REEDLEY COLLEGE

Developmental Services

DEVSER 283	Fall 2016	Course Syllabus

Course Title: Computer Applications for Reading and Writing

Schedule #: 55803 1:15 pm - 3:05pm - Mondays and Fridays: Bus 49

Instructor: Linda Reither, M.A., CCC-SLP, Learning Disability Specialist

Disabled Students Programs and Services Department

Office: LRC 117

(559) 638-0332 ext. 3183 (office phone)

Email: linda.reither@reedleycollege.edu

Office Hours: By appointment or drop in Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Course Description: This course is designed for students with learning disabilities who need more training in the use of basic English skills and computer technology to facilitate college level reading and writing. Programs to be covered include: Kurzweil 3000, Inspiration, Read&Write Gold, Microsoft Word basics, Dragon Naturally Speaking (as needed), adaptive features of Windows, and getting information from the Internet. Students will explore reading and writing strategies and determine the methods that are the most useful to them.

Recommendation: Students are recommended to have taken Devser 277 or to have acquired equivalent basic computer knowledge prior to taking this class.

Course Materials: Devser 283 Handbook (you will be given one do not lose it!) binder, folder with pockets for saving printed work, and flash drive for saving files.

Course Purpose and Goals: This course will cover the mechanics of programs and procedures listed above; basic grammar, spelling and reading decoding strategies; prewriting skills; fluency practice for reading comprehension, computer assisted study skills (note taking from text and preparing study guides), essay writing, Internet use, and use of college reference materials.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Use computer tools to create a map and/or outline as prewriting tools.

2. Write an in-class paragraph of at least 80 words using a computer program of their choice which includes:

A topic sentence.

Six (6) complete detail sentences.

A conclusion sentence.

Appropriate academic language which does not include: e-mail or chat room abbreviations or slang

Correct use of capitalization and periods.

Basic use of computer spell and grammar check function.

In the process of completing this course, students will:

Use adaptive computer programs to facilitate reading and writing tasks.

Understand the structure of a paragraph.

Practice the steps for mapping ideas, outlining and writing paragraphs.

Develop ideas into sentences.

Ask questions (i.e. who, what, where, when, why, how) to expand the content of a paragraph.

Identify complete sentences.

Use computer programs that read text aloud for editing.

Find details in text and transfer to notes.

Recognize unfamiliar words and use computer tools to find pronunciations and definitions.

Course Format: Learning experiences used in this class may include, but are not limited to lecture, discussion, and practice with grammar and computer tools.

Grading:

This is a credit/no credit course. Credit will be based on class participation, homework, skill demonstrations (see course objectives), quizzes, and a final exam. To receive credit, students will need to earn at least 350 points. Students who successfully pass (with a 70%) the in-class writing prompt that is the final exam will be ready for English 250.

Graded Assignments

Skill Demonstrations: 100 points (5 demonstrations = 20 points each)

Class Participation: 50 points	Homework: 150 points (10 essays = 15 pts. each)

Final Exam: 100 points	Quizzes: 100 points (5 quizzes = 20 pts. each)

Total points possible: 500

Students must have 350 points to receive credit.

Grade Distribution:

Letter Grade Percentage	Points

A	90-100%	450-500

B	80-89%	400-449

C	70-79%	350-399

D	60-69%	300-349

F	<59%	0-299

Course Requirements:

Class Participation (50 points): In-class spelling, grammar, reading, reading comprehension, and writing assignments. Bring class handbook, binder, and a flash drive (to save work) to class every day.

Skill Demonstrations (5 @ 20 points each): Inspiration, Kurzweil 3000, Microsoft Word (or Dragon Naturally Speaking), Internet use, and Read Please or Read&Write Gold.

Homework (10 @ 15 points each): Essay writing is the main homework. Essays will be assigned weekly on Monday and will be due on Friday at the end of class.

Quizzes (5 @ 20 points each): Quizzes will be based on spelling, word use, and grammar information given in lectures and the textbook.

Final Exam: Friday Dec 9, 2016 (in class) or Wednesday December 14, 2016 1:00 – 2:50 (in my office)

Participation mandatory. In-class essay. Final exam will be given in class on the last day of class as there is not a computer lab available to us on Wednesdays. Any student who is unable to attend on Dec. 9, 2016 will be able to take the exam in my office on Dec. 14, 2016.

