December 7, 2018 - LAST CLASS
91 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. We also checked out some famous but fake websites like All About Explorers and Dog Island. All students were reminded to be skeptical about what they see online.
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 Holland 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)
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 as well as a free app called Graded.us which can also be used to check your grades on a smart phone.
Make-up Time & Checking Grades:Â 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.Â
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)
December 5, 2018110 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.  Sketchup is a free online app that students can use 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)
Excel Multiplication Table Project:  We made a multiplication table in Excel using relative and absolute formulas. After an introduction to columns, rows and cells we started making a multiplication table. Students were also shown how to create addition formulas and to copy & paste formulas across cells in a sheet. We completed this project today and students did a gallery walk to view each other's work. Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.1.8.E) (ISTE Standards: 1c, 3c, 3d, 4c, 6a, 6b)
Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short video from SafeInternetBanking.be about an amazing mind reader and how he knows so much about his clients.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.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)
December 3, 2018
44 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. Students were also shown how to explore the other planets and moons in our solar system. (PA-BCIT: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1c, 1d, 2c, 3b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b)
Technology Current Event Video: Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
November 30, 2018
110 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. We also did an initial peer evaluation activity. Everyone also had time to add audio narration to their slides. We also worked on adding a quiz to the shows.  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 PBS News Hour about the privacy right controversy that's created when schools and universities collect information about their students found on social media accounts. Â
November 30, 201891 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 add internal navigation features such as a table of contents and action buttons.  Students were also shown how to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button.  Everyone then had time to start add audio narration to their slides. Next class we will be adding a quiz at the end of the show.  We will also inserted a video from a file.  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)
November 27, 2018110 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. Students were also reminded that as they create their slide shows for the 6th graders they are going to be using the internet to instruct the 6th graders, just like the professors at M.I.T. do.  (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 Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today. Students were also shown how to add hyperlinks to the internet Everyone also had time to add a script to their slides so we can add audio narration next class. Next class we will also be adding a video to the shows and various navigation features such as action buttons and a table of contents.  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)Formal Video Conference: Our students had a brief Skype meeting with Mr. Anantha Subramony who is the CEO of Grand College in  Kottayam, Kerala, India. Our students introduced themselves and told him several questions to learn about school in India. He told us about his college and some general facts about elementary and high school in India. We were surprised to learn that his school year started in June and ran until March. He also told us that where he is Android technology was more popular than Apple products. Our students told him about the PowerPoint project that they were working on.  (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)
November 20, 2018
0 minutes*
*Class was cancelled today due to the half day schedule and the HMS Pep Rally
November 16, 2018
0 minutes*
*Class was cancelled today due to a snow day cancellation
November 14, 2018
0 minutes*
*Class was cancelled today due to the Girls Unlimited program
November 12, 201844 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 access and use the Slide Master and how to drag and drop slides from one show to another.  We also started adding a script to each slide. Next class we will be adding narration to the slideshows.  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)
November 8, 2018
91 minutes
Internet Moment:  As a follow-up to the technology current event video last class everyone had a chance to explore khanacademy.org and look for video lessons that relate to what they are currently learning in 7th grade.  Students were reminded that by making their PowerPoint show about Holland 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.Â
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 Holland Middle School. These shows are made for 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September. Students were shown how to access the background templates in MS PowerPoint 2013 and how to find additional backgrounds on the internet. Students were also shown how to find license free and public domain images from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. We also started adding a script to each slide. Next class we will be adding narration to the slideshows.  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:  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.
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)
November 2, 2018
110 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 Email Project: All students had time to finish and send the thank you emails that we had started last class. We then reviewed the emails as a 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)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.
Library Database Project: Students worked in small group to create a shared Google Doc with the username and password information for 9 Library Databases that our students have access to. To do this project students had to access their CRSD Google Accounts, create and share a Google Doc and then search online for the URL's for the various databases. Students then made their own copies of the shared documents and completed their project by arranging it using a table.  Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from Microsoft about some of the possible uses for technology in the future.
October 31, 2018Â
44 minutes
We also discussed some of the advances that have taken place in the last 65 years: 
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 will have time to finish this activity in class next time. 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)
October 29, 201891 minutes
Internet Moment: Our class played an online logo quiz game to start class today.  Many teachers at the middle school and high school use online games such as Kahoot, Quizlet and Quizizz for review activities and all of our students should be familiar with how to play them. Students were reminded that these games can also be played on smart phones and they can even be assigned as homework. The concept of gamification in education was also discussed. In our game Kaelin came in third place, Mary Grace came in second and first place went to Jacob. We were very fortunate to be joined by several teachers from around the world for our game today.  Mr. Sherman from Living Maths in Capetown, South Africa, Mr. Karnoscak (a  5th Grade teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook, IL) and Mr. Panakal from the Women of Wiki Project in Kerala, India played the game with us.
October 25, 2018110 minutesInternet 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)
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:  26.4 WPM  (CRETS:  2e)Â
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.
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)
October 23, 201844 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.
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.
Technology Current Event Video:Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video.
October 19, 201891 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)
 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)
Video Conference Practice:  To celebrate our first class we connected with a group of future volunteer educators in Kerala, India to learn about the holiday they were celebrating today. We met with volunteer educators who will be helping others learn English through Skype. For almost everyone involved (including our students) this was their first international Skype session. The project was organized by Mr. Panakal who leads the Women of Wiki group which seeks to use video conferencing to teach English language skills and international connections. In India they were celebrating the Hindi Holiday of Vijaydashami which commemorates the victory of good over evil. In Southern India the holiday is often dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge. We were all celebrating the beginning of new knowledge with this being the first international video conference for many of the participants and our first Computer Class here at Holland Middle 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 how Vijaydashami is celebrated 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)
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.
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. 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. 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)
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) |
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Internet Moment:
