Survey 1

Here are the results of todays survey:

1. Dreamweaver is...

Easier than HTML 85%
Same difficulty as HTML 12%
Harder than HTML 2%

2. Have you read or edited your blogmeister from home?

Yes 67%
No 33%

3. After only two weeks with Dreamweaver I would like you to respond to the sequence of Web Design. Would you prefer...

Learning HTML first and then Dreamweaver 61%
Learning by task (i.e. learning image maps in Dreamweaver and HTML at the same time) 13%
Learn Dreamweaver first then incorporate HTML knowledge 26%


4. Are you producing your best work?

Yes 69%
No 31%


5. Five years from now we will...

Be in a new world of possibilities because Americans rose to the challenge 57%
Be in deep, deep trouble. 43%

6. Does using Dreamweaver help you understand HTML language better?

Yes 52%
No 48%


7. Do you feel comfortable creating and editing a basic webpage?

Yes 98%
No 1%
Whats a webpage? 1%

8. Choose One

Chocolate 54%
Vanilla 33%
Strawberry 26%

Survey 1: Web 2

Please complete this feedback survey today. I value your opinions on how we are doing and like to collect data in a systematic way. Please feel free to look back at surveys from Web1 (you can click on the blog label to find them).

We will have a lengthy discussion today about class, bloglines, technorati, teacherease, tags, and other items. Pay attention!

Technorati Tags: survey technorati blogline teacherease

Blogging

Your recent blogs about Ayiti were picked up by the makers of the game. Click here to see the post.

A reminder that you are part of a global community. People read what you are writing and this information gets connected through the web. Write well, write something of value, and write often and you will build readers. I believe you all have something to share.

We will work on tagging your posts so these entries can be found. Tagging is how the web software searches for information.

After checking technorati.com 75 blogs link to the Ayiti entry about our students. You have a voice! Use it!!

I can also help you put a clustrmap on your blog so you can see where people are reading your blogs. Ask for help if you need it.

On Monday please go through the practice test a number of times. Remember, you will not be able to use notes during the quiz. Please let me know if there are any questions that you have trouble with. Sometimes the questions are kind of awkward.

Technorati Tags: Ayiti blogging K12

Extra Credit

Extra Credit:

Watch a talk from the TED conference. Jeff Han was a TED talk. I just watched the talk by Hans Rosling which was fascinating. I write about it on my technology blog. I hope all of you take the time to watch Jennifer Lin. What an amazing 14 year old. And how she talks in front of the audience is almost as impressive as her music.

After watching do a summary on your blog. Be sure to link to the talk and any important related sites. Find other bloggers (using technorati) that are talking about the information. Use technorati tags. Anyway, its extra credit so just have fun with it.

Some of these talks are VERY well done.

Technorati Tags: TED HansRosling

Site management

A few issues I am seeing:

1. In Web1 the largest issue was by far typos. People would make entry mistakes. I am seeing direction skipping as the issue in Web2 so far. Slow down and read.
2. You must define the new site when you start a new project. When you start "BB Lawn Service" you must define the site!! It will screw everything up later if you don't. It should not be in your parks folder. When you finish Project 1 you should have sites/folders named Florida Parks, Lawn Service, Plant City, and School Trips.
3. The end key and the enter key are not the same thing.
4. Quiz Tuesday.

Dreamweaver Projects

As suspected many of you are flying through the Project. Take it at your own pace. A few things you must do:

1. Make daily blog posts or comments. Demonstrate evidence of thought, readings, and growth. Add to the discussion. "Hi John, I can't wait for lunch" is not an acceptable comment.

2. Finish your outline.

3. Start using the practice test. There are no notes in the quiz so study!

Since some of you might finish today I am rushing to get the extras set up. I will ask you to do the following (we will all do the same assignments this time). I encourage you to work together on these parts of the project. Sometimes it helps to talk through the steps with a partner.

1. Apply Your Knowledge (Lawn Service)
2. In the Lab 3 (Plant City)
3. Cases and Places 5 (student trips)

Technorati Tags: dreamweaver

Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver is the primary text for this class.

Before you start create a new folder in your WDrive-Dreamweaver folder called "Project 1".

Please check the following:

1. What number book you have. Please double check this every day. You are responsible for this book. It is shared with the five other classes.

2. Our book work follows this sequence: read-outline-project-quiz.

• First, read the chapter. Get a general understanding of what you will be learning.
• Outline the basic concepts and terms. Save each outline in your Dreamweaver folder.
• Do the project for each chapter. Follow the directions.
• Prepare for the Learn it Online quiz.

3. This book is more advanced than the HTML book. The author will show you how to do something once, than expect you to know how to do it. For example, the first time they will go through all the steps for adding images (click here, drag here, etc...). During the next chapter they just say "add images". Pay attention!

4. Use the resources provided. Powerpoint, Learn it Online, the blogs, classmates, etc... We will learn a lot over the next few days.

5. The files you need are in the UDrive--WebSchneider.

Note: pages 1.12 through page 1.20 will require some network navigation. Create your "parks" folder in your WDrive-Dreamweaver-Project1 folder. Read carefully and ask if you are not sure.

Good luck.

What's next?

Today we will finish our pre-assessment. I want to see how you write. Being able to process information and communicate effectively is essential in today's information revolution.

I ask that you do a few things first:
1. Watch the Jeff Han video (use headphones). Han is a leader in the technology world and his use of the touch screen is very cool. How would this impact web design?
2. Go to the Don't Click It site. How does "not clicking" change your experience? Can you see how the technology on this site might be related to the work Jeff Han is doing?

Additional ideas (you may have seen these before):
1. Simulations. Many of you play online games and simulations. You might play with someone who is across the world. This collaboration is a great Web2.0 example. But what about education games? Pilots use flight simulators. Why can't we use simulations in school? Check out Ayiti. Would you rather play the game to learn about the problems in Haiti and other 3rd world countries or do a worksheet?
2. Baby Names. Do you want a book of 1,000s of baby names or use this website? A great example of how web design makes searching easier.

Today's assignment:

• Go to your blogmeister.
• Write an article that reflects on the websites you visited. Talk about these websites (and others) in terms of our web design concepts (usability, accessability, etc...). How does this technology improve how we use information? What does a website made in 2007 need to look like?
• Be sure to include links in your post. Don't say "this article". Make it clickable so people can visit the link.
• Include a link to this post.
• Post a substantive comment on another students blog. Reflect on what they say, add a link to an idea, or any other way to increase the collaboration amongst us.
• Be sure to follow protocal for comments and posts (ethical, no last names, include links, include URL, no email).

It is my goal that by June you are able to create websites that look like they were made in 2007, not 1995. This will be a lot of work. But you MUST agree to some things first (I suggest you write about some of these ideas):

• Understanding usability is everything. Does your website add value to the world?
• Read/write web. You must get used to the read/write concept where as you are reading you are already thinking of your response. This is different than if you are reading the newspaper or a novel where there is no conversation. Modern web design is about collaboration (blogs, wikis, etc..).
• You are part of a new generation that will have incredible power of technology and machines but faces incredible battles (war, oil, global warming, cancer, etc..). How can America and its students compete as the "Shift happens".
• You will communicate in this new world with video, read/write blogs, email, etc...Most of you do this already. Assignments and strategies in education from even five years ago are invalid now. You must insist that resources are provided that teach you to be preared for 2017, not 1987. For example, its great to know how to write a paper, but you REALLY need to know how to make and edit a movie to survive in this new age.

Technorati Tags: Han read/write web2.0 Ayiti dontclickit

HTML Pre-Assessment

We will finish the HTML pre-assessment today. I have been impressed that almost all of you have had no trouble with this assignment. Todays assignment is about adapting to code changes.

