Course Syllabus

UMA Course:

JH Digital Graphics

Semester Course

 

Instructor:

David Storm

Instructor’s Email:

dstorm@utahmilitaryacademy.org

 

Prerequisite Courses:

None

 

UMA Course Description:

This course will teach Cadets how to design artwork using computers. Cadets will develop many different designs, culminating in a portfolio of their best work. There are no prerequisites for this course. Cadets of all skill levels can be successful in this course, but a strong aptitude for using personal computers is helpful. Cadets will also be expected to be creative in this course as they will be coming up with their own designs.

 

Classroom Procedures:

Beginning of Class - Before class begins, cadets will line up in the hallway outside of my door. Once the bell rings, the class leader will all the class to "Fall In" which prepares students for the position of attention. The class leader will then call the class to the position of "Attention". At "Attention" cadets will stand straight with their heels together and their arms down their sides, with closed hands. Cadets are not allowed to speak/make noise during the position of "Attention". They are not allowed to look around, they must look straightforward. Once the class is correctly at the position of "Attention" the class leader will ask permission to enter the classroom. As cadets file into the classroom, the class leader will inspect each student for uniform violations. If a uniform violation is found, the cadet will report to the instructor after the roll has been taken. After students have entered the room, they will stand by their assigned seats. The instructor will take attendance then the class leader will lead the class in reciting the core values. The class leader will ask for permission to be seated. Cadets will then sit quietly and await instruction.

If a cadet arrives late, they must wait to enter the room until given permission. Cadets cannot ask permission to enter if the instructor is actively calling roll. Once the Cadet has entered, they will sign the "Accountability Sheet" hanging on the instructor's podium and then take their seat.

During Class - While in class, cadets are expected to follow the classroom rules. They are:

• Keep food and drinks away from computers
• Avoid rude and inappropriate content
• Don't plug or unplug any technology without permission
• Keep your eyes and hands on your computer
• If the computer doesn't work, ask for help

Along with these rules, cadets are expected to follow the STAR protocol:

• Sit smart
• Track the speaker
• Ask and answer questions
• Respect all

In this class there are two different "modes"; Listening Mode and Working Mode.

Listening mode is any time the instructor is speaking to the class as a whole. During listening mode, cadets are expected to follow the STAR protocol. Headphones are not allowed during listening mode. Cell phones must be put away. All cadets must look at the instructor or the lesson slides. 

Working mode is any time cadets are working independently, or in groups. During working mode, cadets are allowed to listen to music and wear headphones. Cadets are not allowed to do anything that detracts from the learning of other cadets. Cadets must be productive during work mode, there is no such thing as "free time".

If the instructor needs to get your attention, you will hear him say "Avengers!", you must respond with "Assemble!". That is your cue to be silent, look at the instructor, and wait for further instructions.

If a student leaves the room for any reason, they must sign the "Accountability Sheet" hanging on the instructor's podium. Once they return, they must sign back in on that same sheet. Cadets are not allowed to use the hall pass during the first 10 or last 10 minutes of class. Please don't ask to use the hall pass during listening mode unless it is an emergency. Also, do not ask to use the hall pass if someone else is using it. The instructor will not allow more than one student out of the class at one time.

End of Class - Cadets are expected to continue working until told to stop. Cadets are not allowed to hover around the door or bother other cadets. Cadets are not allowed to sign out of their computers until told to do so. Once the class has been dismissed, cadets will sign out of their computers and place the headphones, keyboard, and mouse back where they were at the beginning of class. Cadets will pick up any trash around their area as they leave the classroom.

 

Grading Policy:

This course consists of two terms, which are distinct grading periods. Assignments submitted after the end of the term cannot be added to that term's grade. All assignments remain open during the term and cadets can submit current-term work until the end of the term. Assignments can be turned in before the due date if the cadet is sure the work is complete. Any work not submitted by the due date listed in Canvas will be marked as "Missing" and the cadet will receive a score of "0". If an assignment can not be opened or viewed by the instructor (corrupted file, wrong submission, etc.) the assignment will be marked as "Missing" and the cadet will receive a score of "0". Missing assignments can be submitted before the end of the term with no penalty to the grade. If a cadet receives a low score on an assignment, they can resubmit the assignment for more points after they correct their errors. Cadets will receive feedback, in Canvas, on any submissions on which they score less than 70%.

Grades are updated daily Monday - Thursday. On Thursday, once grades have been updated, the instructor will send an email to cadets and their parents informing them that grades have been locked for the week. Any work submitted after this email has been sent will be graded on the following Monday. On Friday, cadets and parents will receive an email if that cadet is failing this course.

The grading scheme for the course is:

A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-	F
93%	90%	87%	83%	80%	77%	73%	70%	67%	63%	60%	0%

 

Plagiarism and Use of Artificial Intelligence:

All work submitted must be the student's own, original, work. Any work that is taken directly from another source, without attribution, will be considered plagiarism. Cadets are expected to cite their sources but all work must be in their own words. The use of artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited in this course. Using artificial intelligence will be considered plagiarism. If a student is found to have plagiarised all, or part, of an assignment they will receive a "0" on that assignment. They will be given an alternate assignment on which they can earn up to half of the points from the previous assignment.

 

Accommodations:

The instructor will always meet the listed accommodations for the cadets who need them. If any accommodation isn't being met, please let the instructor know as soon as possible. Some accommodations must be advocated for by the student. This advocacy can take place in person or via email. Email is preferred as there will be a record of that conversation. Please include your case manager in that email as well. There are many different accommodations but these are the most common, along with a description of how those are being met in this classroom:

Extended Time: There are no timed tests in this course. All quizzes, assignments, and exams can be completed before the end of the term with no penalty to the grade.

Preferential Seating: This class uses a seating chart. If a student wants to change where they sit, that request can be made via email. If their request conflicts with the accommodation, that change will not be made.

Reduced Assignments: The cadet will be assigned a reduced version of the original assignment.

Breaks: If the cadet needs a break, they can let the instructor know they are taking their break. They do not need to take the hall pass, but they do need to fill out the "Accountability Sheet".

Use of Assistive Technology: Cadets can use any tools available to them to demonstrate their learning. If a specific device is needed, please coordinate with the instructor so that the device is available for the cadet to use.

Again, if an accommodation is listed as "As Needed" the cadet must request this accommodation via email. The instructor may also provide an "As Needed" accommodation without cadet advocacy if they feel the accommodation is needed.

UMA Cadet Code of Conduct:

All rules and procedures outlined in the UMA Cadet Code of Conduct will be followed and enforced in this classroom.

A copy of this document can be found here: UMA Cadet Code of ConductLinks to an external site.