January 27, 2020 - 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.
Technology Current Event Video:Â Â We finished class today with a video from PBS News Hour about the effects of screen time on teenage brains.
January 23, 202044 minutes
Student Presentations:  Students were shown a presentation about time management, group projects and the business concept of "Man Hours". After the presentation students had about 15 minutes to prepare and practice their slide shows.  During the presentations our students in the audience completed an online survey to give the presenters immediate feedback about their performance. Feedback appeared as bar charts at the bottom of this webpage. In the images below you can see screen shots of the groups as they presented. Notice the difference that high contrast and a large font makes for an online audience. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.B, 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W, 15.3.8.X, 15.4.8.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 4b, 6b, 6d)
 
Technology Current Event Video: Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
January 21, 2020
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)
 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 turned in their completed shows using the CRSD network drive. Students also had a chance to view each other slide 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)
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.
History of Computers Slide Show: Students worked on their final presentation project which is a 6-8 slide show that they will present to the class. Students worked in groups of 5-6 and used the internet for research. In this project students were introduced to online collaboration using a shared Google Slide Show. They were challenged to think about how they could use online collaboration tools like this to work with other students from all over the world in the future. As an example of this we watched the 12-12-12 Slide Show that was created by 3rd grade students in Denmark. Teachers from around the world collaborated on this show simultaneously and asynchronously. Everyone had enough time to work on their presentations in class today. Click here to enlarge the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.3.8.G, 15.3.8.H, 15.3.8.M, 15.4.8.G, 15.4.8.K, 15.4.5.A, 15.4.8.D, 15.4.8.F, 15.3.8.S, 15.3.8.U, 15.3.12.W)(ISTE Standards: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 4b, 6b, 6d)
Technology Current Event Video:Â Â We finished class today with a promotional video from Google about collaborating online using Docs, Sheets and Slides.
Internet Moment: We started class today by visiting Virtual Piano and students had some time to explore their musical talent. We talked about how students can use websites like this and some of the others we explored previously to learn things on their own.
Day at School Power Point Shows:
January 14, 2020
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)
January 10, 202091 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 finished adding hyperlinks and internal navigation features to their shows. Students were also shown how to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button. Our class also started adding audio narration to our shows. Next class we will finish the narration and students will be shown how to insert a video from a file. We will also add a quiz to the end of the slide 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)
Video Conference: During class today we were connected with Mr. Marx's classroom using Skype. He is a Science teacher at the Stadtischen Realschule Sundern (a middle school in Sundern, Germany). It was 5:00 in the evening there and it was parent orientation night for incoming 5th graders. Below you can see one of the groups that we met. International Kahoot Game: Unfortunately, due to a technical difficulty, we were unable to play the Kahoot game with students and parents in Germany but we did play the game as a class. It was a 12 question Kahoot game about "schule/school". The questions were in both German and English. Ian came in third place, Jonny came in second and Matt M came in first place. To the right you can see a sample question from the game.
Technology Current Event Video:Â We finished class today with a short video from LG about their new rollable TV.
January 8, 2020
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 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.
Formal Interviewing Using Skype: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques by Skyping with Mrs. Krebs, an English language teacher in Bahrain. She told us that her students are 9-10 years old and were surprised to learn that they start school at 7:30 and finish at 1:15. They usually have a breakfast break at 9:00 and a short lunch break at noon but most of her students eat a large lunch at home around 3:00. They also have a Summer break between June and August and it's about 8 weeks long. During the school year they also have off for many Christian and Muslim holidays.  Before the interview we talked about the differences between web chatting with friends and participating in a formal video conference. As a group we prepared a list of things to do and not to do in a formal interview. We also prepared our questions in advance so we could learn more about Mrs. Krebs and her school. 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)
Break:Â Â Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. Â Breaks should be taken every 30-40 minutes.
January 6, 2020
94 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.
International Christmas Tree Project:  Ms. Ardaviciene's English language students at Kedainiai Atzalynas Gymnasium in Kedainiai, Lithuania created a Padlet site where they could share pictures of their Christmas trees with other students around the world. Our students had time to check out the site and they could participate in the project on their own if they would like to.  Students who do decide to participate should only use their first names and they should share this activity with their parents first:
Day at School Power Point Shows: Everyone had time to work on their slide shows today. Students were shown how to find license free and public domain images from the internet using advance searches in Bing.com. We also discussed how to cut images out of pictures and remove backgrounds.  Students were shown how to add hyperlinks to their slide shows. Next class we will be adding action buttons to the shows. We started preparing a narration script and everyone will have time to add audio narration to their slides during a future class. Click here to enlarge the project description.(PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.2.5.L, 15.2.5.M, 15.3.5.H, 15.4.8.G, 15.3.8.S) (ISTE Standards: 1a, 2b, 3b, 3c, 4b, 6d)
Break:Â Â Students are always reminded to not spend too much time sitting in front of computers. Â Breaks should be taken every 30-40 minutes.
Technology Current Event Video: We finished class today with a short video from Audio-Technica about doing voice recordings. Students were reminded that getting professional level voice recordings does involve considerable technical knowledge, skill and practice. (ISTE Standards: 6a, 6c)
January 2, 2020
91 minutes
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.
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.  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. 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)
December 19, 2019
104 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.
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 finished this project by adding a table, hyperlinks and inserting images. Students were also shown how to add colors to their table. Click here to view the project description. (PA-BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)
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.
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. Everyone 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)
Technology Current Event Video:Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
We also discussed some of the advances that have taken place in the last 65 years: We talked about what kinds of things we use our smart phones for these days. Students were reminded of the old saying that: To those that much has been given much will be expected.
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)
Technology Current Event Video:Â Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
December 13, 2019
91 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)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 third place went to Johnny, second place went to Matt and Ryan came in first place.
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.
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.
 Unfortunately we ran out of time for a video today.
December 11, 2019104 minutes
 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.
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:  30.2 WPM.  We also reviewed 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.
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 about a new typing technology called the tap strap.
December 9, 2019
44 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)
Exploring Office 365: All students logged into their Microsoft Office 365 accounts and had some time to explore it. We discussed the use of One Drive to store files online and the similarities and differences between Office 365 and Google Drive. Students were also shown how to download the Microsoft Office programs on a device at home for free. This activity also gave us an opportunity to find out who was having problems with their Office 365 accounts.
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. Students were shown how to save this project to their Office 365 OneDrive and we also practiced using Word Online to complete the typing. 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)
Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from CNBC News demonstrating some of the capabilities of the robots that are being developed by Boston Dynamics.
- The origins of personal computers
- Apple vs. PCÂ formats
- Personal computers Vs. Mobile devices
- Various operating systems:Â iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Chrome
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:
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