March 6, 2017 - 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 our class today with a short news video from Fox 5 in Atlanta about jobs that robots may be taking over in the future.  In the video Shelly Palmer discussed several traditionally white collar jobs that robots might be able to do in the near future. March 2, 2017 91 minutes Internet Moment:  Students were shown GeoGuessr.com today and we spent about 5 minutes playing the game at the beginning class today.  The highest score in our class today was Nick A. with 9,300 points.  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 forearm.  Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today by watching part of a TED presentation by Juan Enriquez about some of the mind-boggling developments in biology and robotics and how they may be combined in the future.  We did not finish the video today. Students where also reminded that this presentation was given when they were in kindergarten and that there have been several advances since then. February 28, 2017 104 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 5-6 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". Everyone had enough time to finish and practice their presentations in class today. 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)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 thigh. Online Collaboration Example: We finished class today with an example of an online collaboration project.  Mr. McNulty shared the 12-12-12 Project which was developed by Stefan Nielsen, a teacher at Vonsild Skole in Denmark.  This project was created by 35 educators from around the world using a shared Google Slide Show. Student Presentations: Students had about 10 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.  We were very fortunate to have a visitor to our class during the presentations.  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. Unfortunately we were only able to get the first two presentations done today.  (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)     Technology Current Event Video: As a follow-up to our PowerPoint presentation activities we watched part of Don McMillan's famous presentation: Life after Death by PowerPoint. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.3.8.D) February 24, 2017 44 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)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 5-6 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. As an example of this we watched the 12-12-12 Slide Show that was created by 3rd grade students in  Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a promotional video from Google about collaborating online using Docs, Sheets and Slides. February 22, 2017 91 minutes Online Survey:  Our students participated in an online survey about gender and jobs. The survey was created by students at Lakeside Middle School in the U.S., Özel Ataşehir AK Ortaokulu in Turkey and St. Claire, Canada as part of a Global Classroom Project.   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 ankles. 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) Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video about the Google Self Driving Car prototype.  Currently the Google self-driving car project is now known as Waymo.  You can read about the progress of the project here.  February 16, 2017 91 minutes   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.World Read Aloud Day:  Our students read aloud to the students in Mrs. Smith's 4th Grade class at Glenbrook Elementary School in Streamwood, Illinois.  We read the book: "The Boy and the Ghost" by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney. Unfortunately we were unable to get through the entire book today.  This activity gave us an opportunity to experience formal video conferencing and it was our celebration of World Read Aloud Day.  Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video about how the internet works by AaronTitus of SecurityCatalyst.com.    February 14, 2017 94 minutes  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. Technology Current Event Video:  At the end of class today all students watched this TED presentation by Keller Rinaudo about mini robots powered by smart phones.  February 10, 2017 61 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) 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) * Class time was shorter today due to the 2 Hour Delay Schedule February 8, 2017 104 minutes 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.  We also discussed how Google Maps collects traffic data using personal cell phones.  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)  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. We also discussed the origins of PowerPoint and the importance if using good images and graphics in your slide shows. 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.  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. During class we also practiced accessing and using the Slide Master feature and adding notes to each slide in preparation of adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint next class. 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 The Verge about the development of Google Cardboard for virtual reality in education.  Each student was able to try a Google Cardboard viewer in class. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A) February 6, 2017 44 minutes   Finish Final Word Project: All students had time to finish the Gettysburg Address project that we started last class. Everyone had time to print and turn in a final draft of their project. 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 video about some drone technology that was on display at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show.  February 2, 2017 91 minutes Groundhog Day:  We started class today by checking out the festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania this morning.  Six more weeks of Winter. Internet Moment: In continuing with the theme of protecting yourself online students were shown the website OnGuardOnline.gov from the Federal Trade Commission. Students were shown the current Scam Alerts list and reminded that this website was a reliable resource for identifying scams. Students also had an opportunity to try some of the games in the Video & Media section.  Students were encouraged to go back to this site and explore it on their own.  As Seen Online Slide Show:  Students used a shared Google Slide show and different search engines to create a show that consisted of all the pictures of Newtown Middle School students that we could find online.  We then reviewed the slide show and discussed some of the positive and negative effects of a digital footprint.  Students were reminded to search for themselves from time to time and to think more carefully before posting and sharing pictures online.  We also discussed some techniques for controlling your online image and some strategies for repairing any damage to your online reputation.  (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) As Seen Online 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 that have happened 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) 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.   Video Conference: Our students had an opportunity to video chat with Mrs. Zablatnik's Senior class at HLW in St. Veit, Austria. She told us about Austria and some famous Austrians. We learned about famous Austrians such as Mozart and the former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her students told us about their school which specializes in preparing students for the hotel and hospitality industry. Our students had a chance to tell them about Groundhog Day here in Pennsylvania.  We also shared our "As Seen Online" slide show with the Austrian students and they did find some of the pictures to be funny.  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)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). January 31, 2017 104 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)  Email Etiquette:  We finished the email activity 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) 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.  Word Logo Project: To get more familiar with the drawing and graphics tools in Word students were asked to design 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 had a chance to share their completed logos with their classmates. Click here to view the project description.  (CRETS: 1c, 1d, 1e, 2c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 6a, 6b. 6c, 6d) (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 by  watching a short video from Vox about logo design.  January 27, 2017 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.  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 from DNewsChannel about teaching cursive writing and typing in schools. January 25, 2017 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 asked to search Google News for themselves and people they know.  (CRETS:  1a, 2a, 3a, 3b, 3d, 7d) (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.G, 15.6.5.L) (ISTE Standards: 3b, 3c, 4c, 5c, 5b, 6a)   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.  (CRETS: 2b) (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.5.D, 15.4.2.B, 15.4.8.F) (ISTE Standards: 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6c) 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:  30.2 WPM Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School.  (CRETS:  2e)    Technology Current Event Video: As a follow-up to the presentation about identity theft and the business letter project we watched this short CBS News video about the growth of identity theft among children. (PA BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M) January 23, 2017 104 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, Cortana and the various programs available to them at school.    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 conducted a probability experiment about matching birthdays that you can read about here. Everyone was asked to get up and find the other person in the room who shares their birthday to see if there was a match.  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:
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