June 18, 2019 - LAST CLASS
104 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.

Formal Interview Practice: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques today by using Skype to interview with Helena from Realschule Sundern in Germany. We asked about the weather and time of day. It was 6:00 in the evening there and she told us that her school year didn't end until the middle of July. Her school day starts at 8:00 in the morning and usually ends by 1:30 in the afternoon but sometimes it ends at 4:00. We also asked about the things students in Germany like to do outside of school.  She told us that volleyball, handball and soccer are popular sports with students in Germany. She also told us that students at her school like to play games online. She asked us that her favorite movie was Star Wars. Helena also asked our students about their favorite soccer teams and what they like to do for their Summer holidays.  Before the interview we prepared our questions in advance as a class. After the interview we discussed what we could do 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:  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.

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. 

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.  

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June 14, 2019
94 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 problems and it took a while to get everyone onto the internet today.

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 then added navigation buttons and hyperlinks.  Everyone participated in a final peer evaluation activity. We also added a quiz to the end of the show and everyone had time to make any final adjustments.  Students then turned in their completed shows using the CRSD network drive.  Click here to enlarge the project description.(PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S)

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.

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June 12, 2019
91 minutes

Internet Moment: Today we explored Sketchup Online 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)

Formal Video Chat:  We practiced video conferencing today by interviewing Ms. Huong Nguyen's English language students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam today.  It was 8:30 in the evening there and we were surprised to learn that they were in an after school English language program.  They told us it was hot Summer weather there.  We asked about their school year and they told us that it begins in September just like ours.  Ms. Huong's students also told us that for fun they like to play soccer.   Our students said that they like to play ice hockey, soccer and video games.  The students in Vietnam also asked our students about our school.  The students in Vietnam also asked us to sing a song for them and after some trepidation one of our students volunteered to lead everyone in a song.  We sang the A,B,C, Alphabet song with them.  Before the interview we prepared our questions in advance as a class.  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, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.B) (ISTE Standards: 2b, 2c)

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.  Navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and sound quality was checked.  Students were also shown how to insert a video into their slide shows.  We also started adding a quiz at the end of the shows.  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:  We finished class today with a short video from RBB Public Relations that features 3 tips for successfully participating in a Skype interview.  We ran out of time for this video last class.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.2.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.M)

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June 10, 2019
104 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 then set-up their shows in kiosk format.  We also did a peer evaluation activity and everyone had an opportunity to review someone else's work.  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 short video from the economic education team at the Philadelphia FED about the importance of learning personal finance.  

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June 6, 2019

44 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)

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June 4, 2017
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)

International Online Game: Our class played an online logo quiz game today.  Today's game topic was holidays around the world and we were joined by Ms. Xynta's English language class in Skydra, Greece and Mrs. Gershman's 7th grade Computer Class at Newtown Middle School.  In our game Cayden from Holland Middle School came in third place, Anthony from HMS came in second and first place went to Anna at Newtown Middle School.  Below are some pictures of the other classes and students we played with.

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:  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.

Day at School PowerPoint Shows: We continued to add additional features to make this the "greatest PowerPoint" our students have ever made. Students were shown how to turn images and words into hyperlinks to the internet throughout their shows and how to make a table of contents slide.  Everyone also had time to add notes to each slide in preparation of adding voice narration using the record audio option in PowerPoint.  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 the PBS show "Constitution USA" in which Peter Sagal interviews a private investigator about about privacy rights.

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May 31, 2019
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 continued to work on the 6-9 slide show for 6th graders who will be transitioning to our school next September. Students were reminded to only use license free and public domain images from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. Students were also 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)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short speed art video that demonstrates using PowerPoint to make art.

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May 29, 2019
44 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) 

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 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 2016 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: We watched a CNN video about Salman Khan and his creation, Khan Academy.  (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.6.8.M, 15.4.8.A, 15.8.8.K)

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May 24, 2019
91 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.

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a TED Presentation by Vijay Kumar of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  In the video he explains the potential for autonomous flying robots.  (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.A)

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May 21, 2019 
96 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)

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.  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.   

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)

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. For our break today we did a gallery walk activity.

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 short video about sharing and collaborating on a Google Doc.

* Class time was shorter today due to 8th grade Keystone testing

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May 17, 2019
44 minutes

Holland Middle School

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)

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.

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from Google showing the various Google Street View cars that have been used since the project started in 2007.

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May 15, 2019

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)

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)

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.

Online Game: 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.In our game Natalie came in third place, Max came in second and first place went to Chase. 

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".

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)

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.

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)

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 sitting in front of computers.  For our break today students had an opportunity to get up and move around.

Introduction to Computer Class Presentation:  This presentation was a follow up to the survey we did several classes ago and it covers some  basic computer concepts everyone should be familiar with such as:

• The origins of personal computers
• Apple vs. PC formats
• Personal computers Vs. Mobile devices
• Various operating systems:  iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome
• Identity Theft and Internet Safety

Formal Email Practice: 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)

Email Etiquette For Students Video:  We finished this activity with a short video about how to email a teacher.  (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, 15.4.8.G)

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)