ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY : Course syllabus

Instructor

Amanda Hefner

 

EMAIL

txgames@texas.net

 

gRADE LEVELS:

6,7,8

Instant Msgr ID

amandahefner@hotmail.com

Prerequisites :

 

Students must have had Explorers I course, or demonstrate proficiency in Computer Literacy prior to entering this course.  

Description :

 

The study and use of advanced technology applications including video game development, movie production, 3D modeling, audio editing, image manipulation, and presentation skills. Students will also explore other applications such as email, Internet, online communities, and multimedia tools to enhance project development and communication skills with technology. These skills will be used in all other subjects as part of the district's Technology Integration plan. Technology lessons will be aligned with certain topics of study from other core subject areas, so that students learn to identify proper and efficient use of technology for projects in all subject areas.  

Learning Objectives:

 

  • Using Game Maker, students will plan, design, and develop a multimedia game environment, generate original graphics, and write action scripts to create original , complex video games while studying correlated math and science topics.
  • Using Windows Movie Maker, students will collect or capture images and video clips, add text overlays, transitions, and special effects to produce original movie compositions.
  • Using AC3D, students will use the X, Y, and Z axis to design 3-dimensional objects, apply color and texture mapping, surface filters and various plugins to create 3D models.
  • Using Microsoft PowerPoint, students will organize information, images, sounds, and animations into outline, then slide format, and insert Excel charts, Database reports, and original text from other applications to create attractive visual presentation tools on a specific topic.
  • Using PhotoShop, students will generate original imagery and manipulate stock photographs to create artworks in the form of posters, product packaging, illustrations, and various images for use in other applications.
  • Using the Internet, students will learn search techniques for efficient and effective online research, as well as how to analyze the integrity of a site's content before using it for their projects.
 

Requirements:

 

  • Computer Lab
  • Microsoft Office
  • Game Maker 5.3, 6.0
  • PhotoShop 6.0
  • AC3D
  • Windows Movie Maker
  • Groupwise Email
  • Internet Explorer and/or Netscape Internet browser
 

Evaluation:

 

Assessment will be evaluated by the completion of tutorials, guided projects, independent projects, and tests.  

 
 
©2005 Amanda McNamara Hefner