December 3, 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.

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 did a final peer evaluation activity and then students had one last chance to make any final adjustments to their shows. Navigation buttons, hyperlinks, and sound quality was checked. Students then turned in their completed shows using the CRSD network drives. 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)

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 today with a video from PBS News Hour about the effects of screen time on teenage brains.

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November 25, 2019

76 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 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.  We did a peer evaluation activity and students had some time to finish their shows.  Next class students will turn in their completed shows using the CRSD network.  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 video from CNET about the foldable smart phone called the Royole FlexPai which was on display at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

 
* Class time was shorter today due to the half-day schedule

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November 22, 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 work on their slide shows today. Students finished adding hyperlinks and internal navigation features to their shows. The class did a peer evaluation activity. We also started adding audio narration. Students had just enough time to start the recording today.  Next class we will do a peer evaluation activity and finish the narration.  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)

Technology Current Event Video:  We finished class today with a short video from TechRadar about a new fold able smart phone from Motorola.

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November 20, 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 a similar online learning experience for the 6th graders using PowerPoint. Unfortunately the tutorials weren't working today due to internet connectivity problems.

Formal Interview Practice: Our students practiced formal interviewing techniques today by using Skype to interview with Mrs. Nadezhda Ivanova who teaches English at Krasnoyarsk Secondary School No. 5 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in Siberia.  We asked her several questions to learn about school in Russia.  She told us it was cold there (-7° Celsius) and we had a 12 hour time difference.  Her school has three floors in it and we were surprised to learn that they have over 1,300 students.  Their school day starts at 8:00 like ours but they finish later, at 4:00, but they have a 1 hour lunch break.  We were also surprised to learn that her students wear different uniforms for different grade levels and that many of them like Korean Pop music.  Mrs. Ivanova also told us about a trip to the United States that she won 20 years ago.  She had visited places near us such as New York City, Washington DC and Delaware.  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)

Krasnoyarsk Secondary School No. 5

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. Next class students will be shown how to use the edit points feature to make a unique start button and how to insert a video from a file. We will also do a peer evaluation activity and 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 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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November 18, 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 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.

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November 14, 2019

0 minutes*

* No class today due to a field trip to the Franklin Institute

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November 12, 2019
91 minutes

Mr. McNulty is absent today.

Internet Moment:  All students should go to earthcam.com and explore their world.  Students have 5 minutes to visit live streaming webcams from all around the world.

Word Flyer Project:  Using one of the pre-made templates in MS Word & the school website students will created a flyer for any school activity such as:  Hawk Day, Magazine Drive, Winter Concerts, Any School Dance, Any Athletic Event, The School Play.  Students could watch this tutorial video if they need help getting started.  Follow this link to view the directions.  Finished flyers will be printed out and turned in.

Typing Practice:  Students are always reminded to practice their typing.  If they finished the flyer project early they should go back to one of the online typing games that they found for a previous project and use it to practice.

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.

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.

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November 8, 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.  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) 

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)

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.

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. Students were 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: 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)

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November 6, 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.

Library Database Project:  Students finished the small group project we started in Google Docs last class.  Students 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)

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November 1, 2019 
61 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. We will finish this project next class by adding a table and hyperlinks. Students will also be 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)

Technology Current Event Video:

  We finished class today with a short video from GCFLearnFree.com about how set up a shared Google Doc.

* Class time was shorter today due to the 2 hour delay schedule

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October 30, 2019
104 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)

Finish Business Letter #2:  Students 

opened their Word project in Office 365 and finished the project using Word Online.  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:  During long classes like this one students are always reminded to take breaks and get exercise. For our break today we went to lunch.

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 Nick, second place went to Lanie and Mollie came in first place.

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.   (PA BCIT Standards: 15.3.8.E, 15.4.5.G, 15.3.8.U, 15.4.8.D)

Logo Design 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".

Technology Current Event Video:    

We finished class today with a short video from Vox about the basics of logo design.

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October 28, 2019

94 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.

Finish Business Letter #1:  Students 

opened their Word project in Office 365 and finished the project using Word Online.  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:  28.8 WPM.  We also reviewed the typing speed graph below and discussed what a bell curve is.

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 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.

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 video about a new typing technology called the tap strap.

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. 

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)

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

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.

Setting up Student Passwords: All students were given some suggestions to help them develop good passwords. Some suggested good password practices were: Come up with a collection of passwords to rotate through instead of just one, make a pass phrase instead of a password, mix number, letters and symbols together. Student passwords must fit the following parameters: Upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers and symbols. (PA-BCIT Standard: 15.4.8.F)

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.

Identity Theft:  We discussed some of the reasons kids are easy targets for identity thieves and some of the things students can do to protect their information.  Strong passwords and being careful about what information they share an d who they share it with was stressed.  We also watched a video from Channel 3 CBS News about a ransom-ware attack on a local school district.

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 story from KHON Channel 2 News in Hawaii about identity theft and children.

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.