June 18, 2019 - 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.
Online Game: Our class played an online quiz game about Asian geography. 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. We were joined today by Mrs. Gershman's Computer Class at Newtown Middle School and we played two games. Holland Middle School won the first game about App Icons and Newtown Middle School won the second game about Famous People in History.
Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. Breaks should be taken every 30-40 minutes. Â
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
June 14, 2019
104 minutes
Internet Moment: All students went to 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 10 minutes to see who could get the highest score possible. Unfortunately we were having some network problens and it took a while to get everyone onto the internet today.
Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from Wired about the various robot projects that Boston Dynamics is currently working on.
June 12, 2019
44 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 finish their slide shows today. Students were reminded to finish the internal navigation features in their shows and the audio narration that we started last class. Next class we will do a peer evaluation activity and everyone will have an opportunity to review someone else's work. 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)
June 10, 201991 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)
Mystery Skype Game: We played a game with Huong Nguyen's English language students in Vietnam today. Both classes picked an animal and the students in the other class had to guess the animal by only asking yes & no questions. In the game we played Ms. Nguyen's students guessed our animal, a sea turtle. Our students had some trouble guessing their animal and eventually they told us that it was a honey bee. Below are some pictures of the video chat.
Day at School PowerPoint Shows:  Students finished their slideshows for the 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September. Everyone had some time to finish their  audio narration. We also started adding navigation buttons and hyperlinks to the slide shows. We did a peer evaluation activity so everyone could have a change to watch someone elses show. Students will turn in their completed shows using the CRSD 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)
Technology Current Event Video:Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
June 6, 2019
104 minutes
Formal Interview Practice: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques today by using Skype to interview Mr. Abdallah Wahbi from Secteur Scolaire Almassira Alkhadra in Tamaloukt, Tiznit, Morocco. He told us that the time there was 16:00 and that it was hot. He teaches French and his students range in age from 7 to 12 years old. We were surprised to learn that there were only 36 students in his school and that their school day was from 8 in the morning to noon. He said that he was in a very rural area in southern Morocco. Mr. Wahbi taught us the Arabic phrase for "how are you?" and "excellent" as a response. He also shared with us the logo of his school which you can see to the right. His students are asking for other students from all around the world to share a short video or picture that includes their school logo and he asked us if we'd like to participate. He showed us video clips that had been sent in from students in Thailand, Spain and Vietnam.  Before the interview we prepared our questions in advance as a class. Next class we will 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, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.B) (ISTE Standards: 2b, 2c)
Break:Â Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. For our break today students had an opportunity to get up, move around and see each other's projects.
Day at School PowerPoint Shows: Students worked on their slideshows for the 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September. Students finished adding hyperlinks and internal navigation features to their shows. We also inserted a video at the end of our slide shows. Everyone then had time to start working on their audio narration.  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)
June 4, 2017
81 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.
Break:Â Â 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: 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)
* Class time was shorter today due to a scheduled fire drill
May 31, 2019
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.
Finish 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.  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)
Break:Â Â 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.
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 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.  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:Â Â We finished class today with a short speed art video that demonstrates using PowerPoint to make art.
May 29, 2019
104 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. We talked about the origins of Khan Academy and how students can use it as a great resource here and at the high school. 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)Â
May 24, 2019
44 minutes
Internet Moment: Students had a chance to explore Plane Finder which is an online resource that displays the real-time locations of commercial airliners all around the world. This website is an example of using public domain information to create a profit making website and app. We discussed how the information about airplane locations is collected by a government agency, the Federal Aviation Administration and is therefore in the public domain.
Finish the Library Database Project: Students finished the shared Google Doc with the username and password information for 9 Library Databases that our students have access to.  Students then made their own copies of the shared document and completed it by inserting a table, adding images and hyperlinks and adjusting the colors. Â
Technology Current Event Video:Â We finished class today with a review of some of the new roll-able TV from LG that was displayed at the 2019 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
We also discussed some of the advances that have taken place in the last 65 years:
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. Next class we will finish this project by adding a table, hyperlinks and inserting images.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)
Technology Current Event Video:Â We finished class today with a short video about sharing and collaborating on a Google Doc.
* Class time was shorter today due to 8th grade Keystone testing
May 17, 2019104 minutesInternet 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)
Log on and Check Grades: All students were asked to log into the Home Access Center and check their grades.  All students should be able to log in and check their grades routinely. Students were also reminded to check out the eSchoolPLUS Family app that's available from Google Play and the iTunes Store. Any students who had trouble logging into their account had an opportunity to visit the library to reset their passwords.
Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. For our break today students had an opportunity to get up and move around. Online Game:  We played a Kahoot game about familiar app icons.  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 Lauren came in third place, Brianna came in second and first place went to Julia.Â
May 15, 201944 minutes
May 13, 2019
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)
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.
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. 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.
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: 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)
May 9, 2019104 minutes
*Mr. McNulty was absent today. Students did the following activities:
Assign Seats:Â At the beginning of class today all students were assigned a specific seat in the computer classroom.
Internet Moment: All students went to GeoGuessr.com and tried out the online geography game. The game drops you off in a Google Street View picture and students have to guess where they are in the world. Students had about 10 minutes to see who could get the highest score possible.
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)
Break:  Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. For our break today students had an opportunity to get up and move around.
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:  28.5 WPM.  Next class we will review the typing speed graph below and discussed what a bell curve is.
 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.
Video - The Google Boys - The development of the computer technology we have today has involved countless innovators.  Students will follow the journey of this unique American company from it's inception to it's meteoric growth to today.  While watching the video all students will complete these questions online.
May 7, 201944 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. Student Technology Use Survey:  All students in this class participated in the annual Student Technology Use Survey. After everyone had completed the survey we viewed some of the results.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.
Technology Current Event Video:Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
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Internet Moment:
