2013-14 7-B.6

June 17, 2014 - LAST CLASS
91 minutes

Internet Moment:  Students had a chance to explore FreeRice.com today.  This website, created by John Breen who also created Poverty.com, gives students and others a chance to practice their vocabulary skills while helping to support the United Nations World Food Programme.  After having time to use the site students were asked to prove whether or not this website was bogus or real.  After doing some research we learned that though it is a legitimate website (according to snopes.com) another website called the Daily Cow claimed that FreeRice.com does not donate exactly 10 grains of rice for every correct answer.  Students were reminded that they have to be very skeptical of what they find online and to always independently verify the facts themselves.

Finish Presentations:  The last group did their presentations at the beginning of class today.  After the presentation we reviewed the results and talked about the hardest and easiest part of presenting on camera.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.4.5.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.F, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W)


Office Yoga Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers.  Breaks should be taken at least every 30-40 minutes.  For our break today we practiced a simple yoga stretch for your ankles and then everyone had a chance to get up and move around the room some.  Students were also encouraged to share their work and ideas with each other during this gallery walk activity.

Start Excel Multiplicatio
n Table Project:  We started with an easy project in Excel that would demonstrate formulas, copy/pasting, formatting text and the difference between relative and absolute formulas.  After an introduction to columns, rows and cells we started making the a multiplication table.   We completed this project today and students did a gallery walk to view each other's work.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standard:  15.1.8.E)

Make-up Time:  Since this is our last full class all students had time to make up any work they may have missed.  All projects were handed back and students could submit anything they missed or re-submit a project that they hadn't finished for full credit.

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short video about a recent DARPA Project to create a humanoid robot called Atlas.









June 13, 2014
104 minutes

http://skyscraperpage.com/
Internet Moment:
  We started class today by exploring the Skyscraper Page which had diagrams of skyscrapers. Students could view the tallest buildings in cities all over the world such as: Philadelphia, Shanghai, New York, and Dubai.  Students could also view the skyscrapers that are currently under construction.  

Student Presentations:   Students had about 45 minutes to finish and practice their presentations at the beginning of class today.  Students were also shown  a presentation about time management, group projects and the business concept of "Man Hours".  After the presentation students had time to prepare and practice their slide shows.  The 
presentations were then broadcast live through the internet using Ustream.com so other teachers elsewhere in the world could watch. 
 During the presentations our students in the classroom audience completed an online survey to give the presenters immediate feedback about their performance. Feedback appeared as bar charts at the bottom of this webpage. Unfortunately we were only able to get the first 4 group presentations done today.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K)









Technology Current Event Video:  We finished by watching part of Don McMillan's famous presentation: Life after Death by PowerPoint.  (PA-BCIT Standard:  15.3.8.D)








June 11, 2014
94 minutes

Technology Current Event Video:  
This video explained how 3D printers can be used to reproduce living body parts and it was a follow-up to the video we had watched last class.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A)

Internet Moment: 
 We looked at zoom.it today which is a free screen zooming service that is owned by Microsoft.  Students were then shown two other online examples of the   
screen zooming technology:  The NMS Mosaic Project and the Deep Zoom image of Yosemite National Park.  Students had time to explore these websites.

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School PowerPoint Shows:
   We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our student have ever made. We used the record audio option in PowerPoint, a free program called Audacity and the sound recorder in Windows 7. Unfortunately there were several technical difficulties and not everyone was able to add sound to their shows today.  We then completed a final peer evaluation activity and next class all students will be shown how to turn in their slideshow using our network drives.  Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/HistoryOfComputersPPT2.JPG
Start History of Computers Slide Show - Students started their final PowerPoint project which is a 6-8 slide show that they will present to the class.  Students work in groups of 4-5 and used the internet for research.   In this project students were introduced to online collaboration using Google Drive.  Students were shown how to create and share a Google Presentation and how to collaborate and use the chat feature in Google Presentation to communicate.  Students were shown the 12-12-12 Project that was created by over 30 teachers from all over the world using Google Drive and they were 
challenged to think about how they could use online collaboration tools like this to work with other students from all over the world in the future. 
Unfortunately we had some difficulties with using Google Drive in Firefox and Internet Explorer today and students only had 10 minutes to get started with the project.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.4.5.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.F, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a very short tutorial video from AtomicLearning.com about the collaboration tools in Google Presenter.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.E, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.G)









June 9, 2014
91 minutes

Reviewing the Recording of the Interview: 
 The teacher from Germany who we interviewed last class shared a recording of the entire interview.  We reviewed it today and our class noticed the following things:  The interviewers were much more fidgety than they thought they were, eye contact was harder to maintain than they thought it was and since there was a lag in the sound speaking clearly and slowly was very important. 

