January 28, 29, February 2, 3

Year 7 - Now that you have your "topic" continue researching. We will finish this research TODAY.

Remember: Your PowerPoint Presentation will have between 8-10 slides. You must have enough information to include on your slides. You can also include images;-) Keep all of the url's (web addresses) you visit.

We began a document entitled "Investigate". We are still working on that document.

January 21, 22, 26, 27

Year 7 - Let's finish Identifying the Problem and then begin our research.

We now have our "debate topic" and our "point of view" so we can begin!

January 14, 15, 19, 20

Year 7 - We are ready to begin our Term 2 Unit of Work- For and Against (click on link in sidebar).

The Guiding Question/Problem is: How can I use Computer Technology to present my opinion?

We will randomly select a topic and a point of view.

Let's begin the investigation.

1- Please write a few sentences in which you explain the "problem" in your own words. Develop and extend your ideas - include why its important within a wider context.

2 - Research your topic

*REMEMBER: use in-text referencing AND record/reflect on your learning in your blog

January 7, 8, 12, 13

Welcome back Year 7.

We have 2 tasks today: 1 - type for 15 minutes, 2 - blog work

Let's take a day and focus on our blogs.

Each of you must know how to:
easily log on to your blog, create a post, edit a post, insert an image.

Let's go

December 17, 18

Year 7 - Hooray! The holidays are before us and our 1st unit of work is behind us! This is the time where we can relax (a little) and explore at our leisure.

A site that I would like you to look at to get you started on your journey today is: Tracking Santa http://www.noradsanta.org/en/countdown.html

you can also ELF Yourself here: http://www.elfyourself.com

Have a wonderful, safe holiday break Year 7!

Tracking Santa

Year 7

Here is a great holiday site:

http://noradsanta.org/en/countdown.html

December 10, 11, 15, 16

Year 7

Today we will practice using Microsoft Office Word 2007.

Remember: 1)Type your name at the top of the page and 2) The standard font size is 12

I will hand out books. Let's go!

December 3, 4, 8, 9

Year 7 - Time's up!

We will attend to our paperwork and make sure all our documents are finished and handed in. I need to see your finished project: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate

If you need to finish anything you can come in at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Remember the basics - TYPE your name at the top of the paper. Include 2 names (example: Susie Smith). Work without a name on it will be thrown away:-)

November 26, 27, Dec 1, 2

Year 7 - Now it's on to CREATE (Criterion D) and EVALUATE (Evaluate) - Let's go!

When creating - you must follow your plan. Then evaluate the plan. Did it work EXACTLY as you thought it would?

Evaluating is an important part of any project.
1) Show others your poster and let them answer the questionnaire you made in Investigate
2) Analyse the answers
3) Assess your own performance throughtout the process of creating the poster including your engagement in the project and your ability to meet deadlines

November 19, 20, 24, 25

1) Practice typing - 15 minutes
2) Have you finished your Plan and handed it in?

3) Create - using your Plan as a guide, begin to create your Poster.

Follow these guidelines for maximum points (6):
-Use appropriate techniques and equipment
-Follow the plan and mention any changes made
-Your poster must follow the design specification and attractive

November 12, 13, 17, 18

Year 7

Let's make sure we finish Design (Criterion B) then move on to:

Criterion C - Plan

Include: Resources (all the tools you need to make your poster: example: computer),
Step-by-Step procedures to create a poster

November 11

Sorry Year 7 but I won't be with you today - I'm feeling a bit "under the weather".

So I will leave some tasks for you to complete.

1) Practice typing for 20 minutes. Choose from these 2 links: http://www.freetypinggame.net/ OR www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

2) I would like you to answer a few questions.

First of all I would like you to tell me what you are doing in Humanities class. Then, please begin your Investigation. That means that you must do research on the internet. Please do a "keyword" search on Google or Yahoo. (A "keyword" is the word that you type into Google search. For example is you want to know about photo albums you type in "photo album";-)

Open a Word 2007 document and answer the following questions:

A) What topic/theme am I studying in Humanities? (I know that you are going to make photo albums to document your family. Give me lots of details about what you are going to day and why you are doing it. Explain the importance of the project)

B) What is a photo album? (the keywords are "photo album definition) This should take you to sites that will give you a definition of photo album.

