High School :: Technology Applications

For each photo essay that you choose, answer the following questions:

• Write a general summary statement about the photo essay.
• What do you think is the intent of this photo essay?
• If the photographer states his/her intent, does the essay accomplish that intent?
• If the photographer does not state his/her intent, what do you think it might be?
• How is this intent - stated or otherwise - accomplished?
• What do you think the photographer wants you to take away from this photo essay?
  • Does this essay prompt you to respond in some way? If so, how? (no matter how outlandish it may seem!)
• Add any details that "speak" to you from this essay.
• Any other observations or thoughts that you might have can only help!

Save this document as essaySummary_name.rtf in your maddox\photography folder.

Attach this document to an email and send it to your class period's gmail address.

5th period DUE: Wednesday, 5/19 at midnight fwafatech5@gmail.com
8th period DUE: Tuesday, 5/18 at midnight fwafatech8@gmail.com

Please note that this is for a TEST GRADE

Tuesday, 5/11: Observations and Summary

Look at the pictures that you've taken for the Pre-Sets assignment. Record any observations that you see based on what we've learned about the different pre-sets, then write a summary of what you've learned. Be sure to include what kind of camera you used and which pre-sets your camera offers, whether you used them or not. Use your best judgement to choose how you will represent your observations and summary. Save it as pre-setObservations_name in your maddox\photography\pre-sets folder.

DUE: Wednesday, 5/12 at the end of class

This assignment will count as two assignment grades - that it why you'll see this assignment/grade listed twice in SnapGrades.

Monday, 5/10: Renaming your images

When you rename your images, add the name of the preset to the filename, use an underscore and leave the rest of the filename unchanged: portrait_DCN1002.jpg, sunset_DCN1003.jpg, etc..

Remember that these images need to be in a new folder....

DUE: Tuesday at beginning of class, 5/11

Coming up... A summary of your observations about your pre-sets images will be due on Wednesday, 5/12. Don't forget to check the rubric...

Wednesday, 5/5: Playing with the Pre-Sets

First, attach your assignment to an email and send it to your class's gmail account. Be sure that you've included the pre-sets that your personal camera has!

ASSIGNMENT::
I want you to take some pictures that demonstrate the pre-sets that your camera has. Find one setting with several elements (textures, colors, focal points, etc). Take pictures of the same scene using the different pre-sets that your camera has> If you can also adjust the light settings, take pictures with those different settings as well.

I want you to do this with 2 other scenes. Look for maybe a different light source, different focal elements, needing a flash, etc. I want your 3 scenes to be significantly different from each other so we have more information to compare.

A suggestion: perhaps make a little sign that shows which setting you're using for each shot. Also, take a few pics on each setting...

*** Pre-Set Assignment Rubric ***

DUE: Friday, 5/7 - We will put all of your comparison pictures in a new folder called pre-sets inside of your maddox\photography folder.

Tuesday, 5/4: Camera Pre-sets

Look up the different pre-sets that come on most cameras. Identify them and tell me what it is about that setting that's different from the other settings. Also, include an image that represents that setting. Then, look at your own camera and list which pre-sets are on your camera.

Save your sources in Diigo and share them with the fwafaTech group. Use the following tags as well as whatever tags you want to use: fwafa5, pre-sets, photography. Be sure to also cite your ALL of your sources in your finished assignment. Save this assignment as cameraPresets_name.rtf in your maddox\photography folder.

DUE: Wednesday, 5/5 in class

Monday, 5/3: Blog Topic: Advice

In your blog, give some advice about heing a high schooler to those who aren't there yet. You can give general advice, social advice, advice from one class to another - use whatever perspective you have and address it to whomever you think would benefit from it!

DUE: Today Monday, 5/3 @ midnight

Friday, 4/23: Eyjafjallajökull

Eyjafjallajökull
More from Eyjafjallajökull

Carefully look at these images. Write a blog entry about your response to these images - feelings, questions, observations, literal, figurative, anything that these images evoke in you.