There are always changes with any work order. Your web design boss has seen your draft and wants you to make the following changes:

1. She wants the background color to match the blue heading on this blogspot page. Coded Color Slider (put this in link in your favorites!!)
2. She really likes the two news links that are visual (the Newsmap and the Daylife). She wants you to find one other site that has a very high usability factor (mix of visual and text, obvious focus, easy to use and find information). Use google, technorati, the class wiki, or this blog to find the "coolest site ever". Include link on your website.
3. She wants an email link so people can leave comments. Email address is comments@isp.com
4. She asks that you take a few minutes and view the source of some of these pages. Please ask a classmate if you don't remember how to do this. See if you can include one element or idea (such as a specific code or design principal) from these pages in your HTML page.

I will be working today to get the blogmeisters assigned to all the new bloggers. Be patient.

Students with blogs should all leave a reflection today about the first three days of Web2.

Day2

Today we will take a tour of several items. For students who took my Web1 class much of this will look familiar, but I ask that you look at everything with new eyes.

Blogs:
This is a blog. A blog is read/write web device that allows a writer to communicate directly with his/her audience. The blog can incorporate pictures, video, sound and many "widgets" that are Web 2.0 based. Myspace is a blog. In addition to your classmates blogs on blogmeister please look at the following blogs:

Senator Blog
TV News Blog
MTV Blog

Wikis:
A wiki is a program that allows collaboration on the web. Members are allowed to create, edit, and improve information in real time. The classic example is wikipedia which is updated constantly. How wikis are better? For example, your science textbook still says there are 9 planets, even though Pluto was declared to NOT be a planet in August. One minute after that announcement the entry on wikipedia was changed. In a world that moves at incredible speed, can we afford to still be textbook based?

Wikis incorporate video, images, and sound as well. But the most important aspect is that they are collaborative.

These examples were created by Web1 students:

Ballet Wiki
Cheerleading Wiki
Obesity Wiki

Web 2.0 Stuff:
Take a moment to look through these sites. Put the ones you like in your favorites. We will explore throughout the class. Each website has something "new" to offer.

Newsmap
Daylife
Tall Buildings
Typing Test

You will now create an HTML website using notepad. You can use the HTML book or any of your old files. This is a pre-assessment for this class. I want to see what you can do.

Your website should:
--Summarize the Web 2.0 applications you looked at. Include links to at least 4 websites. Include all aspects of the web site design (title, heading, frames, links, etc...) that you feel are needed to summarize the information. You are basically recreating this blog entry in notepad using HTML.
--Include at least one clipart image (use link from this page).
--Show evidence that you understand todays discussion of accessability, usability and bias.
--Save your file as web.htm in your "other" folder in the WDrive.

This should take you maybe 15-20 minutes. I'm just looking to check that you have basic computer/HTML skills. I will grade complete as long as you give a strong effort.

Web Design 2

Welcome to Web Design 2! I know we will have a great time this semester. As I already talked about, we will cover many new things during this semester. We will move out of the world of notepad into the program world of Dreamweaver, Flash, and Fireworks. We will continue to work on our blogs, wikis and other aspects of the read/write web. You will do a lot of writing, reading, analyzing as we aim to improve our communication skills.

Over 99% of the information in the world is digital. Can you find this information, process it, interpret it, and reproduce it in a thoughtful way. That is what this course is about.

We will move faster than Web 1. However, this pace will not be the same for all. I will expect some leaders to emerge shortly who move VERY fast on our projects. This speed will allow us time to work on some exciting things.

Today is grunt work. Please do the following.

1. Go to your W:drive
2. Create a folder "web2"
3. Within the web2 folder create four more folders: Dreamweaver Projects, Flash Projects, Fireworks Projects, Other.

Create an MSWord document. (Web1-Schneider students answer these questions on blogmeister).
1. Save as "Day1" in your Other folder.
2. After watching the Did you Knowmovie please write a 1-2 paragraph reflection. How does this movie relate to your life here in Seymour, CT?
3. What about the future gets you excited? What scares you? Write 3-4 sentances on each question.
4. Bloggers, include 1-2 links in post.
5. Save file.

Good luck!

Technorati Tags: DidYouKnow WebDesign Schneider

Exam Summary

Exams are over. I have 1-2 student taking exams tomorrow. Grades are on teacherease.com

Summary exam averages:
Period 1: 84.6
Period 2: 79.4
Period 4: 82.4
Period 5: 82.2
Period 6: 81.5

A few notes:

Memo: The number one problem was not following the format. This made your memos very unclear. Some of you turned in an entire page without using paragraphs. Second, how long should a one page memo be? Why would you turn in a second page?

Those of you who included evidence from readings, thank you! I was surprised more of you didnt talk about the $100 laptop we read about.

HTML: Some very good websites. Some of you get too creative with colors. Less is more. But overall you understand this very well.

Vocab: Some of you nailed it. Some of you needed to study.

Final Exam: Web1

Today we will begin our final exam.

Rules for exam:

1. Do your own work. No questions, or outside assistance.
2. You may use your book and code files for the memo and HTML section.
3. You can only use your printed outlines for the HTML section.

Be sure to follow directions and turn work in properly.

Stay quiet for the entire exam period.

Click here to visit the exam. The vocabulary link will only be active during the exam period.

The end of Web1.....

Today is the final day of regular classes for Web1.

Today:
1. Be sure you have submitted a grading sheet and all your work for the final project.
2. Have your outlines complete and printed out for use during exam.
3. Study and review one-page memo, HTML, and vocabulary.

Wednesday:
1. Regular class period. Memo and HTML sections of exam will be posted. Can use book and files for assistance.

Thursday:
1. Exam periods begin.
2. Vocabulary part of exam during these periods. May only use printed outlines.
3. All parts of the exam must be completed by end of designated exam period.

Remember, no assistance from teacher or classmates during exam.

Good luck!

Video

I have talked a lot about how traditional ways of assessment aren't always productive. Here are two examples of video that are truly outstanding by high school students.

1. AP Psychology: Sleep Disorders. This is a youtube video, which is blocked here at school. I urge you to watch it at home, especially if you are taking AP Psych.

2. Sweatshop Video. By a student in California. Put on headphones as the music is essential. After viewing this powerful movie I think you will have a better idea of the potential for video and what superior work looks like. As you can see, this video is about the STORY, not just about stringing images together. (this doesnt seeem to be playing right now in school, I'm working on it)

Encourage your teachers to allow you to use alternative assessments. Then impress them!

I am adapting the HTML assignment: Your quiz will be on Chapter 8. You still must be able to talk about each chapter and the techniques, but I realize we ran out of time and need to make the quiz thing easier.

Technorati Tags: sweatshop APPsych youtube video assessment

Final Few Days of Web1

We are slowly winding down.....

I am looking forward to Web2 but I wish we could extend Web1 a bit longer. I think all of the classes are starting to "get it" and I am a bit worried about starting fresh. About half of you are continuing in each class. I will rely on you! Other students will have taken Web1 from other teachers, or even in previous years. They will need help learning about wikis, blogs, and other things you have studied. I will ask for your patience as we "review" accessibility, usability, and learn how to blog and wiki again. I will use you as teachers to help your peers. I think you fully understand what you are doing. I think that surprises some of you, that you actually learned something.

I want to thank you for helping me get used to SHS. I miss my old job in many ways. I especially miss conducting (for the adrenaline) and I really miss coaching (for the adrenaline) but I have really enjoyed the challenge of learning how to teach a new class. As I have said before, I made the sacrifice to spend more time at home and to have the time to go back to school. I remind you to thank your coaches for spending time with you (instead of their own children, family, or friends). They hardly get paid anything, usually get grief from students and parents, and rarely get thanked except at a banquet.

A few practical notes:
1. I will start closing blogs this weekend and convert them to the new classes. If you are not returning you will lose your blog. Encourage your other teachers to join blogmeister! Everyone should be blogging.
2. Clean your drives out. Take any work out of the UDrive. The only thing in there should be your exam.
3. I can't grade any missing work past Friday (I have been more than nice waiting for it). I only have 1-2 people who are excused form this and they know who they are.

Good luck on your exam. It is a difficult exam and I really encourage you to study.

iPods

An email has been sent out to all teachers enforcing a ban on iPods and other music devices. This obviously effects our class.

I know this will effect some of our podcasts, but we must deal with it. Please leave the players at home.

HTML

Tech services came yesterday. We tested the JAVA on the machines and they worked. I put a test file in the UDrive and it worked (its still there if you want to check. So.....code problem?? I dont know what the solution is.

We have worked on this all day. We think we started to solve it during Period 5.

Chapter 7-8 is a typo issue.
Chapter 9 is probably an issue with spaces in the code.

HTML

We have been having problems with the Java scripts loading on the computers. I thought we had fixed it on Friday, and I submitted another request to Tech Services on Monday when it was apparent it wasnt working.

I know it is frustrating. Be patient. In the mean time I suggest:
1. Plow through the code. At least get msot of it done until we fix the issue.
2. Read the chapters. Really read them. This will get you ahead of the rest of the group.
3. Study for the quiz.
4. Use my desk to check some of the code.

Copying

Just a quick note:

If you copy someones work you will get a zero. I have watched some of you try to do this, especially on the coding.

Final Exam

Your final exam will start next week. I wanted to encourage you to study. The exam will have three parts.

1. Vocabulary. You will need to understand the basic terms from our HTML book (Intro-Chapter6). I will only include the more basic terms (no tricks). You can use your outlines that you created for this part of the exam (you can print them out). No books. (20pts)

2. One page memo. You should practice the one page memo. You will be presented with a problem and you will be asked for solutions. Your answer should reflect that you did the readings this semester. Again, study the format and review the readings. Books and computer OK, no human help. 30pts.

3. HTML creation. You will create a basic HTML web site that will reflect the coding you learned this semester. You should be able to code frames, image maps, forms, links, and any other HTML code from the first six chapters. Your pages should reflect accessability and usability standards. Books and computer OK, no human help. 40pts.

4. Network navigation. This section is for the remaining ten points. If you label your files correctly and follow directions for turning the work in you will get full credit for this. No books, computer, or human help. 10pts.

Most of you will need more than the allotted time for the exam. I will post the exam early so you can start early. I haven't figured out exactly how to do that yet, but I hope to work on it today.

Any problems with grades or missing work will close this Friday. Follow the procedure on the board. I will grade final projects Tuesday. I hope to post how to submit your projects soon. This will be a ton of stuff for me to grade, so make it easy for me by having everything done correctly and on time. Remember, I will post your exam grades immediately to teacherease.com.

A few project notes:
1. Check the rubrics. Make sure you are following the assignment.
2. Much of the HTML isn't working (the java scripts). I thought we had solved it Friday, but we didnt. I'm working on it...
3. Movies should be saved as movie files (not projects) and put in UDrive for comments. Put comments on directors blog. Do not use copyrighted images or music. Use the open source stuff or create (gasp!) your own. Free sound clips.

We made a downloaded music folder in the UDrive. When you download clips or music put them there, then copy to WDrive for your project. This way we can help each other find things. Be sure to use folders to categorize items!!

Technorati Tags: web+design+exam

Wiki

Rachel has done a great job with her FBLA Wiki. I also like the Iraq page that Marcy is developing. Some of you still write in your posts that wikis aren't web design. Well....its on the web....and she designed the page....I don't get what the issue is. I am really starting to see great work from you. I think you notice how many people are watching.

I am making plans for Web Design 2. I have never taught this class before so it will be new all around. A few things I know will happen:

1. We will learn the basics of the DreamWeaver program.
2. We will learn the basics of Flash and Fireworks.
3. We will delve much deeper into design principles (accessability, usability, etc..).
4. We will be very project based.

Youe success will depend on your willingness to work hard. There will be a lot of freedom and I hope the success of the first semester will carry over into the spring.

Project

A few project notes:

Analysis:
1. There are a lot of recent posts in the educational blogs about the future classrooms. It is a hot topic. Use technorati to help you search. A few posts to get you started: Will Richardson, Scott McLeod.
2. I would use interviews for the old classroom information. I bet you can find old textbooks in the library as well. Yearbooks? Has SHS changed much even though the world has grown by leaps and bounds?
3. Keep track of your sources and cite them correctly.

Movie:
1. Please put a draft of your movie file (WMV) in the UDrive. I have a "final movie" folder there. Label it with your name (JohnnyJ-Iraq-1st draft). Put entry in your blog, ask people to watch it and give you comments/suggestions.
2. Be sure you tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Wiki:
1. Work on the multimedia (video-sound) part of the wiki. This might be links to CNN videos, etc...but I would prefer that it is embedded in the wiki.
2. Be sure you are citing all of your sources.

Bookwork:
1. Be sure you are studying as you go and reading the chapters.

Thursday

I have been called to jury duty and will not be in Thursday. Please continue to work on your projects. I will try to approve your work Thursday night or Friday morning. Please be sure to put a blog post up of what you do today.

On another note I want to get my clustrmap to register Africa and Russia. How are your clustrmaps doing?

Technorati Tags: Africa Russia

Good news

Check out the attention we got about the Ayiti game. Blogging is a powerful tool. Excellent post, Rachel.

A few notes about the project so far:

For all:

Check the rubrics! They include a lot of the details about what you should include.

HTML:

• On project 8, the java script is blocked by internet explorer. When you make the funwith phonics page it will be a white screen with a picture. It is important to understand WHY we use java scripts before you move on.
• Project 7 should work fine now.
• Some of you still insist on not reading the chapter and making this a typing class. Remember, you must be able to orally explain each project/concept and be ready for a quiz.

Movies:

• Remember, to tell a story. Beginning, middle, end.
• You can't use copyrighted images.
• PLEASE tell a story, dont just string images together.
• Make sure you talk about the essential question about the topic. What do people need to know?
• I'm working on finding open-source music. Take some time to search. You probably need creative common licensed music. You cannot use copyrighted music.
• CITE YOUR SOURCES PROPERLY OR NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN

Wiki:

• These seem to be developing. The collaboration seems to be working. I encourage all of you to check the pages out and add comments on the discussion page or make edits yourself.
• You might need to do some work from home where youtube or google video isn't blocked. You are expected to include some multimedia in your wiki.
• CITE YOUR SOURCES PROPERLY OR NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN

Final Project

The pages for the final project are set. I will refine and adapt these pages over the next few days so keep checking back. The rubrics should be up today. This is an opportunity to stretch your wings on a project for two weeks. Impress me. This is your only remaining grade, make it count.

David Warlick (the blogmeister) wrote an interesting blog post on New Years Day. I am trying in this project to work on some of the ideals that he speaks about. I have tried to create independent thinkers where students actively pursue the learning, they don't sit passively and wait for the teacher to dispense knowledge. Many of you have grown tremendously as students during this period.

During these next two weeks you should work intensively on the project. However, please leave time for studying for your final exam. We spent the last two weeks before break reviewing for the exam (so you have a "practice exam") but I will post further practice over the next few days. Remember, three components; 1 page memo, HTML, vocab.

If you have any missing work because you were absent, see me Wednesday. If you have missing work because you fell behind and you didnt do anything over vacation....well, that ship might have sailed.

Technorati Tags: David+Warlick education+renaissance

Final project

Hello all my vacationing students (and anyone else). If you could put comments about the final project on the discussion page of the wiki (or here) that would be great. my goal is to give everyone the opportunity to produce some great work. Let me know if you have additional ideas. I will flesh the project out this weekend after I get some comments back.

New blog

I'm testing a wordpress blog out. This is more about analyzing how things are going in class. I'm not sure what the best way to handle all this management is (I dont want to be editing all day).

Friday: Completing Online Work

Today you will tie these elements together in a blog entry. This will require you to search effectively, find QUALITY information, and synthesize it quickly. Post this by midnight tonight (Friday). You can always edit it later. If you are unable to find effective information, get help from a buddy. Trust me, the information is there. I know you have the skills to find them if you focus on the task.

Answer the question in a substantive blog entry that includes links to valuable resources. You must try to find one quality blog on the subject to link to.