C) What is a scrapbook? (the keywords are "scrapbook definition)

We are a Computer Technology class so we like to do things online:-) Let's think about the possibility of a "tool" (a small online program) that we can use to make a scrapbook online?

D) What is a Scrapblog? (Search here: http://abc.go.com/primetime/uglybetty/index?pn=scrapblogfaq)

For your information: How do I start my scrapblog?Simply click the "Get Started" button to launch the Scrapblog Builder. Choose a theme, then click "Get Photos" to upload photos of you and your friends.

Next, Go to http://www.scrapblog.com and fully explore this site.

Fully explore this site. Find out: 1 - How to open an account and create a scrapblog. 2) Look at the different templates/themes and select one for your scrapblog.

Remember be respectful and cooperative with your substitute teachers.

See you next week Year 7

Nov 5, 6, 10, 11

Year 7 we are working on our Designs.

You are to make 3 possible designs that meet the design specification and evaluate each against the design specification. Next, you are to choose one and evaluate this in detail against the design specification.

Remember, the design specification has 3 parts: 1) it must include all 5 steps of the design cycle, 2) it must be colorful, and 3) it must be kid-friendly;-)

Open Word 2007
Click on the Insert tab
Look at the Illustrations group
Find Smart Art and click on that

Please explore Smart Art and create 3 designs. Name them Design 1, Design 2, and Design 3
Evaluate each against the design specification.

Then choose 1 of the designs and fully evaluate it against the design specification. This means that you must give details.

October 22, 23, November 3, 4

Year 7


15 minutes of typing

Now, let's finish our investigation. . .

What is a Design Specification?
Let's think about the poster that we want to create and write some Design Specifications:
The poster must:
-include all 5 steps of the design cycle
-be colourful
-be kid-friendly

How can we test our product? One way would be to create a questionnaire
Generate (make) tool for evaluating product (poster)- let's talk about this, then include the answer on your Investigation


Make sure your name is on your paper. Please print it and hand it in., let's finish our Investigations and print them and hand them in today.

October 15, 16, 20, 21

Year 7 - Rm 12 is a Construction Site as we work on our Invesigations

First, 15 minutes of typing

Second, Open your Investigations

You should be finished with questions 1, 2, 3

Here is a link from the International School in Paris: http://www.isparis.edu/page.py?id=55

Now let's get on to # 4.

Third, What is a Design Specification?

Let's think about the poster that we want to create and write some Design Specifications:

The poster must:

-include all 5 steps of the design cycle

-be colourful

-be kid-friendly

Fourth, How can we evaluate the Design Specification

4. Generate tool for evaluating product - let's talk about this, then include the answer on your Investigation

Make sure your name is on your paper. Please print it and hand it in.

October 8, 9, 13, 14

Year 7

1. 15 minutes typing . . .

2. Take the safety quiz - www.safekids.com/quiz/index.html

3. Do you know how to save your work in your folder on the school server? Let's have a mini-lesson.

4. Open Word 2007 and I will show you how to use the Thesaurus. It's easy!

5. It's been tough finding "kid-friendly" information about the MYP Design Cycle.

So, let's have a small discussion about it.

Remember your investigation consists of:

Investigation
1. What is the Design Cycle?
2. How can we break it down?
3. Symbol and/or Pictogram
4. Generate tool for evaluating product

October 1, 2, 6, 7

Research Continued . . .