DUE: Monday in class

Tuesday, 4/20: Starting to Choosing a Camera

Just like with any major purchase, you need to know exactly what you want and why you want it. Spend some time exploring features that different point and shoot and DSLR cameras have. List these features and your notes about them in a text document named cameraFeatures_name.rtf (cameraFeatures_sherill.rtf). Also, document the sources of your information. (Don't forget your Diigo account!)

When you are finished, print this out and turn it in to me. Be ready to discuss what you learned in class tomorrow.

DUE: Wednesday, 4/21 at the beginning of class

Wednesday, 4/14: Blog topic: Creativity / Art

Of Creativity and Art
"What is creativity? I doubt many people, including teachers, could give you a good definition." Morgante Pell

Read the above article, Of Creativity and Art. In a blog entry, briefly summarize the article and then write your own thoughts regarding what the author is talking about.

DUE: today at MIDNIGHT, 4/13

I took your ideas and made a page on the fwafaYearbook website about this. Tell me what you think - No Face Book Pictures!

Friday, 4/2: Resolution vs Size

I need your help to solve a problem for the yearbook (this is for real). We've talked in class about image resolution and how images being used for various reasons need a certain resolution. How can you explain that to someone who wants to submit pictures for the yearbook? It seems that people are submitting pictures that have large dimensions, but they have been compressed to 72 dpi so that there isn't enough detail for a good printed image. What is the difference? We are being bombarded with FaceBook pictures and there's got to be a way to explain what we need other than just saying "no FaceBook pictures" because, obviously, that doesn't work.

In whatever medium you want to use, create a description of the requirements for images that can be used in print. Save it to your maddox\photography folder as yearbookImages_name (yearbookImages_sherill.xxx) with whatever the default extension is that goes with your medium (if it's in Word, of course use .rtf).

DUE: Monday, in class

The way you submit this assignment will depend upon the medium that you use. We'll discuss that on Monday.

Wednesday, 3/31: TEST

Photography Test

• Save this test as 033110_photogTest_name.rtf (033110_photogTest_sherill.rtf) in your maddox\photography folder.
• When you are finished, email this as an attachment to either:
  • fwafatech5@gmail.com
  • fwafatech8@gmail.com
  • subject line should say: name - photogTest i.e. Sherill - PhotogTest
• Your grade will reflect if you followed the above instructions for turning this in.

You may use any of the resources that I've given you in class, including extra resources and your notes. You may not use the internet other than to open those resources on the class website. You may not consult with each other about this test either.

Scene: I'm shopping in your camera store and you are the only one who can answer my questions. Actually, I'm not sure that I even know what kinds of questions to ask! Please be thorough in your answers and remember that I don't know the first thing about cameras and photography. If you use photography terminology, don't assume that I know what that means!

DUE: at the end of the period today, 3/31

Monday, 3/29: File Types

We'll take notes today about different file types for image files. What is a file type? Why does it matter?

Image File Types
Common Raster Image formats

Be ready for a TEST over these notes and the Intro to Photography notes on Wednesday, 3/31. If you've updated your notes and paid attention, you'll do just fine.

Thursday, 3/25: Intro Explained

Digital Image Terminology

Tuesday, 3/23: A Basic Introduction to Photography

A Basic Introduction to Photography

We need to know a little bit about the mechanics of photography. This assignment talks about different kinds of cameras, pixels, shutter, f-stop, zoom and then your personal preferences.

Save as photogIntro_name.rtf in your maddox\photography folder.

Print this out and email it to you class's gmail address.

DUE: tonight at midnight, 3/23

Monday, 3/22: Spring Break Pictures

Create a new folder in your maddox folder and call it photography. Choose some good examples from the pictures you took over Spring Break and put them in that folder. I have a card reader if you need to borrow one.

If you need to convert the format of your photo, the school computers have a program called Format Factory which can convert any file type to any other file type. If you would like to download this for your own computer, you can find it here:

FormatFactory. Just a note about installing FormatFactory - once you reach the "finished" screen and click "next," be sure to look at what is on the next screen before you close the installation program! If you don't, FileFormat will automatically install the Ask.com search bar in your browser and add links to eBay. You will need to UNcheck those boxes!

DUE: Tuesday, 3/23 - your photos in your maddox\photography folder. Save a copy of the original and rename it the composition element that it represents. DO NOT CHANGE THE FILE EXTENSION!

Friday, 3/12: Photography Assignment for Spring Break

Take as many pictures as you can that demonstrate the elements of composition that we've been talking about. I'm not asking for a certian number of images, just that they demonstrate the elements of composition.

Tuesday, 3/9: Finishing Composition PowerPoints

Use today to finish up your composition PowerPoint so you will be ready to show it tomorrow in class (Wednesday, 3/10).

TBC boys: Your Powerpoint needs to be ready to see on Thursday.

Friday, 3/5: Composition

First, check your SnapGrades to see if I've added a note for you specifically next to an assignment, and then follow those instructions. If you can't, please type out the reason, print it out and turn it in to Mr. Schneider. He has a list of who to expect papers from.

What elements make up a good photo? Using Diigo, bookmark and annotate at least 3 websites that help you to understand the elements of photo composition - tags: period5 or period8, photography and SHARE your bookmarks with the fwafaTech group!

Using those sources, create another PowerPoint that demonstrates these elements. Be sure to cite the source of your images and your information in the proper format (MLA) - if you use a CCL image, be sure to include the proper attribution. You may use the photos that you already gathered if you wish.

Save this work as photoComposition_name.pptx in your maddox folder. I will look only for that file name in that location when gathering these assignments.

DUE: Tuesday, 3/9 in class
TBC DUE: Wednesday, 3/10 in class

Be sure that you include all of the parts of this assignment in your work! If something doesn't make sense, do the best you can to figure it out. I can work with that. I can't work with a blank assignment.

Tuesday, 3/2: Clarification

If you remember, there is a search feature on the Creative Commons web site. Your images must have a CCL license link on them. Clicking that link will take you to a page that defines what the license is and give instruction for proper attribution. Refer to the rubric to see how this information is included in your grade.

This assignment is not just about the photography, but also about applying what we've covered recently about copyright issues and your use of PowerPoint.

Monday, 3/1: Exploring Photography

Using images that have a Creative Commons license, find 8 photographs that "speak" to you in some way. These images need to have an artistic element and not simply just images of things that you like to look at - you will need to be able to explain why you chose that image.

Create a PowerPoint presentation with at least one slide for each image. Insert the image and then explain why this image "speaks" to you - why did you choose to include that image?

• colors?
• composition?
• artistry?
• meaning?
• what does the image represent/communicate?
• personal value?
• You may not be able to identify why you chose it, but try!

Photography PowerPoint Rubric. There are some specific requirements listed here for your assignment. Please check the rubric before you submit your ppt as finished!

DUE: Wednesday, 3/3 in class

Thursday, 2/25: Copyright and Fair Use Test

Using the copyright notes that you've taken, download this test and complete it as instructed. I will gather these from your folders. Be sure to save it as instructed!

Fair Use Test

DUE: end of class TODAY

Tuesday, 2/23: Scavanger Hunt 2.0

Scavenger Hunt version 2.0

Same song, second verse.... Include the URL where you find your answers. We'll grade these tomorrow in class.

DUE: Wednesday, 2/24 in class

Tuesday, 2/9: Copyright Specifics

Copyright Definition Assignment

Monday, 2/8: Copyright, Copyleft....

Spend some time searching for the answer to these questions. We will begin to discuss your findings in the last half of class.

• What is the purpose of the Copyright Law?
• What is Fair Use?
• What is Public Domain?
• What is the Creative Commons movement?
• What if know one will ever know?

You'll want to take notes on what we talk about - those are 5 good test questions! The way you keep your notes is completely up to you. In general, I won't be checking your notes, but you shold be ready to show them to me if we need to clarify something

Friday, 2/5: Teach the Sub

Mrs. Bartholamew is your substitute today. I will be giving her a test that you will have to help her pass. You need to tell her about 3 things:

• Diigo
• how to evaluate information that you find on the internet
• multi-tasking

I've instructed her to ask questions.... but I hope that you can tell her enough so that won't be hard for her!

Play nice!

Wednesday, 2/3: Blog Topic: Multi-Tasking?

Studies have proven that multi-tasking is impossible, that you can only focus on one thing at a time. Find some articles online (Diigo them!) and see what the experts are saying about multi-tasking. Also, visit this link and play the game, Gauging Your Distraction to give you another perspective on this controversial topic. (Be sure to play the game to the end).

Then tell me what you think in a blog post.

DUE: Thursday, 2/4 at the end of class

Friday, 1/29: Practice Evaluating a Website

Questions to Ask when Evaluating Information Found on the Web.

Using the criteria that you came up with, write a review of http://www.air-photo.com/ (the website). Use the "Questions to Ask When Evaluating Information Found on the Web" to supplement your own criteria.

Follow the QOEGV pattern that your English teachers ask for. Be sure that you pursue follow up questions that arise in your evaluation - leave no stone unturned!

Air Photo Evidence

DUE: Monday, 2/1 at the end of class. Save this as webEval_name.rtf in your maddox folder. Also, print it out and turn it in to me (don't forget your name on the assignment....)

Wednesday, 1/27: Evaluation Criteria

We'll open up Diigo and talk about different criterium that we found.

Monday, 1/25: Evaluating Information Found on a Web Site

How do you evaluate the validity of information that you find on the internet? Or do you? Do you have a set of rules or criteria that a website must meet before you consider using its information in a paper? We talked about a few in class: relevancy, accuracy....

I want you to spend some time looking on the internet for information focused on evaluating the validity of a web site. Bookmark some of your sources with Diigo and add annotations/stickies on your pages that highlight what you think is important to know on that page. Use your class tag and eval on the pages that you bookmark.

Using these sources, create a list of criteria that will validate your internet information. Save this document as myEval_name.rtf (myEval.sherill.rtf) in your maddox folder. Be ready to discuss this list on Wednesday in class.

DUE: Wednesday, 1/27, beginning of class

Wednesday, 1/20: diigo

Diigo is a social bookmarking site. We will be using this tool for the rest of the semester, so, introducing.... Diigo.

We'll look at this video, but walk through the process together.

Spend some time exploring Diigo - do some searches, what all can Diigo do for you? Bookmark at least 3 sites that describe or explain some useful aspects of Diigo. Create your own description (why did you bookmark this site?) and your own tags.

You will always include the tag, period5 or period8 - to which I will from now on refer to as the "class tag" - and then I will tell you any other tags I want you to use - those tags will be in bold text. For today's assignment, also use this tag: diigo

DUE: in class tomorrow, Thursday, 1/21

Friday, 1/15: While the Cat's Away....

I want you to come up with your own list of questions to search for! My hope is that we can use them for future search hunts or in a Jeopardy game, so don't make the search too easy!

Write 8 questions and include the answer and the url of the answer (or multiple url's). Save this as MYsearchHunt_name.rtf in your maddox folder. I will get it from there.

DUE: today, Friday, 1/15. I will not extend that deadline - today is it.

Let the hunts begin!

back to top

Friday, 1/08/10: Consumer Electronics Show

The annual Consumer Electronics Show is going on in Las Vegas right now. This is always a huge event and some awesome technology is introduced every year.

Write a summary about the show, using 1 paragraph for each topic:

• a general overview of the show (paragraph 1)
• any trends that seem to be popping up (paragraph 2)
• 4 new products: (1 paragraph for each, answering the following questions = 4 paragraphs)
  • what you think of them?
  • what makes you think that?
  • any other observations of comments you choose to add

Save this as techShow_name.rtf in your maddox folder AND attach it to an email that is sent your class's email address. Following these instructions is part of your grade!

DUE: Tuesday, 1/12 (due to no internet access on Monday)

back to top

Wednesday, 1/06/10: Search Practice

Search Practice Assignment

Using your new arsenol of search tools and techniques, find the answers to the questions listed in this Search Practice assignment. You will need to record your work this way:

• each search engine that you use
• the search term(s) and/or phrase(s) that you used
• the URL where you found the answer - make the URL an active link
• the answer

Each set of search terms/phrases will need to be on a new row. You may have 5 different searches with different combinations of your terms/phrases - that would make 5 rows.

When you save this, add _name to the file name already given (searchHunt_0110_sherill.rtf) and be sure it saves as an .rtf file*. (Do not forget to include your name in this file as well.)

UPLOAD this to your ClassPress Blog DROP BOX by the end of class period on Thursday, 1/07

Search Tool Resources

• Search Tools list
• Search Tools resources

* Saving as an .rtf file - review. Many of you are turning in documents that are saved as a filename.rtf.docx file. This is NOT an .rtf file! Save your file as an .rtf file by changing the file type - not by adding .rtf at the end of your file name. You do not need to add a dot anything after the file name! Changing the file type will automatically change the extension.

back to top

First Semester 2009

Friday, 12/11: FWAFA Ranked in the Top 100 Schools in the Nation

Since I am unable to be there today, we will finish the presentations on Monday if there are any left in your class.

America's Best High Schools

When I heard this news, questions immediately came to my mind. I want you to write your 5 questions before you read the article that you hope are answered when you read it.

Then, read the article and all of the links that go with it to find the answers to your questions. Summarize those answers in your own words as an answer to your question:

1. What is the answer to my first question? (Write this before you read the article)
After reading the article, answer the question here.

Print this out when you are finished and turn it in.

DUE: TODAY, at the end of class. If you do not turn this in today, it will be counted late - no exceptions. You must budget your time!

back to top

Wednesday, 12/9: SearchQuest Presentations

You will need to use your Award Organizer to make notes as we watch each other's presentations.

After you present, please turn in all of the notes you took during this project.

Monday, 12/7: SearchQuest Progress Check

You guys are doing great work! I hope this will be a good resource that you can use in the future.

Today I will check your work, maybe ask a few questions. This will be a participation/completion grade.

Remember, these are DUE TOMORROW!

Friday, 12/4: progress check

Just checking! This will is a participation/completion grade.

Wednesday, 12/2: SearchQuest

Your final search project is described in this document:

SearchQuest assignment

These are some other resources that you will need:

• SearchQuest Rubric
• Award Organizer
• Search Engine Criteria

DUE: Tuesday, 12/8: These will be presented in class starting on Wednesday, 12/9

back to top

Tuesday, 11/24: CTE

I would like you to write a CTE from an article on this web site:

ReadWriteWeb

The requirements are the same:

• the title and link of the article
• a summary of an article
• your own thoughts and comments about the article
• your name
• class period

Please save a copy in your maddox folder: CTE_112409_name.rtf AND email it to me as an attachment at:

• 5th period: fwafatech5@gmail.com
• 8th period: fwafatech8@gmail.com

Using the proper email address is absolutely essential as is sending your assignment as an attachment!

I hope that each of you has some fun time with your families despite any extenuating circumstances that there may be. When you are with your loved ones, think about why you are thankful for each of them, and maybe even tell them. Treasure your loved ones! I certainly treasure each of you!

mrsMaddox

back to top

Monday, 11/23: Blog Topic

What does it mean to be thankful for something? What are you thankful for? Are there different degrees of "thankfulness?" Can one be thankful for designer brands or a favorite color? For the things that you are thankful, please try to explain why you are thankful for that"thing."

