Course Syllabus 2025-26
Teacher Information
Your teacher for this course is Tom Gromak, the Academic Technology Coordinator at Watkinson School.
He can be reached by phone at (860) 236-5618 x169 or via email as provided in the faculty directory.
Where and When We Meet
We meet during A Block in Room 1103 (The Global Studies Classroom in the Solarium) on Mondays, Thursdays, and Week One Wednesdays during the Fall Semester.
Below is our tentative meeting schedule. Dates are subject to change based on the school calendar.
| Date(s) | Focus & Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 4 | Introductions | Course kickoff |
| Mon, Sep 8 - Wed, Sep 10 | Development | Project planning begins |
| Thu, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 15 | Development Consultations | Individual project guidance |
| Mon, Sep 22 | Development Consultations Feedback | Peer Feedback |
| Thu, Sep 25 | Development | Proposals Due |
| Mon, Sep 29 | Exploration | Grandparent's Day |
| Wed, Oct 1 - Thu, Oct 16 | Work Days | Independent project time |
| Mon, Oct 20 | Exploration | Theme exploration |
| Thu, Oct 23 | Work Day | Project development continues |
| Mon, Oct 27 | Reflection Feedback | Midterm Comments |
| Wed, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 3 | Work Days | Project development continues |
| Thu, Nov 6 | Exploration | Noon Dismissal |
| Mon, Nov 10 - Thu, Nov 13 | Work Days Consultations | Work time with teacher guidance |
| Mon, Nov 17 - Thu, Nov 20 | Work Days | Focus on project completion |
| Mon, Nov 24 | Wiggle Day | Flexible activity |
| Mon, Dec 1 | Work Day | Project wrap-up time |
| Thu, Dec 4 | Work Day Feedback | Final project feedback |
| Mon, Dec 8 | Work Day | Final Full Work Day |
| Wed, Dec 10 | Wiggle Day | Flexible wrap-up time |
| Thu, Dec 11 - Thu, Dec 18 | Exploration | Course theme exploration |
| Mon, Jan 5 - Thu, Jan 8 | Wrap-up | Jan 8: Gallery Sections Due |
| Mon, Jan 12 | Rehearsal | Presentation practice |
| Thu, Jan 15 | Final Presentation | Final Comments |
How This Course is Graded
There are four categories which are used to guide and grade your work, described in detail below.
Grades are based upon the levels you have reached by each grading period — they are not cumulative. This prioritizes your progress and recognizes that the skills developed in this class are not inherent, they must be learned and applied through sustained practice. It also requires sustained, active engagement with your work, so make sure that what you're doing is worth your time!
Remember, with computers, smart is not what you are, it's what you become, and failure is feedback, absolutely essential to the learning process even though they sometimes makes you want to pull your hair out and scream into the abyss.
Development and Planning
20% of overall grade
- Your project objectives are clear, concise, and demonstrate ambition beyond basic requirements
- Developed projects present a genuine challenge and promote significant learning and skill development
- You demonstrate an understanding of and plan within any resource constraints (time, materials, etc.)
- You adapt your project plan effectively to fit the allocated time, showing good time management skills
- Your session reflections regularly document ongoing progress, challenges, and solutions
- The effort you put into project development is clearly reflected in your plan and progress
Reflection
25% of overall grade
- You consistently submit progress updates and feedback as requested
- You actively engage in giving and receiving feedback with classmates, showing thoughtful consideration
- You effectively use feedback to make meaningful improvements to your work
- Your analysis insightfully reflects on strengths, challenges, solutions, and what you learned
- You use your experiences and insights to thoughtfully plan future work and goals
Engagement
35% of overall grade
- You consistently stay on task and actively participate in class activities
- You exhibit sustained effort and self-motivation
- You demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills, especially when facing setbacks
- You support your classmates and contribute to a positive class environment
- You are present and available to engage during class
- You ask for help and get teacher assistance when you need it
Production
20% of overall grade
- The results of your work are of high quality, reflecting your effort and understanding
- The work you produce aligns with chosen objectives
- The work you produce meets or exceeds established criteria for success
- The effort you put into your project and the processes you engaged in are evident in the work you present
- You share your work in a manner that is accessible and engaging to your intended audience
Course Policies and Expectations
Expectations
In this class, students are expected to:
- Be ready and able to apply their best effort to each day's work
- Check and respond to Google Classroom assignments and class-related emails as detailed in the Communication section below
- Listen to the teacher and follow directions
- Contribute to a positive classroom environment
- Be productive and respectful collaborators
- Be kind and show respect as detailed in the Respect and Kindness section below
Attendance Policy
Excused absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals require adherence to Family Handbook policy. Unexcused absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals will result in consequences based upon the circumstances of each instance and the frequency at which they occur.
Communication
Most class communication is facilitated via Google Classroom, including announcements, assignments, and other required class materials. Students will be asked to enroll during class and/or via email invitations.
Class communication includes direct email from teacher to student. As a result, students are expected to check their Watkinson email accounts between class meetings.
Respect and Kindness
It's vital that everyone feels safe to be themselves and feels as though their personal space and possessions are treated with respect. To create this environment, please:
- Keep your hands and feet to yourself, and do not touch other people or their possessions.
- Assume good intentions — misunderstandings happen, and are rarely intentional.
- If you disagree with someone, find ways to maintain respect.
AI Use
In addition to the AI policies detailed in the Family Handbook, the following guidelines are currently in effect for this class:
- You must request and disclose that you would like to use AI, explain how, and consult with your teacher to determine the best way to proceed.
- You may use AI to help you work. Things like idea generation, planning, proofreading, and general topic overviews can be very useful, and are encouraged.
- But you may not use AI to do the work for you. Don't use AI for things like reflections or content creation (unless you're doing an AI-related project, and want to provide examples).
- Always disclose the use of AI in your work. Clearly label any AI-generated content to avoid confusion and misplaced attribution.
Electronic Device Policy
Phones are collected on the teacher's desk at the start of each class, and can be picked up at the end of class.
Use of Chromebooks or laptops is a big part of most classes, but not all. Students should expect to be asked to put all devices away and/or close them when appropriate.
Headphone use requires teacher approval, and should enhance your work rather than distract from it.
All paper-based worksheets can also be submitted by computer if desired.
Food and Drink Policy
No food or drink should be consumed in class without teacher approval, however closed-top beverage bottles and food stored inside personal items for later consumption are allowed. No open-top beverages are allowed next to devices due to the risk of spills and damage.
Classroom Presence
Students who need to use the restroom or step away from class for a moment (for example, to get a drink) should always notify the teacher before leaving the room.
COVID Protocols
- If you are not feeling well, please make sure that you've visited the nurse or a health professional.
- Mask use is not required, but is welcome for anyone who prefers it.
Personal Needs
- It's OK to do things that help you learn as long as they don't distract you or others. For example, some students like to stand or think best when they're moving. Just check with your teacher first to find the best way to set things up, and understand that not all requests can be fulfilled, though we'll always do our best.
- If you're not in a good place to learn (for example, feeling unwell, too tired, or upset), please tell your teacher. We all have bad days!