Here are some links to check out:

Bali International School http://www.baliinternationalschool.com/curriculum/myp/subjects/technology/

Mr. Parkins' Web Page http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/rparkins/ibtechnologydesigncycle.html

September 24, 25, 29, 30

1. First things first - let's begin with our typing lesson

2. Are we all squared away with blogs?

3. Have we gone over a review of Word 2007? Some Microsoft vocab you need to know: office button, ribbon, tab, group, bold, italics, underline, font, indent

4. Try these activities to reinforce Microsoft Word
http://www.quia.com/jg/1295503.html
http://www.quia.com/hm/389799.html
http://www.quia.com/jg/1312188.html

Year 7 - We are ready to begin our Investigation!

Open a Word document. Type INVESTIGATE at the top of the page.

Problem
Year 7 have just moved to the senior school and have never come across the Design Cycle.

Design Brief:
Design and create Design Cycle

Investigation
What is the Design Cycle?
How can we break it down?
Symbols and Pictograms?
Generate tool for evaluating product?

No IT classes on Sept 25. Have a great Activity Day;-)

September 17, 18, 22, 23

Year 7

Let's take 15 minutes at the beginning of each class and practice our typing. Here is a fun link that you can also use at home: http://freetypinggame.net/ This is a great site that offers: typing lessons, typing games, and typing tests. And it's FREE! Keep track of your progress by including your scores in your process journal/blog.

Also, let's have a quick refresher course on Microsoft Word 2007. Some of you are new to SDIS and it won't take long to bring everyone up to speed.

Sorry Year 7, but we don't have an overhead projector at the moment.

Open a Word 2007 document and let's get started!

After try these activities to reinforce the Word 2007 Vocabulary:

http://www.quia.com/jg/1295503.html

http://www.quia.com/hm/389799.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/1312188.html

September 10, 11, 15, 16

Year 7, Let's get everyone sorted with their blog and then let's look at our first Unit of Work which will help acquaint us with the MYP Technology Design Cycle. The product that we will create will be a poster! What fun Year 7! Let's go!

September 3, 4, 8, 9

Year 7
Welcome to the Technology Department
and to our class edu-blog.

Welcome To Technology

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: welcome)

Now that you have an overview of some of our projects, let's get started.

Let's create student blogs! It's really easy - all you need is an email address to join the blogosphere!

Watch this little video before you begin.

June 27

Year 7 - You kids are great! It's time to part and it's hard to say Goodbye - BUT you worked hard and deserve to have some down-time!

I wish you a happy summer holiday!

See you in September.

June 24/27

Year 7:

Remember to check your final product against the Design Specification.

In order to save paper, I will check your work online so we won't have to print unnecessarily.

I would, however, like you to print your final projects (double-sided) for display purposes in September.

June 17/20

Year 7 - I'm happy to report that we've solved the printing problem;-)

Continue with the Create and Evaluate part of our projects.

June 10/13

Year 7 - Enjoy your time off! You deserve it!

June 6

Year 7 - We are working sooo hard. These projects are going to be fabulous.

Remember to RAISE YOUR HAND if you need help.

June 3

Year 7 - Please continue with your projects. Once you finish the Design, continue on to the Create. Once you finish the Create, continue on to the Evaluate!

May 30

Year 7 - You kids are on a roll!

I see lots of great work being done! Let's continue with: DESIGN & CREATE

Remember - you must follow the Design Specification:

(Design Specification is 3 columns, justify columns, page border, underlined text, bold text, italics, caption below image, 2 different fonts, cu stom margin settings ( Narrow ) The bulletin should be colourful, informative, attractive and error-free. )

May 27

Year 7 - You kids are hard workers.

Once you have finished with the Design (3 outside designs, 1 inside design), please continue on to the Create part of the project. That's the fun part.

May 23

Year 7 - hope you had a nice day off!

Remember that we are part of the Technology Department (IT) and we follow a Design Cycle.

One aspect of the Design Cycle is "Design". During this phase, it is necessary to create a series of possible designs of the product. At this point all we are really concerned with is the "placement" of images and texts on the page.

At this moment the content is NOT important - that will come later in the Create stage.

May 20

Good Morning Year 7! You have been working like bees - buzzing around to complete your designs. It's hard work! You deserve a 5-minute diversion today - check out this great site I came across in my travels through cyberspace.