Internet Moment:  Today we explored Sketchup which is a great example of a free CAD program. CAD, or computer aided design/drafting, has become very common across many fields and students should have some knowledge of what 3D designing looks and feels like on a computer.  We also discussed how this program is used in the 7th Grade Technology Education Manufacturing Unit to develop and market a product for mass production. Though it is available at school, Sketchup is currently a free download that students can download at home so they can continue to learn more about this important skill on their own.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M, 15.8.8.K, 15.8.8.S, 15.9.8.F)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School PowerPoint Shows:
   We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our student have ever made. Students were shown how to remove the background from a picture and we made an interactive quiz question at the end of the slideshow.  Everyone's show was also set in kiosk format so it can only be navigated by using the action buttons and hyperlinks we made. All students participated in a peer evaluation activity so they can practice giving each other meaningful feedback and improve their own shows.  Students were also shown how to add sound to their slide shows.  Unfortunately there were several technical problems with adding sound using our classroom equipment.   Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with two short videos about 3D printing technology.  In the first video the reproduction of a tool was demonstrated.  The second video explained how 3D printers can be used to reproduce living body parts.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A)  We ran out of time to watch the videos today so students were asked to watch them at home.







June 5, 2014
104 minutes

Internet Moment:
  Today our students watched a presentation about how VOIP and webcams are combined to make video chatting possible.  Streaming video on the internet and the increased use of security cameras was discussed. Students were also reminded that we have several security cameras in our school building. We also discussed privacy rights and exactly where people should not be video recorded. After the presentation students visited EarthCam.com to view some online webcams from all around the world. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.U)

Description of How the Internet Works:  The example of phone conversations using VOIP was used to describe the differences between the old dedicated line communication systems (circuit switching) and the internet system (packet switches) that has replaced it. The development of an emergency communication system within the United States (ARPANET) to today's worldwide internet network was also described and how webpages like this one are sent through the internet.  We also discussed how webcams work by sending 30 pictures per second through the internet. 

Day at School PowerPoint Shows:
   We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made.   Students added action buttons and a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students also made a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature. Today students were shown how to add a video to their show. Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S)

Formal Interviewing Using Skype
:  Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques by Skyping with Herr Marx, a chemistry and science teacher at the Stadtischen Realschule Sundern in Sundern, Germany.  
Our students introduced themselves and then we talked a little about the weather and the time difference.  Our students then asked lots of questions about school in Germany.  They learned about their shorter school day (8 Am to 1:30 PM) but longer school year (finished in July).  They also asked questions about the subjects he teaches and what his students were learning about. Mr. Marx was surprised that only a few of our students knew that tomorrow was the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Our students also asked about how and when students in Germany can use cell phones and what sports and music was popular over there.  They also asked about cars and TV shows.  Before the interview we prepared a list of things to do and not to do in a formal video interview.  We also prepared our questions in advance so we could learn more about school in Germany. (PA-BCIT: 15.2.8.H, 15.3.8.K, 15.3.8.M, 15.7.8.I, 15.7.8.J, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.B)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from RBB Public Relations that features 3 tips for successfully participating in a Skype interview.  We ran out of time for this video last class.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.M)




 





June 3, 2014
44 minutes

Internet Moment
:  Today students were introduced to the idea of online education by exploring the Open Course Ware that is available from the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology.  Students were shown a presentation about college that included vocabulary terms such as major, syllabus, and different higher education degrees (associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate).  We then went to ocw.mit.edu  and students selected a program to explore from the courses by department.  As an example of a college level lecture we visited Physics I:  Classical Mechanics by Professor Walter Lewin.  We tried a sample exam and watched part of Lecture 11:  Work, Energy, and Gravitation.  You can view the last segment of the lecture that we watched in the video above.  Each  student then had some time to explore the website on their own and they were encouraged to check it out at home also.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.2.5.B, 15.2.5.J, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.8.E, 15.2.8.F, 15.8.8.K)
http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG

Day at School PowerPoint Shows:   We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our student have ever made. All students added a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Next class we will use action buttons to create internal navigation. Students will also make a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.5.M, 15.2.5.L, 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.3.8.X, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U)

Technology Current Event Video:  As a followup to today's internet moment about online education and Open Course Ware from M.I.T. we watched a 60 Minutes video about Salman Khan and his creation of Khan Academy.  Students were also reminded that while they are making their slide shows about their day at school for the 6th graders they are participating in online education as an instructor.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.K)









