November 10, 11

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

(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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 9, you are on the right trail!

Now, let's continue

October 6

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

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

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

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!

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

September 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 9 - You are so on task!

Remember that hard work pays off!

June 5

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

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

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

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

Have a great day off!

May 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

December 13

Year 9 - It's almost time for a well earned break, but before we go . . .

Let's open Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 and take a look around. There is some vocabulary associated with the new Office that you should know.

Plan B -

Period 3 - Let's look at Publisher 2007 and look at some of the differences between Publisher 2007 and Word 2007.

Next, let's open Publisher 2007 and select Newsletter from the sidebar. Let's now look around and see what kind of information we receive from the template.

Period 4 - let's work independently and create something with Publisher 2007 to see just how easy it is. You can create the product of your choice: Greeting card, Award, Gift Certificate, Calendar . . . Take you pick.

Remember, if you need help, all you have to do is raise your hand.

January 10 we will,

Now, let's go to the Microsoft site and complete a tutorial on Publisher 2007. The link is here:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR102322011033.aspx

Have a happy holiday and see you next year!

Dec 7

Year 9 - We have lots to do today!



First Period- let's continue with the blog experience. We will learn how to: a) Insert an image, b) Change settings, c) Utilize the template tab, d) Insert videos. Wow! That's a lot for the first class. Now you are experts!



You deserve a break:-)



Second Period:

1) Let's refresh our memory in regard to the Design Cycle. The Design Cycle is composed of 5 stages: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate. It must follow that cycle. We can't Evaluate before we Create - it's impossible.



As part of your project you must build an online Design Folder and there's no time like the present to start ;-)Open a Word 2007 document. Click on the Insert tab on the Ribbon. The extreme left icon says Cover Page - Click on that. Choose a cover page (choose the one you like best. You can change the colors if you wish.) Type your Name, Year 8 Unit of Work - Newsletter Project. Then create another page and type in very large letters at the top of the page the word "INVESTIGATE".



Now you are ready to proceed with the Investigation (Criterion A).



1) What is a "newsletter"? Explain completely in your own words.

2) What is the purpose of a newsletter? Explain completely in your own words.

3) Name 2 programs (separately) which are designed to create newsletters (include details about the features that each one offers).



Include any URL's (web addresses) that you visit.



Type each one of these questions on your INVESTIGATE page. Remember to number them;-)

And type in your complete answer. Remember this is RESEARCH. Research takes time.

December 6 - Welcome Year 9

Welcome Year 9. I am Ms. Dietrich and I will be your tech teacher for Term 2. This is going to be a great time and you are going to become proficient using Microsoft Publisher. That is a program that is used for creating Newsletters (among other things). Our Unit of Work will culminate in your class creating a Community and Service Newsletter which will be uploaded on the school's server.

The first thing that we will need to do is to create a blog using Blogger. Blogger is a free online service that let's you create and maintain a blog. A blog (which is short for web log) is an online journal and meets our requirements:-) As part of our coursework we need to keep a Process Journal which will house all the research, reflections, and references that we amass for documentation purposes. Since we are in a computer room, a cyber notebook will suit our needs.

Let's check out this video that shows just how easy it is . . .



Now it's your turn. Go to: http://www.blogger.com

That was easy, wasn't it.

Now for your first post please welcome your cyberaudience. Then reflect on the process of creating a blog. (Was it easy? Did you encounter any difficulties? Would you be able to show someone else (family, friends) how to create a blog?).

Welcome to the blogosphere! Remember while this is your personal journal, that it is still part of a school project. You may personalize it, but don't put too much personal information about yourself on the blog - let your work speak for you!

Evaluate

Evaluate the project (Did you meet your goal? Did you learn a lot about Publisher 2007? Did you learn a lot about newsletters and what makes an effective newsletter? Did you learn a lot about Community and Service projects/opportunities at SDIS? Did you enjoy this project?)
Evaluate product against design specification (Does it include all of the elements? If no, why not?)
Product testing (Produce an online questionnaire, with Survey Monkey, to solicit constructive criticism of final work. Ask 5 people (classmates, parents, friends, teachers) to evaluate your product.
Explain how the product could be improved upon (Be critical – If you had the opportunity to change something, what would you change? Why?)