Haagen Dazs (the ice-cream company) is supporting this cause so check it out: http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/

Now, back to Rm 12 (hahaha). We are creating 3 different designs for the outside page of our tri-fold pamphlet.

After doing that, I would like you to complete one (1) design for the inside page.

When you are finished with that, let's print it (in black and white). That's the tricky part.

May 16

In Microsoft Word 2007, you can easily create a tri-fold pamphlet or brochure.

It's essentially a regular sheet of paper turned side-ways (landscape) and folded twice.

To turn a document side-ways, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Page Layout tab, Page Setup.
2. Click the Orientation icon.
3. Select the Landscape option and click on it.
4. Click on the Margins icon and select Narrow. Click on Narrow.

To make the three columns for the brochure, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Page Layout tab, Page Setup.
2. Click on Columns.
3. Select 3 columns. This will apply to your entire document.Now your document is formatted for three panels that fold over on a single page.

Let’s practice inserting:
· an image in each of the 3 columns
· a drop cap
· 2 different fonts
· Justify your columns
· caption below image
· bold text
· italics
· underlined text
· red and green typepage border only along the top of the page

PS: Year 7 click here for some new Vocabulary Games:-D http://www.quia.com/jg/1312188.html
http://www.quia.com/hm/389799.html

May 12

Year 7, Continue with your Plan

Evaluation changes

EVALUATE – Comment on your finished pamphlet
1. Is 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?
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).
7. If you had the opportunity, would you change anything? If yes, what aspect would you change and why? Refer to your “process journal/blog” for details)
8. How could you use Word 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 9

Year 7, it all begins with a PLAN

Let's create a Cross Functional Flow Chart. It's easy!!!!!

Click on the Office Button in the lower left-hand corner.
Next, Click on All Programs.
Then go to Microsoft Office and click on that.
Scroll down until you hit upon Visio 2007. That's the program we want:-)

Now open Visio 2007
In the Sidebar on the left - select FLOWCHART
Double click on Flowchart
We want our flowchart to be horizontal, and choose 5 bands

You did it Year 7 - now let's talk about what to do next!

May 6

Year 7 - Even more research!!!

Today I would like to gather infomation to include on your tri-fold pamphlet.

This is your way to introduce your city/country. Think about which places you would sugggest if your friend was going to visit this area.

Gather lots of images and information to share with others.

What kind of info??? Images, maps, coats of arms, museums, monuments, points of interest, special restaurants, foods. . . Well, Year 7, you get the idea:-)

May 2

We have 2 periods today interrupted by the break.

During Period 3 - I would like you to finish Activity 1 which you began on Monday and print it and hand it in.


During Period 4 - I would like you to complete these online activities designed to reinforce vocabulary.
http://www.quia.com/jg/1312188.html
http://www.quia.com/hm/389799.html

April 29

Year 7 - Today we will practice what we have learned so far!

1.)You will receive an Activity Sheet.
2.)Please follow the directions.
3.)Please print and hand in your work BEFORE you leave class today. (You will have plenty of time to comfortably work and finish on time.)
4.)Please write a reflection of today's lesson in your Process Journal(blog).

April 22

Year 7 - Happy Earth Day! SDIS has lots of activities going on - please participate!

As for IT class... Let's begin with Activity 1

This needs to be printed and handed in before you finish class today;-)

Oops! I didn't bargain for an assembly today Year 7. . . Activity 1 will be on hold until Tuesday, April 29. Have a wonderful holiday on Friday (April 25!).

April 18

Year 7 - 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

Well done, Year 7. Check it out!



Now back to Word 2007 - Let's finish our Investigations today so we can go onto other things!

April 15

Year 7 - Have you finished your Investigation? Let's try to finish them today.

Then move on to the 2nd Tutorial. . .

April 11

Year 7 - Enjoy the day!

