Video Gaming One - Beginning Computer Programming Syllabus

Mrs. MacLeod Room W114

¨ . ¨ 951-894-5750 ext 6564 ¨

Welcome:

I want to welcome you and parents to my computers class. Please read through the course information. This semester will be filled with new learning opportunities. We can all make this a successful year for everyone.

Course Description:

This course introduces students to have a "hands on" opportunity to learn gaming theory and design video. Fundamentals of computer programming will be introduced that allows students to write and design computer programs for video games. The video games are developed to solve common every-day problems, including business and gaming theory. The software emphasis is structured programming using a combination of any of the BASIC programming language, JAVA, FLASH and its derivatives. The two programs used in class are DarkBasic and GameMaker 8.0.

Course Requirements:

·  Students must pass Algebra 1 with a C.

·  Students must demonstrate mastery of skills covered in gaming and programming

·  Students should be present and on time. (You are to be in your assigned seat, quiet and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.)

·  Students must complete class work, projects, quizzes and tests.

·  Smile, have fun and have a positive attitude.

Mandatory Classroom Materials

·  Flash Drive - minimum 4 GB (You can purchase these or check out a flash drive from the school library)

·  Colored spiral notebook/folder for class work – Mrs. MacLeod will be provide a spiral notebook

·  Pencil or pen, (All work is to be completed in pencil, blue, or black pen)

·  Highlighter and lined paper.

·  SIMM card for pictures and movies

Grades

Student grades will be determined by the completion of daily work, class projects, tests and quizzes on a standard percentage scale. Grading policies of are described in the assignment section.

Computer Lab Rules and Classroom Standards

In order to foster an environment where all students are respected and optimum learning takes place, the following Computer Lab and Classroom Standards will be utilized:

1.  NO food, candy, gum or drinks in the lab.

2.  Keep the lab area clean and organized at all times (no writing on the equipment/books)

3.  Students will use correct opening and shut down procedures, only working at their assigned computer station. NO logging off early.

4.  Students must follow check in and out procedures. The student that checks out the equipment is responsible for any damage or missing equipment.

5.  Inappropriate programs or web sites are prohibited. Students are not allowed to IM, use chat rooms, or watch any video sites.

6.  Students will use and open only those programs and files as directed by the teacher. No personal internet surfing.

7.  Students are NOT allowed to download programs, non-approved games, inappropriate pictures and/or graphics. One may not transmit or receive any unauthorized material on the internet.

8.  Students may not change, add to, or remove anything on the desk-top or from the hard drives, programs, or files.

9.  Students will not listen to IPod’s and phones need to be turned your off. Please place these items in backpacks. (Not on your body)

10. Students will show respect to staff, students, and follow the VMHS school rules.

Discipline

Failure to follow these lab rules will result in an after school detention, suspension from the lab, or removal from class. Parent notification will be used if continued violation of rules. Students and parents will pay for damage resulting from misuse or theft of equipment, materials or supplies. Any disrespectful and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. VMHS discipline rules and guidelines are fully enforced in this course by the Dean of Discipline.

Assignments

Assignments will be given on a daily basis. You must save you work daily. We will be uploading work to ABI and Synergy online storage server. Plus, assignments need to be saved on your flash drive as well. Please do not save on the desktop or my document folder. Your work will be deleted. If you lose your work, you will be required to redo the assignment or project. It is your responsibility to get the assignments for the day or days you were absent. If you have excused absences, you have ONE class period for each day absence to complete the missed assignment. Excessive absences may result in the reduction of grade due to missed assignments. Assignments can be viewed and/or downloaded from my website: www2.murrieta.k12.ca.us/vmhs/staff/jmacleod. INDEPENDENT ASSIGNMENTS MUST NOT BE TURNED INTO GROUP PROJECTS. This is violating Mrs. MacLeod’s Classroom Standards and Vista Academic Policies. No credit will be given for the assignment and a referral will be written.

All assignments must be handed in on time. Class work is required to be printed at home or at the library as they have a printer available for student use. There is a fee however to print of $.10 per page. Late homework is not excepted for full credit unless a student is absent on the due date, in which case they must have it ready to turn in immediately upon return to class. Late homework is worth 50% and only accepted one day late. No exceptions.

If a student does not complete their required project work on time, they are given an extra week (5 school days) outside of class time, to complete the assignment for reduced points (homework not included). Each day the assignment is late during the extra week it loses 10% of the possible highest grade. After the 5th late day all work not turned in is given a 0 point grade. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in any late work as soon as possible in order to receive the best grade. They will not always be reminded by the teacher if the work is late. Any student who is absent on the day work is due is responsible for making it up upon their immediate return to class and for turning it in on time according to the arrangements made with the teacher.

It is important to know that I will make every effort to help a student pass, but ultimately they are responsible for doing their work and getting it turned in on time. Any student who needs extra lab time needs to make arrangements with the teacher so that all work can be made up on time. Extra lab time is usually available before school, during break and during lunch.

Bathroom Passes

Students get three bathroom passes per semester. If you do not use your bathroom passes, turn them in at the end of the semester for extra credit. Use them wisely.

Home and School Communication:

If there are any questions or concerns, please email me at . I can also be reached at 951-894-5750 ext 6564. I prefer e-mail because it is the quickest means of contact.

After reading this syllabus, please refer to the syllabus assignment, print it out and fill in all information IN PEN. Students return it to class for points. Do not print the entire syllabus.

Thank you,

Mrs. MacLeod

Computer/ICT

Video Gaming I and II