Course title: Introduction to Communication Technologies Fall Semester Mixed 9th and10th graders Teacher: Philip Halpern Contact Information: Email to philip_halpern@berkeley.k12.ca.us Course Description: Through the use of a variety of communication technologies, students will deepen their understanding of the work they are doing in their academic classes. They will complete projects that have been developed collaboratively by their academic and ICT teacher. Goals/Objectives: Students will strengthen their grasp of science, math, English and social studies through the use of still and moving images, the internet, audio recording and media studies. In so doing, they will acquire a wide range of skills needed to communicate using digital media. Course content: Unit One (Week One-Nine) Collaborative Partner: English Theme: Isolation and Alienation Central Text (9th Grade): Lord of the Flies Central Text (10th Grade): The Metamorphosis Skills Taught: > Image Composition > Digital Photography and image manipulation > Equipment Management > Critical Thinking > Media Literacy > Film Study > How to Read Media > Collaboration and cooperation instudent-selected, mixed-gender/ethnic groups > Audio recording > Video production o Pre-production * Research * Ideation * Story structure * Outlining/ Scripting * Storyboarding * Casting * Rehearsing * Location selection * Soundtrack selection o Production * Videotaping * Audio Recording * Working with natural and artificial light * Directing * Acting o Post-Production * Straight cuts * Transitions * Text-on-screen * Editing audio * Adding music and voice-overs * Outputting the finished piece * Presentation Unit Two (Week Ten-Twelve) Collaborative Partner: Science Theme: TBD Skills Taught: > Powerpoint o Word processing o Transitions o Sound effects o Graphic design o Structuring a presentation Unit Three (Week Thirteen-Sixteen) Collaborative Partner: Math Theme: TBD > Web page design o Positioning/layout o Tables o Floating boxes o Image creation using AdobeIllustrator o Animations o Adding video and audio Unit Four (Week Seventeen and Eighteen) Collaborative Partner: All disciplines > Web-folios: Students create web pages that highlight exemplary work from each of their academic classes. Grading: Students will be graded on a point system that will include in-class and homework writing assignments, "think papers," class participation, oral and media presentations, and large projects. Their grades will bebased on the following: > Class Participation 40% This weekly grade is earned for punctuality, citizenship, respectfulness, active listening, participation in small group and whole class discussions and activities, and for avoiding problems like electronics in class and interruptions. > Projects and Tests 30% Large and small projects and tests fall under this category. > In-class writing 20% This includes short "free-writes," teacher-selected warm-ups and longer-format written pieces. > Homework 10% Given that this is a media class, many homework assignments will be production-related such as conducting an audio interview or completing a photography assignment. Instructional Materials: Students will need: A section of a 2-inch binder with loose-leaf paper.

Students will have access to the necessary hardware and software to complete
their work in this class. Students are required to use the equipment responsibly
and they and their families are required to repair or replace any equipment that
is damaged or lost intentionally or through negligence.

Suggestions for Independent work:
Students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the teacher to discuss
optional extra-credit projects.