Respect the environment (rm. 1D). Respect other students. Respect yourself. Respect your instructor. Respect is a two way street. The moment you stop giving Respect is the moment you stop receiving it.
This inlcludes the omission of conversations regarding Religion/Faith practices, Political views and afiliations, Gender Identity/Orientation/Preference, Socio-Economic Status/Privelege/Systems/Theories, Cultural Simlarities/Differences, whether you prefer chocolate over vanilla or butterscotch, or anything I decide (at the moment) is detrimental to the learning environment. If you find these topics of great interest, may I reccomend "American Problems," located in the Social Studies department. Or, if you're feeling extra sassy, sign up for a college level Sociology or Civics course. At this level, these conversations will be conducted outside of my classroom.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN ROOM 1D - EVER!
File transfer (in the effort of cheating) will result in a 0 for the assignment for both the sender and receiver of the file. This is non-negotiable and irrecoverable under any circumstances. Whether the file was transferred by direct send (eMail), shared (Google Drive/OneDrive/Apple Cloud/Etc), copied and pasted (USB Flash Drive, Digital Storage Device), it is a violation of the official school policy pertaining to cheating. The reasoning behind the transfer is irrelevant and will not be tolerated. Do your own work. Expect your neighbor, friend, relative, (whatever/whoever) to do their own work. The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), in the attempt to circumvent the application of actual skill/talent, is prohibited and is subject to the same scrutiny under the condition of cheating.
Technology is designed by man – an imperfect creation created by imperfect beings for an imperfect world. Technology will fail you. Prepare for this!. Of course, this is not my fault.
Things to consider
Save Soon / Save Often
When the network is slow, I have nothing to do with it
When computers crash and burn, it wasn’t me who is responsible. They will be repaired, in due time, when the technicians are able to get to them.
Always clean up after yourself. Treat your work area as you would treat your own home. In fact, treat it better. Your family must tolerate your untidiness. Your classmates and instructors do not – nor will they be asked to.
Get to class on time, all the time, every time. Time is of the essence. Man’s conceptualization of time is what differentiates him from not only the animals but from each other. Time is precious and in limited supply. There never seems to be enough of it when we need it most.
Keep your hands to yourself. Whether you’re dating or at odds with each other, refrain from handling each other in inappropriate ways. A handshake or pat-on-the-back is acceptable. A passionate kiss is not. Neither is a kick to the midsection (or upper body) of another student. Everything that falls between those extremes is on the “no go” list.
Global Oversight of Rules: All school rules apply to my classroom. If the rule is listed in the Student Handbook, the rule is extended to room 1D. There are no exceptions. These rules cannot be bent, re-negotiated, or outright broken. There is no separation of powers like you will find existing between Local, State, and Federal levels of government. There is no "balance of power" here. My classroom is not a democracy. It is an extension of my absolutist authority intertwined with my benevolent view towards my fellow man. The only circumstance that lends to an altering of school rules applies when safety is of paramount concern. Other than that, it's "House Rules."
Stay On Task: If you are wanting to be successful at anything in life, do yourself a favor and stop to smell the roses once in a while. It is important to the soul and the very fiber of your being. But, don't smell for too long though because we have work to do. You're here to learn. I'm here to teach. Together, our efforts will make beautiful symmetry.
Take care of your tools: A computer, contrary to popular opinion, is a tool. It is a toy only in the hands of the unknowing and misguided. It was designed to make man's life more efficient and productive. And, like any tool, they need to be safe guarded and maintained. Kicking, hitting, slamming keyboards and mice, punching monitors (that screen thing you look at while playing a game), cursing, and negotiating will get you nowhere with them. They need to be handled in a certain way. If they fail to respond as you would like them to, it is time to call in someone who is more equipped to communicate with them.
Arrive prepared: Bring your materials with you everyday – regardless of whether you will be using it on that particular day. Soldiers and Law Enforcement Officials do not go out into the field without their weapon because they're anticipating a slow day at the office. Things can change from day to day and you may find yourself out in the cold without your USB memory stick or your sketch pad.
Be accountable because you will be held accountable: Never leave the classroom unless you are granted exit from the instructor. If you leave and are unaccounted for, you are considered absent and will be issued detention.
To horseplay or not to horseplay: The correct response is "Not" This is a computer lab, not the Coliseum in Rome. Wrestling, sliding around in rolling chairs like you're in a horse-drawn chariot, the throwing of objects in order to mimic Spartan Warriors or ancient Japanese assassins, along with all other forms of general idiocy, will not be tolerated.
Check your attitude at the door: Everyone has a bad day. Exposing the class and instructor to your bad day will ensure an even worse day ahead. Our job, as teachers, is to help you – not hurt you. Keep in mind that we are dealing with over a hundred bad days every day. If you need to talk to someone or you feel you cannot participate in the typical fashion, please discuss this with your instructor instead of lashing out at them.
Safety is the key: You arrived in my class with a certain amount of fingers and toes. You will leave my class with the same amount of fingers and toes. Observe all safety rules and regulations. Do not modify technology to perform a function that it is not originally designed to do. When modifications fail, they usually fail catastrophically.
Mobile Tech (Phones/iPads/etc)? Your phone is your property and I couldn't care less about your property. However, if your phone prohibits you from understanding my instruction because it commands more of your attention than I do, perhaps you should consider severing your relationship with your phone while in class - in particular, when I'm talking and I am giving instructions. When I'm not busy doing my job, trying to get you to do yours, then feel free to engage with your phone to listen to music, "research" something, etc.
Speaking of Cell Phones, let's address headphones, earbuds, and every other listening device. When I lecture or demonstrate, it's up to you to exercise discipline in removing these items from your ears so that you can pay attention.
When I talk, you listen. Talking when I'm talking is an exercise in disrespect for your instructor and your fellow students. There will be plenty of time for students to share information about an assignment, their personal interests, or other generalized topics. Doing it during my lecture is talking at the wrong time.
