2018-19 7-C.5

May 3, 2019 - LAST CLASS
44 minutes

http://freerice.com?icn=banner&ici=fr_spread_the_word
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.

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. 

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.


Technology Current Event Video:  In the following video Keller Rinaudo demonstrated a robot designed from an iphone.











April 29, 2019
91 minutes*

smarty pins
Internet Moment:  We started class today with a geography game called Smarty Pins.  The game asked you a questions about a specific place in the world and you have to move around the map, find the location and drop a pin on it.  The closer you get to the location the more points you get.  Everyone had about 5 minutes to try the game out.


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)

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.

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Excel2.JPG
Excel Pie Chart Project:   Students created a data table of the different elementary schools we all went to and the number of students that attended each school. We practiced adding columns of numbers and sorting data. Then each student created a pie chart of the data and formatted it for printing in black and white. Click here to enlarge the project description.(PA-BCIT Standards: 15.1.8.E, 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.D)(ISTE Standards: 1c, 3c, 3d, 4c, 6a, 6b)

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.


* Class time was shorter today due to the PSSA testing schedule









April 25, 2019
30 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)

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)

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.  


* Class time was shorter today due to the PSSA testing schedule











April 23, 2019
58 minutes*

https://www.crsd.org/Page/53032
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)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School Power Point Shows:
  Everyone had time to finish their slide shows today. Students were reminded to check the internal navigation features in their shows and then set-up their shows in kiosk format. We did a final peer evaluation activity. Students then turned in their completed shows using a 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) (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.  


* Class time was shorter today due to the PSSA testing schedule










April 12, 2019
104 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 web pages 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.


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. Everyone had some time to finish their  audio narration.  Navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and sound quality was checked.  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)

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, move around and see each other's projects.

International Kahoot Game:
 We played a Kahoot game with Mrs. Gershman's computer class at Newtown Middle School and with Mrs. Bovino's Computer class here at HMS.    Ms. Wood's 6th graders from Signal Mountain Middle/High School near Chattanooga, Tennessee also joined us.   The topic for today's game was flags of the world.  In our game Grace at HMS came in third place, Vlad & Lucas at HMS came in second and Ben at HMS was the winner. We used a Google Hangout to share the game with other students and classes around the world.


Kahoot Game 7C5

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)










April 10, 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)

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School Power Point Shows:  Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today. Students finished adding hyperlinks and internal navigation features to their shows.   We also finished adding a quiz to our shows.  Next class everyone will have time to add audio narration to their slides.  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 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)










April 8, 2019
91 minutes

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
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.

Meeting students in Vietnam
Meeting Students in Vietnam:
  Our class had an opportunity to meet Ms. Tran and her English language class at Le Quy Don Secondary School, Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province, Viet Nam.  This was our first meeting with her and her students so we just waved and said hello.  Students in her class and our class were also familiar with the same online video game and they shared some dance moves.  We hope to meet this class again sometime even though there is an 11 hour time difference between our schools.  You can learn more about Ms. Tran and her students on Facebook.  (ISTE Standards: 2b, 2c)

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

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. Students were also shown how to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button.  We then inserted a video from a file. We also did a peer evaluation activity.  Everyone will have time to add audio narration to their slides 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 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)












April 4, 2019

104 minutes

https://www.khanacademy.org/
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) 

Minner Interview
Formal Interview Practice: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques today by using Skype to interview Mrs. Minner and her daughter from Realschule Sundern in Germany.  They told us that it was cold there (6° Celcius) and 6 hours later. Their school day starts at 8:00 in the morning and usually ends by 2:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon depending on what classes a student takes. We also asked about favorite foods and things to do outside of school. They told us about German Handball which they said is very similar to soccer but you use your hands. They also asked us about our favorite soccer teams and movies. Mrs. Minner also told us that she teaches Geography and Religion at the middle school. 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)


http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/DayAtSchoolPPT1.JPG
Day at School Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today.  Students started adding hyperlinks and internal navigation features to their shows. Unfortunately we didn't have time to start the audio narration.  Next class we will finish the narration and add a quiz question and video to the end of our shows.  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.  For our break today students had an opportunity to get up, move around and see each other's projects.

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)










April 2, 2019 
94 minutes

http://www.weather.govInternet 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:




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. 

PowerPoint Project
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. 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 today with a short video about some of the largest TV's that were on display at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  In the video Samsungs Micro LED "wall" was demonstrated.











March 29, 2019
91 minutes

Planefinder.net
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.

http://www.todayincomputerclass.com/7th/Gettysburg.JPG
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)

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.

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 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)











March 27, 2019
104 minutes

Internet Moment: Today we explored some of the features in Google Maps. Students were shown how to find our school and view satellite and aerial photos of their neighborhoods. Students found directions by car, bike and walking from school to their house. We also used the street views and how the Google Maps cars work was explained. We then went to Munich, Germany and used the street view feature to explore the city. It was explained to students that in Germany people can ask to have their residences removed from Google Maps. We also traveled to Tokyo, Japan and students were shown how to check live traffic data. We also discussed how Google Maps collects traffic data using personal cell phones. Students then had some time to explore the world on their own.  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)

https://kahoot.it/
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.  The concept of gamification in education was also discussed. In our game David came in third place, Swara came in second and first place went to Diana. 

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)

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.

Logo Design Video:  We finished this activity with a 2 minute speed art video from Tozfu, a graphic designer in the U.K., showing multiple logo designs featuring the letter "S".

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.  


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)












March 25, 2019
44 minutes

https://www.onguardonline.gov/
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)

Technology Current Event Video:  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.









March 21, 2019
91 minutes

Class Blog:  
 Students were shown TodayInComputerClass.com and told that they can check here anytime to review what work was done in class. We also discussed what a web log or blog was, how blogs developed into microblogs like Twitter and now mobile phone based apps like Instagram. This website is the blog or web log for our class. Students were also told that their parents will be sent an email with a link to this website so they can also review what we are doing in computer class each day.

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.

Profile Pictures

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.
https://crsd4-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jmcnulty_crsd_org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?guestaccesstoken=D48bfZc9rBpsoW0b2rFaAwmxfOLAw%2fanausEglhHvRw%3d&docid=0253d2fd0a106497e86c2680a76982f42&action=view

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)

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.

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)










March 19, 2019
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)

Survey
Computer Class Survey:
 All students take a computer class survey. The results of this survey are used to guide the instruction for the class. You can view the survey to the right. Click to enlarge. We then used the survey as the outline for the following presentation. 

Introduction to Computer Class Presentation:
  This presentation was a follow up to the survey and covered basic computer concepts everyone should be familiar with such as:

  • 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
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/positions.htmlAssigned 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)

http://todayincomputerclass.com/7th/BusinessLtr1.JPG
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)

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.

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:  28.4 WPM.  We also reviewed the typing speed graph below and discussed what a bell curve is.

HMS Typing Speeds

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











March 15, 2019
44 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.

https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=mail&passive=true&rm=false&continue=https://mail.google.com/mail/&ss=1&scc=1&ltmpl=default&ltmplcache=2&emr=1&osid=1#identifier
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. 

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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