2014-15 7-C.5

April 30, 2015 - LAST CLASS
104 minutes

Finish Presentations:  The last two groups completed their presentations about the History of Computers.  The presentations were 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 on this webpage.  We were very fortunate to also have Mr. Sebastian Panakal of the GeoGebra Institute in Kerala, India in our online audience today.  He was able to give our students immediate feedback using an online form.  (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)  (ISTE Standards:  1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2d, 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d)









http://freerice.com?icn=banner&ici=fr_spread_the_word
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 it is a legitimate website (according to snopes.com). Students were reminded that they have to be very skeptical of what they find online and to always independently verify the facts themselves.

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. 

Make-up Time & Checking Grades:  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.  All students were asked to log into the HAC and check their grades for this class. The few students who could not log in to check their grades were reminded one more time that they have to talk to their parents about getting their email address registered in the system.

Think Before You Post Slide Show:  Students were reminded that all the images and videos in the show were publicly available online and available for the whole world to see. The show was created using Google Image  searches and some other websites that compile photos and videos. It was explained to the class that last year 29% of college admissions officers reported using online searches when reviewing applicants and 39% of hiring managers reported researching job candidates online. All students who have posted anything online were reminded to spend some time reviewing their privacy settings and t o always "THINK before you POST."  Students then had some time to search for themselves online.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.H, 15.2.8.L, 15.6.8.M, 15.3.8.T, 15.3.8.T, 15.3.5.V, 15.3.8.Q, 15.5.8.J, 15.6.8.M, 15.8.8.J)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class with a short video from Fox 5 News in Washington DC about a school district in Maryland that's monitoring everything their students do online.  Unfortunately we ran out of time to watch the whole video.









April 28, 2015
44 minutes

History of Computers Slide Show - Students worked in groups of 4-5 to make a slide show about the history of computers.   In this project students using online collaboration tools such as 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. Students were challenged to think about how they could use  
online presentation software like this to collaborate on future projects at home or with partners elsewhere in the world.  Students also were shown  a presentation about time management, group projects and the business concept of "Man Hours".  After the presentation students had about 10 minutes to prepare and practice their slide shows.  Next class we will do the presentations. 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)  (ISTE Standards:  1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2d, 3b, 3c, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d)

Technology Current Event Video:  Unfortunately we didn't have time for a video today.






April 24, 2015
85 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.  

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School PowerPoint Shows: Students had one last chance to make any final adjustments to their shows. Navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and sound quality was checked. All students then participated in a final peer evaluation activity so they can practice giving each other meaningful feedback and improve their own shows. Everyone then had some time to make any final changes before turning in their completed shows using the 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)

Office Yoga Break:  For our break today everyone had a chance to get up and move around the room and review each other's work.  Then, before getting back to work, we practiced a simple yoga stretch for your neck.

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. Students were challenged to think about how they could use online presentation software like this to collaborate on future projects at home or with partners elsewhere in the world.  Students will have more time to work on these shows next class before they present.  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 by watching a short tutorial video about how to collaborate on a slide show using Google Drive.  


* Class time was shorter today due to the circles schedule





April 22, 2015
101 minutes*

Internet Moment:  Today we explored Google 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 will be used by students in their 7th Grade Technology Education Manufacturing Unit to develop and market a product for mass production. Though it is available at school, Google Sketchup is 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. We started by finishing the script for voice narration.  Students then   added voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint, a free program called Audacity and the sound recorder in Windows 7.  Everyone finished their recordings today. We reviewed how to insert a video and students were introduced to adding hyperlinks to the internet in a slide 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)

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 arm.

