Digital Communications

Our Digital Communications course is designed to be an introductory course for all ninth grade students covering a broad range of content to help students become accustomed to and capable in the digital environment with a variety of tools.

The content is not technically difficult, however, it does require thinking and solving problems in a way different from majority of courses in the American education system. Students are expected to produce work and to continue developing their abilities throughout the year. Student success is often tied to a student's willingness- any student can excel in this course if they are willing to put in the work.

As an IB Continuum School, how we meet the expectations required by the state of Texas may look differently than what you'd see at other schools. The expectations set by Texas rarely match the significantly greater expectations of planning and evaluating found in IB. As such, many educational institutions in Texas expect very little planning and evaluation in their students work, instead often focusing on being able to recall a large amount of content. The International Baccalaureate has a greater focus on planning and evaluating, as well as on application of content instead of recall- especially in the design courses. This is less of an issue in Tech Apps content in Texas, as the newer redefined expectations released in 2012 due reflect greater planning than previous expectations. To what extent and level of focus schools apply to this specific subset of standards will vary, and will mostly likely be less at non-IB campuses.

Due to the structure IB expects, our courses tend 'cover' less content, instead choosing to focus on deeper more meaningful interaction between students and content. In the long run, students are better prepared for higher level work, instruction, and the real world. They tend to retain more as well, as they usually actually remember the content due to the significantly deeper understanding of use of content, instead of shallow memorization.

Majority of content will be delivered through online mediums. This allows you to revisit content as often as you need, as well as to be able to slow down, speed up, or repeat content as often as you need. This also allows your instructor to work with and help students or groups of students when they need, without stopping the content for the rest of students.

As you are able to work at your own pace, this can sometimes cause a general slowdown for some students. Despite being able to watch videos whenever you need, it is important that you keep up with the pace of the course to not end up with a ton of backwork to complete at the midterm or at term's end.

In order to use district technology, you and your parents both sign an agreement stating you will engage in appropriate content for your classes while using district technology. This is expected in this class. If you are not familiar with the expectations, access the district handbook and read over the technology policy you and your parents agreed you'd follow.

If you are not interested in using district technology appropriately and productively- expect to be denied access to technology and expect to fail the course.

For the traditional American education system, this is an elective. An elective does not mean you get a free A. An elective actually means you don't have to pass. You can excel in, barely pass, or fail this class. Which ever result you choose to pursue will be on your transcript, will affect your GPA, and will be included in what is sent to colleges and universities.

To IB, this subject area is just as important as any other, and should require rigorous and significant course work. You are expected to put forth a valiant effort consistently during class and throughout the year. The grade is a reflection of your choices; good or bad.

The bare minimum for passing in this region is a 70. If you are not doing the minimum of what is expected, you will most likely score below that. If you are just doing the minimum, your grade will likely fall around there. To excel, you should be creating work above the minimum expectations.