Year 9 IT Blog

2009/10

2009-09-06T16:53:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately, there are no Year 9 IT classes this year in Room 12. See you next year!

June 29, 30

2009-06-29T09:54:00.002+01:00

Time's up Year 9.

June 29 - You have the opportunity to explore the internet at your leisure;-)

June 23

2009-06-23T10:19:00.001+01:00

Hooray! We have finished the assessed portion of our program. Now, on to the next step.
Let's do an independent investigation.
Answer the following questions and then let's take a few minutes to discuss your findings.
1. What is Web 2.0? Find a definition for this term and be prepared to explain to others.
2. You are all bloggers - that is each of you has a blog for educational purposes. What other purposes are there for blogs? Find 2 different types of blogs.
3. What is a wiki? What is the purpose? Watch this video to gain some ideas of how YOU could use a wiki: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY&feature=fvst (Do you think we could make a cool video like this?) How could you use a wiki for educational purposes?

June 22

2009-06-21T20:03:00.003+01:00

I need work from: Petter (create, evaluate); Ana Carolina (Plan, Create, Evaluate); Rita (Evaluate); Benedita (Create, Evaluate).

June 15, 16

2009-06-09T11:11:00.003+01:00

We are almost done:

EVALUATE (Criterion E) Maximum 6

Students are expected to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification in an objective manner based on testing, and to evaluate its impact on life, society and/or the environment. They are expected to explain how the product/solution could be improved as a result of these evaluations.

Students are expected to evaluate their own performance at each stage of the design cycle and to suggest ways in which their performance could be improved.

To get a 6 the student: evaluates the success of the product/solution considering the results of testing, and the views of the user. The student evaluates their own performance at some stages of the design cycle and considers improvements. The student considers the impact of the product/solution on life, society and/or the environment.

June 9

2009-06-09T11:05:00.002+01:00

Your Create is due today:-)

After finishing your webpage, please put it online.

Unfortunately, Geocities is no longer available. The replacement is: www.bravenet.com. Open a FREE account. If you need to insert a postal code use this one: 2765-421

Our projects MUST be completed and handed in no later than Tuesday, June 16.

June 1, 2

2009-06-01T01:32:00.003+01:00

Year 9 - Continue with your creations!

While you create your product remember to: 1) follow your plan, 2) note any changes/modifications, and 3) record in your Process Journal (include printscreens;-)

You are so on-task and on-schedule.

Year 9's Rock!

May 25, 26

2009-05-24T20:47:00.004+01:00

Now is the moment that we have all been waiting for . . .

CREATE - Criterion D Maximum 6

Students are expected to document, with a series of photographs or a video and a dated record, the process of making their product/solution, including when and how they use tools, materials and techniques. Students are expected to follow their plan, to evaluate the plan and to justify any changes they make to the plan while they are creating the product/solution.

To get a 6 the student: uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the majority of the plan and mentions any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of appropriate quality using the resources available.

Deadline Information/Policy

2009-05-19T11:48:00.003+01:00

Year 9

Work should be handed in on due date.

If for some reason it isn't (example- the bell rang and therefore didn't have time to put work on the teacher's Pen Drive), the work MUST be submitted at the beginning of the next class.

All work MUST be saved into your folder on the school's server - EVEN if the work was done on a computer outside the school's network (example - at home).

May 18, 19

2009-05-19T10:18:00.003+01:00

Year 9 - Plans are very important. AND it's good to have a Plan B too (hahahaha).

Plans are due today - May 19 (at the end of class;-)

If you finish your Plan and begin to work on your Create - check out this link for details: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgg4pbx8_36gpj2vncn

May 11, 12

2009-05-10T23:55:00.003+01:00

Year 9 - Now let's move on to the plan. The due date is May 12 at the end of class.

Plan - Criterion C Maximum 6

Students are expected to construct a plan to create their chosen product/solution that has a series of logical steps, and that makes effective use of resources and time.

Students are expected to evaluate the plan and justify any modifications to the design.

To get a 6: the student produces a plan that contains a number of logical steps that include resources and time. The student evaluates the plan and attempts to justify any modifications.

May 4

2009-05-04T11:30:00.004+01:00

May 4, 5

2009-05-03T22:57:00.003+01:00

Year 9 - Continue working on your designs. They are due today.

Should we extend the due date until tomorrow? Let's talk.

April 27, 28

2009-04-26T21:09:00.002+01:00

Year 9, before we begin Criterion B - Design, let's talk about what makes a good website and analyze 3 websites.

Now, onto Criterion B - DESIGN

Students are expected to generate several feasible design that meet the design specification and to evaluate these against the design specification.

Students are then expected to select one design, justify their choice and evaluate this in detail against the design specification.

To get a 6 the student generates a range of feasible designs, and attempts to evaluate them against the design specification. The student attempts to justify the chosen design and evaluate it against thethe design specification.

April 21

2009-04-21T07:47:00.000+01:00

First, let's finish the Avalanche websites

Then, let's put them online:-D

We will open Yahoo Geocities accounts which will allow you to upload files to the internet.

I will walk you through this process but the instructions can be located here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgg4pbx8_55qs88dwhb&hl=en

April 20

2009-04-20T00:00:00.005+01:00

Welcome back Year 9 - I hope you had a really great break and are ready to start Term 3.

Before we get back into the swing of things let's go to http://voicethread.com/ and open an account. Tomorrow we will contribute to the world wide web by creating a voice thread offering suggestions to help the environment in honor of Earth Day 2009 (which is Wednesday, April 22).

First, have you finished your tutorial? Let's see how much you remember from the HTML tutorial. Click here to take a little quiz to reinforce your learning. Please sign in using your correct name as I will be recording your scores. Everyone is required to take this quiz;-) (The score will be recorded in my gradebook.)

HTML - Decode the Meaningshttp://www.quia.com/quiz/1648334.html .

Next, Let's create a practice webpage. Click here - Start An Avalanche Web Page

March 31

2009-03-30T23:11:00.002+01:00

Year 9 - First things first! I would like you to hand in your Investigations. I will collect them digitally;-)

Next, Let's get going. Let's see first hand "How HTML Works".

Click on the link below to try your hand at html coding:

http://www.athropolis.com/help/html-preview2.htm

March 30

2009-03-29T23:02:00.002+01:00

Year 9 - Finish up with your Investigations today.

I will collect them on my pen-drive tomorrow;-)

March 24

2009-03-23T19:58:00.003Z

Year 9 - Hope you had a good day yesterday.

Today we want to finish up the Design Brief and continue along the Investigation.

