2015-16 7-B.1

October 14, 2015 - LAST CLASS
22 minutes*

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.

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.

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

October 12, 2015
91 minutes

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. 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 of them 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)

Turn in PowerPoint Shows: Using network drives everyone turned in the slideshows about Newtown Middle School. 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)

Excel Multiplication Table Project: We made a multi-plication 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)

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, 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.D) (ISTE Standards: 1c, 3c, 3d, 4c, 6a, 6b)

Technology Current Event Video: As a follow-up to the think before you post presentation we watched a short video from Kim Komando about some of the negative consequences from posting photos without thinking first. (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)

October 8, 2015
104 minutes

Technology Current Event Video: We started class with the video from last class about the self driving cars from Google that we ran out of time for last class.

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. Unfortunately we had problems with accessing parts of the website today.

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 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 will turn in their completed shows using the network drives next class. 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)

October 6, 2015
44 minutes

Mr. McNulty is absent today. Students will be doing the following activities:

Internet Moment: All students should go to http://geoguessr.com/ and try this online geography game that uses Google Street View pictures. Students will have 5-10 minutes to get the highest score possible.

Block Format Business Letter Quiz: All students will take an online quiz to check for retention of knowledge from the block formatted business letter projects that we did several weeks ago. Click here to take the quiz. (PA BCIT Standard: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

The Creation of Computers Video: In preparation for a future project about the history of computers everyone will be watching: "The Creation of the Computer". During the video students should click here to answer online questions.

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short video about the Google Self Driving Car prototype.

October 2, 2015
91 minutes

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 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 Power Point. Everyone finished their recordings today. Students were introduced to adding hyperlinks to the internet in a slide show. We also did a peer evaluation activity so students could view each other's work and give each other feedback about their shows. 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 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)

September 30, 2015
104 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.

Formal Interviewing Using Skype: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques by Skyping with Mr. Livingstone Kegode, the founder of the HIP Academy which is an elementary school in Kenya. We talked about the differences in the weather and he told us about his school. We learned that his students are taught in Swahili and that their school day went from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon with a 1 hour lunch break and two recess periods. We also talked about popular sports like soccer (football) and he told us he was a Manchester United fan. We were surprised to learn that his students wear uniforms and that it never snows there. Before the interview we talked about the differences between web chatting with friends and participating in a formal video conference. As a group we prepared a list of things to do and not to do in a formal interview. We also prepared our questions in advance so we could learn more about school in Kenya. After the interview we reviewed what went well and what we could improve next time. (PA-BCIT: 15.2.8.H, 15.3.8.K, 15.3.8.M, 15.7.8.I, 15.7.8.J)

We also watched a YouTube video of Mr. Livingstone's English class at the Cheery School practicing the Hokey Pokey song last year. (PA-BCIT: 15.3.8.K, 15.3.8.M, 15.7.8.I, 15.7.8.J)

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 neck.

Day 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 added 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 shown how to add a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students were also shown how to add action buttons and how to 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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)

September 28, 2015
44 minutes

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)

Day 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 only use license free images from the internet using advance searches in Google and Bing. Students were shown how to turn images and words into hyperlinks to the internet so 6th graders could find more information on their own. 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 shown how to add a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. All students will have more time next class to complete their first 7 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 watched a video from cNET.com 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)

September 24, 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 reminded to only use license free images from the internet. Students were then shown how to drag and drop slides from another show and how to access and use the Slide Master feature. Students were also asked to start preparing a script so they can add voice narration to their shows. 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 sides.

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?

September 21, 2015
104 minutes

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 back.

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 Google and Bing. 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)

September 17, 2015
91 minutes

New Computers: We started class today by talking about the new computers that were just installed in the lab and we discussed what happens to old computers. We watched a short video from the Recycling Equipment Corporation in Lansdale, PA. In the video they demonstrate the first step in the computer recycling process, the computer shredding machine.

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)

Log into the HAC:  All students should be able to log into the Home Access Center to view their grades using the same username and password that they use at school. Unfortunately when we tried logging in at school students were unable to get in. We will try again later.

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.

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.

September 11, 2015
74 minutes*

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:

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)

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short news video about a flexible OLED screen that has been developed by LG.

* Class time was shorter today due to the Magazine Drive Assembly

September 9, 2015
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. Students were encouraged to go back to this site and explore it on their own.

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.

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.

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.

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

September 3, 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.

Finish Business Letter #1:  After a demonstration about how to adjust the font, face, size and line spacing all students had time to finish this project. The finished project will be used as part of a future project in MS Word. 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)

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 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:  31.2 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.

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.

September 2, 2015
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) (ISTE Standards: 3b, 3c, 4c, 5c, 5b, 6a)

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:

Apple vs. PC formats
Origins of Microsoft & Windows
Internet connection speeds (dial-up, DSL, cable and fios)
The accusations that Microsoft became a monopoly by the late 1990's
Online safety, predators, scams & identity theft (be smart online)

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.

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 will have time to finish this project next class. 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)

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)

August 31, 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)

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:

Include upper case letters
Include lower case letters
Include numbers
Include symbols/punctuation
* Note that 3 of the 4 options are required.

(PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.F)

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)

Technology Current Event Video: 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, Mr. Karl Fisch. Here is a link to his blog: THE FISCHBOWL for more information. This version of the video was created by Jose Esteves, a professor at the I.E. Business School in Madrid, Spain. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)

* Class time was shorter today due to the first day of school schedule and a fire drill.

2011-2012

Computer Class

Links

2015-16 7-B.1

YouTube Video