2016-17 7-A.2

November 29 - LAST CLASS
104 minutes

Student Presentations: Students had about 15 minutes to prepare and practice their slide shows before presenting them to the class. The presentations were broadcast live through the internet using a Google Hangout. During the presentations our students in the classroom audience completed an online survey to give the presenters immediate feedback about their performance. Feedback appeared as bar charts at the bottom of this webpage. In the images below you can see screen shots of the groups as they presented online. Notice the difference that high contrast and a large font makes for an online audience. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 4b, 6b, 6d)

Participate in a Live Online Interview: Our class participating in a live video interview with Anthony Brooks who solves Rubrics cubes at record speeds. He explained that he uses 3-4 algorithms to help him solve the puzzle. He demonstrated solving the cube one handed in 18 seconds for us. Three of our students shared their record speeds. Vishvak was our class record holder with a time of 30 seconds. Mr. Brooks let us know that there were plenty of competitions right here in Pennsylvania that our students could go to. Unfortunately we couldn't participate in the entire presentation today. The online interview was arranged by Mr. Steve Sherman of Living Maths Capetown, South Africa. The complete interview can be watched here. This was a great example of using available free video conferencing technology in a learning environment. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.D, 15.2.8.Q, 15.3.8.M, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.6.8.M, 15.5.8.A, 15.5.8.D )

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.

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 22, 2016

22 minutes*

History of Computers Slide Show - Students worked 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 a shared Google Slide Show. They were

challenged to think about how they could use online collaboration tools like this to work with other students from all over the world in the future. Students were also shown a presentation about time

management, group projects and the business concept of "Man Hours". Students were reminded that we would be doing the presentations first thing next class. Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.4.5.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.F, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 4b, 6b, 6d)

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

November 18, 2016
91 minutes

Internet Moment: Students had an opportunity to explore the free online tutorials provided by the Goodwill Community Foundation in Raleigh, NC. At their website, GCFLearnFree.org our students could explore tutorials that range from mathematics to using an ATM to everyday life. Students were reminded of the importance of leveraging the power of the internet to augment their learning. They were also reminded that we were creating an online learning experience for the 6th graders using PowerPoint.

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG

Finish Day at School Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to finish their slide shows today. There was time to finish the audio recording that we had started last class. Students were shown how to add internal navigation features and set-up their shows in kiosk format. We then did a final peer evaluation activity after which all students turned in their completed shows using a network drive. 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)

History of Computers Slide Show - Students started 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 Slides. They were

challenged to 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) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 4b, 6b, 6d)

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class with a short video from Mr. Hanson, a teacher at the Eden Prairie Schools. In the video he explains to students how they can collaborate on a slide show using Google Slides.

November 16, 2016
104 minutes

Internet Moment: Today we explored Sketchup which is a great example of a free CAD program. CAD, or computer aided design & drafting, has become very common across many fields and students should have some knowledge of what 3D designing looks and feels like on a computer. We also discussed how this program will be used by students in their 7th Grade Technology Education Manufacturing Unit to develop and market a product for mass production. Though it is available at school, Google Sketchup is a free download that students can download at home so they can continue to learn more about this important skill on their own. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M, 15.8.8.K, 15.8.8.S, 15.9.8.F)

Day at School Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to finish their slide shows today. We had time to add hyperlinks and finish the internal navigation features. Students were also shown how to use the remove background feature and how to create a quiz question at the end of their show. We also did a peer evaluation activity. Next class students will finish adding voice narration to their shows using the record audio option in Power Point. All students will turn in their completed shows using a network drive 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)

Break: Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. Breaks should be taken every 30-40 minutes. For our break today we practiced a simple yoga stretch for your neck and then everyone had a chance to get up and move around some.

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short video DNews about new technology that can 3D print body parts. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.4.8.A)

November 14, 2016

94 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 additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were to make action buttons and to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button on their first slide. Students were reminded that their completed shows will be set-up in a kiosk format. Students will be adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint 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)

Break: Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. Breaks should be taken every 30-40 minutes. For our break today we practiced a simple yoga stretch for your shoulder and then everyone had a chance to get up and move around some.