The third part of the Investigate is: Formulate a Design Specification. But what is a Design Specification - let's brainstorm that now:

Based on your RESEARCH I would like you to: 1) list at least 5 items that you can include on your Design Specification; 2) create a "detailed" list (Say WHY you will include these items); 3) create a "test" which will be used later in the term to TEST your product against the Design Specification.

We need to finish with all of this and hand in your Investigate on Monday, March 30. So let's go!

Remember, deadlines are deadlines!

FYI (for your information)

2009-03-17T11:15:00.002Z

You can find the source code (HTML) for ANY web page easily.

You can access it by clicking on View (which is located in the tool bar at the top of the page). Then scroll down and click on Source. Presto! You will see the source code.

March 17

2009-03-17T09:46:00.003Z

Year 9 - Happy St. Paddy's Day.

Continue with research. Look at March 16's entry for details;-)

March 16

2009-03-15T20:11:00.004Z

Year 9 - Our due dates for the term are as follows:

Investigate - March 30
Design - May 4
Plan - May 11
Create - June 1
Evaluate - June 15

Now, let's continue with the Investigation:-)

Develop a Design Brief
-Create questions to "drive" your investigation - (some logical questions that would have you research HTML to fully understand it-What is HTML? Who created HTML and why? How does HTML work?) Don't worry about doing a tutorial at the time because we will do one a little later in the term.

- Research the author/artist/musician/historical figure that you have chosen. (Select images, you tube links, texts, etc. that you will include (or possibly inlcude) on your page.

- Research 3 similar websites to gain ideas for your own page and analyze findings (look at colour scheme, images, text, links, organization).

March 10

2009-03-10T10:24:00.005Z

Year 9 - Let's go through all of these worksheets to learn about the internet. We will take an online quiz on Monday Mar 16 to reinforce learning.

Before we begin the Investigation - let's look at what previous students have created: http://www.geocities.com/rddietrich/yr9index.html

Now, back to the Investigation . . .

Develop a Design Brief
-Create questions to "drive" your investigation - (some logical questions that would have you research HTML to fully understand it-What is HTML? Who created HTML and why? How does HTML work?) Don't worry about doing a tutorial at the time because we will do one a little later in the term.

- Research the author/artist/musician/historical figure that you have chosen. (Select images, you tube links, texts, etc. that you will include (or possibly inlcude) on your page.

- Research 3 similar websites to gain ideas for your own page and analyze findings (look at colour scheme, images, text, links, organization).

March 9

2009-03-07T21:22:00.006Z

Year 8 - Welcome to Computer Technology. We have a fun but intensive project for Term 3. You will be creating an HTML page.

Before we begin let's look at the Unit of Work:http://docs.google.com/Docid=dgg4pbx8_32gbss3qcg

and the Assessment Criteria: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgg4pbx8_36gpj2vncn

Let's start our Investigation (Criterion A) Remember that the Investigate has 3 sections: Identify the Problem, Develop a Design Brief, and Formulate a Design Specification.

Today, we will begin by Identifying the Problem. Open a Word 2007 document; put your name at the top of the page, then write the word "INVESTIGATE" in all caps. Explain the problem and discuss its relevance. Describe the problem in your own words and offer a solution. Also relate the problem to Areas of Interaction.

Next, let's begin looking some Internet Basics.

After looking at the handout, please answer the following questions on the reverse side of the handout. 1) Do you use the internet? 2) How do you use it? (e-mails? chats? research?) 3) What is your favorite thing to do on the internet? 4) If you could make a web page to share information about an author/artist/musician/historical figure who would you choose?

March 3

2009-03-03T11:50:00.004Z

Time's Up Year 9!

But before you go finish your Evaluate (Criterion E).

To be successful here's what you need to do!

Students are expected to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification in an objective manner based on testing, and to evaluate its impact on life, society and/or the environment. They are expected to explain how the product/solution could be improved as a result of these evaluations.

Students are expected to evaluate their own performance at each stage of the design cycle and to suggest ways in which their performance could be improved.

To get full marks: The student evaluates the success of the product/solution considering the results of testing, and the views of a user. The student evaluates their own performance at some stages of the design cycle and considers improvements. The student considers the impact of the product/solution on life, society and/or the environment.

Deadline for project - Friday, March 6

March 2

2009-03-01T23:34:00.002Z

Welcome Back Year 9 - I hope that you are well rested and ready to go! We have a lot to accomplish today.

First of all each of you has to finish creating his/her html page.

Next, we have to put them online. It's not hard to do that but there are lots of steps involved. I would rather if we all did it at once (to be more efficient).

Open Microsoft Internet Explorer and type in the address http://geocities.yahoo.com
Press Enter
On the page locate the Sign Up Now link

Complete the registration form
After the form is complete a box appears that asks for the account password. Key this information in and then click Continue
A license agrement is displayed. Read the info and then click I Accept
As advertising is placed on the page when the Choose a Topic screen is displayed choose Schools and Education to ensure appropraite banners appear on the site.
Click the Submit This Form button
A dialog box appears that summarizes account information. Print this sheet. Write the password on it. Put it in a safe place.
Click the Build your page now! link

Open the File Manager
Click the Manage tab
Locate the File Manager link and click on it
Clcik the Open File Manager link

Upload the Files
Click the Upload Files button in the main directory.
Click the Browse button beside the first box
Click the drop down arrow beside the Look in box and go to the html folder in your file on the school's server.
Select the file named index and then click Open
Click the Browse button in the second box, and this time select a picture file
Continue to select until all the files that support your page are uploaded

Look at your Web Page on the Internet
Click the View My Site hyperlink
You will see your webpage. (There will be advertising on the right.)

Hooray! You did it!

PS: You can find this info located in the sidebar (Putting the Web Page Online - Instructions)

February 16, 17

2009-02-15T19:44:00.002Z

Year 9 - it's time to put all that knowledge to use! It's time to create your page;-)

CREATE (Criterion D) - Maximum 6

Students are expected to document, with a series of photographs or a video and a dated record, the process of making their product/solution, including when and how they use tools, materials and techniques. Students are expected to follow their plan, to evaluate the plan and to justify any changes they make to the plan while they are creating the product/solution.

Sutdents will sometimes embark upon a very ambitious project, or they may encounter unforeseen circumstances. In some circumstances a product/solution that is incomplete or does not function fully can still achieve one of the levels awarded for this criterion.

To receive full marks: The student uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the majority of the plan and mentions any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of appropraiate quality using the resources available.

February 9, 10

2009-02-05T15:50:00.004Z

Year 9 - Let's finish the Design and hand it in at the end of class today - February 9

Now, on to Plan (Criterion C)

Students are expected to construct a plan to create their chosen product/solution that has a series of logical steps, and that makes effective use of resources and time.

Students are expected to evaluate the plan and justify any modifications to the design.