When you are finished, make a meaningful comment on at least 3 other posts.

Midnight tonight, Monday, 11/23

back to top

Friday, 11/20: Practicing Search Strategies

Thursday, 11/19: Search Strategies

Boolean Logic, keyword searches, phrase searches, wild card searches, advanced searches. Who knew? You will - at least you will if you take notes...

• InternetTutorials.net
• Boolean.pdf

back to top

Wednesday, 11/18: Notes on Search Tools

• General overview of search tools
• List of search tools
• Reference Links about search engines
• My notes from the assignment you just turned in
• ** NEW ** The Invisible Web Databases

If you would like to discuss any of these or ask a question, let me know!

back to top

Tuesday, 11/17: Blog Topic:

Consider how technology has changed the way we communicate. Because of blogging, testing, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc:

• Have you changed the way you talk to others?
• Have you changed the way you communicate with others in writing?
• Have you noticed how word selection, capitalization, and punctuation have become more important?
• Have you adapted your definition of "friend?"

Feel free to respond to these questions, expand on your own, and ask new ones for others to respond to.

Monday, 11/16: Information Finding Tools, cont.

First, I would like you to email your assignment to me at the beginning of class. Email it to whichever address goes with your class:

• 5th period: fwafaTech5@gmail.com
• 8th period: fwafaTech8@gmail.com

After you've sent me your notes, discuss your notes as a class and add new information to the notes that you've taken already - collaborate to discover the most reliable or missing information. Come up with a list of questions that you want me to specifically address in class then tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/17)

I want everyone to contribute at least once to the discussion! I'd like one of you to keep track of that for me!

back to top

Wednesday, 11/11: Information Finding Tools

"Search engine" is a generic term for an information finding tool. You will need to look up each of these types of information finding tools and make these notes:

• describe what each is (define)
• what makes this information finding tool different from the others
  • how are the records in the database collected?
  • what determines the way your query results are listed?
  • are there unique search options available?
• cite all sources for your information about each tool (at the end of that tool's notes)
• list some examples
  • when you list the examples, list the name of the tool and make that name into an active hyperlink that goes to that tool's homepage
  • example: Kanoodle, rather than http://kanoodle.com/
• save this file as: informationTools_name.rtf in your maddox folder.

This is your list of information finding tools to discover:

1. primary search engine
2. secondary search engine
3. directory
4. portal
5. meta search engine
6. meta site
7. pay-per-click engine
8. news search engine
9. opinion engine
10. real-time search engine
11. semantic search engine
12. the invisible web

DUE: Thursday in class

FORMATTING: These are notes that you will need to use as study guides, so format them in a way that works best for that purpose. DO NOT copy and paste or just change a few words in the notes that you take. If you do not understand what you are reading, look at other sources until you do. This is how research works. Be sure to record each source that you look at.

You will be graded upon the accuracy of the notes that you take and evidence of a variety of information finding tools used.

back to top

Monday, 11/09: BEGIN 3RD 6 WEEKS! CTE....

Using the CTE Resources link listed in the right side column under Resource Links, you'll need to write a CTE (current tech event), print it out and turn it in by the end of class today. Please read the CTE Resources page closely so that you may earn the best possible grade! Be sure to include the url (worth 10 pts), your name and CLASS PERIOD (each worth 5 points).

Thursday, 11/05: Group Project Presentations

For your individual grades, answer the following questions for each of your teammates AND yourself:

• group member's name
• How was this person supposed to contribute to your project?
• Did this person complete their assigned task?
• Did this person complete their task on the time scale that was set? (Was it on time?)
• Out of 100, what grade would you give this person, and why? (Details are important)
• Is there anything else I should know?

