Description
** This is a YEAR long Computer Applications class – 2 semesters. Both semesters must be completed to receive credit for the class **
It is no longer enough for students to just know how to use a word processor, spreadsheet and create slideshows. There are a vast number of tools now being used regularly at college and in the work place that students should be comfortable using. This course in digital literacy will start with the basics but will also cover Evernote, Google Drive and other Google tools, graphics and movie creation, project management tools, and many other software applications. It will also include AI tools and how to use them effectively (this will include how NOT to use them).
Students will also learn to work collaboratively with other students in an online environment – something which is becoming more and more common in the workplace. And they will learn how to conduct effective searches, spot online scams, evaluate online sources and more.
Goals/Objectives : An introduction to a wide variety of computer applications so that students are well-equipped for college and the business world.
For more info view our blog post about this class or watch the video below
Instructor: Meryl van der Merwe (meryl@fundafunda.com)
For: Grades 7 -12
Hours: +- 4 hours each week
Credit Hours: 1 High School Credit on completion of both semesters
Syllabus: Available here
Fall Dates: August 19 – Dec 13 (with a week’s break over Thanksgiving)
Spring Dates: January 6 – May 2 (any week in March can be taken for Spring break)
View One Module Here
From the end of class survey, 2016
Video about the class created by the class
Zoe –
This has been such a helpful class and I have learned so much from it. This class has really helped me learn more about the internet and learning on it. I Highly recommend this class to everyone.
Elizabeth T –
This class has taught me many valuable computer skills and introduced me to useful apps/websites/resources that I will continue using as I prepare to enter college. I feel so much more educated in using the computer to my advantage now that I have taken this course. It has also given me experience in time management and group interactions. The instructor and the TA were very prompt in answering any questions and the grading was very fair. I am actually amazed at how much material we covered! I would highly recommend this course.
Ari Rapoport –
This class has been absolutely amazing! It has been so enjoyable because the teachers are so nice, and the topics they chose for us or amusing. Also, the teacher was very nice about grades, when I had some incorrect answers, she would let me revise them to get points back. The class also taught me a lot of very important information, and I now use it to make my daily life better, easier, and safer. Overall, I love this amazing class and highly recommend it to everybody.
Ada Anderson –
This class is a lot of fun and I learned so much from it. It taught me a lot of things I never really thought about using and now use on a regularly bases. It does have a lot of homework, but it was worth it with all that I learned.
Tyler Carnes –
I have found this course very helpful and will be useful in the future. It is an enjoyable class with very interesting and useful websites and tools to use that will help in the future. Though there is a lot of homework, I find it very helpful and highly recommend it.
Anna Barton –
This class was so fun and helpful. I learned so much. I learned how to create websites, manage and make money online, how to be safe online, even ways to stop information overload and so much more! If you are anything like me and don’t know that much about your computer, this is the class for you!
Aedan Berkheimer –
This class was both very fun and educational. I really enjoyed this class and it taught me skills that I will use throughout my life
Lauren Barton –
Computer Applications is a worthwhile class for all high school students. Over this two-semester class, I learned the basics of how to use a computer, as well as how to build a website; how to design graphics and presentations; how to spend/save/make money online; how to effectively work with people online; how to create an online portfolio; and more! I could go on and on about what Meryl van der Merwe teaches in this class and how useful it is, but why tell you when you could find out yourself?
Nathaniel –
This class is extremely helpful and fun! You will learn a lot that you need for the future and you’ll have fun while doing it.
Andrew Belcher –
I found this class very fun and informational! I had no idea what to expect from this class, but it exceeded my expectations. I learned so much that I can put into use right now! Great class. Whoever takes this class will most likely take many things away that they didn’t know before.
Charis Guilford –
This class was absolutely wonderful! I learned how to use organizational tools, note-taking tools, presentation tools, graphic-making tools, money-making tools, and so much more! If you want to learn about the structure of computers and what you can do with them and how to use them properly, other than pressing that trusty old power button, of course, this class is for you! I learned so many things that I will use in college and beyond! I will admit that there is a lot of work to do in this class, but every bit is most definitely worth the time and effort. I was even able to teach my parents how to use programs on their computers! There are so many opportunities for me to use these newfound skills, from freelancing to volunteer work, this class was truly an excellent investment. Computer Applications and Digital Literacy has made me ready to face the digital world and whatever lies beyond.
Patrick Daigle –
Just wrapped up the 2018-2019 course for my junior year, and I found it extremely useful. There are so many tools that you can use with a computer; the catch is just discovering them and learning how to use them. This course shows you many different tools that you can use to create slideshows, websites, and so much more. On top of that, you also learn some everyday tips, such as basic cybersecurity, efficient searching on search engines, and how to prevent information overload. If you’re old enough, you can also create a LinkedIn account that would look very nice on resumes!
August Smith –
Great class, I learned soooo much! There is a lot homework, but it’s very helpful especially since I know I need a lot of practice so that what I’m learning actually sticks and doesn’t just go in one ear and out the other.
Derek H. –
This class was very useful and fun! I learned so much about things I didn’t even know existed, and working with computers is much easier now. I loved this class!
Leah –
This computer course is extremely helpful. It has taught me many great things about the computer. I believe that you will enjoy this class and find it very beneficial.