May 30, 2014 
91 minutes

http://www.crsd.org/page/4117
Internet Moment: 
 As an example of how to use the the internet to learn independently we went to DrCalculator.com to learn some basic money concepts and vocabulary.  Students experimented with the compounding calculator to learn about interest rates and did an activity to see how much money they could save up for their graduation.  We also experimented with the Loan Calculator to see real costs of borrowing money for a car. The effect of a good credit score was also explained.  Finally we used the Cost of Living Calculator to experiment with the  effects of inflation over time by comparing the current cost of a school lunch to what their parents and grandparents might have paid.  Students were then given some time to explore other calculators on their own. Students were also reminded that they will have and opportunity to learn more about money if they take the Personal Finance Class at our high school.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.B, 15.6.8.F, 15.6.8.G, 15.6.8.H,15.6.8.J, 15.6.8.K, 15.6.8.Q)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Work on Day PowerPoint Shows:
  All students had time to work on the slide shows that we started last class.  S
tudents were shown how to access and use the Slide Master and how to turn words and images into hyperlinks to the internet so 6th graders could find more information on their own. Students were also introduced to using action settings and internal hyperlinks by taking a survey that was made in PowerPoint.  The computer term "infinite loop" was also introduced as part of this demonstration. Click here to enlarge the project description.(PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.5.M, 15.2.5.L, 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.3.8.X, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U)

Technology Current Event Video:  To finish class today we watched a short video that explained inflation and the importance of investing.









May 28, 2014
104 minutes

Internet Moment:  In continuing with the theme of protecting yourself online students were shown the website OnGuardOnline.gov and given an opportunity to try some of the games in the Video & Media section.  Some of the games were:  Phishing Scams,Invasion of the Wireless Hackers, Cyber Criminal & Invest Quest.

PowerPoint Introduction: Almost all students identified that they had suffered through some bad PowerPoint presentations in the past.  As a catharsis activity we made a list of all the bad & ugly things our students have seen in PowerPoint. We then prepared a short list of good things to do in PowerPoint. View a sample T-chart here.     


A Day At School PowerPoint Presentation:  Students started a 6-9 slide show about a topic that they are all experts at, being 7th graders at Newtown Middle School.  These shows are made for 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September.  Students were shown how to access the background templates in MS PowerPoint 2010 and how to find additional backgrounds on the internet.  
Most students have made 6-9 slides with titles and text on each slide. Today students were shown how to collect old yearbook photos from the S: drive for their shows and how to use Google Images to find free images that they could even use for commercial purposes.  Students were also shown how to drag and drop a slide from one PowerPoint show to another.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.2.5.M, 15.2.5.L, 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.3.8.X, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMzfuf30fYo

Office Yoga Break:  During long classes like this one students are always reminded to take breaks and get exercise.  Students shouldn't spend more than 30-40 minutes in front of a computer without taking a break.  As part of our break today we practiced a simple office yoga stretch for your shoulders and back.  After the break everyone had a chance to get up and walk around.

Check Grades:  Since we are near the halfway point in this class students were asked to log into the Home Access Center and check their computer class grades.  Students were also reminded that if they could not log in their parents could go to the HAC and create a student account. 

Technology Current Events Video:  We watched a video from OnGuardOnline.gov about protecting your personal information online.








May 23, 2014
44 minutes

Internet Moment: Students had a chance to explore PlaneFinder.net which is an online resource that displays the locations of all the commercial airliners in the world. This website is an example of what it possible when huge amounts of publicly available data is presented in an easy to understand interactive website.  We also discussed how the information about airline locations is collected by a government agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, and is therefore in the public domain.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.3.5.V, 15.4.8.A, 15.6.5.L)

Finish Gettysburg Address Project: 
 All students had time to finish, print and turn in the project we started last class.  Click here to enlarge project description. (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.9.8.M)

Technology Current Event Video:  We a video from TechnoBuffalo.com about some of the new gadgets that were being displayed at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.