FYI

Year 7 - here are a couple of links for you to remember:

www.coolnerds.com
www.factmonster.com

To change your template your classmates are suggesting: www.finalsense.com

April 8

Year 7 - Well done Year 7 - On Fiday you completed the first Microsoft tutorial. You should have come across some new vocabulary so let's recap: Office Button, Ribbon, Tab, Group.

Now let's continue . . .

An Investigation plays a significant role in the MYP Design Cycle. It is the part of the cycle where we look for solutions to a given problem. Put on your detective's hat as we start the investigation.
* Remember to save all url’s for referencing text and images. But before we begin - Exactly what is a URL? Research and Explain!

1. What is hardware? Research and then explain in your own words. (Save url’s) .
2. Wh at is software? Research and then explain in your own words. (Save url’s) .
3. What is an operating system (OP)? Research and then e xplain in your own words. (Save url’s).
4. Which OP is in the computer you are using? (The school's computers) .
5. Name 2 software programs and explain what each of them is used for (Save url's).

April 4

Good Morning Year 7 - We have 2 tasks today (one for each period of our double).

1. Let's work through our first online tutorial for Microsoft Word 2007. http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC102275001033

2. Let's begin the Investigation
* Remember to save all url’s for referencing text and images.

1. What is hardware? Research and then explain in your own words. Save url’s .
2. Wh at is software? Research and then explain in your own words. Save url’s .
3. What is an operating system (OP)? Research and then e xplain in your own words. Save url’s.
4. Which OP is in the computer you are using? (The school's computers) .
5. Name 2 software programs and explain what each of them is used for. (Save url's)

April 1

APRIL FOOLS DAY

Year 7 - It's done! I made an executive decision! After speaking with you on Friday I've decided that we will create tri-fold pamphlets which will showcase the diversity of our group by serving as tourist pamphlets for your country/city of origin. This will be great!

Let's get started!

March 28 - TERM 3 BEGINS

Year 7 - The welcome mat is out! I'm Ms. Dietrich and I will be your tech-teacher for Term 3.

We have lots of activity planned for this term with our main focus on mastering Microsoft Word 2007. It's a new program and learning how to use it effectively and efficiently will serve you in years to come.

But first let's get aquainted with the class blog. Let's go!

March 11

Year 7 - We have a lot to do today.

You should have created your pamphlet already. Have you also created one for Mrs. Thompson? If not, let's do that first.

Then you need to Evaluate your project.

Ask yourself (and answer) the following question;

1-Did you meet your goal?

2-Did you learn a lot about Word 2007?

3-Did you learn a lot about bulletins/pamphlets and what makes an effective bulletin?

4-Was it interesting task? Did you enjoy doing it? If no, why not?

5-Could you do this now alone for another class?

6-Does your pamphlet follow the Design Specification Explain.

7-How could the pamphlet be improved upon? Explain.

8-Make a list of 3 questions about your pamphlet and post them to your blog. Ask 3 classmates to evaluate your pamphlet and answer the questions. Do a small analysis of the answers

March 7

Year 7, Sorry I'm not here with you today but you are smart kids and know exactly what to do.

Remember you have a Design Specification to follow: 3 columns, justify columns, page border top/bottom only, underlined text, bold text, italics, caption below image, 2 different fonts, custom margin settings to allow the pamphlet to close properly. The bulletin should be colourful, informative, attractive and error-free.

You have a double period and that is plenty of time to finish your newsletter. Mrs. Thompson will be so impressed with each of you!

If you have time, you can try to print your newsletter. It's a bit tricky because we will be printing on each side. First you have to print one side of the page and then insert the page back into the paper tray and print on the other side. Try it - I know you can do it!

Tuesday we will Evaluate the projects.

March 4

Year 7
You were really working hard on your Designs (Criterion B) on Friday (Way 2 go!). Let's finish the Designs and then work on the Plan (Criterion C) part of the project.

Remember, I won't be here with you on Friday and that's when I would like you to CREATE your advertising pamphlet.

Tuesday, March 11 we will Evaluate (Criterion E) the projects.