To get full marks (6): The student produces a plan that contains a number of logical steps that include resources and time. The student evaluates the plan and attempts to justify any modifictions.

how to create scrolling text (marquee)

2009-02-02T11:34:00.004Z

Gui is the greatest kid in year 9

Year 9PHS Rock

Year 9 - Some HTML Tips

to make the text scroll use the following code:

February 2, 3

2009-01-28T11:09:00.000Z

Year 9 - Now that you've finished the tutorial and taken the quiz you know just how focused you have to be to create a webpage using HTML.

February 2, Period 3 - Please complete the "Avalanche" task. Then print the code and hand it in. *Remember to put your name on the paper;-)

Period 4, Begin on the Design (Criterion B)

February 3, Period 3, 4 - Complete the Design

DESIGN

-Students are expected to generate several feasible design that meet the design specification and to evaluate these against the design specification.

-Students are then expected to select one design, justify their choice and evaluate this in detail against the design specification.

To receive full marks (6): The student generates a range of feasible designs, and attempts to evaluate them against the design specification. The student attempts to justify the chosen design and evaluate it against the design specification. (You can find the Assessment Criterion in the sidebar;-)

January 26, 27

2009-01-22T21:35:00.000Z

January 26

Year 9 - Let's see how much you remember from the HTML tutorial. Click here to take a little quiz to reinforce your learning. Please sign in using your correct name as I will be recording your scores. Everyone is required to take this quiz;-) (The score will be recorded in my gradebook.)
HTML - Decode the Meanings
http://www.quia.com/quiz/1648334.html

January 27
Before we move on to Design: 1) Complete the worksheet "Be An HTML Detective" and 2) Start an Avalance Web Page

DESIGN

-Students are expected to generate several feasible design that meet the design specification and to evaluate these against the design specification.

-Students are then expected to select one design, justify their choice and evaluate this in detail against the design specification.

To receive full marks (6): The student generates a range of feasible designs, and attempts to evaluate them against the design specification. The student attempts to justify the chosen design and evaluate it against the design specification.
(You can find the Assessment Criterion in the sidebar;-)

January 19, 20

2009-01-13T12:47:00.000Z

Year 9

Now, that you have learned a little about what HTML is, this tutorial will serve as basic instruction as how to "write" html code.

Pay close attention to what you are doing. This is very tedious work - every little thing has to be correct.

What does "nesting" mean? Why is it important?

Click here to access this fun tutorial: http://www.athropolis.com/help/html-preview2.htm

January 19

2009-01-13T12:11:00.000Z

Connect With Culture http://www.geocities.com/rddietrich/yr9index.html

Year 8 - Before you hand in your Investigate - please take a look at the above referenced website. This is Term 1's contribution to the www. They are great. They offer a "realistic" view of what can be accomplished in this class.

Please submit (hand in) your Investigation at the end of the period. Thank you

January 12, 13

2009-01-10T22:50:00.000Z

Welcome Back Year 9 - It seems like a long time since we have had a class. So let's go!

The Investigation is due January 13 at the end of class.

Remember: The Investigate has 3 parts:

1) Identify the problem - this is the part where you restate the problem in your own words, and discuss how it relates to our Areas of Interaction

2) Develop a design brief - this is the part where you ask questions that will drive your investigation. In this case make 3 or 4 questions to help you understand what HTML is. The first logical question is: What is HTML? Do RESEARCH to answer the questions and remember to use in-text referencing. Also be sure to research 3 existing websites on your chosen topic to gather ideas about what you want to include on your site. PS: Look in the sidebar for links that an help you understand HTML

3) Formulate a design specification - this is the part where you decide exactly what you will include on your page and create a test (questionnaire) in which each question is directly related to your design specification.

We have lots to do but I know you are up to the challenge!

Investigate Deadline - January 13

December 16

2008-12-15T12:17:00.001Z

Year 9 - I hope you understand the terms, "copyright" and "creative commons license" a little better. Please include a small paragraph explaining each of these terms in your INVESTIGATE.

Now, on to another topic of research. Year 9's are expected to investigate the problem (independently) so let's think about what to do.

The main topic that you want to discuss is HTML. Think about and formulate (make) 4 questions that will help you learn a lot about HTML.

December 15

2008-12-14T22:47:00.000Z

I believe that our electrical problems have all been sorted. So let's go.

The first 2 questions of your investigation are:
1. What is a "Creative Commons license"?

2. What is "copyright protection"?

Here are some sites to check out:
http://www.copyrightkids.org/ ,
http://www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/jones/Copyright-Kids/ ,
http://creativecommons.org/
http://www.cesu.k12.vt.us/K-4Resources/greatsites.htm

Let's look at Google's copyright policy: http://www.google.com/dmca.html

Due December 15

December 9

2008-12-07T23:02:00.000Z

Year 9 - Before we get started today, let's look at the technology of the Middle Ages . . .

First things first. Please create a file folder in your folder on the school's server entitled "TERM 2-IT-HTML"

The open a word document and type INVESTIGATE at the top of the page.
Click on Insert and then click on Header. Type your name and today's date.

The first 2 questions are this:
1. What is a "Creative Commons license"?

2. What is "copyright protection"?

Here are some sites to check out:
http://www.copyrightkids.org/ ,
http://www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/jones/Copyright-Kids/ ,
http://creativecommons.org/
http://www.cesu.k12.vt.us/K-4Resources/greatsites.htm

Remember to document your sources.

December 2

2008-12-01T21:42:00.001Z

Year 9 - Welcome to Term 2 IT.

You will be creating a webpage using HTML. It's a lot of fun - but it's also a lot of work. Be prepared to stay busy and become a contributor to the world wide web!

Let's complete Exercise1 and Exercise 2

Connect with Culture

2008-11-24T20:43:00.000Z

Year 9 - Check this out - it's cool!

http://www.geocities.com/rddietrich/yr9index.html

Uploading your website

2008-11-24T13:10:00.001Z

Year 9 - to put your website online follow these directions: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgg4pbx8_55qs88dwhb&hl=en

November 25

2008-11-24T12:37:00.000Z

Evauate (Criterion E) is an important part of the design cycle and life!

Below you will find the Assessment Criteria for Evaluate.

Remember:
-Students are expected to evaluate the product/solution aginst the design specification in an objective manner based on testing
-Students are expected to evaluate the product/solution's impact of life, society and/or the environment.
-Students are expected to evaluate their own performance at EACH stage of the design cycle
-Students are expected to suggest ways in wich their performance (behaviour and skills) could be improved.

click on image to enlarge

Create Assessment Criterion

2008-11-24T12:06:00.001Z

Here are the assessment criteria for CREATE

Click on the image to enlarge

November 24

2008-11-24T10:30:00.000Z

Create is due today.