These grade reports are confidential, just between you and I. Details need to be included for me to take your evaluation at full value in grading you and your teammates.

Wednesday, 10/28: Internet vs. W.W.W. vs. Web2.0

Same questions as last time:

• Is there a difference between the "Internet" and the "world wide web?"
• What is it?
• Or are they the same thing?
• What about Web2.0? How does that fit in?

ASSIGNMENT: Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the Internet, the world wide web and web 2.0.

DUE: in class on Thursday, 10/29

Please work ahead (back) and review the assignment given on Monday, 10/19. I will expect you to at least have divided yourselves into your groups of 3 or 4 and to have begun to compare your notes.

back to top

Monday, 10/19: Internet vs. W.W.W.

• Is there a difference between the "Internet" and the "world wide web?"
• What is it?
• Or are they the same thing?
• What about Web2.0? How does that fit in?

You will need to divide into groups of 3 or 4 and research the answers to these questions:

• explain how networks work
  • LAN
  • WAN
  • Internet
• define: Internet
  • give a brief history
  • how has the Internet has impacted society today?
• define: world wide web
  • give a brief history
  • compare/contrast with "Internet"
  • how has the world wide web impacted society today?
• define: Web2.0
  • give a brief history
  • compare/contrast with the "world wide web"
  • how has Web2.0 impacted society today?

(Suggestion: give each team member one of these topics)

You will need to cite all of your sources and save a link to each web site that you use because you will be using it again for future reference. I will be looking for a variety of sources that indicate that you did indeed "research" these terms. Please save your notes as:
X_internetResearch_name.rtf, (5_termsResearch_sherill.rtf) in your maddox folder. I am not looking for a paper - just notes and sources that you can then use in a larger product.

DUE: Research notes due in class tomorrow, Tuesday, 10/20

If you are unsure, please use your best judgement and do the best you can. I will not accept a late assignment because you did not understand the instructions.

back to top

Monday, 10/5: Comparison Shopping

You know the language now. You know what you need on your computer so it can accomplish what you need it to do. Now, let's SHOP!

I will need for you to pay close attention while we go over this assignment together!

These are the assignment instructions. I will also give you a hard copy to refer to through this process. We will go over this together in class and practice so that everyone understands.

There will be a spreadsheet check on Tuesday 10/6 and Wednesday, 10/7 for a grade.
PART 1 DUE: Thursday, 10/8
PART 2 DUE: Friday, 10/9

The grading breakdown is on your assignment sheet. This will be graded in 2 parts, each part will equal a test score.

back to top

Thursday, 9/24: Purchasing a Computer

First, we will use Word to create a Needs Assessment list:

• Set the page orientation to landscape (page layout tab > orientation)
• Create a table with 3 columns and at least 6 rows.
• In each cell of the 1st column, list one task that your computer will need to be able to do for you.
• In the second column, write the element that your computer will need to accomplish that task
• In the third column, write the specific system requirements that your computer will need.

Use your time today to make your needs list and then look up specific hardware requirements that you know that you'll need for that task. Be very specific in your list of needs and then look up what the sys requirements are for accomplishing that need.

For the example above, I would look up some different word processing software (not necessarily MSOffice) and check the system requirements to run that software. Don't forget that a lot of the office applications can now all be done online!

Save this file as: X_needsAssessment_name.rtf and upload it to your Drop Box. Make a note that this is your Needs Assessment assignment.

DUE: Friday, 9/25

back to top

Wednesday, 9/23: Intro to PC Test

Intro to PC Test

For those of you who check the site, here's the test in advance. If you saw it early and used it to study, write a note saying so at the bottom of your test and I'll have a little sweet for you (in addition to a nice grade).

Tuesday, 9/22: You Say Bit, I Say Byte, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off.

Today we're wrapping up the notes on our Intro to PC unit, focusing on measurements. This is a link to my notes over what we've just covered.