Choose one of the following tasks:

1. What are the three leading causes of death for African children? How is the Gates Foundation trying to solve these issues? Include technorati tags Africa, poverty, GatesFoundation.

2. The genocide in Darfur has prevented farmers in that region from generating a stable income. What efforts by the UN are in place to stabilize that region so crops can be planted and other areas of life can return to normalcy. Include technorati tags for Darfur, crops, United Nations.

3. How many years of schooling does the average child in the Sudan have? Are there differences between girls and boys? How does this effect their future lives? use technorati tags for Sudan, education.

4. How many orphans has the AIDS crisis produced in Africa? What efforts is the American government undertaking to stop the crisis? How will this crisis effect these children and is there any way out of the crisis? Use technorati tags for AIDS, children, GatesFoundation.

To make technorati tags click here.

On blogmeister be sure to use paragraphs, links, and any other devices you can to show that you can communicate in an effective manner. Write the entry as if a child in Africa is reading it. And remember, they might be. And without sounding silly, its not a game for them.




Please also check the final project. Its on the wiki. The structure is done, but leave comments if you have any idea on the discussion page. I will be fleshing it out over the next week. Get a head start.


Listen to this article

Technorati Tags: online education blogs Africa GatesFoundation

Online Gaming and Simulations

We worked yesterday on the typing test, the Dig Here! program, and the Ayiti Unicef game. Each showed us an aspect of online simulation learning. You were each to make a blogmeister entry based on that experience. I'm still working on the super-cool science site.

Today I will ask you to look at several more sites and then make a reflective entry in your blog. Remember, we are grading the depth of your blog entries now, not just that you have made one. The ONLY grade for this week is the quality of your blog.

So for today (some of the 3D work might not work in school)....
3D Farming: Can you succeed as a farmer?
3D Architecture: Can you build a successful house.
Tall Buildings: Super-cool site about tall buildings
Power Play: Can you build a better mousetrap?
Margaret River Senior High School: This is the school on the opposite side of the earth. Its amazing how similar they are to us.

Be sure to leave time to visit the questions on blogmeister.


Listen to this article

Technorati Tags: k12education gaming simulations 3DFarmer

Wednesday Online Work

Today we will work on some fun online tasks as we move towards vacation.

Typing Test: Go head-to-head with your neighbor. How fast can you type?
Another cool Google Earth app. Dig here!
Science Site. This page is absolutely amazing. I SO HOPE it plays in school. You can get lost in the catapult thing for hours.

Check out the Unicef site. analyze it for usability, etc...Try out the games (Ayiti looked pretty cool). They are pretty cool, and I think a great way to learn.

Can you find other sites that are "cool". If so, add a comment or write in your blogmeister. Everyone should check blogmeister today for making an entry.

Tuesday

We are finishing the second part of our sample exam today. Some of the pages are very impressive. I think all of you did well once you sat down and tried to solve the problem. Today we will evaluate the projects and look at our classmates work. I think you will be impressed by how far we have come.

You will need to do this on the exam without any assistance. If you need to practice, start now.

I think our class is getting a lot of reading world wide which is cool. Check the clustrmap on this page and on the blogmeister. You should all have a clustrmap on your blogs. Let me know if you try to insert one (I have to upload it). Those of you who are still skeptical about EVERYTHING must recognize how the dynamics of the class change now that people realize we are being monitored world-wide.

I think this is my first movie post of the year but vacation is coming up and I wanted to update my movie picks. With a baby at home, its hard to keep up.

Movies I have seen recently: (stars out of five)
Casino Royale: Three stars (first scene was five stars)
Da Vinci Code: One star. (horrible....)
This is Spinal Tap: Five stars
The Departed: Four stars (rough movie, not for kids).
The Break-Up: Four stars (Mrs. Schneider says-5 stars)

Movies I want to see:
Pursuit of Happyness
Good Shepherd
Rocky Balboa

Time Article

There is an interesting cover story in Time Magazine about schools in the 21st century. It covers much of the material we have talked about in our readings. It is a longer article, but I think it is valuable reading for you. If you comment in your blogmeister, be sure to leave a link to the article.

If you were running the mile for me on my track team and you walked off the track after three of the four laps and said "That's all I am going to do" and "That should be good enough for you". Or "We had to run FOUR laps?? Nobody ever told me THAT!!". Or my favorite, "I don't feel like finishing the race today, I'm going to do it at home". I don't think you would expect your team or your coach to be satisfied with your performance.

On the same note, if you turn in an assignment where you have only done three out of four "laps", please don't be shocked when I find that unacceptable. Do your best and finish every race. I have coached dozens of All-Americans and kids who literally were blind and had to be led around the track. Everyone has their own limits. I will not accept work that is less than your best effort.

Today you will work on the second part of the sample exam project. The project is posted on the wikispace. While no part of this project is especially difficult you can easily run into problems if you do not plan effectively. I urge you to write out your plan on paper so you can visualize it BEFORE you start coding. Also, look through your past work to see if there are ideas you can use (I promise that there is code you can "steal").

I hope the SHS Winter Concert went well last night. If you participated please let us know about it in your blog. My nieces fifth grade concert last night was exceptional. Monique plays clarinet and I was very impressed by the whole group. I wish I could have made both shows.

Finally, I hope Tania will post her Lewis and Clark video so we can all watch it. It is very impressive. Its worth the time to watch it.

Wednesday

Today we will grade the memo assignment. Same drill as before: fill out worksheet, post entry on blogmeister, post comment on blogmeister.

Tomorrow we will do the second part of the sample exam which will involve applying your HTML knowledge to the bottle label solution.

This is a last call for any missing work before I do progress reports. All missing work must be submitted. I will check on your screen, dont put in UDrive.

Good luck to all the musicians in the school concert tonight. I wish I could be here for it. My niece has her first band concert (5th grade) which I simply can't miss. I urge you all to come and support your classmates!

Tuesday

By midnight Tuesday you must post your memo to blogmeister. Click here for the wikispace explanation. I think the wikispace for the class is going fairly well. Its nice to have access to the work from home and there is never "I lost the paper" excuse.

Check out the clustrmap on the right. You should all add a clustrmap to your blogs. Can you find Bangledesh on the map? What about the other countries? Who is reading about us?

A few notes on your memo.....First, be brief and be specific. Second, follow the format!!, Third, demonstrate a deep understanding of the tools we have learned about. Choose the best tool for the job! If you finish early don't be afraid to add links or other cool stuff to your memo (but keep it professional! no hot pink fonts!)

Technorati Tags: clustrmap blog Bangledesh

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The World is Flat

The flatclassers are checking out Tania's and Nicoles video. Lets get those other videos posted!

Does a global audience change how you make these movies?

Another post is up Click here.

Flatclass video

Click here or above to watch Tania and Nicole's video about the flatclassroom project.

Technorati Tags: k12 education flatclassroom video

Exam

I hope that the totally 10 system is working for you. I think allowing students to choose the assignments that fit their needs is the way to go. Some of you resist the challenge, but I urge you to truly explore the possibilities. Although the process has been a bit messy as we experiment I am very impressed by how fast some of you have worked when some of the restrictions of a traditional classroom are lifted.

I have begun formulating the semester exam. This will be a serious exam as it carries so much weight in the grading system. Currently I envision a vocabulary exam (20%), a web page creation (50%), and an analysis (30%). I encourage you to have quality outlines as I expect they will come into play during the exam.

Do you have suggestions for the exam? Topics? Ideas? If so, leave them here.

Project 6 due Thursday.

Please!

When you take the files out of the data files-web schneider folder in the UDrive please dont save your work back there when you are done. Every class after your then copies YOUR file instead of the correct one.

Before you copy files, check the date and/or properties for who saved the file.

The UDrives should contain none of your files.

Monday

For this weeks project go to the wikispace.

If you are interested in doing a special project about games you should start here. I know nothing about this process but I do know that educational games are becoming more and more important and getting more press. Most are online and interactive. If you did a project on this you would have to do some reading (espcially the teaching guides), find relevant blogs, and then start learning the program. Making a wikispace would be great.

For those of you making movies, can you find examples of student work on the internet that use movie maker? Compare your work to their work. How can you improve? Include links on your blogmeister.

If you are more interested in the graphics manipulation then doing the tutorials in Flash and Fireworks and making a wikispace about them for other students would be a good special project.

Some of you spoke about teaching a class or giving a clinic for senior citizens, teachers, or parents on web basics (email, how to find a website, cool stuff you can do, etc...). If this was your project we would need a detailed action plan. How would this happen. This would make an excellent project for collaboration with other students or a service project for a club.

Exploring the google maps and the myriad of new applications that go along with it might be another interesting project. I showed you the bookmarking program the other day. Here is another post to check out. Maybe you would like to explore ideas for flickr instead.

A few of you will be creating wikispaces based on a project for another subject. One group is exploring how a special car parks itself and will use geometry and physics to explain it. This is a good use of a wiki where video, fireworks diagrams, and other applications can be applied.

In short, I encourage you to do something. All of these application are new to me and I can't keep up with all the ones that are coming out. If we work together and use the tools we have (blogs, wikis, etc...) we could raise our collective knowledge. Also, I realize that many of you take the "safe" choice and stick with your textbook. If you are doing it because you truly want to learn more about HTML forms, then OK. If you are doing it because you think it is easier or safer, then I urge you to reflect on how you approach learning. Take a chance. If we ALL did the safe thing school would be boring and we wouldn't learn that much.

Technorati

What are people blogging about? How could you use this as a tool in assignments for other classes? If a teacher asks you to "internet search for an article" do you think this might be a good tool to use? The spike for this word is obvious. Try other words.

Posts that contain Election per day for the last 30 days.

Get your own chart!

Survey Results

1. Evaluate your technology expertise since September 1.
I've learned a lot more than I thought I would. 56%
I've learned about what I thought I would 21%
I've learned some. 20%
Nothing so far... 3%
Total 100%
2. Have you read or edited your blogmeister from home?
Yes 44%
No 56%
Total 100%
3. What has been the best learning experience?
Bookwork 46%
Web Olympics 28%
Total 10 Exam 26%
Total 100%
4. Are you producing your best work?
Yes 80%
No 20%
Total 100%
5. Which of the following would you like to explore? Click all that apply.
Educational gaming simulations 70%
Blogging and global networking 36%
Wikis/Collaborations 18%
Graphics Manipulation 61%
6. If you look at Project One in the textbook does it look...
Much easier now 72%
Same 25%
Still can't figure it out... 3%
Total 100%
7. Do you feel comfortable creating and editing a basic webpage?
Yes 87%
No 8%
Whats a webpage? 5%
Total 100%


Not bad results, we seem to be doing OK. I will continue to offer you a variety of ways to learn. If you are one of those not doing your best, start doing your best.

Friday

Today we take the quiz, start the new project, and take the survey. There seems to be a bug in the survey---hit submit until it gets through all the windows and is obviously done.
Many of you are staying after school or using study halls to get more time with the computer. Remember, many of these assignments (but not all) can be done at home.

Thursday

Today is a half day. I also have my first graduate exam tonight. The exam is in supervision. Basically I get a packet about a teacher which includes information about their lesson, the schoool, etc...Then I watch a ten minute video of a lesson. I have four major questions to answer. Its a lot of writing. Next week I have my school improvement exam.

Please study for tomorrows test. Several of you have exams to turn in. Almost all of you have completed the Project Six.

I found some tools for using Google maps. Using this tool would greatly enhance any project that is history or map related. by using the bookmarks you can add text and links to any site on the map. For example, if you were doing a report on the Civil War you could bookmark all the battle sites, include links and photos, and a timeline. You could also view how the land has changed. Might make some of your powerpoint assignments more interesting?? Give it a shot.


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Technorati Tags: googlemaps powerpoint

Evoca

Evoca is my cool site of the day. Could this radically change how we make a web site (or do our homework)??

One things I use the internet for is to find woodworking plans (this is getting blocked in school--why I don't know). I think that plan will be Claudia's Christmas present (shhh!). I think these sites are a good example of how the internet has changed recently. When people have a question now (how to install a dishwasher, how to refinish a floor, how to bake oatmeal cookies) they rarely open a book, instead they google the question. Many of these sites have a low usability factor. How would you improve them? Remember, these directions need to be printed, most people don't have a computer in their workshop.

Forms

Project Six is about forms. This part of HTML is rarely used anymore because it is fairly clunky. But I think it will be good to understand the structure, especially if you are going to into Web Design II. This is the first time you are adding an interactive element (beyond a web address) to your page. The book gives you a "dummy" address. If you add your email address instead the program will work and send you the results of the form. That might give you some ideas for your blogs.

I expect to have the Project complete by Thursday, Quiz on Friday, and we will start a new assignment on Monday. If you sit next to somebody who always says "You never told me about the quiz", please have them read this paragraph.

Today, everyone outlines. Due today. A warning: if you just look for bold words this chapter will not outline correctly. Read the chapter!

We have a half day this week for exams. A reminder that I will only be here that day until 3:30pm (I have exams that night). Please remember to inform your family. I would be happy to make other arrangements.


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Web Design

In the dark ages, back when I was in high school, the "cool" thing to have was an electric typewriter. It would display 3-4 words at a time and you could add and subtract text before it typed. I wasn't that cool, so I typed my papers on a regular typewriter with a ribbon.

When I went to Oberlin for my BA I used an Apple for my composing. I actually used the same program I use today (I use a much newer version now). There was some email, but it was only between colleges.

When I got my masters at Syracuse I had a laptop that could do basic things (no email). But it could print, use MS Word and Excel, and do statistics programs that I needed.

The rate of technology acceleration is incredible. Only ten years ago it would be common not to even own a computer. Now there can be 2-3 in a house. Anyone can publish their thoughts. ANYONE can blog or publish from ANYWHERE at ANYTIME using a mobile phone. That is how we get a free exchange of information. And information is power.

I am trying in this class to give you the opportunity to use these tools to accumulate information and thus power. If you can use these tools effectively you can have a much stronger voice in the world. These tools are changing constantly. But the obvious truth is that barriers are coming down. ANYONE can type and save and publish (how many of you were surprised how easy the wikispaces were?). It has never been easier.

So, only ten years ago email was "odd". What will the new "must have" technology be? Will you be ready for it? Now that you CAN have a voice and DO have a voice, will you use it??

Exams

Almost all of your exams are due. Barring extreme situations there will be no more extensions.

1. Print out the grading sheet in U:drive.
2. Print out projects and evidence (follow directions on sheet).
3. Print out and self assess rubric.
4. Compile exam in order. Complete grading on first sheet.
5. If your due date is later than today (only a few of you) you will work outside of classtime or when done with your project work. We start project six tomorrow.

I think this worked fairly well. The process was a bit messy, but I will make some changes for next time. I think having choices allowed many of you to explore some new things.

Project Six is about forms. We will only touch on this briefly as this language is rarely used anymore. But I think it is important to recognize the structure and purpose of forms. I am not exactly sure where we will go the last 6-7 weeks of the class. I need to coordinate with the other classes as I have all the Web Design II students. I know we have caught up to them at this point.

Exam

Those of you doing the labs should be careful you are doing the correct ones. Check the page numbers on the exam sheet. The 2 frame Andrews High lab is not one of the assignments.

Monday

You should be starting the finishing process on your exams. I have a form in the U:drive to help you organize everything.

I will be gone most of period 4 and 5 today for a meeting.

Many of you are really flying on your exam. Some have wasted time. Your grade will reflect that.

A few things I am disapointed in:

1. Some students are copying work. They know who they are. What is worse is that some of you know it is happening. What do you stand for? If you don't have integrity I worry about how will cope with life. Why would you allow this?
2. If I need to go old school I will. My expectation is you work the entire period. Don't test me on this. If you disagree go home and say "Mr. Schneider made me do my work today, can you believe it??".
3. I have been shocked by the amount of swearing in the halls and classroom. I have taught in some very tough schools and I have never seen anything close to this. It gives a horrible impression.
4. I expect excellent work from all of you, not adequate work. I need to see start seeing better work from my elite students.

