So Proud!

So some of you have been brilliantly posting your email addy/blog url on the posterous.  Genius.  I'm so impressed with what I have heard about your efforts in class.  The TOCs have been telling me great things and I'm so proud :) 
Just a heads up...there is NO homework over the break, other than posting and responding on your blogs if you can.  Don't stress about Scratch.  We will work on it when we get back.  If you have finished your Holiday Card, which I hope you have, feel free to send it to friends and family to show them what you can do!  Have a great holiday - relax, enjoy your time off, and be safe! If you have any questions or concerns about school stuff feel free to email me any time.  I'll be checking both emails regularly.  Miss school like crazy...see you soon.

Missing school!

I've been sitting at home for over a week now, wishing I was at school with you guys! I'm slowly getting better but it doesn't look like I'll be back before Christmas :( I hope things are going well, and that scratch isn't causing too many headaches! Mr. Newton is a pro so if there are any problems just knock on his door (103 or staff room during p.2) and I'm sure he can help! Your game is not due until the middle of January so please don't rush, and try to have fun with it. I miss you guys and I hope to see you soon. I'm working without a computer so it's a bit difficult to stay up to date with the blog stuff but p2 please send me your gmail if you haven't already. I will try to update the invite/reader list this weekend. Don't forget to add to your own blog...I encourage you to look up other blogs or web-documents on your topic and write about them. Add you own opinions and write about new learnings. I will send a lesson plan for this on Monday, which will have more detail an structure. I hope you are all doing well. Feel free to email me anytime! As you can imagine I'm quite bored and have been checking regularly :)

Update

I feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends, family, coworkers and STUDENTS!  Thank you for the well wishes and kind emails everyone.  You truly are great people and I miss you all so much!

I have been sending lessons to my TOC via email, but often times some of the info gets lost in translation, or the TOC is unsure of how to do some of the things.  I am going to try to come in on Thursday to make sure period 2 is set up properly on the blog, but at the moment it will just be way too confusing to attempt to organize from home.  For now, post what you would like, and try to ask thoughtful questions as you go.

Period 2, If you know anyone from Period 4, ask them to show you the settings they used on their blog.  I have posted a list of email address to include in the "people who can contribute" setting and that way we can all view and comment on each others' blogs.  The way we did it before does not work.  I believe Christy (p4) is teaming up with someone from period 2?...maybe you guys can collaborate and show period 2 how to do it?  I have posted (in firstclass drop box) how to do it as well as a short list of email addresses that I have.  Please remember to send to my gmail when you have a chance (if you are not on that list).

For the next couple of days, you will work on your Holiday card.  Please use all three programs effectively (flash, pub., psd.) and show off!  I will start scratch on Thursday, assuming I am well enough to come in.    Most importantly, DO NOT STRESS!  I do not expect you to do anything that you do not know how to do (if you are having trouble with blog, don't worry we will work it out later this week).  I will hopefully see you on Thursday.  Thanks again for being so wonderful :)

A Plan for Friday

IT9/10 Plan for Friday -
1a. Make sure I have your Flash assignment! 1b. Make sure you have posted your first paragraph to your blog. 1c. Make sure you have all invited and accepted join requests from everyone in the class (see firstclass for emails)
2. Create a new post that answers the following questions in detail:
- Why does my blog matter? 
- Create a question addressing your topic/part of your topic that can be answered in detail by your peers.  This should be a thought-provoking, interesting, creative question that will force people to formulate and argue an opinion.  For example: Why School?  or, Is technology in classrooms facilitating a richer learning experience for all, or distracting students from learning?
3. Respond to at least 3 other blog posts in detail.
4. After break we will have our Tech Reporter presentations.  After, finish working on your blog.  We start Scratch tomorrow :)

Blogger Assignment

Our blogger assignment is a way for you to share your passions!  Please make sure that you choose a topic that interests you - one that you can formulate questions and discussion around.  Be sure to add opinions and blogs AT LEAST once a week!  Also, comment on at least 2-3 others when you can (at least once a week).  Appropriate behaviour is expected.  Be respectful, thoughtful, and involved! (Remember - your peers, your teachers, and even your parents can potentially see this blog).

Please comment by telling me your passion (your blog topic) and your name if it is not obvious
eg. Ms. Pelat - IT9/10 blog

ENJOY!

Welcome :)

I am very excited to start my class blog with my wonderful students!  This blog will not only allow you to stay updated on class information, but you can also use this space to connect with me and other classmates outside of the classroom.  Feel free to engage in discussion, ask questions, and share opinions!