February 29

Year 7 - It's leap year. For more info on the whys and wherefores about this day - check out this site: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/leapyear2.html

This morning we will complete 2 parts of the Design Cycle - Design and Plan

Tuesday you will Create your pamphlet advertising (ancient) Rome as a tourist attraction!

February 26

Year 7 - today we will begin to Design our Rome Advertising Pamphlets. We have plenty to do, let's get started.

February 22

In Microsoft Word 2007, you can easily create a tri-fold pamphlet or brochure. It's essentially a regular sheet of paper turned long-ways (landscape) and folded twice.
To turn a document long-ways, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Page Layout tab, Page Setup.
2. Click the Orientation icon.
3. Select the Landscape option and click on it.
4. Click on the Margins icon and select Narrow. Click on Narrow.
To make the three columns for the brochure, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Page Layout tab, Page Setup.
2. Click on Columns.
3. Select 3 columns. This will apply to your entire document.
Now your document is formatted for three panels that fold over on a single page.

Let’s practice inserting:
· an image in each of the 3 columns
· a drop cap
· 2 different fonts
· Justify your columns
· caption below image
· bold text
· italics
· underlined text
· red and green typepage border only along the top of the page

PS: Year 7 click here for some new Vocabulary Games:-D http://www.quia.com/jg/1312188.html

http://www.quia.com/hm/389799.html

February 19

There was an assembly (the Technology Department showcased student learning this week) - so our class is cut short.

1) Typing
2) Concentration
3) You MAY work on creating the content for your project (that means that you can do Humanities work in IT class!).

On Friday before you leave I would like you to print out your Investigation so I can take them home with me for the weekend. I need some reading material (hahahaha).

February 15 - Activity Day

No classes today Year 7 - It's Activity Day. Have fun! See you next week!

February 12

Type, Type, Type - 15 minutes starting NOW!

We need practice inserting columns into Word 2007 documents.

February 1

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlos_lorenzo/394505836/

Year 7 - Carnival is right around the corner. But before we celebrate, we have a few things to finish. . .

1) Typing Practice - 15 minutes

2) Check out this little gameof Concentration I created for you: http://www.quia.com/cc/1295503.html

3)Have you finished your Investigation?

4) Word 2007: Borders, Columns, Page Colors

January 29

Friends, Romans, Year 7, lend me your ear!

1) 15 minutes of practice typing

2) Have you finished your Investigation? If not, let's get started. Make it look really attractive - looks count;-)

Now, let's talk about content - I love the Roman Empire!

3)Roman Links:

Kidipede - History for Kids: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/

BBC site - even has games!!: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/

Mr. Donn's site (he's a teacher too!): http://rome.mrdonn.org/index.html

Send a roman e-card to a friend: http://www.roman-empire.net/cards/card.html

Links to lots of site about Ancient Rome: http://www.kidskonnect.com/content/view/262/27/

Glossary: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/world/worldlistrome.htm

Roman Recipes (yum): http://www.mit.edu/people/wchuang/cooking/recipes/Roman/

Virtual Rome - take a tour today: http://www.virtourist.com/europe/rome/index.html

January 25

1) 15 Minutes practice typing.

2) Open a Word document.
3) Click on the Insert tab
4) In the left-hand column, click on Cover Page
5) Choose one
6) Type your name and Year 7 Unit of Work

The tutorials are done and you have lots of knowledge about Microsoft Office Word 2007 and now you are ready to start your investigation.

Type each question and answer it completely. Save all url's for future reference.

1. What is hardware? Explain in your own words. (Save url's)
2. What is software? Explain in your own words. (Save url's)
3. What is an operating system (OP)? Explain in your own words. (Save url's)
4. Which OP is in the computer you are using? (The school's computers).
5. Name 2 software programs and explain what each of them is used for. (Save url's)

January 22

Creating a Design Cycle with Word 2007 is really fun and easy. Think of all the possibilities. . .

Also, uploading it to a blog is easy as well. First of all open PAINT. Then copy and paste the Smart Art Image into PAINT. Save As a JPEG. Finally, upload the image into a new blog post. It's that easy!!!