November 16

Year 9

1) Remember that we are documenting all of our work. We began a Word document and so far have completed a section for INVESTIGATE and DESIGN.

2) Open your Plan and save it as a JPEG File Interchange Format (an image). Then insert this into your Word document under the title of PLAN.

3) Open your Newsletter and save it as a JPEG File Interchange Format (an image). Then A)insert this into your Word document under the title of CREATE; B) upload this image onto your blog.

4) Now it's time to EVALUATE. On your Word document under the title of EVALUATE, please address the following:

• Evaluate the project (Did you meet your goal? Did you learn a lot about Publisher 2007? Did you learn a lot about newsletters and what makes an effective newsletter? Did you learn a lot about Community and Service projects/opportuniites as SDIS? Did you enjoy this project?)
• Evaluate product against the design specification (Does it include all of the elements? If no, why not?)
• Product testing (Produce an online questionnaire, with Survey Monkey - www.surveymonkey.com to solicit constructive criticism of final work. Ask 5 people (classmates, parents, friends, teachers) to answer 5 questions about your product.)
• Explain how the product could be imporved upon (Be critical - If you had the opportunity to change something, what would you change? Why?)

Have a great weekend Year 9 - You were great this week!

November 15

Year 9 - You are really working hard!

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 1 page; include a Newsletter Title; include Volume and Issue Numbers; Newsletter Date; Customized Color Scheme; 2 Different Fonts; 1 Drop Cap; the text in the "Lead Story" must be justified; include at least 1 image but no more than 3 images (picture/illustration/graphic); include a caption describing image; must be attractive, articles included should be error-free(!!!)

Also, you MUST insert a text box at the bottom of your Newsletter and include the name of the template which you are using.

1) Your newsletter should be created following the above Design Specification.

2) After you have finished creating your newsletter - Save it 2 ways. First, save it as a publisher file to your folder on the school's server. Second, save it as an image. It's easy to do that - Click on File. Next, click on Save As. Then a box will appear - you will Save this file to your folder on the School's Server. But at the botton of the box I want you to make 2 changes. Change the File Name to: "FinalProject Image" AND Change the Save as Type to "JPEG File Interchange Format". That was easy, wasn't it Year 9?

3) Justify any deviation (changes) from the original design (the design you chose in the Design part of your project).

4) Upload the JPEG image to your blog.

November 9

Wow! It's Friday already!

Year 9, please remember that next week you can come to the IT room (Room 12) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to work at lunchtime. I will be here at 1:30 and will be more than happy to help you! (Remember to eat your lunch first to give you lots of energy.)

Continue with your Plan (produced using Microsoft Office Visio 2007). When you finish that - continue to the CREATE portion of the Design Cycle and begin building/creating your 1-page Newsletter. *Remember the newsletter must have a name and a date. In addition to your main article written to highlight one of the projects/charities currently being focused on by Community and Service.

Please keep up your blog - that's your Process Journal;-)

November 8

Year 9 - Welcome Back!



The next part of our project is the PLAN. (To be successful (in class/in life) you always need a plan.) The plan is the part of the Design Cycle that



1) Open a document in Visio 2007 (click on start (green button in lower left-hand corner), click on All Programs, click on Microsoft Office, click on Microsoft Office Visio 2007)



2) Choose "Flowchart" from the template category in the left-hand sidebar.
You will produce a flowchart indicating the tasks necessary for completing the project.

A good way to proceed is by creating a separate box for 1) INVESTIGATION, 2) DESIGN,
3) PLAN, 4) CREATE, 5) EVALUATE.

Plan - include the tasks you need to fufill and the order in which you will work. For example, 1- Choose a topic or charity, 2-Research topic and gather other information to include on Newsletter, 3-Write articles for Newsletter, . . . List all the steps necessary.

Think about all the steps that you need to do to complete to create a Newsletter focusing on one of St. Dominic's Community and Service projects/charities.

October 26

Year 9 - Hang in there - it's almost time . . .

But first let's make lots of progress on our projects.

We are now ready to focus on the DESIGN portion of the project.