Remember that the you must DOCUMENT the creation process. Criterion D is more than creating the html page (that's only part of it).
Include: 1) Screenprint your final product, 2) Evaluate your PLAN - (Did it work EXACTLY? What went right? What went wrong?) 3) Justify ANY changes you made while creating the html page (Did your page look EXACTLY like you said it would in Criterion B?)

Then attempt to get it online - Sign up for an account with Geocities. www.yahoo.com

Your Create (Criterion D) is due TODAY

You can come in this week at lunch time and after school to finish if you need to;-)

November 17, 18

2008-11-17T10:21:00.000Z

Year 9 - We are coming down the line.

If you CANNOT re-create your Design - do what you can and then reflect on the process.

Remember to document the creating process. One easy way is to use the Print Screen button and paste that image into Paint.

Look, Listen, Link

2008-11-10T12:52:00.001Z

Year 9 - I'm sorry I won't be with you today - but I am SICK!

Go to our webpage: http://geocities.com/rddietrich/

Look at the image. Click on the image. It is possible to make an image into a link.

SLOW DOWN and pay attention to what you are doing.

Step 1 - Create a file folder to keep your HTML source code (notepad), and images in. (All of the these things must be kept together to work/be read together.)

Keep working on the Create portion of the Design Cycle. Use online tutorials, the HTML books (stored on the shelves next to the teacher's desk)

See you soon

If you have any questions email me at: rddietrich@yahoo.com

November 10, 11

2008-11-09T20:01:00.001Z

Year 9 - Let's finish our plans Monday, November 10.

November 11 - CREATE! This is the fun part. Remember use your chosen Design as your template, and your Plan as your guide.

It is imperative (really important) that you document creating your website. You can use your blog, but I can also provide you with a paper notebook if you would like that better.

November 4

2008-11-04T12:50:00.000Z

(Click on the image to enlarge it)

Year 9 it all starts with a PLAN!

Criterion C (Plan):

-Produce a plan that contains a number of logical steps that includes resources and time (class and homework time)
-Justify any change/modification

To view the Assessment Rubric please click on the image above;-)

Well done Year 9!

2008-11-04T12:35:00.000Z

I've been thinking about our organizational problems. There are several ways to solve them. 1 is by creating a style sheet.

Another way is by "creating" images and inserting them on a page. For instance, Brooke wants to have a really big Miley Cyrus Banner introducing her webpage. She could "create" a banner using powerpoint and save it as a jpeg and insert it like an image. She could also use Word Art in Word 2007 and transfer that image to Paint and save it as a JPEG image.

Abel has an interesting idea about putting his web page title along the side of his page. This system would work perfectly for that too. By creating an image and inserting it into the webpage, he could easily change the direction of his text.

Let's try this as an easy solution;-)

November 3

2008-11-02T19:59:00.000Z

Year 9 - Welcome Back. I hope you had a great break and are rested and ready to go!

Let's finish Criterion B - Design today

Your task is to create 3 feasible designs - evaluate each against your Design Specification. Then fully justify your choice against your Design Specification.

Remember: The Design (Criterion B) part of the design cycle helps you visualize your product. You can use whatever tool that you wish (PowerPoint, Publisher, Word, Pencil & Paper, etc).

Your assessment criterion is shown below:

October 21

2008-10-20T12:03:00.000+01:00

Year 9

We have done some website analysis and now it's your turn.

Remember- you have tools to help you be successful.
1. The Unit of Work is in the sidebar on the Year 9 blog
2. You have the Year 9 blog
3. You have a Teacher. In order to use the teacher as a tool to be successful - you must LISTEN and then follow instructions.

The Design (Criterion B) part of the design cycle helps you visualize your product. You can use whatever tool that you wish (PowerPoint, Publisher, Word, Pencil & Paper, etc)

October 20

2008-10-19T17:41:00.001+01:00

Year 9

- Let's look at design elements. What makes a good page?

You will create 3 feasible designs - evaluate each against your Design Specification. Then fully justify your choice against your Design Specification.

Some links to get you started:http://www.ratz.com/features.html, http://werbach.com/web/page_design.html, http://www.rocketface.com/organize_website/webpage_design.html

http://www.homestead.com/~site/hslo/website/gallery.ffhtml - some templates to get ideas from

October 17, Period 3

2008-10-17T08:40:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - Today is my lucky day. I have an extra period with you this week!

Let's look at Design (Criterion B)

( Click on the picture above to enlarge the Assessment Criterion page)

October 13

2008-10-12T21:27:00.000+01:00

Year 9 you have already done all your research. Now, let's do it! Let's write up our investigations:-)

Guiding Question/Problem to Solve: How can CT be used to promote culture in the 21st century?

But before we do that we need to look at the Assessment Criteria: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgg4pbx8_36gpj2vncn

Now, here's the organization that you need to follow!

Investigate:
Introduction – Explain the problem and discuss its relevance. Describe what the problem is and offer a solution. Remember our AOI is Community and Service. Our target audience is: People doing research on the Internet.

Develop a Design Brief (Use questions to guide your research)
-Research an author/artist/musician/historical figure
-Research HTML - (What is HTML? Be thorough and look at all aspects )
*Learn how to HTML code.

You need to reference ALL sources and images!!!!! You need a bibliography page !!!

Formulate a Design Specification
-What would be interesting, useful information for the audience?
-Research 3 similar websites to gain ideas for your own page (include screen print) and analyze findings (look at colour scheme, images, text, links, organization)
-Create Design Specification (list of what you will include on your page - make sure your Design Specification is clear and measurable)
-Create questionnaire to evaluate product/solution against design specification

October 7

2008-10-06T22:10:00.001+01:00

Year 9, you are on the right trail!

Now, let's continue

October 6

2008-10-05T22:33:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - HTML is a code and you are the detectives: you must crack the code

FYI - click here for a List of HTML Tags

Period 3/4

Now, we have a choice: either we can go through the tutorial together OR you can explore the tutorial on your own. Let's take a vote. *Remember, you are responsible for your own learning.

http://html4kids.org/kid1.php

After going through the tutorial - now try this activity: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgg4pbx8_35grr3snck

September 30

2008-09-29T21:24:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - I'm checking your work (#'s 1-8) and feel that you are on the right track;-) Remember that this work will develop into your Investigation (Criterion A) and feedback is important.

General notes: Give Complete Answers. This is the research part of your project and it's important to be thorough. This is the part of the project where you are looking for facts.

Remember to run the spell check!

