2015-16 7-A.2

December 1, 2015 - LAST CLASS
104 minutes

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.

Excel Multiplicatio
n Table Project:  We made a multiplication table in Excel using relative and absolute formulas.  After an introduction to columns, rows and cells we started making a multiplication table.  Students were also shown how to create addition formulas and to copy & paste formulas across cells in a sheet.  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) (ISTE Standards: 1c, 3c, 3d, 4c, 6a, 6b)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Excel2.JPG
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 arms and shoulders. 

Excel Pie Chart Project:  Students created a data table of the different elementary schools we all went to and the number of students that attended each school.  Then each student created a pie chart of the data and formatted it for printing in black and white.  Click here to enlarge the project description.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.1.8.E, 
http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Excel3.JPG
15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.D)

Excel Simple Budget Project:  In our final project in Excel we created a simple budget for a fictitious bike company.  We inputted budgeted and actual income and expenses.  We also created formulas to determine if the company made a profit or a loss and made necessary changed to the expenses to balance the budget.  We also discussed the meaning of the phrase Black Friday.  Click here to enlarge the project description.

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. 

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.












November 24, 2015
22 minutes*

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/HistoryOfComputersPPT2.JPG
History of Computers Slide Show - Students continued working on their final PowerPoint project which is a 6-8 slide show that they will present to the class.  Students worked in groups of 4-5 and used the internet for research.   In this project students were introduced to online collaboration using Google Drive. Students should think about how they could use online collaboration tools like this to work with other students from all over the world in the future.  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 short TED presentation by Gever Tulley about the value of tinkering.  All students were reminded to get outside and enjoy some hands on adventure over the Thanksgiving break.


* Class time was shorter today due to the half day schedule






November 20, 2015
91 minutes

Internet Safety Assembly Followup: As a followup to yesterday's Internet Safety presentation by FBI Internet Specialist Cerena Coughlin, all students were asked to take a few minutes and search for themselves on Google.

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 we watched in class today 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. We also reviewed  an article from CareerBuilder.com concerning the kinds of things employers look for online. All students who have posted anything online were reminded to spend some time reviewing their privacy settings and to always "THINK before you POST." Students then had some time to search for themselves, their friends and their family online. Many students reported that they found pictures that their parents had posted. Everyone was reminded to have a discussion with their parents about how their pictures were being shared 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) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 2c, 3c, 4a, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6b)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPGDay 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 finished setting up their shows in a kiosk format and making hyperlinks to the internet.  We then added a quiz to the end of the show. 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. Students then turned 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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 arms and shoulders. 

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 with a short video from SafeInternetBanking.be about an amazing mind reader and how he knows so much about his clients.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M)











November 18, 2015 
104 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)

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 quiz we started last class.  Students were shown how to remove the background from a picture. Students then added voice narration using the record audio option in Power Point. 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. As part of our break today we practiced a simple office yoga stretch for your back. 

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video about the Google Self Driving Car prototype.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.4.8.A)












November 16, 2015
94 minutes

Presentation About Webcams: 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: 15.4.8.U, 15.3.8.U, 15.9.5.J, 15.9.8.L, 15.9.8.M) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4c, 5a, 5c)

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.  

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were reminded to finish making hyperlinks to the internet as well as action buttons and a table of contents so their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format.  Students made a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature.  We also added video to the end of our shows. All students also participated in a peer evaluation activity so they could practice giving each other meaningful feedback. We then started adding a quiz to the end of the show.  Next class we will be adding voice narration and an interactive quiz question at the end of the slideshow.  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 a short video about the potential uses for new graphene technology.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.4.8.A)











November 10, 2015
104 minutes

https://www.khanacademy.org/
Internet Moment:
  As a follow-up to the technology current event video last class everyone had a chance to explore khanacademy.org  and look for video lessons that relate to what they are currently learning in 7th grade.  Students were reminded that by making their PowerPoint show about Newtown Middle School they would be online educators for the 6th graders who would watch the shows.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.K) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPGDay at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our students have ever made.  In preparation to add recorded voice narration to our shows students were shown how to add speaker notes to each slide. Next class we will be adding narration using the record audio option in Power Point, a free program called  Audacity and the sound recorder in Windows 7. Students were then shown how to access and use the Slide Master feature. Students were shown how to add a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Student were also shown how to add hyperlinks to the internet to their shows. 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. We then added action buttons and a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format.  Students will be shown how to make a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature next. 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)