Exams

Value: 200 points

Quizzes (100 points) –See syllabus (below) for dates

Final Exam (100 points) – Friday Dec. 9, 2016 (in class) or Wed. Dec. 14, 2016 (in my office)

All exams are comprehensive. Quizzes will follow the same format as the practice pages. Final exam will follow the same format as the homework essays (Inspiration map, outline and completed paragraph).

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be given at the instructor’s discretion to help students to get more practice and points in deficient areas. Students who want to earn extra credit will need to make an appointment and meet with the instructor to explain their circumstances and need for extra credit. Multiple absences alone will not be seen as sufficient need for extra credit.

Policies of this course, DSP&S, and Reedley College:

Devser 283 Course Policies:

Student Responsibility: Class participation, homework, and completing alternate assignments is important. Students will be prepared for class by having materials with them. If unable to attend class, please make certain to contact the instructor, either by phone, email, or through a classmate. Students who arrive to class after attendance is taken are responsible to notify the instructor at the end of class to update the record. In the event of an absence, students are expected to make arrangements with classmates to collect class information and materials. Excessive absences will negatively impact your course grade and may result in failure.

Due Dates: Students are responsible for all listed and announced dates for assignments and exams. Assignments are due at the end of class. If an absence is anticipated by a student, any assignments due that day must be arranged with the instructor. Assignments not handed directly to the instructor must be stamped with the date received and placed in the instructor’s mailbox in the DSPS department office. Assignments, including make-up exams, will not be accepted more than 1 week after the originally scheduled due date. Note: If a student has extenuating circumstances and believes an exception should be made, please discuss that with the instructor.

Make-up exams: Make-up exams may be allowed with prior notification and approval from the instructor. Make-up exams may be approved due to special circumstances.

DEVSER General Instructional Policies:

Participation: Regular and on-time attendance is a basic expectation. If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the material missed. Students should recognize that entering a class late is disruptive to both the instructor and the other students and should make every effort to be on time. Participation includes bringing appropriate materials to class and completing assignments on time.

Professionalism: The faculty regards Developmental Services (DEVSER) curriculum as a bridge for students to advance their skills academically and vocationally to be a future professional in the community. As such, students are expected to behave in a professional manner. Basic program expectations include professional behavior in the classroom and during all field experiences. Attendance, preparedness, effort, and honesty, in combination with respect for faculty and other students are all considered under the heading of professional behavior. The goal is to create a community of learners in a positive, insult-free zone. A student who is unable to conduct himself or herself in a courteous and respectful manner will be asked to remove himself or herself from the classroom. Cell phone and other electronic communication devices are to be turned off during class and stored out of the way of class activity.

Problem Resolution: Any student who has a question about a grade or a class procedure is advised to first approach the course instructor. If the issue is not resolved at this level, the student is encouraged to meet with the Program Coordinator.

Writing Competency: The student’s ability to effectively communicate in writing is very important. The instructor will evaluate the efforts of each student not only for the content presented but also for spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness and organization of thought. Unless notified otherwise by the instructor, all written work must be typed and is expected to be high quality work. You may be asked to correct and resubmit a paper of that not acceptable quality. Grades for resubmitted papers will be the average of the original and the revision.

Format Expectations for Written Assignments:

Font style: Times New Roman

Font size: 12 point font

Spacing: Double space

Margins: Standard 1” margins

Assignments that are required to be typed must be typed

Reedley College Policies:

Students with Disabilities/Special Accommodations: Any student in need of an accommodation due to a disability is encouraged to consult with the instructor immediately so that arrangement can be made. Students may refer to the policies and regulations section of their catalog for clarification.

Honor Code: Students at Reedley College are responsible to ensure that their education is honestly attained. Because cheating, plagiarism, and collusion in dishonest activities erode the integrity of the college, each student is expected to exert an entirely honest effort in all academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty in any form is a very serious offense and will incur serious consequences.