1. I'm trying out a new polling site, please participate by choosing 1 of the answers provided.

2. Question: Is the Internet and the World Wide Web the same thing? Explain. (Look at the worksheets that I returned to your yesterday for more info;-)

3. Analyzing Web Sites: Before you begin to design your own web page, it is a good plan to study a number of sites on the WWW to get ideas. View 3 web sites and rate each item on a scale of 1 to 3 (3=excellent, 2=good, 1=poor). Which web page was the most effective? Why? (Give detailed answer).

4. Begin to gather information, links, images about your author/artist/musician/historical figure. Be sure to save your data in a folder for easy access.

September 29

2008-09-28T18:32:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - Let's continue

Period 3

5. How does HTML work?
6. How did HTML change the world?
7. Why is HTML important?

Period 4
Now let's look at source code. . .

8. What is source code?

Now, look at the source code on this site: http://www.geocities.com/rddietrich/index.html
You can see exactly what I did to create this page.

One place that we can write HTML code is in Notepad. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, Notepad.

Let's look a bit closer now and learn the vocabulary associated with HTML.
http://html4kids.org/kid1.php

Before you leave today, please submit your work. Please make sure that your name is on it.

September 23 - Homework

2008-09-23T20:37:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - We had bad luck today during Period 4 - NO Internet Connection.

As a result we have homework to do. Please do Questions 1, 2, 3 and 4. This is due Monday!

B. Research HTML (answer these questions)
1. What is HTML?

2. What was life like before HTML?

3. Who invented HTML?

4. How is HTML unique?

See you Thursday for the Activity Day!

2008-09-23T10:20:00.001+01:00

http://www.yourhtmlsource.com/starthere/whatishtml.html Check this out!

September 23

2008-09-22T11:49:00.000+01:00

New seating arrangement today to minimize distractions during class time.

Focus on the task at hand.

You have begun your investigation.

Please include an Introduction (Design Brief) and answer the 7 questions. Remember to include references.

This should be completed by the end of class today. Please print and hand in.

Please view this link: http://www.geocities.com/rddietrich/index.html I have begun to build an HTML page to house our links.

September 22

2008-09-21T21:57:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - We have lots to do today

Period 3

1) Did you finish the HTML tutorial? If not, please finish it now.

2) Did you make an entry in your progress journal. Please open your blog and show me your work.

Period 4
Guiding Question: How can ICT be used to promote culture in the 21st century?

Let's start the Investigate portion of the project.

I. Identify an author/artist/musician

II. Design Brief - State Why/What/Where/Who and How for your problem
A. Describe what the problem is related to an AOI and offer a solution.
- Restate the problem in your own words and say how you are going to solve the problem (you will solve the problem by creating a web page)
B. Research HTML (answer these questions)

1. What is HTML?
2. What was life like before HTML?
3. Who invented HTML?
4. How is HTML unique?
5. How does HTML work?
6. How did HTML change the world?
7. Why is HTML important?

Remember this is research. You must do research to find the answers to these questions. AND you must document your research.

September 16

2008-09-15T21:45:00.000+01:00

Year 9

Period 3
1- Let's finish up with Assignment #3
2- Check out this quiz:

Internet Terminology
http://www.quia.com/quiz/1477981.html

Period 4
3-HTML tutorial: http://www.athropolis.com/help/html-preview2.htm
Follow the directions and see what happens. What have you learned? Make an appropriate
posting in your process journal.

September 15

2008-09-09T21:59:00.000+01:00

Year 9. We are going to do something a little different today.

I have some handouts (yes, you read that right. I will be providing you with PAPER!) of an interesting activity for you to do. Before we set out to create web pages to upload to the www, I think it's important to get "the big picture".

Assignment 1: Internet Basics
Assignment 2: History of the Internet
Assignment 3: You and the World Wide Web

When you have finished, please take a minute and click here to take a test online. Good luck Year 9!

In addition, when making your process journal posting follow this template to keep the posting relevant:
From my research I found out . .
I have discovered that . . .
My conclusions are that . . .
I have kept my research relevant by . . .
I found ICT helpful when . . .

September 9

2008-09-08T23:09:00.000+01:00

Year 9, what I would like for you to do today is to choose your author/artist/musician.

Next, I would like for you to do research and begin to formulate your Design Specification. Research other sites to see how they have organized their material. Collect data and ideas to incorporate into your own page.

Use your process journal/blog to record all the url's you are visiting and to reflect upon your investigation.

Remember. . .

Design Specification: A detailed description of the conditions, requirements and restrictions with which a design must comply. This is a precise and accurate list of facts such as conditions, dimensions, materials, process and methods that are important for the designer and the user. All appropriate solutions will need to comply with the design specification.

September 8

2008-09-07T23:17:00.000+01:00

Welcome back Year 9!

Let's take a few minutes and dust off our process journals/blogs (hahaha).

Blogs are primarily a communication tool. People are more motivated when their blogs are visited and comments are made. I love visiting your blogs. However, I have more than 115 blogs to visit and, unfortunately, am unable to make it to all of your blogs on a timely basis. Therefore, we will organize groups whereby students within that group will visit and comment on each other's blogs and actively participate in each other's learning. Also, invite your friends and family to visit your process journal/blog.

Create a link list in the side bar to add links to the other members of your group.

June 27

2008-06-27T09:20:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - I am soooo sorry to see you leave. We have had a great term together. You are a fabulous group and work well together!

I'm sorry that so many of you are moving on to different experiences. I wish you nothing but the best. Please remember you can always keep in contact through the blog - so leave a comment when you get a moment.

For the rest of you - Have a fantastic summer and do all the things that you really love doing!

See you in September!

June 6

2008-06-06T09:38:00.001+01:00

Year 9 - You are so on task!

Remember that hard work pays off!

June 5

2008-06-04T22:39:00.000+01:00

Happy "Environment Day - 2008" Year 9

According to Wikipedia, "World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted every year by a different city and commemorated with an international exposition through the week of June 5."

Here is a link to the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) which offers a wealth of info: http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/

Then continue with your Create!

May 30

2008-05-29T23:30:00.001+01:00

Good morning Year 9.

The sun is out this morning for 2 reasons: 1) I'm feeling a little better and 2) I received fabulous feedback on your work yesterday. Ms. Odelson told me that you guys were GREAT!

Continue with the Create portion of your project - remember to assess it against the Design Specification.

Design Specification
Here is your DESIGN SPECIFICATION. The Design Specification is a list of all the details that must be included on your final product (your Publisher Newsletter).

Each student newsletter must: be 4 pages; include an appropriate Newsletter Title; include Index; include Volume and Issue Numbers; Newsletter Date; Photo Gallery, Captioned photos, Bulleted sidebar, Choose appropriate template; Customize Colour Scheme; Use 2 Different Fonts; 1 Drop Cap; the text in the "Lead Story" must be justified; Insert at least 1 drop cap; Must be attractive; Text included should be error-free (!!!)