May 21, 2014
91 minutes*

Internet Moment:  Today we explored some of the features in Google Maps.  Students were shown how to find our school and view satellite and aerial photos of their neighborhoods.  We also used the street views and how the Google Maps cars work was explained.  We then went to Las Vegas, Nevada and use the directions feature to get directions to Zion National Park. We also traveled to Singapore and students were shown how to check live traffic data.  Viewing live weather data was also demonstrated and then all students had some time to explore the world on their own. (PA-BCIT: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/InternetTreasure.JPG
Finish Internet Treasure Hunt
:  Students finished using Word to 
make a simple webpage today. This project checks for internet searching skills, inserting and editing hyperlinks and introduces web based collaboration through the use of email, instant messaging and/or network resources. Students finished this project by adding a table, inserting images, turning the images and text into hyperlinks and formatting a table. Students were shown the various "save as" options in Word and how to save their project as a single file webpage in word. Students then displayed their finished webpages in Internet Explorer and we did a gallery walk activity so everyone could get up, move around and share each other's work.  Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/LogoInWord.JPG
Word Logo Project
:  To get more familiar with the drawing and graphics tools in Word students were asked to create a unique logo as if they were starting their own business.  A slideshow of corporate, athletic and national logos was presented to help students understand what a logo was and what visual communication and graphic arts is all about.  Students shared their completed logos with the class in a gallery walk activity.  Click here to view the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.4.5.G, 15.9.2.I)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Gettysburg.JPG
Final Word Project
:  The overall goal of teaching Word in computer class is to make sure that when students have an idea for a project they are able to make it in word and print it so it looks just the way they imagined it.  For the final Word project students are supplied with a specifically laid out version of the Gettysburg Address and they have to make one that looks just like it.  The concept of public domain vs. copyright protected was also discussed. Everyone will have time to finish this project next class.  Click here to enlarge project description. (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.9.8.M)

Technology Current Event Video:  We were unable to have a technology current event video in class today.

* Our computer class was moved to the Tech Lab today due to the PA Keystone Tests







May 19, 2014
104 minutes

http://www.weather.gov/
Internet Moment:
  Students were shown Weather.gov (the National Weather Service) as an example of a huge online database that's full of real-time and archived information.  We checked our local weather and spent a few minutes checking the satellite images and Doppler radar for the whole United States.  Students were also shown how to access the hourly weather graphs for our area to get precipitation predictions.  We also discussed how federal government publications, such as the NWS website, can not be copyrighted and are therefore in the public domain.  Students were reminded that the NWS is the original source for most of the weather information they receive on the internet, TV, and their phones. This website was also used as an example of "unbiased" information on the internet.  Students were also told how predicting the weather motivated early computer pioneers.  Finally, students were shown an old video about how early computers  were used to predict the weather.  (PA BCIT Standards: 15.3.5.V, 15.4.8.A, 15.6.5.L)

Business Letter #2:  Students practiced professional communication and typing skills by making a second block format business letter.  Student were shown how to use the header and print the finished letter using one of the network printers in the room.  Click here to view the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

Office Yoga Break:  During long classes like this one students are always reminded to take breaks and get exercise.  Students shouldn't spend more than 30-40 minutes in front of a computer without taking a break.  For our break today we practiced a simple office yoga stretch for your neck.

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/InternetTreasure.JPG
Internet Treasure Hunt
:  Students used Word to 
make a simple webpage that is made up of hyperlinks to the internet. Today students finished this project by adding a table, inserting images, turning the images and text into hyperlinks and formatting a table. Students were shown the various "save as" options in Word and how to save their project as a single file webpage in word. Next class students then displayed their finished webpages in Internet Explorer.Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a video from Boston Dynamics that shows their most recent creation.  As part of a government funded DARPA project they created a robot called Wildcat that runs like a cat.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A, 15.5.8.J)








May 15, 2014
44 minutes

Class Blog:  Students were shown TodayInComputerClass.com and told that they can check here anytime to review what work was done in class.  We also discussed what a web log or blog was, how blogs developed into microblogs like Twitter and now mobile phone based apps like Instagram.  This website is the blog or web log for our class. Students were also told that their parents will be sent an email with a link to this website so they can also review what we are doing in computer  
class each day.

Business Letter #2:  Students practiced professional communication and typing skills by making a second block format business letter.  To make this letter students have to copy text from Business Letter #1. They have to set-up a table, merge cells and copy/paste text.  Next class we will use the header and print the finished letter using one of the network printers in the room.  Click here to view the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a promotional video from the Corning Corporation about some possible uses for their products in the future.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A, 15.5.8.J)







May 13, 2014
91 minutes

Internet Moment:  Google News - Students were shown how to use this popular news aggregator to find current event stories and how to search the news for topics that interest them or might be required for another subject area.  Students were also shown how they can change the top news stories to other countries.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.G, 15.6.5.L)

CRSD Acceptable Use Policy:  Students were shown how to access the CRSD Acceptable Use Policy online through a simple internet search.  They were also reminded that they are in a network environment where their actions on the computer can be easily tracked.  We also reviewed the policies concerning devices (such as cell phones and tablets) that student might bring into school.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.1.5.B, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.8.D, 15.3.5.M)