Technology Current Event Video:  As a followup to our internet moment about Sketchup we finished class today with a short video about Computer Aided Design (CAD).  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M, 15.8.8.K, 15.8.8.S, 15.9.8.F)


* Class time was shorter today due to PSSA testing






April 20, 2015
44 minutes

Internet Moment:  Students explored PhotoSynth.net today which is an online service from Microsoft that allows you to "knit" digital photos together to make large 360 degree images that you can pan and zoom into.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M)

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Everyone had time to finish their script for their voice narration. Students also continued to make action settings and internal hyperlinks in their slide shows. Next class students will add action buttons and a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students will also make a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature. We also did a peer evaluation activity so students could view each other's work and give each other feedback about their shows. Next class we will be adding voice narration. 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from Audio-Technica about doing voice recordings.  Students were reminded that getting professional level voice recordings does involve considerable technical knowledge, skill and practice.  (ISTE Standards:  6a, 6c)









April 16, 2015
61 minutes*

http://planefinder.net/
Internet Moment: Students had a chance to explore Plane Finder 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)

Business Letter Quiz:  As a follow-up to the business letter projects we did earlier students were asked to take a follow-up quiz to check their knowledge of this basic skill in MS Word.  Please follow this link to view the quiz.

Day at School PowerPoint Shows:  We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were 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. Next class students will add action buttons and a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. 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: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S)

Video Conference:  During class our students interviewed Mr. Steve Sherman, the founder of LivingMaths.com in Cape Town, South Africa. Our students asked him many questions about what school is like for the students there.  They were surprised to find out that Autumn was just starting there and that their school year started in January and went until December.  Since they are in the Southern Hemispheres their Summer break is when we have our Winter.  Mr. Sherman told us about technology in their schools and the different subjects that are taught.  He also talked to us about the most popular sports in South Africa like rugby, cricket, and football (soccer).  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 South Africa. (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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 2b, 2c, 5a, 5b, 5c)

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. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.M)


* Class time was shorter today due to PSSA testing






April 14, 2015 
92 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 financial concepts and vocabulary. Students experimented with the simple savings 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 the 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)  (ISTE Standards: 1c, 3c, 4a, 4c, 5c, 6c)

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made.  We accessed and used the Slide Master.  Students were also shown how to drag and drop a slide from one PowerPoint show to another.  Images and words were turned into hyperlinks to the internet so 6th graders could find more information on their own.  Students were 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.   Next class we will add action buttons  and a table of contents to the shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format.  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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKOpnqvttI
Office Yoga Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time in front of computers and to take breaks every 30-40 minutes.  Today we practiced a simple yoga stretch that helps prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.  Before the stretch the causes and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome were explained to the class. After the stretch all students had an opportunity to take a short break and move around.  (ISTE Standards: 5a, 5b, 5c)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video about the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A, 15.5.8.J)  (ISTE Standards: 1d, 6d)


* Class time was shorter today due to PSSA testing







April 10, 2015
44 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) into today's worldwide internet was also described.  We also discussed how webpages like this one are sent through the internet. We also discussed how webcams work the same way by sending 30 pictures per second through the internet.


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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c)








April 8, 2015
91 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 Technology. 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 watched part of Lecture 11: Work, Energy, and Gravitation. You can view the segment of the lecture that we watched 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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3a, 3b, 3c)

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were shown how to find license free images from the internet using advance searches in Google and Bing. Accessing old yearbook photos on our school network was also demonstrated. Students were then shown how to drag and drop slides from another show and how to access and use the Slide Master feature. All students had 6-9 slides done by the end of class today. 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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 back. 

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, 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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c)  Khan Academy: The future of education?


 




April 6, 2015
104 minutes

Google Gadget - "Include gadget (iframe)"
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. Students found direction by car, bike and walking from school to their house. We also used the street views and how the Google Maps cars work was explained. We then went to Munich, Germany and used the street view feature to explore the city.  It was explained to students that in Germany people can ask to have their residences removed from Google Maps. We also traveled to Tokyo, Japan and students were shown how to check live traffic data. Students then had some time to explore the world on their own. (PA-BCIT: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A)  (ISTE Standards:  1c, 3c, 6a, 6b, 6d)

Finish the Final Word Project:  All students had 
http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Gettysburg.JPG
time to finish the Gettysburg Address project that we started last class.  Students were supplied with a specifically laid out version of the Gettysburg Address and they had to make one that looks just like it. They also had to select a specific network printer to print a rough and final draft.  Everyone had time to finish this project in class today.  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)  (ISTE Standards: 1a, 3b, 3c, 4b, 5a, 5c, 6b, 6c, 6d)

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 thigh. 

