MS+IT+Elective

= Middle School IT Elective = = A Limited Introduction to Computer Concepts, Graphics and Programming = This year long course is currently the only scheduled IT class for Middle School. It is open to all Middle School students. Students will:
 * build upon existing technology skills
 * use intranet and Internet to communicate and collaborate
 * develop understanding of how computers construct and display images
 * create and edit static images and animations
 * graphic design in Macromedia Flash and Fireworks
 * develop understanding of rudimentary interactive graphics and programming concepts, create projects which employ these concepts and develop associated skills
 * Scratch -- new programming environment developed by MIT media labs for children 8 to 14 years of age
 * Flash (Action Script) -- professional programming application used to develop animations, advertisements and online games.
 * develop algorithmic thinking skills -- be able to understand (read) and create flowcharts
 * Inspiration -- flowcharting / mind mapping application
 * practice ethical use of computers and respect for intellectual property rights


 * //Essential Questions://**
 * How can Information Technology be used to create information?
 * How can algorithmic thinking be applied to solve any problem?
 * How can computers be used to simulate the physical world?
 * How do computers construct and display static and dynamic images?
 * How can we construct purpose built graphical user interfaces?
 * How can computers control physical devices?
 * How can images be defined numerically?
 * How are computer languages similar to spoken languages?
 * Why are number systems other than decimal necessary for computers?

To view month by month overview of topics covered, skills and applications learned and standards addressed CLICK Here To view student work follow below links: MS IT 2008-09: http://scratch.mit.edu/galleries/view/34550 MS IT 2007-08: http://scratch.mit.edu/galleries/view/13678 -- These MKIS Project pages are part of the Scratch web site. Students upload their work for sharing and collaboration with other "Scratchers" worldwide. MS IT 2007-08  [|Flash]

To view teacher demonstrations follow below links: http://scratch.mit.edu/users/rdmaynard -- This page on the Scratch website contains teacher constructed projects used to demonstrate / explain various basic Scratch programming functions and techniques including, but not limited to, the following: the random function, sprite creation / editing, counters, hit detection, state initialization, change of state, motion, loops (conditional and unconditional), termination conditions and statements, inter-object communication, math and logic operators, etc. Links to student Scratch projects (MKIS projects) can be found on this page. [|Flash] -- Animations and Action Script / Flash game development.

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