My Learning in Hum 8

Sometimes I feel a lot of pressure to blog, especially when I am on Twitter and so many interesting educators are creating such thoughtful posts.  It makes me nervous, but after the year I had with my Humanities 8 class I can't wait to share what I learned.

I can still remember the first day.  I am pretty sure I was given the most rowdy, hyper, enthusiastic, crazy group of grade 8s that were in the entire school district.  I even warned TOCs about this when I was away.  I am not sure how this group was chosen, but maybe it had something to do with the fact that I am exactly the same as they are?  Needless to say, if you know me, it was a perfect match.  I had so much fun this year, and I wasn't afraid to try new things.  

I focused a lot on inquiry-based, project-based learning this year.  We worked with essential questions and worked together to develop an understanding of our main theme for the year, which was "What leads to the rise and fall of civilizations?"  At first, the kids had no idea what was going on.  And I think that had a lot to do with the fact that I wasn't totally sure what was going on either.  But slowly we worked through various questions, starting with "What makes us who we are?" and moving through our projects to uncover our unique answers.  

I love working with EQs.  I was asked once how to stop kids from cheating on tests and how I get around kids copying and pasting their work off the internet.  I don't usually come across this problem (not saying it hasn't happened, just not often).  And I realized that it's because I don't ask my kids to regurgitate facts and other people's ideas.  My students analyze opinions and perspectives, and essentially develop their own - that's what I want to know.  I want to know what they think, why they came to that understanding, and how they got there.  I want my kids to know how they learn - Essential Questions and inquiry-based projects allow us to figure this out.

My students challenged me.  I brought in iPads and other technology to engage them more, and found that once I opened the gates, the requests came flooding in.  One QR code scavenger hunt ended up with requests for repeats on almost a weekly basis.  I mean, you use video games to explain ONE idea and you'll never hear the end of it.  My kids tried to justify a different video game for every unit thereafter.  At least they were making connections with...real life?  But it was FUN.  We were able to play while learning.  Some kids even mentioned that while we were building the gingerbread manors, they had no idea that they ended up knowing everything there is to know about the feudal system and they weren't even trying to figure it out.

I was a bit nervous to hear what my kids thought of the year.  We had our ups and downs for sure.  I know I definitely had difficulty with a few units, and so my kids did too.  But we all knew that when we were feeling unsure, we could always go back to our EQs and figure out "WHY are we learning this?"  I was worried to hear what they had learned in their final portfolios.  And yes, as a teacher who is trying to implement more technology, I realize that these should be done online, but I had started the year with paper portfolios, so I finished the year with paper.  Honestly though, it gave the scrapbooks more authenticity I think.  The last week of class they were so engaged in choosing work from their portfolios, cutting it up, gluing things together, writing reflections and drawing connections, I sometimes worry that e-Portfolios won't have that same "Messy Learning" feeling.  And believe me, it was messy.  If you don't like glitter, use blogs. 

This also made me think of "Looping".  A few kids mentioned how the linear course made them feel more comfortable. If we were to loop certain classes (hum8/9) for two years it could benefit those students who find it difficult to present and work collaboratively with other students.  More on Looping and Creating Meaningful Relationships

I couldn't believe the level of thinking that my Hum8 class shared with me in their final projects.  While reading their scrapbooks, I got goosebumps.  They got it.  Every single student got it.  I learned so much from these kids and I hope they walk away from grade 8 with a better understanding of how to be successful in the years to come.

If you are interested in any of the projects I mentioned.  You can find them on the "Projects" page at fhsslearn.blogspot.com 

Blog Project Addition

As part of your blog, you will have 3 additions

Choose topics on the following:

1.   One current event

2.   One point of interest

3.   Your favorite thing to do on the computer

For each:

-         Summarize and describe the topic using reliable sources (this will require research)

-         Be specific with your explanation, examples, and your reasons why you chose to write about each topic.

-         Analyze and ask questions

§  Is this information reliable?

§  What connections can you make with this topic?

§  What connections can you make between these topics and the world/community?

§  Always question what you read.

Blogs are about providing information, analysis, personal opinion and collaboration.  Thus,

-         Throughout your analysis make sure you provide references for any ideas that aren’t yours, as well as references and links to further reading

Due Date: Last day of class – June 18^th (You will be sharing with your classmates as well as discussing it with me)

Plan for Thursday, May 10th

Begin class by going to scratch.mit.edu (if you haven't already downloaded scratch, please do so by clicking on the "download zip file" or ask the person next to you for help).  I want you to take the first 20 minutes to PLAY!  Choose a few games on the website and play them.  Consider the type of game you are playing and perhaps get some ideas for your own game.

Some key things to remember: Your games should be original and creative.  Ms. Pelat is tired of playing pong and maze games, so use your imagination!  You have 6 weeks...take your time.  You may want to make several games or work on one with several levels.  Just don't feel pressured by time because there is lots!!

After about 20 minutes, go to learnscratch.org and check out some of the tutorials.  You may want to begin playing around with some of the controls at this point.  If you are not ready, don't worry, when I come back after break I am going to show you a few things to get you started, including the scripts from several examples to give you an idea of what it may look like.

If you would like to wait for my demo, please work on your blog portfolio and make sure that you have handed in your swf flash file.  You may even want to show Ms. Pipke what you've been working on!

See you after break!

Blogger Project

For your final project you are required to share your learning from InfoTech 9/10 this year.  Using your blogger account, create a post for each project you completed this semester (Publisher, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Group Project, Flash, Scratch, Tech Reporter).  Each post should describe what you learned, some of the challenges you encountered, what you would do differently next time, and the successes you had.  What did you find easy?  What did you find difficult?  Explain your experiences for each, and be prepared to share this learning with me on the the double block day of the semester.  If some of your assignments are difficult to post, you simply have to describe them.  If you have a dropbox account it will make it easier to link some of your assignments.

Can't wait to discuss your progress.

Adobe Flash CS4

Flash is a great program for those of you interested in animation.  The trick is patience and play!  We will begin with an introductory lesson on how to draw and make simple animations in Flash, by creating a moving face.  You are required to have a face with moving eyes, mouth, hair, etc.  This should be completed and I have to see it before you move on to your storyboard.

The Storyboard:
The biggest part of animating is DRAWING.  The purpose of storyboarding is to outline your animation.  This will give you a clear overview of your project as you proceed.  Each section of your storyboard is a snapshot of your animation at about every 5 seconds and should illustrate the main parts of your story.  Remember, there are 29 frames per second.  Please complete the storyboard with as much detail as possible.  You should have characters, a background, and as many moving parts as possible (characters, birds, flowers, trees, clouds etc. - if applicable).  This will also have colour!  - use this process as a plan so make sure all details are accurate.  If you do not have any dialogue, that's ok.  All other parts should be completed on both sides of the storyboard.

Please focus on making your animation as realistic as possible, using the hinging you were taught in class.  Stick figures are ok, but they must move at the joints.  You may use your face animation in this scene if you would like to.

If you are having trouble, please try to play around with the program more...it is the best way to learn!  Otherwise, ask!  Or go to YouTube and search "Adobe Flash CS4 animation tutorials".  There are lots of tutorials out there designed to help you!

Note: The face should be finished by Friday.  The storyboard will be worked on in class and will be handed in on Monday at the end of class.  So, take your time!

Can't wait to see your scenes!

HTML Peer and Self Evaluations

Peer and Self Evaluation – IT9/10 Group Project

Please complete in an email and put in IT drop box before the end of class. (You may complete as a Word document or just copy and paste into a new email).

Work on blog or HTML once finished.

Blog: Look back at what you have completed so far in this class.  Write a paragraph for each that describes your learning (what went well, what didn't, what did you learn, what could you do differently next time?)