Video Conference: During class today our students interviewed Ms. Chernaya, and English language teacher in Moscow, Russia. Our students asked her many questions to learn about school in Russia. She told us that it was a cold 6° Celsius there and almost 11:00 at night. Our students were surprised to hear that student their age in Russia have so many subjects to study including English and a second foreign language. We were also surprised to learn that their classes end in May. She told us that some but not all schools require uniforms and that this had changed in the decades since perestroika. Ms. Chernaya also asked our students several questions about our school. 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 Russia. (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)

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)

November 7, 2016
96 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 turn images and words into hyperlinks to the internet throughout their shows. We also added a video the everyone's slide show. Students were also shown how to make action buttons and a table of contents so their shows could be set-up in a kiosk format. Students will be adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint 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)

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)

*Class time was shorter today due to the Veterans Day Assembly

November 3, 2016
44 minutes

Internet Moment: Our students 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)

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. During class today students were shown how to remove the background from an image, access and use the Slide Master feature and how to add notes to each slide in preparation of adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint 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)

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)

November 1, 2016

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 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)

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were shown how to find license free and public domain images from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. Accessing old yearbook photos on our school network was demonstrated. Students were also shown how to drag and drop slides from another show. Students were shown how to use the slide master and how to drag and drop slides 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)

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 hands and fingers.

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?

October 28, 2016
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)

Finish the Final Word Project: 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 had time to finish this project in class today. 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 neck.

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. Everyone had time to pick their backgrounds and start making their 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 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)

October 26, 2016

44 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)

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)

October 24, 2016
91 minutes

Pennsylvania Apple Crunch: All Arts teachers at Newtown Middle School encourage healthy living habits as part of our curriculum. Today we focused on good eating habits by participating in the Pennsylvania Apple Crunch. We ate apples and all students took a quiz about apples. All students were reminded that apples are a great example of a healthy snack food and that making good food choices is always important.

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 Email Messages: All students had time today to finish the formal email project we started last class. 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 shoulder. After the break everyone had a chance to get up and walk around.

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 HAC accounts 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.

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. All students has time to complete this project in class today. Click here to view the project description. 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 short video about email etiquette tips for college students from Dr. Tracy Brown at California State University in San Marcos. (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)

October 20, 2016
91 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.

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 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)

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.

Using Google Drive and Gmail: All students logged into their Google Drive accounts and had some time to explore it. Students then opened their Gmail accounts. We then practiced sending emails to other students in the room. Students were shown how to access their Contacts List and how to add names to it. We then used We discussed what CC: means (carbon copy), 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 a formal thank you email to a teacher of their choice. 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)

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

October 19, 2016
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.

Finish Business Letter #1: All students had time to finish typing this project today. Adjusting the font, line spacing and text size was also demonstrated. 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: 32.6 WPM Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School.

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

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

October 18, 2016
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)

Finish Introduction to Computer Class Presentation: We finished the presentation from last class by discussing online safety and ways to avoid identity theft. (ISTE 2016 Standards: 1d, 2a, 2b, 2d, 5b)

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. 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: As a follow-up to the presentation about identity theft we watched this short CBS News video about the growth of identity theft among children. (PA BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M )

October 14, 2016
91 minutes

Introduction to Basic Computer Skills Class: Basic rules and classroom procedures were explained. Students were specifically reminded that because technology is constantly changing they should get into the habit of helping each other out and demonstrating the ability to learn new computer skills through experimentation. All students reported that they had helped an adult with computer skills. They were reminded that they also need to get used to helping each other with technology. (PA-BCIT Standard 15.2.5.L, 15.3.8.C, 15.3.8.D, 15.3.5.M, 15.8.5.C)

Log On & Explore: All students were given time to explore the start menu and the various programs available to them at 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:

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)

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)

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)
(ISTE 2016 Standards: 1d, 2a, 2b, 2d, 5b)

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)

2011-2012

Computer Class

Links

2016-17 7-A.2