October 14, 2015 - LAST CLASS 44 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. Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video about how to spot fake websites and avoid scams.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M) October 12, 2015 104 minutes    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 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. 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 44 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.  Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add features to our shows to make them "the greatest slides shows" our student have ever made.  Students were shown how to turn images and words into hyperlinks to the internet so 6th graders could find more information on their own.  We then started making a quiz question at the end of the slide 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)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) October 6, 2015 91 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. Day at School PowerPoint Shows:  After the video all students will have some time to work on their slide shows.  Next class we will be doing a final peer evaluation activity.  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 about the Google Self Driving Car prototype.  October 2, 2015 104 minutes   Formal Interviewing Using Skype: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques by Skyping with Mr. Guptill, an 8th grade Social Studies Teacher at Arndt Middle School in Hickory, North Carolina.  He told us about his school, what the students learn, what grades they have in the building, what the schedule is like and what sports they play. We were surprised at the similarities with our own school.  He also told us about the part of North Carolina that he is in and that the nearest major city is Charlotte.  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 North Carolina. 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)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. 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 30, 2015 44 minutes 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 28, 2015 91 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)  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 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 shown how to add a table of contents to their shows so they could be set-up in a kiosk format. Next class we will be adding action buttons and students will be shown 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 watched a short video by Kim Komando about the various uses for facial recognition software by private companies and government agencies. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.4.8.A, 15.6.8.M, 15.8.8.K, 15.9.8.B, 15.9.5.J, 15.9.8.L) (ISTE Standards: 1d, 3b, 3c) September 24, 2015 104 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 part 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)  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.  Students were also shown how to drag and drop slides from another show.  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)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 94 minutes   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. All students will have time to finish this project next class. Click here to enlarge project description.  (PA BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.8.8.C, 15.9.5.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. 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) 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. 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)  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. 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 48 minutes*  We also discussed some of the advances that have taken place in the last 65 years:   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 44 minutes   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 in class.  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) Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video demonstrating smart phone keyboard technology. September 3, 2015 44 minutes Class Blog: Students were shown TodayInComputerClass.com and told that they can check here anytime to review what work was done in class. We also discussed what a web log or blog was, how blogs developed into microblogs like Twitter and now mobile phone based apps like Instagram. This website is the blog or web log for our class. Students were also told that their parents will be sent an email with a link to this website so they can also review what we are doing in computer class each day.  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)  Technology Current Event Video:  Today we finished class with a video from a TED Conference. The concept of TED (Technology Entertainment Design) was introduced to the class and the background of the presenter, Pattie Maes (an instructor at the MIT Media Lab), was also discussed.  In the video the work of an MIT graduate student, Pranav Mistry, to create a wearable computer was explained. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)  September 2, 2015 104 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) 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.  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:
After the presentation students had some time to search for themselves, their friends and their family online to see what was out there. 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 35 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:Â
Log On & Explore: All students were given time to explore the start menu and the various programs available to them at school. 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. |