Project
Describe your project in a short paragraph
What were some key ideas that you learned about your topic?
What were some of the programs your group used to present your topic?
Overall, as a group how well did you:
Communicate with each other
Communicate with other groups
Communicate with Ms. Pelat
Work together towards a common goal


Peer
List the people in your group.  Using a scale from 1-10 (1 being the lowest amount of involvement; 10 being a great amount) give each person a score based on their involvement and helpfulness during this assignment.


Self
Describe the duties that you performed as an individual.
What would you have liked to do more of with respect to the programs used?
What could you have contributed more of with respect to group involvement?
Overall, on a scale from 1-10, what score would you give yourself for this project (consider involvement, knowledge of topic, ability to use the programs effectively – give a mark out of 10 for each)

Each group member MUST complete this evaluation individually.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask me. 

Group Project Presentations

We are coming to the end of our "saving lives with social media" project, which means is time to start organizing our presentations.  Each group member was responsible for various elements of your website, and thus will present what they have created.  I would like to hear about the process from all of you.  So, what did you make?  Why did you make it?  What impact does it have?  What did you learn during this project (not necessarily just content, but also skills)? And of course, How can we save lives/change the world with social media?

Each presentation will be anywhere from 5-10 minutes total (per group), depending on what you would like to share with the class.  I particularly would love to hear about unique ideas you had or innovative pieces you included in your process.  Please refrain from simply reading your information.  Summarize and explain instead.

After our presentations, we will complete peer and self evaluations, and I will come around to each of you to discuss your contributions and learning.  All three of these assessments will contribute to your final assessment for this project.  See the group presentation criteria and guidelines for more information on what was expected.

During my discussions with each of you, the rest of the class will be working on setting up their final project.  In order to avoid a massive amount of work at the end of the year, you will begin now, before we start Flash and Scratch.  Make sure you have a gmail account set up and we will go through blogger set up together this week.  Final project expectations will be discussed as a class.

Good luck with the final touches of your group project!  If you have any questions or concerns come see me ASAP.

Tech Reporters - Make sure you are on track with your time management!  If you need help, I will have my room open for FLEX Tuesday-Thursday this week (April 3-5).  Everyone welcome.

Group Project

Saving Lives Group Project Outline

Global Issues and InfoTech - Friday, Feb. 24th

Skills Focus: Internet Research, WebDesign, Presentation Design, Meaningful use of IT
Essential Question: Can the internet save lives?

I have found in the past that many of the projects in my InfoTech classes are not very purposeful.  We learn many important skills in design and computer use, with a focus on a number of very useful programs.  Why not use these programs in a meaningful way? 
We have practiced using PowerPoint, Publisher, and Photoshop so far, but I don't want you to simply forget about them now that your projects are completed.  Rather, we are going to demonstrate our abilities one more time, while actually using them to research, create awareness, and help others.

Part 1: (Friday)
Your first task for our Global Issues and Tech assignment is to use the information that I gave you regarding media and the disaster in Somalia ( https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9600&9600.donation=landing&s_src=redppcgafricahunger9600&s_subsrc=helpcareget9600somaliahungergen&cr=tothoseinneed&gclid=CIaB3aqgt64CFQV_hwodiBqFqQ and YouTube search: Somalia faces devastating hunger).  Go back to the website I showed you, as well as the YouTube videos, and answer the following question in a Word document:

"Why does the media focus only on certain disasters, forget about them after a few short months, and ignore others?"

Part 2: (Friday)
Once you have really thought about your answer and have written it down, I want you to research an issue that you feel strongly about.  This may include disaster relief, starvation, genocide, war...it's up to you.  You may have to look around before you choose.  Once you have found something that interests you, answer the following questions on the same Word document:

1. What is the issue you have decided to research? (describe it in detail - where, when, why, how, what etc.)
2. Why did you choose this issue?  Why is it important that people know about it?
3. What connections can you make with it? (This may be personal, local, and/or World)
4. Look at the website you have found, what does it look like (describe design/info)? What is effective and ineffective when it comes to creating awareness and interest in the topic? What is the overall message this site is trying to get across?
5. a)What options does this site give for help? 
    b)Is there a more effective way of getting this information across? 
    c)What other methods can we use to spread the word and get help?
6. Copy some images that you think get the message across.  What makes them so impactful?