TEST Wednesday, 9.23 (tomorrow)

back to top

Monday, 9/21: Putting Vocabulary to Use

We'll begin to use those tech terms that you've all memorized by now, I'm sure (j/k). You'll need to take good notes for a test later this week.

Additional resources:

Texas Instruments: History of Innovation: Jack Kilby
TechTerms.com
Additional Resources: Technology Guides

back to top

Tuesday, 9/15: Big List O' Words

Big List O' Tech Terms

Please define all of the terms on this list. We'll complete it using class time today and tomorrow - be sure that you don't need to spend time at home on it tonight!

Please print out your copy and place it in the file folder on the center table. Don't forget to save a copy to your maddox folder - we'll be using these for reference later this week. Save as: techTerms.rtf

DUE: Wednesday, 9/16 at the END of class

back to top

If you have come back to this assignment to check for a question or to make sure that you did it right, please write "I saw it!" on a piece of paper and give it to me for a special something..... Offer expires on Thursday 9/17, 3 minutes after the tardy bell.

back to top

Monday, 9/14: observations about your blogs....

Well, after an intense week or so of reading and commenting on all of your blogs, I must say that I'm very impressed with most of them! I tried to keep my own opinions out of my comments, so if it sounds like I'm expressing one, it may be that I'm playing the devil's advocate to provoke some different thoughts.

Overall, your sources were good. One thing to watch for in the future: Make sure that your sources represent a variety of sources that show you investigated more than one "bias" - that's just demonstrated good research skills, especially when your piece is a personal opinion. (That one's a freebie...)

You comments were also very good. Some of you really challenged facts and opinions with great respect which led to some interesting dialogue - collaboration - which is one of the purposes of our blogs.

Coming up.... tomorrow!
Computers - parts, pieces, what they do, how they work, what does it all means to you and why you should care. Oh boy!

back to top

Wednesday, 9/9: Blogging Guidelines

I would like you to open up Word and write some guidelines (rules) that you think we should be using in our blog posts. I've seen some pretty inflammatory posts and some harsh statements stated as fact, as well as some inappropriate comments. We need to consider things like:

• respect
• diversity
• language
• videos
• pictures
• polls
• the purpose of our blog

Do any of these things need to be addressed and/or defined? How would you define them? Are any of them non-issues? What should the issues be? We'll talk about some of this in class. I'm just looking for your thoughts and ideas about this - I'm not looking for anything formal. Your ideas will be put into a contract that you will sign and return to me so that we all understand what the "rules" are on our blog site.

DUE: at the end of the day at midnight. Save this as: bloggingGuidelines.rtf in your MyDocuments folder. Submit this file into the Drop Box on your blog page. BE SURE YOUR NAME AND CLASS PERIOD ARE IN THE FILE!!!

When/If you finish with this assignment, spend the rest of your time thoughtfully commenting on other's blogs or working on the crossword puzzle on the home page of fwafaTech.net. If you need another puzzle, go to: Boatload Puzzles.

back to top

Friday, 9/4: Blogging

This is the link to our blog pages: Class Press. Only the students in your class will be able to see your posts. Your posts will not appear in a Google search. This is all between us!

I will give you your login and password information in class and then we'll get going. I'll show you how around the site and how you can customize the look of your blog

Your first assignment is posted there already. Please login and check it out.

DUE: Tuesday, 9/8 at the end of class.

Monday, 8/31 :: Finish up Computer History

I want to check the notes that you took during the video. (These are the notes that I took: Computer History Notes.) Once I have done that, you may use them to take this brief quiz based on the video:

History Quiz. Don't change the name of the file when you save it.

DUE: midnight Monday, 8/31 via email. Check the list in the right column for your class's email address. Attach the historyQuiz.rtf file and set your subject line to say:

• historyQuiz - Your Name (example: historyQuiz - Sherill Maddox)

(You will want to save a finished copy of this file for later reference!)

back to top