Enough about that. Give me the your best work everyday. No excuses. If you have a problem with that have your parents call me at 888-4564 and we can have a conference.

Exam

All contracts must be posted to the blogmeister today. Be sure to include a table, a due date, and any subjects for videos or wikispaces.

A handful of you have not posted to your blogs. I am not sure of the issue. It is not optional.

Exam

Today we will start our web exam. While I have done projects like this before in other classes (both as student or teacher) it is new for me in this class. We will learn together. I have tried to set-up projects that bring in new knowledge to the class. Good luck.

Be sure to be documenting your daily progress on your blogmeister. That is the primary way I will grade you. All contracts will be submitted through blogmeister. All students must be prepared for an oral defense of their projects where faculty or students will ask questions of your work.


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Quiz

Today we will take the quiz on frames. Good luck.

When you finish the frames I would like you to spend time cleaning up your U:drives and W:Drives. Make sure all files are correct, folders clean, etc...Please leave project five in the U:drive for me.

If you finish that please make an attempt to comment on a blog from another state/class. If you find a good blog, please link to it in your blog and leave comments so people can find it. Encourage them to read your blogs.

This would be especially cool if you found a elementary blog. They love pen pals.

Remember, don't ever include personal information (address, phone, full name, etc..) when using the internet.

The exam is almost done. You can check it out on the seymour wiki space.

Monday

Today is a work day where I hope to plow through a lot of grading. I am a bit behind on grading some project 4's.

I would like the following to be done today:

1. Complete and turn in the blog self-assessment sheet.
2. Turn in project 5 to the U:Drive.
3. Study for tomorrow's Project 5 quiz.

Then:
Blog work
Wiki work

I am working on the exam. You can see it forming on our wikispace.

Friday

Today we will work on finishing project five, outlining, practicing the quiz, and working on our blogs. We will grade the blogs Monday since some classes are missed due to the pep rally.

Take a moment to think about Veteran's Day which we celebrate tomorrow. Veterans Day remembers all veterans who have served. I know many of our families have men and women who have served our country. I think it is important to recognize them. If there are veterans in your family be sure to thank them. You might have neighbors or family friends as well. SHS Staff members? Make the effort.

Remember, we are podcasting. See the other posts on how to add this post to your iTunes feed.


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Technorati Tags: veterans

HTML Frames

Today we will start our work on frames. Frames are an area that display text or graphics. Each frame displays a different web page. frames allow multiple pages to interact with each other. We will go over this in class today.

An important aspect of frames design is to sketch out your ideas. Frames can get difficult to work with if your plan isnt good. I urge you to practice drawing your pages out.

A good tutorial for frames is on this page.

For this project you will do the outline, quiz, and the project. I am starting to work on our exam for this marking period. The exam will include some of the labs for this project.

Please be sure to check your blogmeister page.


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Technorati Tags: frames

Image Map Quiz

Wednesday we will take the quiz on image maps.

After the quiz please turn in project 4 folder to the U:drive. We will start project five on Thursday.

If that is all done please work on your blog entries. I will grade blogmeisters on Friday. Please check the grading rubric on my blogmeister page. If you are having trouble, let me know. I have given you several questions to start a discussion. Discuss something.

I continue to work on the issues with our translator tool and the audio broadcasts. They should all work from home, but they aren't working here for students. I'm working on getting them unblocked. We have several projects starting (SHS blog, Wiki, Podcasts, etc..). Use the blog to get a group going.


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Patience

A lot of the new Web 2.0 tools I installed over the weekend are being blocked on student accounts. Be patient, I'm trying to work on getting them unblocked.

Until then, don't click on the translating tool here at school. I don't think the audio broadcast is going to work either.

But you can go to your blog and discuss this....

Podcasting

This blog is being podcasted. You can listen through talkr.com by using the tag on the right or put this URL into iTunes or another subscription service and entries will automatically be downloaded to your iPod.

http://www.talkr.com/app/cast_pods.app?feed_id=22097

Try it out.



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Technorati Tags: podcast iTunes web-2.0

Web 2.0

Check out this school webpage/blog. What an amazing way to use the technology. Who is ready to step up and do that for our school? Compare their site to our website in terms of our frames (technical, usability, accessability, etc...). Start thinking about how you would set up a new SHS blog.

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Friday

I am taking the morning to handle some family things and I will be at the XC state open this afternoon to watch Seymour HS compete. Please try to do the following today:

1. Finish the Project 4. Help each other.
2. Make a blog entry (answer the questions) and make some comments on other blogs. Maybe look at blogs from other states or schools.

See you Monday. I will check your blog entries Friday night after the races.

And finally, lets find those three missing books. Please!

Books

We're missing a few books. Please find them. Someone took them.

Files

I missed importing the money.gif file that you need for the Apply1 assignment. Its in the U:drive now.

Judging by first period on Thursday I think we will finish most, if not all of this project by the end of class on Friday. They worked pretty fast, but almost all of them are pretty much finished.

So I will aim for quiz on Wednesday (Monday a lot of you are on field trip to NYC). Probably starting Project Five on Thursday or 2nd half of class on Wednesday.

If you have have finished please work on your blogs, fireworks or flash tutorials, or help your classmates.

Wednesday

Today we will do the following:

Turn in project three.
1. Copy whole project three folder from the W;Drive to your folder in the U:Drive--WebSchneider folders.
2. PROOFREAD your files. Make sure that they work.

Start Project Four:
1. Copy the data files from the U:Drive into your W:Drive--project 4 folder.
2. Start reading chapter.
3. Assignments: Project (surfing), Apply 1 (money), outline, Learn it Online.

Project Four is about image maps. We will not spend that much time on this for a few reasons. First, its pretty simple to do if you understand links. Second, its unlikely you will ever have to create image maps in this way, but you MIGHT need to edit them. Finally, the rest of the book requires some understanding of this concept.

Think of image maps as hotspots (like a link). You are creating clickable regions on the image that will send you to another page.

Transition

Today will again be a paperwork day as I try to assign the rest of the blogs and check everyone's grades. Remember, I am giving this time so ALL students get a chance to catch up.

Please answer the question on the blogmeister in your blog today. Be sure to add a link to the podcasting article in your blog entry.

Most of you understand that I am testing and transitioning to the new technologies. I am revamping most of what we do and asking for feedback through the blogs and surveys.

1. Be patient. Ask questions politely. I will work hard to answer them.

2. I repeat that I will not stand in front of the class and say "Please turn to page...". We will not all do the same thing at the same time. Why? Because each one of your needs is different. It would be unfair to push you all into the same box. I am trying to let you choose your path. I have given you all many things to choose from the last few days as everyone catches up. You can be working on media programs (fireworks, flash, etc..), wikis, blogs, or helping classmates.

This web article is a good summary of teaching styles. All the modern research suggests the student centered models are best. I am trying hard to develop this model. As we start doing more and more projects it will make more sense to you.

3. I am trying many new things with the technology. The technology will constantly change. I would expect you to demand that I use the newest technology.

4. These classes have very high achievers, and some fairly slow learners. I am asking for feedback after each project to judge our pacing. I will begin to incorporate more of the problem based learning. This will enable our faster learners to move much quicker. The blogs and Wikis are designed to keep track of this progress. I need the time at the end of the projects to help some of the kids who need extra help.

Be an independent learner.

This will be a bumpy ride. I will not do everything right. I will continue to try new thngs and make mistakes. The one thing I can guarantee is that come the end of January you will ALL understand how the web works in the modern world.

Monday

Don't turn in any work to the U:Drive yet. Again, some people have used the U:Drive to copy work. I'm tracking them down.