Then go on to the Evaluate.

Thank you Year 9! You make me proud to know you!

Year 9's ROCK

May 29

2008-05-28T23:39:00.001+01:00

Year 9 - I'm sorry that I am not there today but I am a bit "under the weather".

Continue with the Create part of your project!

If you finish with the creation of your Newsletter, remember to go to the Unit of Work and make sure that you have included all of the elements of the "Design Specification". Also, remember to RUN THE SPELLCHECK!

After that please continue on to the EVALUATE.

You guys are working so hard and are on-task. I am really proud of you and know that you will finish your projects ahead of schedule!

Hope to see you tomorrow.

May 23

2008-05-23T12:12:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - Hope you had a great day off. You have been working hard in IT and deserved the break.

We are coming down the home-stretch! Continue creating your newsletter.

May 22

2008-05-23T12:10:00.001+01:00

Have a great day off!

May 15

2008-05-15T10:10:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - Before you create!!!! Let's finish the tutorial.

Period 3

Please open the tutorial Creating School Newsletters: http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/introduction.htm

Read: Graphics and Production

Period 4

Finish the tutorial and collect info/images for your newsletter.

Also, answer the question posted on our voice thread;-)
http://voicethread.com/#u67687.b97460.i495100

2008-05-09T22:01:00.000+01:00

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=7720948

Tómas, check out this link. It might be useful for your project/newsletter.

May 9

2008-05-08T22:02:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - Let's finish the Flowchart . Remember this is your Criterion C.

Here are the updated Evaluate Questions for your project.

EVALUATE -Comment on your finished newsletter. In the text error free? Are you happy with the outcome?
1. 1Is the text error free?
2. Evaluate the product against the Design Specification. Does the newsletter meet the design specification? Explain.
3. Are you happy with the outcome? Explain
4. Look critically at your final project. If you had the opportunity to change something what aspect would you change and why? Refer to your “process journal/blog” for details)
5. Did you encounter (have) any problems? Refer to your “process journal/blog” for details.
6. Comment on your own performance throughout each stage of the project (investigate, design, plan, create, evaluate).
8. How could you use Publisher 2007 in the future?

Product Analysis - Student will solicit feedback from others.
9. Student will produce a list of 5 questions and post them to the student blog to solicit the evaluation of 5 others (classmates, parents, friends, teachers). Answers should be included on the blog post as comments.
10. Analyze the feedback

May 8

2008-05-07T23:48:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - We are cookin'!

Let's create a PLAN with a Cross Functional Flow Chart (also called a Swimland Flowchart) with Microsoft Office Visio. It's easy!

This is to be completed TODAY! Let's get started

May 1/2

2008-05-01T21:17:00.000+01:00

Year 9's - today we will focus on "Creating School Newsletters". This is a tutorial which offers fab advice on creating newsletters.

1) Please read: Introduction and then take this small quiz .

2) Please read: Planning and then complete these activities -http://www.quia.com/hm/383863.html and http://www.quia.com/quiz/1249304.html

3) Please read: Layouts and then complete these activities - http://www.quia.com/jw/206154.html (Scrambled Words)http://www.quia.com/jg/1311163.html (Concentration, Word Search)http://www.quia.com/hm/389461.html (Balloons)

April 24/25

2008-04-24T10:05:00.000+01:00

Design

Produce three possible newsletter layouts
Choose one and fully justify your choice ( Why did I select this layout? Will it lend itself better to my topic? Is it more attractive? )
Evaluate against the Design Specification

Design Specification
Here is your DESIGN SPECIFICATION . The Design Specification is a list of all the details that must be included on your final product (your Publisher Newsletter). Each newsletter must: be 4 page s ; include a Newsletter Title; include Volume and Issue Numbers; include a Newsletter Date; Photo Gallery; Captioned photos; Bulleted Sidebar; choose appropriate Template; Customize Colour Scheme; 2 Different Fonts; 1 Drop Cap; the text in the "Lead Story" must be justified; no hypenations at the end of the line; must be attractive, articles included should be error-free (!!!)

Due at end of period.

April 17/18

2008-04-17T20:45:00.001+01:00

Year 9 - Work before play!

Help the Earth! Please take a few minutes out of your class-time to make a difference. As you know April 22 is Earth Day. This is a day that has been set aside to celebrate our great planet. As custodians, it is our responsibility to protect the planet and act as caretakers for future generations.

A Voicethread has been created and will become part of an Earth Day initiative (Earthcast 08 Project). Please contribute to the SDIS Earth Day Voicethread and offer advice for protecting our world.
1. Go to http://voicethread.com/ and register
2. Click on Browse
3. Type - SDIS Earth Day, then click on the magnifying glass
4. Record your message

That was quick and easy. You have just added yourself to the list of contributors and helped make the world a better place. Check it out! http://voicethread.com/share/107878/

Now - back to the work at hand. The Investigation is due Friday at the end of class.

Investigation Due Friday, April 18

April 10

2008-04-09T22:29:00.000+01:00

Year 9 - The Voicethread is fabulous. I love it. We will continue with this throughout the term;-)

Now back to the Investigation. Let's try to finish this today . . .

1. What is a newsletter? Research this topic. Explain in your own words completely. Give an example of a newsletter.

2. Name (at least) 2 programs that can be used to easily create a newsletter. Give details.

3. Why are we using Microsoft Publisher? Justify your answer.
Using this website “ Creating High School Newsletters ”research the following areas:
http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/introduction.htm

4. What are the characteristics of an effective newsletter? Explain.

5. What are the steps of putting together a newsletter? Explain.

Fabulous Year 9 - After you finish your Investigation, please proceed to the tutorials. There are two different tutorials that you can try. . .

Publisher Tutorial in Pictures -http://www.inpics.net/publisher.html
Publisher Tutorial - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/CH100743501033.aspx

April 4

2008-04-03T12:48:00.000+01:00

You asked for it and you got it!!!!!

"A VoiceThread is an online media album that can hold essentially any type
of media (images, documents and videos) and allows people to make comments in 5
different ways - using voice (with a microphone or telephone), text, audio file,
or video (with a webcam) - and share them with anyone they wish. A VoiceThread
allows group conversations to be collected and shared in one place, from
anywhere in the world."

This term we are inviting Voicethread into our classroom and we will use it on a regular basis to help us focus our thoughts in an organized way and share them with the group. Friends and parents will also be able to participate in our learning by leaving comments of their own. Let's take a few minutes and investigate the "edu-toy" of the term.

April 3

2008-04-03T00:13:00.000+01:00

Year 9 it is important to be able to distinguish between fact and opinion. Creating a newsletter is a lot like writing a newspaper. One has to be mindful to present facts to the public. It is fine to express our opinion, but that opinion should be based on facts.

