daily use and operation of commonly used digital communication devices to develop skill with concentrated application of those skills in the production of business communication and correspondence.
Communication skills are reinforced as students format, compose, and proofread. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are workplace simulations, hands-on projects, teamwork activities, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, and conferences. Emphasis will also be placed on the refinement of word processing skills, spreadsheet skills, and database skills in order to prepare students to take the VoCATS examination. (An on-line agreement must be signed by a parent or guardian.)
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate proper use and care of computer equipment
- Develop appropriate work habits, work ethics, and leadership skills
- Describe purposes, components, and uses of computer hardware and software
- Use the Internet (An on-line agreement must be signed by a parent/guardian.)
- Use speech recognition systems to edit and format documents
- Enhance word processing skills, spreadsheet skills, and database skills
- Learn to use a PDA, digital camera, and web camera
Course Requirements
Students are to be in their seats and working on the warm-up exercise when the tardy bell sounds. Assigned work should be turned in daily at the end of class. Students should take proper care of the equipment. Any deliberate misuse of the equipment will result in disciplinary action. Students should obey classroom and school rules at all times.
- There is a required $20 Digital Communications fee.
Grading Procedures
Means of student evaluation are in compliance with county policy and include the following: daily classwork grades, class participation grades, and formal assessments. (Formal assessments include VoCATS objective tests and performance tests.) Testing day for the Business Department is Friday.
- Formal Evaluations (i.e. announced tests) will count towards 75% of the grade.
- Informal Evaluations (i.e. daily classwork) will count towards 25% of the grade.