1. 
   Produce 3 possible 1-page newsletter layouts (using Publisher 2007 produce 3 different bulletin layouts). Save each layout as a JPEG image. (Click on Save As. When the Save As box opens, click on the Save As Type (directly under the File Name) - save as a JPEG image.) *Remember that the newsletter has to be functional as well as attractive.
2. 
   Choose one and justify your choice (Why did you choose this particular design for your final project? Was it a better layout? Was it more attractive? Was it easier to read?)

October 25 - Well done Year 9

Well done Year 9!

You deserve Whole Class Merit Points! You worked really hard today. I'm very proud of you and each of you should be proud of yourselves.

Also, thank you to Vera Dias and Megan for sharing information about changing the cursor.

Vera explained: 1) Click on Start, 2) Click on Control Panel, 3) Click on Mouse, 4) Click on Pointers (a tab at the top of the box), 5) Click on browse . . . There are so many to choose from

And if you STILL cannot find one that you love, Megan suggested that you go to the site: Cursor Mania (http://cursormania.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml).

Thanks girls. We are always learning

October 25

Year 9

I've just been reminded that you will continue on your carousel on December 1 - so we have lots to do!

Today we will begin building a Design Folder and complete the Investigation

1) Open a document in Word 2007. Click on the Insert tab (situated between Home and Page Layout). On the left of the ribbon click on Cover Page. (Word 2007 has this great feature built into it. You can create a professional looking document very easily:-) You can personalize your page.

Type your Name and Year 9 Unit of Work. You may also include the date (if you like).

2)Next, on page 2 type the word INVESTIGATION at the top of page

3) During class time today, please complete the following Investigation. Answer each of the questions completely and give examples.
1) What is a newsletter? Give an example of a newletter.
2) Name (at least) 2 programs that can be used to easily create a newsletter.
3) Why are we using Microsoft Publisher? Justify your answer.

October 19

Year 9

Have a good time on your field trip touring the ship!

See you next Thursday!

October 18

We had several people off last week due to the Eco Forum. So today to recap we will:

1. explain to them what we accomplished last week,
2. look at the link: http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/shortc/newsltrs/introduction.htm which we will be using to help us learn how to successfully create a newsletter

October 12

Year 9

Let's begin today where we left off yesterday - key word search. . .

1)Do a search using the keywords "newsletter design". Can you find a website that will help us produce a first-rate newsletter? We need an introduction to newsletters and information to become experts on: planning, writing, layouts, graphics, and production. What can you come up with? Let's try to find online information to help us be successful. (Look for material that is geared toward high school students).

2) Let's look at a couple of good sites, choose one, and get started!

Another sample newsletter, http://www.microsoft.com/education/PersuasionNewsletter.mspx

Oct 11 Reflection

Year 9

Today we took a "quiz" differentiating between fact and opinion. You all did quite well. It's great to see that you can recognize opinions.

We also took a small detour from our planned route today by going to St. Dominic's website and looking at the Signadou online. We learned a lot from that experience. We also learned that our Newsletter will be housed under the category of "Publications" as well.

We started our keyword search - but the bell rang so we will continue that tomorrow.

October 11

Good morning Year 9

We have lots to do today after that long weekend.

1) Fact or Opinion? The first thing we are going to do today is take a quiz!!! We are going to do an exercise designed to help us distinguish between fact and opinion. As newsletter writers it will be important for us to have this skill so let's go.
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/classroom_exercises/broadcast_news/wolves_facts_or_opinion.cfm

Now, let's continue. We need to investigate (explore) newsletter design and language.
2) Let's open Publisher and look at predefined newsletter templates.

3) Then, do a search using the keywords "newsletter design". Can you find a website that will help us produce a first-rate newsletter? We need an introduction to newsletters and information to become experts on: planning, writing, layouts, graphics, and production.

4) Next, let's view a sample newsletter
http://www.microsoft.com/education/PersuasionNewsletter.mspx

5) Finally, summarize all that we did and talked about today in your process journal (your blog)

October 4

Year 9

Creating a Community and Service newsletter helps you organize text and graphics. You can use a newsletter to communicate information and ideas to members of St Dominic's Community. You will develop skills in acquiring information, organizing it, and communicating it to others.

Investigation: Define the different features of a newsletter: feature story, news story, advertisement, comic strip, letter to the editor, and editorial

Discussion: What kind of newsletter will we produce? What is it's purpose? Who is our audience?