Remember a fact is something that is true and can be proven.

Fact!There are nine planets in our solar system.Fact!The earth is the third planet from the sun.
These are facts that we can prove to be true. The answer will always be the same.

Let's take a little quiz and see how you do;-D

Now, let's get back to our Investigation

1. What is a newsletter? Research this topic. Explain in your own words completely. Give an example of a newsletter.
2. Name (at least) 2 programs that can be used to easily create a newsletter. Give details.
3. Why are we using Microsoft Publisher? Justify your answer.
Using this website “ Creating High School Newsletters ”research the following areas:

http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/introduction.htm
4. What are the characteristics of an effective newsletter? Explain.
5. What are the steps of putting together a newsletter? Explain.

March 28

2008-03-27T20:52:00.000Z

Let's start the term right! The MYP Technology Department units of work follow the Design Cycle. It consists of 5 stages: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate. Let's create a chart depicting the Design Cycle and upload it to your blogs as a constant reminder.

It's easy, all you have to do is follow these few steps:

1)Open Word 2007
2)Click the Insert Tab
3)Click on Smart Art (in the Illustrations group)
4)In the left-hand column Click on Cycle
5)Experiment with the different options available. Change colors, make it 3-D.
6)Choose your favorite
7)Insert the 5 steps of the Design Cycle
8)Right click on your mouse and Copy
9)Open Paint (All Programs, Accessories)
10)Right Click and Paste
11)File, Save As
12)Name your chart and save it as a JPEG file
13)Open your blog and insert the image into your March 28 Posting

Wow! You did it! Way to go Year 9 - you are indeed smart kids!

Let's do some research! Save all URL's that you visit.

1) What is "digital storytelling"? Explain (in your own words).
2) What is a "newsletter"? Explain (in your own words).

March 27

2008-03-26T20:44:00.000Z

Year 9 - The Welcome mat is out as we begin Term 3. I hope you had a fabulous spring break and are ready to get down to work because we have a fabulous project ahead of us.

You will become proficient using Microsoft Publisher 2007 and will create a newsletter.

Now let's take a look at the sidebar. All of the documents you need to be successful in this class can be found here!

March 6/7

2008-03-02T23:12:00.000Z

Year 9, I'm sorry I'm not here to help you finalize your projects BUT you are great kids and you know exactly what to do to be successful.

Thursday, March 6 is the day that you are to CREATE (Criterion D) your projects. I think that some of you have already started and you will have plenty of time to finish. All your articles are already done so it's just a matter of slotting them into your Newsletter.

Remember there are "rules" to creating Newsletters and you need to follow them to produce a 1st rate product. Ms. Rublee has arranged for you to stay in Room 12 for period 5 so you have a bit more time to finish your newsletters. (Thank you Ms. Rublee!)

Upload your newsletter to your blog so all of cyberspace can admire your work.

Friday, March 7 is your last class and the day for your EVALUATE (Criterion E).

Being able to evaluate your own work is a very important part of the MYP programme. Use the Unit of Work to help guide you. Your process journal/blog can aid you when making your evaluation. The purpose of your process journal was to detail what you did in class and served as a place where you could chart your progress and record any difficulties you were having.

It is equally important to consider the opinion of others. Create 5 questions to solicit feedback and post them on your blog. Ask 5 classmates to visit your blog and comment on your fabulous newsletter. Analyze this information (write a paragraph about what others think/liked/suggested) and include it in your evaluation.

It's been great getting to know you Year 9, I can't wait until next year when we will spend more quality time together.

February 29

2008-02-28T19:59:00.000Z

Year 9 - It's Leap Year!

Our time together is drawing to a close :-(

We have only 2 more double lessons (March 6 and March 7). Unfortunately, I will not be able to spend next week with you because I will be attending a conference abroad.

We should work particularly diligently so I can assist you.

Let's accomplish as much as possible today.

February 28

2008-02-28T19:50:00.000Z

Year 9

I nearly forgot you. (So sorry!)

We are at the "Create" part of the project. Finally!!! This is the fun part.

Remember - your final product must conform to this Design Specification:
Each newsletter must: be 4 page s ; include a Newsletter Title; include Volume and Issue Numbers; include a Newsletter Date; Photo Gallery; Captioned photos; Bulleted Sidebar; choose appropriate Template; Customize Colour Scheme; 2 Different Fonts; 1 Drop Cap; the text in the "Lead Story" must be justified; no hypenations at the end of the line; must be attractive, articles included should be error-free (!!!)

February 22

2008-02-21T21:23:00.000Z

Year 9 -

One quick question - Who can tell me what a NAMEPLATE is?

Happy Friday;-) Let's work hard today to finish the Plan. Why? So you can start on the CREATE portion of the project.

Also, let's try to scan as many of your cubist drawings as possible so you can include them in your newsletter.

Have you chosen your Newsletter title?

February 21

2008-02-20T21:00:00.001Z

Year 9

It's been an entire week since we've spent time together. First of all I would like to congratulate you on the vast improvements shown on your process journals. They are much more detailed and show that you are becoming "aware" of what you are learning. Well done!

I have taken a minute and created a couple of little online activities for you - they are located here:
http://www.quia.com/jw/206154.html (Scrambled Words)
http://www.quia.com/jg/1311163.html (Concentration, Word Search)
http://www.quia.com/hm/389461.html (Balloons)

Enjoy!

Then it's onto the Plan (Criterion C). It is important to know what needs to be done and to organize our time to allow completion of the project. It is possible to define the step-by-step process by which something is going to be made in very simple terms.

Open Microsoft Visio
Click on Flowchart
Select the Cross functional flowchart (aka Swimlane)
Include 5 lanes to correspond with the 5 sections of the Design Cycle
Include each step taken to complete this project
Save as a JPEG
Upload onto your blog

Be industrious (this should take 1 class period).

Write your reflection in your blog.

February 15 - Activity Day

2008-02-15T16:33:00.000Z

Ativity Day - Enjoy yourselves!!!!! See you next week!

February 14

2008-02-13T20:58:00.000Z

Happy Valentine's Day Year 9

Layouts and Graphics are 2 important aspects to consider when creating an appealing newsletter.

Check out the tutorial to learn about Layouts http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/layouts.htm

and Graphics

http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/graphics.htm

Have fun tomorrow on Activity Day. See you next week:-)

February 1

2008-01-31T21:35:00.000Z

Year 9 - I KNOW that the tutorial is BORING - but how are you going to amass this information if you don't read????? We want Ms. Rublee to be so impressed with your work that she gives everyone a 7.