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 watched a video about M.O.O.C.'s or Massive Open Online Courses. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.K) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c)









November 6, 2015
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 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 watched the very end of a physics lecture about 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)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPGDay at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our students have ever made. Students were reminded to find license free images from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. or access old yearbook photos on our school network was also demonstrated. 
Student were also shown how to add the master schedule to their show by dragging and dropping  a slide from another 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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?









November 4, 2015
91 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)

Check Grades: All students were asked to log into the Home Access Center and check their grades. Starting in 7th grade students can accessed their own grades using their regular district login and password. All students should be able to login and check their grades routinely. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.4.5.A, 15.4.8.F) (ISTE Standards: 5a, 5c, 4c, 6a)

Finish the Final Word Project:  All students had 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 finished 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)

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 shoulder. 

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.  Students were shown how to find license free images  from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. Accessing old yearbook photos on our school network was also demonstrated. 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:  Today we watched  parts of a TED presentation by Vijay Kumar of the University of Pennsylvania featuring robots that fly autonomously and cooperate.  (PA-BCIT Standards:  15.4.8.A)









October 30, 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:  1a, 1c, 1d, 2c, 3b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b)


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)

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 sides. 

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 with a video about how Google Street View technology was used to create a virtual version of the White House.










October 28, 2015 
44 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)


We also discussed some of the advances that have taken place in the last 65 years:

 

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/InternetTreasure.JPG
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)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from The Verge about the development of Google Cardboard for virtual reality in education. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)  










October 26, 2015
91 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 & Mediasection. 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.

http://todayincomputerclass.com/7th/BusinessLtr2.JPG
Finish Business Letter #2:
Everyone had time to complete the letter and print it. We also discuss the use of a written signature on legal documents and students signed their completed letters before turning them in.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. 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.

CRSD Acceptable Use Policy: All students demonstrated that they could search for and access the CRSD Acceptable Use Policy online. They were reminded that they are in a network environment where their actions on the computer can be easily tracked. We also discussed the use of cell phones and other electronic devices at school.

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/InternetTreasure.JPG
Start 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 our school network resources. Students will finish this project next class by setting-up a table, merging cells and copy/pasting text. We will also insert images from the internet.  Students will be shown the various "save as" options in Word and also 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)

Technology Current Event Video: To finish class today we watched a short video from PBS Off Book about the process professional go through to design logos.  

YouTube Video









October 22, 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 an identity theft concern, which was something we previously discussed in 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1c, 5a, 5c, 6b)
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) (ISTE Standards: 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6c)

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 one minute test multiple times.  Their best adjusted speed was recorded and graphed in an Excel spreadsheet.  The average typing speed for this class was:  31.5 WPM  Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School.   



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.

http://todayincomputerclass.com/7th/BusinessLtr2.JPG
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 will have time to finish and print this project next class.  Students will also be reminded that they need to develop a personalized signature and we will discuss 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)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video demonstrating smart phone keyboard technology.








October 20, 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.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.G, 15.6.5.L)  (ISTE Standards:  3b, 3c, 4c, 5c, 5b, 6a)

Finished the 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:
  1. Apple vs. PC formats
  2. Origins of Microsoft & Windows
  3. Internet connection speeds (dial-up, DSL, cable and fios)
  4. The accusations that Microsoft became a monopoly by the late 1990's
  5. Online safety, predators, scams & identity theft (be smart online)
Digital Footprints:  At the end of class today students were asked to use various online search engines to search for themselves to see what their "digital footprint" looks like.  (PA BCIT Standards:  15.6.8.M)

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







October 16, 2015
85 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. 

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)

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 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: Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.

* Class time was shorter today due to the circle schedule