Withdrawal Policy: Dropping the course within the first three weeks will not show up on the student’s transcript. From the third week to the ninth week, if the student drops it will result in a “W” on the transcript. After the ninth week, the student will get a grade in the course. PLEASE discuss any need to drop the course after the ninth week with the instructor or a college counselor, so that progress in college is not impacted.

Cheating and Plagiarism: Incidents of cheating and plagiarism may result in any of a variety of sanctions and penalties, which may range from a failing grade on the particular examination, paper, project, or assignment in question to a failing grade in the course, at the discretion of the instructor and depending on the severity and frequency of the incidents. Further action may be taken in accordance with college policy. Students are instructed to refer to the administrative policies of their college catalog.

Computer Usage: State Center Community College District (SCCCD) students are permitted to use a District owned computer/network. As a condition of this use, each student agrees to and is expected to abide by the District’s Acceptable Use Policy (http://www.scccd.com/is/district_use.html). The District is the sole determiner of the interpretation and application of the Acceptable Use Policy. It is understood that if a student violates any of the policy rules, he/she is subject to removal from the computer facility as well as discipline as a student. Students shall be specifically warned to: 1.) not transmit any communication in which the meaning of the message or its transmission or distribution would violate any applicable law or regulation or be offensive to the recipient or recipients and 2.) not search, view or download pornographic material through any means.

Disruptive Classroom Behavior: Students are under obligation to respect the authority of each instructor and are responsible for their conduct. Failure to adhere to the college’s standards will result in disciplinary action. The college reserves the right to exclude at any time a student who violates student conduct standards and/or is not taking proper advantage of the opportunities offered. (See Student Right to Know on page 10). Instructors are authorized to remove a disruptive student from his or her class for the day of the removal and the next class meeting. During the period of removal, a student shall not be returned to the class from which he or she was removed without the concurrence of the instructor of the class. (See Reedley College’s Student Code of Conduct Policy/Board Policy 5520 and Educational Code 76032)

Copyright Policy: Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The materials copied in this course have been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Sexual Harassment: All students and employees should be aware that Reedley College, and the State Center Community College District are concerned and will take action to eliminate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is conduct subject to disciplinary action. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Sexual harassment is included among legal prohibitions against discrimination. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 also establishes sexual harassment as discriminatory and unlawful.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Illicit Drug Use: Reedley College does not allow smoking in campus buildings and is a drug- and alcohol-free campus. Therefore smoking and use of tobacco products is prohibited in all campus buildings. Additionally, the college prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances (as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act {21U.S.C812}and as further defined by Regulations 21 CFR 1308.15 in the 46 Administrative Policies workplace).

Reedley College-Important Dates for Fall 2016 Semester:

August 15	INSTRUCTION begins

September 2	Last day to ADD &/or DROP CLASSES (without “W”)

September 5	Labor Day Holiday - no classes; all offices closed

October 7	Last day to drop a class (with “W”)

November 11	Veteran’s Day Holiday

November 24-25	Thanksgiving Holidays

December 9	Last day of instruction and last day to withdraw from a complete program for

circumstances beyond the student's control.

Dec 12-16	FINAL SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

December 16	FALL SEMESTER Ends

Calendar of Topics and Assignments: This syllabus and schedule are subject to change. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements (college email) and changes made while you were absent.

Week 1: Aug 15 to Aug 19

Monday:	Overview of class notebook: syllabus, class content, and goals.

Grammar: Words Often Confused

Introduce Inspiration, Read Please, Reading Assistant and Adaptive Features of Windows

Introduce Writing Assignment 1

Friday:	Review Homework

Make sure all students can access Blackboard and Web Advisor

Complete and turn in Assignment 1 (15 points)

Week 2: Aug 22 to Aug 26

Monday:	Complete Microsoft Word skill demonstration (20 points)

Discuss Words Often Confused

Introduce Kurzweil

Introduce Assignment 2 part 1

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 2 part 1 (5 points)

Homework: Study for Quiz 1: Words Often Confused

Week 3: Aug 29 to Sept 2

Monday:	Quiz 1: Words Often Confused (20 points)

Complete Kurzweil skill demonstration (20 points)

Introduce Assignment 2 part 2 Read&Write Gold

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 2 part 2 (5 points)

Week 4: Sept 5 to Sept 9

Monday:	Holiday

Friday:	Introduce Assignment 2 part 3 Read&Write Gold

Turn in Assignment 2 part 3 Read&Write Gold (5 points)

Week 5: Sept 12 to Sept 16

Monday:	Grammar: Parts of speech

Class discussion: Importance of use of computer programs for students with disabilities.