This assignment will be saved.  Do not send it to me yet.  You are going to use this information again so make sure you can find it.

Part 3: (Monday's Assignment)
Using the information that you researched on Friday, come up with an 11x17inch poster concept for your issue. (Set up new document with these dimensions - may also want to use transparent background).
You are to create a poster using Photoshop that creates awareness for your issue, and also calls for help.  You may use any images from the internet, but the images must also be Photoshopped.  Note: This is not a collage!  You should use your knowledge of design to create an original poster that not only informs people of the situation, but also motivates people to get involved and help out (you should also provide ways of doing so).

Your poster will be due on Friday, March 2nd.

If you have any questions, ask or email me!

Photoshop CS3 Assignment

Now that we have played around with some of the brushes and tools in Photoshop, we are going to create an original image using teach-ict.com and the various filter tools. 

Find an image online and copy it onto an new document in Photoshop (you may also use an image of yourself - if you want to manipulate an image of a friend, you must ask their permission first).

Using the pen tool, draw a line (can be found up top on the tool bar) down the center of your image.

Create a new layer, and begin your manipulations (you will have to duplicate your original image). Use teach-ict.com for video tutorials on the filters that I have not shown you. You should make at least 10 changes to HALF of the original image.

Your final image should show half of your original image, and half of your manipulated image.

If you have any questions or need help on anything, ask me!

Change in Publisher Assignment

I have realized, in chatting with both classes, that many people have created a Brochure already.  In order to switch it up a little, we are going to work with current news stories in technology and create our own newletter.  This will be a good introduction to researching for your tech reporter presentation, as well as give you practice in creating your own template in publisher.  To create this newsletter, we will watch a TED talk about internet attackers, and look on the BBC website in "Click" for additional stories.  Come to class on Wednesday or Thursday with stories in mind if you can!

Great work on your assignments so far!  I am impressed with both classes :)

Microsoft Office Publisher

Our next assignment is using Microsoft Publisher.  It is another Office program so many of the tools are similar to that of Word and PowerPoint.  This program can be used to create a variety of documents, including greeting cards, flyers, business cards and brochures to name a few.  We will be using this program to introduce design and information sharing using information technology.  This program will be very useful for projects in other classes (newspaper articles in English, brochures in science, business cards in planning?), as well as another building block for our upcoming group project.

You will begin by creating a Valentine's Day card.  This will allow you to practice using the templates avilable in this program.  It will demonstrate appealing design and distribution of text boxes.  Remember, you can manipulate textboxes, images, information the same as you could in PowerPoint.

Your second task will be to follow the Business Design Plan - Create a business card, a flyer, and a calendar of events.  You may use a template for this task as well, but remember to try to make it visually appealing and unique.  You must substitute your own information (real or imaginary). 

QUESTION: What is "White Space"?  Why is "White Space" an important consideration in publication design?

Your final Summative Assignment for this program will be to create an original brochure on a topic of your choice.  Topics may include a sport or subject that you are particularily fond of or perhaps an issue or organization that you would like to address.  Double check with me if you are unsure.  You may not use a template for this assignment.  Please email it to FirstClass when you are finished.

Ergonomics

Creating healty habits in the workplace is very important, especially if you are required to sit at a computer for lengthy periods of time.
As a computers class, you will be sitting at the computer for at least an hour each time we meet, which can lead to severe back problems if you are not sitting properly.  The spine has a natural curve to it, if you are leaning over a keyboard, slouching, or even spending a lot of time with your neck bent while texting your friends outside of class, you are causing your spine to lose that healthy 's' shape.  This puts pressure on the nerves and can cause intense pain that is very difficult to reverse.
In infotech we will practice proper posture throughout the semester so sit up straight, get comfortable, and remember these important points for proper computer posture:

1. Feet flat on the floor, one slightly ahead of the other
2. Your chair should have 5 legs for good balance
3. You should be sitting up with your back straight, leaning slightly forward so that there is a bit of space between the top of your chair and your back (our chairs have an angle at the top which allows for this).  Your butt should also be all the way back in your chair
4. NO CHICKEN WINGS!  Keep your elbows in at your sides and at 90 degree angles
5. Your fingers should be on the homerow keys and your wrists should be up
6. Your eyes should be level with the top of your monitor so that you are looking slightly down at the screen
7. Your keyboard should be about an inch away from the edge of your desk
8. Adjust your chair and monitor to ensure you are sitting properly and make sure you stand up and take a break during double blocks!

We will have a quick posture quiz on Monday so be sure to practice healthy computer habits!

InfoTech 9/10 Course Outline

Information Technology 9/10                                                         Ms. Pelat          pelat_j@sd36.bc.ca                                  Office: IAT Prep Room 105

Course Outline

Course Content:

Information Technology 9/10 will introduce you to computer applications, such as relational databases, desktop publishing, animation, and web design.  You will also learn about the ethical use of information and awareness of health and safety issues related to the use of information technology tools.

Class Conduct:

The 3Rs are an important aspect of this class:

§  Respect your classmates and yourself

§  Respect the teacher or visitor

§  Respect learning and the classroom environment, meaning that rude or inexcusable behaviour such as name calling, sexism, racism, homophobia, prejudice, discrimination, talking out of turn, interrupting, etc. will result in discipline.

Class Rules:

Help maintain a successful learning environment for all students.  Students cited for refusing to abide by these rules will be removed from their computer station for the remainder of the class.

§  You are not permitted to download anything without permission – this includes changing your desktop background image

§  No computer games

§  No food or drinks

§  No candy or gum

§  No horseplay or rolling on your chairs

You are responsible for your work station, so please keep it clean.

Leave the classroom with your chair pushed in with your mouse on top of the tower.

LOG OFF COMPUTER AND DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR USB!!!

Plagiarism:

This is work that you hand in that is not your own.  Students must not copy from friends or from other published resources such as the internet, books and prints.  All assignments deemed plagiarized will receive zero; this includes a zero for the students who let another student copy his or her work.

Expectations:

Always work to your full potential.

Ask for help/clarification at any time!

Participate in class discussions and remember to be an active listener.

Come to FLEX!

Section 10 of the BC School Act

“If the property of the School Board is destroyed, damaged, lost or converted by the intentional or negligent act of a student, the student and the student’s parents are jointly and severely liable to the Board with respect to the act of the student”

Student’s Signature:_____________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature:______________________________

The Plan for the Rest of the Semester...

It is so nice to be back at school, no matter how painful!  I am so impressed with what each class has been working on and I am glad that I can count on you to help each other through this process. 

Here's the plan for the next 3 weeks:
Scratch can be difficult, but ASK QUESTIONS!  It's all about "if" "then" statements.  The criteria for this assignment is pretty straight forward...
Create a game (maze, pac man, pong, whatever makes sense for you) with a purpose - so the player should be able to "win" your game, whether it is by reaching a check point, or acheiving a particular score etc.
You should have various sprites and backgrounds.  More advanced games will probably have multiple "levels".
Take your time with this.  It's a fun program once you get used to it.  Scratch games will be played in class (and handed in for marks) on the last day of classes.

The last week of class, you will share your learning with me and we will discuss final grades.  You should post all of your work (powerpoint, publisher, photoshop, html, flash, scratch) to a blog (either the one you are currently working on, or posterous).  With each assignment (some may be difficult to post, so simply describe it) you are required to write a paragraph about what you learned while doing it, what you liked, what you didn't like, what you would do differently next time.  You will explain this to me on the last day of class. 

You are welcome to work on your final portfolio at any time throughout the next 3 weeks, as long as you complete it, as well as your scratch, on time.

If you have any questions, ask me! :)