On that note we are testing two software packages that allow us to work in groups and chat about our assignments. I can view your screen and I can get on your screen and help you with things. Its a pretty cool way to collaborate. I will ask for feedback on your blogs about the experience. I know some of you aren't used to someone looking over your shoulder. Again, don't use the computer for anything or type anything you don't want me to see.

I'm going to use the next few days to collect and grade everything for marking period one. As I do that I will start adding people to the new blogging service. Please check it out at classblogmeister.com.

The Wiki work is progressing. I have given some of you assignments on either your wiki page or your blog.

One thing that might be new to some of you is that you have a copy of my grade book (as do your parents). Be warned that I can't and won't boost grades up. You will get what the computer determines.

Friday

Quiz on Project Three today.

I think you have all figured it out. I've had a few questions about rowspans that I had to look up, but most of you understand. I urge you to read the chapter (I don't want this to be a class where I read it to you or we go around the room reading a paragraph each). That would solve many issues. A good page to look at is HTM 3.12 and HTM 3.13. That page gives a good explanation of the table structure.

If you need extra practice try the table tutorial.

Some of you were having trouble with cases and places (dont forget to do this part!).
A good tutorial is at this site.

Learn it online has some good pages in the "More About" section. I urge you to check them out.

You should have completed:
1. Project
2. Apply
3. Lab2
4. Cases and Places 2 and 3
5. Outline

My guniea pigs must have completed at least the project and show evidence of applying their knowledge in their blog.

New Technology

We have been experimenting with the wikipedias.

A few notes:
1. Seymour History.
2. Wikipedia only allows 6 new accounts from the school per day. Please start an account at home.
3. Learn about the process. The first few days weren't fun.
4. Absolutely follow proper etiquette when posting. Some of you didn't and I had to spend half of a day on it.

Tables and project notes:
1. Quiz on Friday. Be ready.
2. You all seem to get it. Yet, we are all having typos. I haven't figured out how to stop the typos. Typos are 90% of our problems. Another 8% are U:drive vs. W:Drive types of issues. And finally there are 2% of "content" issues.
3. The guinea pigs are working hard (I hope) and I will need their input for designing the next unit. They are being graded through their blog and wiki entries. You can see their blogs on classblogmeister.com . The initial thought is we will all move to that blogging. I jsut need to figure out the best way to do it.

FAIR WARNING::::Grades are closing. Turn in any missing work. It is your responsibility to make it happen.

WIKI!!!

Those of you were working on the Wiki. It got hijacked. Read the discussion. Its interesting....

You need to read some more about the wikis and what information should be posted. Too many links were added when we only needed the one link to the regular SHS page.

There should be much more internal links to other wikis and information about SHS. Look at wikis of other high schools. Do some reading on the wikis pages. There is a lot of help there. Use the sandbox link for lots of info. Make sure you start an account, otherwise I can't track your work and give you a grade.

If you have no idea what we are talking about, finish your project.

I am testing the new blogs for the students with a few guinea pigs. I hope to have that up and running soon.

In case you haven't guessed already we are going to be moving fast and changing technologies, procedures, and tasks as we go. THIS IS JUST LIKE THE REAL WORLD!! The technology of last spring is dead!!!

However, we have some core values and beliefs that remain true:
1. Our websites will be accessible to all.
2. Our websites will be as unbiased as possible.
3. We will work hard and be honest in our work.

CECA Conference

Monday I attended the CECA conference. I enjoyed many discussions including the keynote by David Warlick which focussed on the new literacy and how we must redefine how we approach technology. He made several points that made me reflect on my teaching practice.

Education must be student driven, not teacher driven in order to survive in this flattened world where technology is changing by the month. The technology and modes of communication that were new six months ago are already dead. The fact that Google searches are going to disappear soon is amazing. I am curious to know how many of you use aggregators or know what RSS stands for or if you make your own podcasts. If you don't, you better catch up, because that is what the rest of the world is doing.

I am working hard to make this class relevant to todays technology (I think you have figured that out). I will be developing processes for you to be starting your own blogs for class and working on your own wikis.

There are many of you ready to help me try these technologies out. If you have been nailing the work so far I'd like you to try doing these alternative assignments. See me if you want to try some of these new technologies.

Technorati Tags: warlick redefine literacy

Monday I am at the CECA Technology Conference. My expectation is that you will have the bulk of the reading/outlining/creating done for the chapter when I return on Tuesday. that will require very focussed work. Yes, my expectations are high.

Some notes about the survey. 96% of you are comfortable with making and editing a page. Thats pretty good news. You seem to overwhelmingly favor the Web Olympics so I will try to incorporate more group work.

1. Which project was the best project?
Textbook Work 12%
Web Olympics 74%
Learn it Online 14%

2. Are you comfortable learning the topics addressed in class?
Very comfortable 14%
Pretty comfortable 66%
Kind of comfortable17%
Not at all 3%

3. Do you feel comfortable adding links and images to your web pages?
Very comfortable 29%
Pretty comfortable 35%
Kind of comfortable 33%
Not at all 3%

4. I know the Seymour High School mission statement.
Yes 33%
No 67%

5. Do you feel comfortable creating and editing a basic web page?
Very comfortable 31%
Pretty comfortable 56%
Kind of comfortable 9%
Not at all 4%
Total

6. The Mets...
Too bad they lost. 59%
Glad they lost. 35%
Who are the Mets? 27%

Many of you are producing work which is of the FINEST quality possible. I appreciate all of your hard work. I am very impressed by the focus many of you bring to these projects.

I will be meeting with each of you individually over the next few days to go over your work. Please contact me if you need any help after school or during study halls. It is obviously MUCH easier to give you the attention you might need when there aren't 24 other students calling my name....

Project Three is about tables. It is not a difficult project, it just about learning new coding and reinforcing the coding we just learned. I urge you to read and outline the chapter first. Many of our problems result from students trying to take short cuts.

Assignments for Project Three:
1. Outline.
2. Project Three (Theater Club)
3. Learn it Online
4. Apply1 (HTM 3.58)
5. In the Lab 2 (HTM 3.59)
6. Cases and Places 2 and 3 (HTM3.62)---Use microsoft clipart online for images--link on blog.

I will be attending the state technology conference on Monday. When I return on Tuesday I will expect that most of the Project is done and you are working on the Labs and Cases. I want to move through this unit fairly quickly. We started 12 school days behind the other web classes and I estimate we are about 7-8 days behind now.

I forgot to mention yesterday how much Claudia and I enjoyed attending the NVL Cross Country championship on Wednesday. As you know, I left coaching this year when I came to Seymour and I was very impressed watching the Seymour team. They have come a long way. We had several web designers run very well (Jocelyn, Craig, etc...). And Joe Paulsen is the first 2006-07 Champion from Seymour. Congratulations. I hope to make states next week. If you have never been to a XC meet you would be very impressed. You dont often see 2500 high schoolers competing on the same day, and over 4000 spectators (they line the course for 3 miles). I also think some of you would be amazed at how FAST some of these kids run. Try running around the track in 75 seconds. Then try doing it 12 times in a row without stopping. Up and down hills. In the rain. Thats XC.

Survey

Please take the survey. Click here .

Project Two Quiz

Quiz today on project two.

I will also use this day to have any remaining project two folders copied to the U:Drive.

Please check the Web Olympics folder in the U:Drive. Give me any suggestions. You asked for more group work so I am trying to create fun activities for you.

After I grade the quiz I will convert any missing work from Project One to zero. Please check teacherease and get any missing work in. Last call for Project One!

Turn in Project Two

Today we will turn in project two. Please follow these steps:

1. Follow the checklist from Friday to check all of your work

Assignments for Project Two:

1. Project Two (resumes)
2. Apply 1 (Family Reunion)
3. In the Lab 1 (Blood Drive)
4. In the Lab 2 (After-School)
5. Cases and Places 4 (Resume)
6. Chapter Outline

Confirm that all files are in your book chapters-project two folder.

2. Right click the Project Two folder in your W:Drive. Click copy.
3. Find your named folder in the U:Drive--Web Schneider. If you need to create a folder, do so.
4. Open your named folder and paste your project two folder inside it.
5. Confirm that all the files moved and that they all work.