To recap yesterdays tutorial on Planning. . .
1)Check out this little game: http://www.quia.com/hm/383863.html and
2) Take this little quiz: http://www.quia.com/quiz/1249304.html
Did you like it?

Now, let's move into the Design Stage:

First of all you have to have a Design Specification. What is a Design Specification? Let's talk about that.

Here is the Design Specification for your project: The newsletter should include( at least) : Each newsletter must: be 4 pages; include a Newsletter Title; include Index; include Volume and Issue Numbers; Newsletter Date; Photo Gallery, Captioned photos, Bulleted sidebar, Choose appropriate template; Customize Colour Scheme; Use 2 Different Fonts; the text in the "Lead Story" must be justified; Insert at least 1 drop cap; Must be attractive; Text included should be error-free (!!!)

Next, begin the DESIGN portion of the project:

1)Produce three possible newsletter layouts - experiement and change the color, and font
2)Choose one and fully justify your choice ( Why did I select this layout? Will it lend itself better to my topic? Is it more attractive? )
3)Evaluate against the Design Specification

January 31

2008-01-30T21:45:00.000Z

Year 9 - Today we are going to recap and focus on the MYP Technology Design Cycle.

The Design Cycle has 5 stages: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate

We will create a Design Cycle drawing with Word 2007 (Smart Art) and upload it to our blogs. It's a snap.
1) Open Word 2007
2) Click on the Insert Tab
3) Click on Smart Art (in the Illustrations Group)
4) In the left-hand sidebar click on Cycle
5) Choose a template and create your Design Cycle - the use of color will make it attractive and professional looking. Experiment and try out different Smart Art Styles (it's fun!).
6) Open Paint
7) Copy and Paste your final product to Paint
8) Click on File
9) Click on Save As
10) Under the "File Name" click on the box "Save as Type"
11) Scroll down until you find JPEG
12) Give your drawing a name and save it as a JPEG
13) Open your blog to a new posting
14) Click on the Picture Icon and upload your JPEG file

You did it!!! It was that easy!!!!!

Next, let's continue with the Creating Newletters Tutorial
Planning - http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/planning.htm

Click on the above link and find out all you need to know about the following topics:
Planning Your Newsletter
Newsletter Names
Types of Newsletter Content
Story Themes for Newsletters
Typography

January 25

2008-01-24T17:41:00.000Z

Year 9 - Your Investigations are due today. When you finish, please print your Investigation and hand it in.

Then take a few minute to visit an online quiz.
Creating School Newsletters - Introduction

January 25

2008-01-24T12:21:00.000Z

Year 9

1)Please complete your INVESTIGATION (Criterion A).

2) Print it and hand it in.

(Make sure that you have included your name)

January 24

2008-01-23T21:36:00.000Z

INVESTIGATION:

1-What is a newsletter? Research, and then give a definition in your own words.

2-What is the purpose of a newsletter? Explain and give an example of a newsletter.

3-Now, please do an analysis of the newsletter you are using as an example. Give detailed information about the newsletter you are using as an example. (Look at topics such as: What are the average number of pages? What is the color scheme? Does it inform its readers of events/news? What other aspects or topics should you also consider????)

4-Name (at least) 2 programs which are designed to create newsletters. (Include details about the features that each one offers.

5-Why are we using Microsoft Publisher? Justify your answer.

Using this link, research “Creating High School Newsletters” (http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/introduction.htm) and answer the following questions.

6. What are the characteristics of an effective newsletter?
7. What are the steps of putting together a newsletter?

Also, your Unit of Work is online (finally).

January 18

2008-01-17T21:29:00.000Z

Get a Voki now!

1) Year 9 - On December 7 we began to build our Design Folder. We also started our Investigation. Please locate that document in your folder and open it and show it to me:-)

2) Fact or Opinion Quiz

3) Continue with any unfinished work that you may have started. It's important to finish what we start.

4) If you have everything done and online - Fabulous! Please continue on with the Creating School Newsletters tutorial. This time read all about Planning: http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/planning.htm

January 17

2008-01-16T22:22:00.000Z

Year 9

Period 3

Last class you were to begin the tutorial on Creating School Newsletters.

Let's discuss the Introduction which included:
Creating School Newsletters
Introduction to Newsletters
Purposes for Newsletters
Newsletter Terminology

Period 4

Newsletters can be an important part of an organization. It allows members to be updated on a regular basis. Let's each do a search and find an online newsletter.

Do an analysis of the layout of the newsletter. Which elements of the newsletter do you like? Which elements don't you like? Who is the intended audience? Do you think they would find this newsletter appealing? Do you like the colors used? How would you improve it?

Save the first page of the newsletter as an image. One easy way to do that is to: Click the Prt Sc (Print Screen) button. Open Powerpoint and paste the Prt Sc onto the slide. Click on the Office Button (upper left-hand corner of page) and then click on Save As. You want to save the slide in your folder on the school's server BUT you want to save it as an image. To do that all you have to do is Click on: Save As Type. A drop down box will open and you scroll down until you see JPEG File Interchange Format. Click on JPEG and the SAVE. It's done.

Then open your blog and insert the image you just saved and write your analysis/reflection.

January 11

2008-01-10T23:05:00.000Z

Blogs are interactive and I would love to visit your blog and leave you a comment. Please make sure that I have your blog address before class finishes today.

Today we will continue working on the online tutorials and completing the practice exercises. You will then upload the finished product onto your blog. We will save your project as a picture/image and upload it. It's easy;-)

-Click on the Microsoft icon in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

-Next, Click on Save As. When the box opens make sure that you are saving this to YOUR personal folder on the school's server.

-In the Save File As box scroll down until you find JPEG File Interchange Format. (We want to save the file as a JPEG.)Click on Save and you are almost done.

-Finally, create a new post in your blog and upload the image by clicking on the "image" icon and uploading the file.

It's that easy!

Next, in the "sidebar" open the tutorial entitled "Creating School Newsletters". This tutorial has several sections (Introduction, Planning, Writing, Layouts, Graphics, Production, Search). To gather pertinent information regarding newletters, please take a look. Today we will focus on the Introduction. Please read about each of the topics:
Creating School Newsletters
Introduction to Newsletters
Purposes for Newsletters
Newsletter Terminology

January 10

2008-01-09T23:24:00.000Z

Welcome Back Year 9!

It's final! We are going to be collaborating with Ms. Rublee in the Arts Department! (We are soooo lucky:-) Our two classes will be working together to produce a fabulous project. You will create a 4-page Newsletter focusing one 1 particular cubist artist. We will work on the technical aspects of such an undertaking in IT class.

I'm very excited so let's get started.

You will have all of the documents for your project online next week. In the meantime, let's work on the Publisher tutorial.