Now on to another activity. Please follow the directions for Activity 2.

January 18

Year 7 - Another week has just melted away!

1) Type, Type, Type! Let's practice for 15 minutes. Remember practice makes perfect.

2) There are 5 steps to the Design Cycle. Name them (in the correct order).

3) Open a Word 2007 document.

4) Click on the Insert Tab.

5) In the Illustrations Group, click on Smart Art.

6) In the left-hand column click on Cycle

7) Now create a cycle depicting the MYP Design Cycle. Take your time and experiment! Explore all the possibilities:-)

(Is it possible to add another shape? Is it possisble to delete a shape? Is it possible to change the direction of the arrows?)

8) Let's find a way to upload this graphic to your blog. This might be a little tricky!

9) Now, list your observations and your conclusions.

January 14

Year 7 - we've got lots to do today!

1) 15 minutes of typing practice (so you will become experts!)

2) Some need to know Microsoft Word 2007 vocabulary: Office Button, Ribbon, Tab, Group, Drop Cap, Watermark, Bold, Italics, Indent, Icon

3) Complete the Activity 1 - it's online here http://www.thinkfree.com/view.tfo?file=c48mhdMHa2U=tfo (also located in the sidebar), print it and hand it in:-)

January 11

It's Friday Year 7:-)

1)Let's begin with our typing practice.

2) Preview of Word 2007 and appropriate vocabulary.

January 8 - Welcome Back Year 7

Get a Voki now!



Welcome back Year 7. I hope that Santa was good to you and that you are relaxed and ready to start Term 2. We have lots of fun in store for you, so let's get started.

1)Learning to type is an important skill to know. Nowadays students use computers and programs like Microsoft Word to do their homework and write essays. Blogging across the curriculum is becoming commonplace and you are expected to already "know" how to type. Well, typing is a skill like any other and in order to get good at it, you must practice. A fun online typing course is located here: http://freetypinggame.net/ Let's use this site and practice each time we meet for 15 minutes.

2) Next, let's continue with the second Microsoft Word tutorial. It is located here: http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC102276801033

I have headsets for you to use. Remember that these tutorials are part of the Investigate portion of the Design Cycle. In order to properly/efficiently use Microsoft Word, it is imperative to learn how it works;-)

3) Remember to reflect upon this lesson in your Process Journal (blog) after every class.

If you have any questions, just raise your hand!

December 14

Happy Holidays Year 7

Because you are involved in the Assembly today and you have been such good kids and we only have 1 period today, you can have a FREE period:-)

Remember, keep the noise level down.

I'm wishing you a very happy holiday no matter what you do and a wonderful 2008!

December 11

Year 7

Let's do a little review:

1. Log in to your blog account.
2. Click on New Post - It's a good idea for you to have a new post open so you can reflect on the work you are doing throughtout the class.
3. Answer this question, "What is the primary reason that we created our IT blogs?"

In this class you will become proficient using Microsoft Word 2007 and we need to become familiar with the vocabulary associated with this new tool. Some of the vocab we will use today: office button, ribbon, tab, group. Microsoft has great tutorials to give us all the information we need to be successful with their products.

4. Let's get started with Word 2007. Our first tutorial is located here and will provide basic knowledge about getting started.

5. When you are finished, please reflect on your blog/process journal.

December 7 - Museum Visit

No IT classes today for Lanuage A Yr 7's due to your field trip.

Have a wonderful day.

For the rest of us, well, we'll figure something out;-)

December 4

Welcome Year 7! My name is Ms. Dietrich and I will be your tech teacher. We will explore Word 2007 and practice typing this term. It will be great fun and we will learn a lot! Word 2007 is a useful program and you will be using it throughout the coming years.

This is the place for Year 7 students to get all the information they need to be successful in IT class :-)

All of your assignments will be posted here.