If there is work that you need to complete, then do so. Otherwise study for tomorrows Project Two quiz.

I saved my idea for Web Olympics in the U:drive. If you have any ideas, let me know. Teams will be drawn from a hat.

Here is your checklist for Project Two. This is how I will grade it:

1. All files completed and in correct folder (dont save them there yet, we will do that together).
2. Obvious typos, color errors, format errors. All pages should look the same.
3. Your webreshome page should have two samples links on it. One is Marie Santos, one is your resume.
4. I will check the bookmarks links on the resume pages.
5. I will check your resume briefly to see that you completed it (i.e. that you did more than just replacing the name at the top) and that you did things like replace the Purdue picture and links with SHS. I will check that the ALT text for the picture is different on each page.
6. I will check the bookmark links on the family reunion page and the blood drive page.
7. I will briefly check the school picture page.
8. I will check that you closed HTML and closed BODY on all of your pages.
9. I will check your outline.

If you have any questions about the above, please let me know.

Next week we will clean this up, take the quiz and do a group project/assessment. I am thinking of doing a Web Olympics. If you have ideas for "sports" in this Olympics let me know. We will randomly draw for teams of 3-4 students. We will then compete head-to-head in competitions. For example, one competition might be fastest to be a computer genius in Learn it Online. Another competition, might be fastest to fix a code (kind of like the family reunion assignment). I know its a bit silly, but I think it will be fun. Again, let me know any ideas for games. There will be some peer pressure to be prepared so you score for your team. So be prepared.

I am sure most of you saw the tragic story yesterday about the plane crash in New York City. Click here for a CNN story on the subject.

This is an amazing story. You have several elements: plane crash, NYC, a famous person, etc...

Take a moment to reflect on the story. If you were in the newsroom when this story broke what would be your headline? How would you design your page to get the information out in an unbiased manner?

Would your headline be different today? Don't write anything up. Just take amount to think about it.

Some issues we are having with project two:

1. Some of you can't get the Purdue University picture to display on the sample1 page. I don't have an explanation for it.
2. One or two of the computers won't display the greyback background. If you think this applies to you, check your work on a different computer.
3. The two errors I see most often are direction skipping and typos.

A note about Cases and Places 4. You are creating a web resume about YOU. Instead of a picture and link to Purdue University you should have a picture and link to SHS, etc..... You will add a link on the WebResHome Page once you complete this. There will be TWO SAMPLES to link to. One sample will be the one from the book, one will be your resume. I really hope that made sense.

I warned you this project wasn't easy to do because of the focus required. Keep up the good work. Help each other. If anyone can solve #1 or #2 above that would be great.

I've noticed that those who read and outlined the chapter first plowed through the work MUCH faster than those who dove right into the project without reading.

The next few days will be quiet typing days as we plow through Project Two. Please continue to assist each other as we learn these new skills. I strongly believe your peers our your best teachers through collaborative learning.

After school time is fine for extra help, but I have bus duty and dont get back until 2:10pm. Thursday is best when I can stay until around 3pm to give any assistance.

After this unit you should feel comfortable:

• Adding links to within a page (bookmarks), outside a page, or to images.
• Explaining the network and how to save things.
• Adding ALT text to images. Aligning images and sizing them correctly.
• Adding background images.

All in all I think you are doing a great job. Your surveys indicate about half of you feel the pace of assignments is good, but many of you have to rush to keep up. That's fine, as long as you are working hard I will give you all the time that you need. Those of you who are flying through this, please be patient. I'm trying hard to find a middle ground. I ask that you use any "extra" time to help your classmates. That will only serve to reinforce your knowledge ( a win-win situation).

And I guess fifty percent of us don't know what we are talking about as the Yankees will not be winning the World Series this year......

1. What is your favorite teaching style?

Teacher Directed (lecture, oral directions, etc..) 18%
Class projects (multi-day assignments, integrated learning) 16%
Independent Learning (student/task centered, learn at own pace, etc..) 23%
Group Work (projects, collaborative learning, etc..) 43%
Total 100%

2. Are you comfortable with the instructors teaching style?
Very comfortable 9%
Pretty comfortable 43%
Kind of comfortable 37%
Not at all 12%
Total 100%

3. Did you have enough time to finish all the assignments?
I had time to spare 11%
Just right 44%
I had to work fast to finish 45%
Well, I would have finished if I stopped talking... 0 0%
Total 100%

4. Do you feel comfortable analyzing your new websites for bias, usability, and accessability?
Very comfortable 5%
Pretty comfortable 63%
Kind of comfortable 26%
Not at all 6%
Total 100%

5. The Yankees will win the World Series
Of course 48%
No way 35%
Who are the Yankees? 17%
Total 100%

6. Do you feel comfortable creating and editing a basic web page?
Very comfortable 28%
Pretty comfortable 52%
Kind of comfortable 13%
Not at all 6%
Total 100%

Project Two

Assignments for Project Two:

1. Project Two (resumes)
2. Apply 1 (Family Reunion)
3. In the Lab 1 (Blood Drive)
4. In the Lab 2 (After-School)
5. Cases and Places 4 (Resume)
6. Learn it Online
7. Chapter Outline

There is an error on page HTM 2.36. You need to add a step to close the bold and italic tags. See me if a problem.

Two essential things for this unit:
1. The media files must be copied to your Project Two folder or the links will not work.
2. Read the whole thing!! Direction skipping could be a big problem if you are not careful.

Here is the survey for project one.

Possible coolest site ever. Baby names.

Today we will finish Project One. As you know, I have gone back to school this year to study education and possibly get my doctorate. As part of this process I will be videotaping some of my classes and some administrators will be in to watch me over the next few days.

I am available for extra help every day after school, but Thursday is the best day when I can stay from 2:10-3:00. If you are behind, remember that you can access the work from home or another computer in school.

Today:

1. Confirm that the movie page is completed. Have a partner proofread the code.

2. Open an MS Word document (save in class projects: moviebias).

3. Answer the following two questions after reviewing the article on gender bias and usability. Remember, organize your thoughts and check your spelling, etc...

Does your movie page show gender bias? Give three examples from your page to support your argument.

Is your webpage geared towards adults, teenagers, or kids? Give three examples from your page to support your argument.

4. Print the MS Word Document. Print the CODE for your page. Staple them together and put in your periods slot on my desk.

Wednesday Notes and Assignment

Thanks for your good wishes yesterday. I am not back to full strength, so go easy on me today.

A few notes about your folders that you turned in;
1. A major issue is saving to the correct place on the U:Drive. Make sure you save in the correct folder.
2. A second issue is closing the container tags (/HTML, /HEAD, etc..). Many of you neglected to do this.
3. The third issue is proofreading. I think if you proofread each others work almost all the errors could be prevented. This is an ESSENTIAL part of the design process; how you work with others to ensure accuracy.

All in all, you produced excellent work on this project. Almost every one of you demonstrates a high degree of understanding on this unit. I have been working ahead on the Project Two. Those of you who are "directions skippers" will have a very difficult time---so be patient AND READ THE PAGE!!!!!!!!! The coding will become more and more precise and the number of lines of code will greatly increase.

Todays assignment:

1. Open a notepad file. Save it in class projects as googlehtml

2. Using google please answer the following questions:

a. What were the five highest grossing movies of 2006 in America?
b. What were the five highest grossing movies of 2005 in America?

3. Design and Create a webpage in Notepad that answers the above questions. Your page should include:

a title
headings
lists
color
correct information
citation (can be parenthetical, noodletools style, or in paragraph---"According to movies.com....")

4. Save file

Extra credit: What is the major problem with todays blog posting?

I will be out sick on Tuesday. I have a cold and it hit me fast.

Your substitute has a project for you that involves group work and the Fireworks program. Your surveys indicated 50% of you wanted group work, so am working on providing these opportunities. Good luck with the project. I will ask for feedback when I return.