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 2013 and how to find additional backgrounds on the internet.  Next class students will be shown shown how to collect old yearbook photos from the S: drive for their shows and how to find images on the internet that are not copyright protected.  All students will have more time next class to complete their first 6 slides. 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)  (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class with a video about how Google Street View technology was used to create a virtual version of the White House.








March 26, 2015
94 minutes

https://www.onguardonline.gov/
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.  Students were encouraged to go back to this site and explore it on their own. (PA BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/InternetTreasure.JPG
Finish Internet Treasure Hunt: Students finished this project by adding a table and inserting images. 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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 is all about. Students will share their completed logos next class.  Click here to view the project description.

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 and print it 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)  (ISTE Standards: 1a, 3b, 3c, 4b, 5a, 5c, 6b, 6c, 6d)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short TED presentation by Keller Rinaudo about a mini robot that's powered by an iPhone.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A, 15.5.8.J)








March 24, 2015 
91 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)


http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/InternetTreasure.JPG
Internet Treasure Hunt: Students used 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 setting-up a table, merging cells and copy/pasting text. We also inserted images from the internet. Students were shown the various "save as" options in Word and how to save their project as a single file webpage.  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)  (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2a, 2b, 2d, 3c, 

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.

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)







March 20, 2015
104 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 #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.  The text of the letter was based on a sample letter from the FTC that would be used to inform a credit card company of and identity theft concern, which was something we discussed last class. 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)
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/positions.html

Assigned Seats: All students have an assigned seat/computer in the lab. 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. Everyone should use the same computer every time they come to the lab. Students were also reminded to adjust the keyboard, mouse, chair and monitor to meet their ergonomic needs when they come to class. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.5.D, 15.4.2.B, 15.4.8.F)

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. How to Set up a table, merge cells and copy/paste text was demonstrated.  Everyone had time to finish and print this project today.  Students were also reminded that they need to develop a personalized signature and we discussed the use of a written signature on legal documents.  Click here to view the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

Online Typing Activities:  As a follow up to the typing test students were given some time to find some 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.

Answering Questions from Student in Sierra Leone:  We watched a short video created by Mr. Mendy Kanu of the Childrens Foundations of Technology in Sierra Leone. In the video students in Sierra Leone ask questions about school in the United States. Our students used an online Google Form to answer the questions.  You can view the Specific Questions Here.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.B, 15.7.8.I)  (ISTE Standard: 2c)



Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today by watching a short video about school in the Koya Community in Sierra Leone.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.B, 15.7.8.I)  (ISTE Standard: 2c)







March 18, 2015
44 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)

Finish the Introduction to Computer Class Presentation:  We finished this presentation today by discussing internet safety and strategies to avoid identity theft. Students also had time to search for themselves online so they could see what their "digital footprint" looked like.

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:  All 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:  31.4 WPM  Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School.   



Technology Current Event Video:  Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.





March 16, 2015 
91 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 our 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)


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 numbers, letters and symbols together.   Student passwords must fit the following parameters: (PA-BCIT Standard:  15.4.8.F)
  1. Include upper case letters
  2. Include lower case letters
  3. Include numbers
  4. Include symbols/punctuation
    * 3 of the 4 options are required
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 will be conducting a probability experiment about matching birthdays that you can read about here.  Everyone will be asked to get up and find the other person in the room who shares their birthday. 

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 Video:  We finished this presentation with a short CBS News video about the growth of identity theft among children.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M)