You will need a blog to get started. Your blog will be your Process Journal. An online notebook where you will record and reflect upon your IT work and your IT project. It is a requirement that you post after each IT session (each double-period) you record what you did in class that day. Also record any URL's (web addresses) that you visited during research. (It makes it easier to revisit them ;-)

If you don't have blogs - there's no time like the present to create them. If you do, then we will record the addresses.

We will explore the teacher's blog and all of the information that you can find on it.

We will also visit a site where we can practice typing online: http://freetypinggame.net/ (at school or at home).

Away we go!

November 30

Goodbye Year 7.

I will miss you but have fun as you continue on your carousel.

Até a vista! and Happy Holidays!

November 23/November 27

Year 7

It's time to EVALUATE

Unfortunately, we are experiencing some problems with Survey Monkey:-(
It's not as easy to use and I had originally thought. Not to worry, we will move to Plan B!

1) Insert your bulletin into your blog.
2) Write 5 questions for other people to evaluate your product (bulletin). Questions such as "Is it attractive?", "Is it informative?"
3) Post the questions on your blog under the bulletin.

You are going to ask 5 people to evaluate your bulletin by going to your blog and leaving comments! You will then summarize what others have said about your project. (Example: Four of the people thought that my project was excellent and the other person felt that it was really good. They all like the colors and images that I used. Three of the people suggested putting more text as it is a bulletin. They remarked that it looked more like a poster than a bulletin.)

Next,

Evaluate your own project:
Answer the following questions in complete sentences giving details and reflection:
Did you meet your goal? Explain
Did you learn a lot about Word 2007? Explain
Did you learn a lot about bulletins/newsletters and what makes an effective bulletin? Explain
Was it an interesting task? Explain
Did you enjoy doing it? Explain
Does your bulletin include all the elements stated on the design specification? Explain
Explain how your product could be improved upon? Explain

Wow! Now you are tired!

November 20

Activity Day

Year 7 - Enjoy your day. See you Friday.

November 16

Year 7

1)Today continue with creating your bulletin. Remember to run the spellcheck. Ask another student to proof-read your bulletin.

2)Compare the bulletin to the Design Specification. Does it contain: 1 Title Text Box, 3 additional tex boxes, border around 1 of the text boxes, the text in 1 boc should be centred, 1 drop cap, 2 different font types, 1 bold/italics/underlined text, 2 illustrations/images - 1 should be rotated, 1 custom watermark, appropriate page border, background colour.

3)Justify any changes that you make.

4)After that I would like you to print screen your final bulletin and turn it into an image that can be uploaded onto your blog.

5) Now we are ready to EVALUATE our work. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/ and open an account.

November 16

Year 7 - We are almost finished!!!!! Your class is on-task and you are working hard! You are terrific!

November 13

Everyone should be finished with the Design segment!

Now, on to the planning stage. The purpose of this section is 2-fold: 1) to reinforce the stages in the Design Cycle and 2) to plan the steps which need to be taken in the "Create" stage. So, let's get started.

I know that some of you started the Plan last Friday (WELL DONE!)

1) You need to create a flow chart. Open Microsoft Office Visio 2007
2) Click on Flowchart (you will see it listed in the left-hand sidebar)
3) Choose a background and insert 5 icons (your choice;-)
4) There should be "arrows" connecting one box to the next (like this)

5) The text in the boxes should follow the flow of the Design Cycle (Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate - *Remember that the order is VERY important)

6) In the PLAN box you will insert all the steps (one by one) that you need to do to create the bulletin. (You will use this Plan next week as a guide when you create your template.)
Your Plan box will be full of text (the steps) and the other 4 boxes will only have one word in each of them.

7) Finally, create another box and type the words "Process Journal" and include your blog address.

There, you are done! You did it!

Year 7's are stars

November 9

Wow! It's Friday already. The week has just flown by . . .

Please make sure that you have completed the DESIGN part of the cycle by the end of class today. If you need help - just HOLLER (hahahaha)!

The next section that we will begin with is the PLAN. If you finish early, let me know and I can help you get started on it.

Keep up the good work Year 7 - You are FANTASTIC!