91 minutes

Internet Moment:  Students were shown GeoGuessr.com today and allowed to spend 5 minutes playing the game at the beginning class.   The highest score in our class today was Hailey with 15,064 points.

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 access and use the Slide Master feature. Students were also shown how to make hyperlinks to the internet as well as action buttons and a table of contents so their shows could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students also made a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature.  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 will have time to finish their recordings next class. We will also be adding 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

Video Conference:  During class today our students interviewed Yuktha, a Grade VII student in Remesh, Kerala, India. Our students asked him many questions to learn about school in India. She told us about her school, what time of day and the time of year she goes to school and the subjects she learns about. Our students were surprised to learn that she learns two other languages: Hindi and Malayalam. She asked our students to sing a song and we sang Happy Birthday for her. She sang a lovely song in Malayalam for us. We also talked about the weather, extra-curricular activities and pets. Before the interview we prepared our questions so we could learn more about school in India and after the interview we talked about things that went well and things that could be improved. (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)

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 the deltoid muscles. 

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)

---

January 11, 2016
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.

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 could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students will make a custom start button on the first slide using the edit points feature and we will add a video to the end of our shows. Next class students will also be adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint, a free program called Audacity and/or the sound recorder in Windows 7. 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.  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 field hockey. Mr. Sherman has spoken with students all around the world and our students were surprised to learn about some of the differences in schools around the world.  He also asked our 

students some questions.  He was surprised to learn that one of our students fell asleep in the new Start Wars movie and that they hadn't heard about the flooding in Los Angeles. 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)

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 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.  We will be adding action buttons and a table of contents so the shows can 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: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)

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)

---

December 17, 2015
91 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 directions 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)

Finish Internet Treasure Hunt: Students finished this project by adding a table and inserting images. As part of this project we practiced downloading from Word Online to Word on an individual computer and we discussed some of the differences.   Students were then 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)

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. 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)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from Pond5.com about how public domain works.  In the video the three ways content enters the public domain is explained (through government, through dedication and time) 

---

December 15, 2015 
91 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:

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.  Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)

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.

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 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)

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)

---

December 11, 2015
44 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 & 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.

Finish and Print Business Letter #2: All students were shown how to move their Word Online file to the full version of Word on their computers. We then did some final adjustments before printing and turning in the project. Students also signed their project before submitting it. Click here to view the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B)

Log on and Check Grades: All students were asked to log into the Home Access Center and check their grades. Since January 1st, 2015 all HACaccounts have been updated so that students can accessed their grades using their regular district log in and password. All students should be able to log in and check their grades routinely. Students were also reminded to check out the free eSchoolPLUS Family app that's available from Google Play and the iTunes Store.

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.

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) 

---

December 9, 2015
91 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.

Using Outlook Email in Office 365: All students logged into their Microsoft Office 365 accounts and had some time to explore it. Students then opened their Outlook email accounts.  As part of the set-up process we discussed how time zones work.  We  and practiced sending to emails other students in the room. We discussed what CC: means, what should go in the Subject line and students were reminded that their school email account was not private. Each student then finished the activity by sending an email to a teacher on their team.  The directions for this project can be viewed here.  (PA-BCIT Standards 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.M, 15.3.8.O, 15.3.8.Q, 15.3.8.R, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.D, 15.3.8.M, 15.4.8.F) 

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. 

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 about the importance of developing a personalized signature and it's use 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 about a clear and flexible OLED display that is being developed by LG. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)

---

December 7, 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. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.G, 15.6.5.L) (ISTE Standards: 3b, 3c, 4c, 5c, 5b, 6a)

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 had time to finish this project in class today.  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, 15.2.8.I) (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: 35.8 WPM Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School. 

---

December 3, 2015
94 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)