Friday:	NO CLASS - Alternate Assignment: Re-read class handbook to review programs we have learned so far. Use computers in the Library computer lab or DSPS to review programs. Come to class Monday prepared to ask questions about anything that confuses you.

Week 6: Sept 19 to Sept 23

Monday:	Review Inspiration, Kurzweil, Read&Write Gold, Microsoft Word – answer questions.

In class exercise: Marking all parts of speech

Complete Inspiration skill demonstration (20 points)

Complete Read&Write Gold skill demonstration (20 points)

Introduce Writing Assignment 3

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 3 (15 points)

Review parts of speech.

Week 7: Sept 26 to Sept 30

Monday:	Quiz 2: Parts of speech (20 points)

Introduce Writing Assignment 4

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 4 (15 points).

Week 8: Oct 3 to Oct 7

Monday:	Possessives and Contractions

Discuss plagiarism and techniques to avoid it.

Introduce Writing Assignment 5

Friday:	In class practice for possessives and contractions

Complete and turn in Assignment 5 (15 points)

Week 9: Oct 10 to Oct 14

Monday:	Quiz 3: Possessives and Contractions (20 points)

Introduce Writing Assignment 6 (midterm)

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 6 (midterm - 15 points)

Week 10: Oct 17 to Oct 21

Monday:	Grammar: finding subjects and verbs.

Introduce Writing Assignment 7

Individual progress conferences with instructor

Friday:	Complete and turn in Assignment 7 (15 points)

In class practice finding subjects and verbs

Homework: study for Quiz 4: Finding Subjects and Verbs

Week 11: Oct 24 to Oct 28

Monday:	Quiz 4: Finding Subjects and Verbs (20 points)

Introduce Writing Assignment 8

Complete and turn in Assignment 8 (15 points)

Friday:	NO CLASS – ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT: Complete Internet skill demonstration in class handbook (20 points) and turn in on Monday 10/31/16.

Week 12: Oct 31 to Nov 4

Monday:	Introduce correcting for fragments and run-on sentences

Introduce Writing Assignment 9

Friday:	More practice with editing

Complete and turn in Assignment 9 (15 points)

Week 13: Nov 7 to Nov 11

Monday:	Grammar: Do proofreading exercise in class.

Subject-verb agreement practice

Choose one paragraph to re-write correcting errors.

Friday:	Holiday - Veteran’s Day

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Week 14: Nov 14 to Nov 18

Monday:	Review sheet for correcting fragments and run-ons and subject-verb agreement

Introduce Writing Assignment 10

Friday:	Complete and turn in Writing Assignment 10 (15 points)

Week 15: Nov 21 to Nov 25

Monday:	Review sheet for correcting fragments and run-ons and subject-verb agreement

Introduce extra credit assignment for students who have completed all work.

Others will complete missing assignments.

Homework: Study for Quiz 5

Friday:	Holiday for Thanksgiving!

Week 16: Nov 28 to Dec 2

Monday:	Quiz 5: Subject-verb agreement, correcting fragments and run-ons, re-wording to correct dangling modifiers, awkward phrasing and wordiness. (20 points)

Introduce practice final exam.

Catch up: Complete all skill demonstrations, quizzes, and writing assignments.

Friday:	Complete practice final exam.

Catch up: Complete all skill demonstrations, quizzes, and writing assignments.

Week 17: Dec 5 to Dec 9

Monday:	Find article for final paragraph. Ask any questions that you may have. This is the last day to turn in assignments.

Friday:	Final Exam MANDATORY. We do not have access to a computer lab on our scheduled final day (Wednesday) so it will be given the last day of class.

If you miss class Friday Dec. 9, 2016, you must take the exam IN MY OFFICE at the scheduled time Wed. Dec. 14, 2016 1:00-2:50. YOU MUST TAKE THE FINAL TO PASS THE CLASS.