Business Letter #1
:  Students practiced their typing and formatting skills in Word by typing a block format business letter.  This project required students to  demonstrate a list of basic word processing skills that included:  changing fonts, changing the size of letters, line spacing and making a bullet list.  This project also introduced students to formal business communications as it is a block formatted business letter and it provided everyone with some typing practice.  All students finished this project in class today. Students were shown how to make a new folder in their H: drive, name the folder and save their Word document into that folder.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

Assigned Seats:  All students have an assigned seat/computer in computer class.  Students have a responsibility to report any problems with the machine they have been assigned.  In this way we all participate in maintaining our school computers.  Students were also reminded to adjust the keyboard, mouse, chair and monitor to meet their ergonomic needs.  (PA-BCIT Standard:  15.4.5.D, 15.4.2.B, 15.4.8.F)

Keyboard History:
  Students were shown a short presentation about the development of typewriters and computer keyboards.  The reasons for the QWERTY layout were also explained and students were reminded that the only way to really improve their typing speeds are to use the home row and learn to touch type.

Typing Test:  After students took a typing test using TypingTest.com each student had 10 minutes to take the 1 minute test multiple times.  Their best adjusted speed was recorded and graphed in an Excel spreadsheet.  The average typing speed for this class was:  32.4 WPM  Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School.   


Online Typing Activities
:  As a follow up to the typing test we looked at the typing 
speeds for the whole 7th & 8th grades in Excel.  Students were also shown the graph below so they could see how student typing speeds have been increasing over the years.   Students then were given some time to find at least 3 online typing activities (tutorials or games) that they enjoyed.  They were to then add these typing activities to their favorites or bookmarks list so they could go back and practice their typing skills in class when they finish projects.

Online Video Conference Practice:
  At the end of class today we practiced using an online video conference program by talking with some students from Greece.  The meeting was with 
Effie Kyrikakis, the director of Winners Education, and English language school students in Athens, Greece. Unfortunately the sound quality was poor but the kids did have a chance to ask each other some questions.  The students in Greece were interested to learn about our favorite foods, music and what sports we play.  Next class we will talk more about the interview and reviewed what went well and what we could improve next time.  (PA-BCIT: 15.3.8.K, 15.3.8.M, 15.7.8.I, 15.7.8.J)





May 9, 2014
104 minutes

Introduction to Basic Computer Skills Class: Basic rules and classroom procedures were explained.  Students were specifically reminded that because technology is constantly changing they should get into the habit of helping each other out and demonstrating the ability to learn new computer skills through experimentation.  All students reported that they had helped an adult with computer skills.  They were reminded that they also need to get used to helping each other with technology. (PA-BCIT Standard 15.2.5.L, 15.3.8.C, 15.3.8.D, 15.3.5.M, 15.8.5.C)

Log On & Explore:  All students were given time to explore the start menu and the various programs available to them at school. 

MS Paint Project:  Students were shown how to open and use MS paint to make a simple drawing.  Students then shared their drawings using various district network resources and basic skills such as saving to a network drive and using drag & drop.  The best use of the H: & X: drives was also explained.
 (PA BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.F)


Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time working on computers and to take breaks every 30-40 minutes.  For our break today we conducted a probability experiment about matching birthdays that you can read about here.  Everyone was asked to get up and find the other person in the room who shared their birthday.  

Setting up Student Passwords:  All students were given some suggestions to help them develop good passwords.  Some suggested good password practices were:  Come up with a collection of passwords to rotate through instead of just one, make a pass phrase instead of a password, mix number, letters and symbols together.   Student passwords must fit the following parameters: 
  

  1. Include upper case letters
  2. Include lower case letters
  3. Include numbers
  4. Include symbols/punctuation
    * Note that 3 of the 4 options are required.
(PA-BCIT Standard:  15.4.8.F)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/forms/ComputerClassSurvey.pdf
Computer Class Survey
:  All students take a computer class survey.  The results of this survey are used to guide the instruction for the class.  You can view the survey to the right.  Click to enlarge.  We then used the survey as the outline for the following presentation.  

Introduction to Computer Class Presentation: This presentation was a follow up to the survey and covered basic computer concepts everyone should be familiar with such as:
Technology Current Event:  Most classes end with a current event video.  Today's video was inspired by an original presentation created by a high school teacher in Colorado, Karl Fisch.  Here is a link to his blog:  THE FISCHBOWL for more information.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)

Did You Know 3.0 ‎(2012 Update)‎