2017-18 7-C.3

January 26, 2018 - LAST CLASS
44 minutes

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.

January 24, 2018

91 minutes

Internet Moment: We started class today by visiting Virtual Piano and students had some time to explore their musical talent. We also watched a video of someone using the virtual piano to play some Mozart. This was another example of an online learning opportunity.

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

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: Students finished their slideshows for the 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September.
Students had one last chance to make any final adjustments to their shows. Navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and sound quality was checked. Everyone then had some time to make any final changes. Students then turned in their completed shows using the CRSD 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)

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 neck.

Think Before You Post: Students were reminded that many of the images and videos that they share are available online and can be seen by the whole world. It was explained to the class that in 2016 40% of college admissions officers reported using online searches when reviewing applicants and 70% of hiring managers reported researching job candidates online. All students who have posted anything online were reminded to spend some time reviewing their privacy settings and to always "THINK before you POST." (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 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)

January 22, 2018
91 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 work on their slide shows today. We had time to finish adding hyperlinks and finish the internal navigation features. Everyone also had time to add audio narration to their slides. Students were shown how to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button. We also added a quiz at the end of the show. Students then did a peer evaluation activity. 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)

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 shoulder blades.

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a video from the Corning Corporation about some of the potential uses for their glass products in the future. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)

January 18, 2018
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 Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today. We had time to finish adding hyperlinks and adding internal navigation features such as a table of contents. Everyone also had time to add audio narration to their slides. We also inserted a video to the end of everyone's show. 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)

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a video from Engadget about some of the best technology that was on display at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

January 16, 2018
91 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 Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today. We had time to finish adding hyperlinks and finish the internal navigation features. Everyone also had time to add audio narration to their slides. 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 shoulder and then everyone had a chance to get up and move around some.

Formal Video Conference: During class today our students interviewed Ashik, a 10th grade high school student at St. Mary's Public School in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Our students asked him many questions to learn about school in India. He told us about the subject they take in school, such as Social Studies, Maths, English, Hindi and Malayalam (the state language of Kerala). We were surprised to learn that their school year was almost over as they go to school from May to February. He also told us that their school day goes from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Ashik also asked our students questions about their 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 India. (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 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)

January 11, 2018
104 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.

A Day At School PowerPoint Presentation: Students worked on their slideshows for the 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September.
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. We also started adding a script to each slide. Next class we will be adding narration to the slideshows. Students were also shown how to add a slide using drag and drop and how to access and use the slide master. 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 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 9, 2018
30 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)

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. 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.
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: As a followup to today's internet moment about online education we watched a CNN 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 becoming an online instructor, just like Sal Khan. (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

January 5, 2018
0 minutes*

* No class today due to a snow day

January 3, 2018
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 using public domain information to create a profit making website and app. 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 Flyer Project: Everyone had time to finish the MS Word flyer project that we started last class. Finished projects were printed and turned in today.

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 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 thigh.

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 20, 2017
91 minutes

* Mr. McNulty was absent this morning. Students did the following activities.

Internet Moment: All students went to http://geoguessr.com/ and tried the online geography game. It drops you off in a Google Street View picture and students had to guess where they were in the world. Students had 5-10 minutes to see who could 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 watched: "The Creation of the Computer". During the video students answered these online questions.

Word Flyer Project: Using one of the pre-made templates in MS Word and the pictures that are available on our S: drive & school website students will created a flyer for one of the following school activities: Crossroads Day, Magazine Drive, Winter Concerts, Any School Dance, Any Athletic Event, The School Play. Students could watch this tutorial video if they need help getting started.

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

December 18, 2017

104 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. 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)

Using Email: We practiced sending formal emails to teachers today. 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. Everyone had time time to finish this activity in class today. 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)

Google Drive: Students were shown how to access their Google Drive today. We created folders for all their classes and students were reminded that they will have access to their google drive until they graduate from high school. Students were also reminded that they can access their Google Drive from anywhere in the world where they have internet access. Everyone had time to make some folders and organize their Google Drive.

Internet Treasure Hunt: Students collaborated with a partner to find the answers to six questions online. The answers were shared using a shared Google Doc. Students were then shown how to make their own copies of the shared Google Doc and then finish by editing the hyperlinks on their own. Students then displayed their finished projects 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)

Email Etiquette 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)

December 14, 2017
24 minutes*

Online Game: Our class played an online logo quiz game from Kahoot. After 20 questions third place went to Jess, second place went to Tanner and first place went to Abby. This activity gave all our students an chance to get familiar with playing online educational games like Kahoot. We were also able to demonstrate using Google Hangout as a video conferencing tool.

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. After the logo game we discussed what a logo was and what visual communication is all about. Students also had a chance to share their completed logos with their classmates. Click here to view the project description. Click here to view the logos we created. (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 2 minute speed art video from Tozfu, a graphic designer in the U.K., showing multiple logo designs featuring the letter "S".

* Class time was shorter today due to the 2 hour delay schedule

December 12, 2017

91 minutes

Internet Moment: In continuing with the theme of protecting yourself online students were shown the website OnGuardOnline 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. 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. (CRETS: 2a, 2d, 3b)

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.

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.

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)

Group Video Conference: Our class was able to join in the 2017 Deidelympics using Skype. To celebrate the first day of Hanukkah students in Ireland, Israel, the U.S. and South Africa competed in an international game of dreidel. We were only able to watch the last 10 minutes of the competition. Even though we cheered on our American team they didn't win. Ireland won the gold medal, Israel the silver and South Africa the bronze. This was an example of using free video conferencing technology to communicate with students around the world. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.K, 15.3.8.M, 15.3.8.S)

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 today. 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 from DNewsChannel about teaching cursive writing and typing in schools.

December 8, 2017
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 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)

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.

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)

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. We saved it using our network drives and students were shown how to organize their drives by making folders. Click here to enlarge the project description. (CRETS: 2a, 2d, 2e, 6a) (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.A, 15.3.8.B) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1c, 5a, 5c, 6b)

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: 33.6 WPM Click here for more information about typing speeds at Newtown Middle School. (CRETS: 2e)

Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a video about a new typing technology called the tap strap.

December 6, 2017
94 minutes

Introduction to the 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. We also discussed the importance of not being distracted by online games, social media and other online distractions while at school and when they need to get something done at home.

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: Upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers and symbols. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.F)

Gmail Accounts: Students were shown how to access their CRSD Google Gmail today. Students were reminded that they will have access to their google accounts and school gmail until they graduate from high school. Students were also reminded that they can access their Google email from anywhere in the world where they have internet access. Everyone had time to experiment with sending and receiving emails. Students were also reminded to not use their school email for anything inappropriate.

Profile Pictures: Students opened up their school Google Accounts and we talked about how their profile picture works and that it is public. They were then shown Cartoonify.de and students had time to make a custom profile picture. We discussed the difference between your professional and personal image and what online "personal branding" was all about. Students were reminded of the importance of learning to manage what they looked like online. Students then shared their images using network drives. Sharing files by using drag & drop and the district Swap Drive was demonstrated. The best use of the H: & X: drives was also explained. Everyone then had an opportunity to set their school profile picture.

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 spent some time reviewing everyone's answers and discussing some recent developments in technology such as: smart phones, wifi, data plans, tablets, chrome books, smart TV's. Next class we will be using the content of this survey to review basic computer information that all students should be familiar with.

Technology 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

2017-18 7-C.3