Fireworks Practice

Fireworks tasks:

• Take this picture of Molly.  Change her outfit so its the same color as the girl in front of her.
• Change the H to an S.
• Change STOP to GO.  Make it green.
• Use a text tool to make your name super cool.
• Put President Obama in a crowd at a Yankee Game.

Some of those are hard.  Save all to your fireworks folder.


Next I want you to tackle this puzzle.  Why are there three water fountains in the upstairs hallway next to the guidance office?


 


I would like you to write a blog post:

• Embed the picture in the blog post.  If you go to the image and click share and then "Grab the HTML code".  Copy the code into a blog post.
• Give me a good story or theory.  Creative writing is fine.  I have NO IDEA why we have three water fountains.
• Be sure to include any links that are needed.

Claudia's Post
Samantha's Post

Fireworks Assignment

Before you begin please write a blog post about any of the following items.  Be sure to include links!  What do you think?

• 1/2 portrait.  Cool.
• TV.  Is it helpful?
• 100 Year Old Marathoner
• Photo Grenade

Today we will continue the Fireworks Tutorials.  This is sandbox time.  Please complete the following 8 tutorials and have the completed products in your Fireworks folder.  Now, some of these might not work perfectly as the software has changed.  If somethings not working, please substitute another tutorial.  Take your time and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

• Blur and Overlay
• Change Image color
• Patterned Text
• Photo Frames
• Crayon Effect
• Pencil Drawing Effect
• Feather Effect
• Fading Effect

Be sure to choose the right photograph for each tutorial.  Some photographs aren't appropriate (too dark, not enough contrast, etc...).  Be sure to save and name everything correctly.

My goal is that by the end of class today you can identify the basic functions of Fireworks and apply those functions to an image.  

Fireworks

Today all classes will work on Fireworks tutorials.  Whether this is new or review I would like all to do the same work to start.  You should move straight down the "image effects" category.  Then move to the other categories.  This is sandbox time today and Thursday.  Create a fireworks folder to save all of your work.  Every thing you do should be named, saved, and put in a folder.


If you are turning in something late I will give you half credit today.  The 4 page website was due at the last class.  The blog post about the Red Dot was due for homework.


If you are feeling behind--study!  I do not assign specific homework.  I expect you will be working on any issues that you have.  If you need to practice coding, then practice!

Where in the world is that red dot?

This week we only have one web design period.  Some of you will read this on Wednesday, some on Friday.

All students should complete two assignments today.  Everyone must finish the 4 page website during class.  Then students will complete the blog post.  If you do not finish the blog post it must be finished for homework.  Remember, you can post to your blog from any computer or phone.

HTML:

1. Please check that you have completed all requirements of the assignment.
2. When done RENAME your folder.  Rename with your first initial, last name and the assignment (bschneider4page).
3. COPY the folder to the UDrive-Webschneider.  Find your folder for your class.  Find the 4 page folder.  PASTE your folder into the 4 page folder.  Have a partner check that all the links work (trust me--check this).

Blog Post:

See that red dot in the middle of nowhere?  Where is that?  What do they do there?  What language do they speak, etc...?  Write a blog post and tell me about them.  Include links.

Extras: if you have extra time here are some prompts for blog posts.  Choose one (or all) and write a post.  Be sure to link to the source.

1. Why do we conform? Check out this Candid Camera video.
2. How cool is this cathedral?
3. Who is your favorite group on The Sing-Off?

Clustrmaps

You will now learn how to put a clustrmap on your blog. Communication and Collaboration is our 2nd curriculum standard. We use the clustrmap to collect data about how well our message gets out.

• Go to the Get One page.
• Complete the form. Be sure to use the correct address for your blog. If you do not have an email to submit this will not work.  See me.
• The password will come to your email.
• Submit password on clustrmap page. They will then give you a long HTML embed code that you copy.
• Go to your blog, log-in and open the control panel. Paste the long code in the About Me section.
• Submit new code. Wait for me to approve it.

You can also check out meez if you want to add an avatar to your site (which seems to be blocked at school right now...). You could also try voki.com. What image do you want to portray to the world?  You would add a voki or meez the same way.


Today's HTML assignment is to create a four page website.

Student Blogging

Over the next few days all students will be getting their blogmeisters started. We will talk a lot about building an audience, blogging ethics, and 3d writing as we move forward.  But I just want you to get started today.

A few notes:
1. Do your typing in MS Word or notepad. Check spelling before you send.
2. Click request publishing.
3. When leaving comments leave first initial and last name (Bschneider) and your web address so people can respond.
4. The blog will not post until I accept it.  Don't keep clicking.
5. You can access your blog from anywhere.  But so can anyone else.  Everything that you write will be there forever.
6. I am sure there a ton of things I will remember, I haven't activated these blogs in while.
7. Please don't use first and last names.  Always use first name and last initial.
8. Always use links.  If you talk about somebody's blog, then link to it!
9. The blog accepts HTML code.


Spend a little time exploring the controls on the blog.  This is a VERY simple layout.  

All classes will take the typing test .

• Put your score in your blog (be honest!) and see if it improves later.
• Don't say "I took a typing test". Say "I took a typing test". Demonstrate that you know how to code a link.

Typing fast and accurately can make you much more efficient. I type fast, but improperly (I don't really use my outer fingers), so I lose accuracy and I know its not good for my hands and wrists.

When you finish please leave a comment on someones blog

• Leave a comment with your first name and last initial in the name box.  Copy YOUR blogmeister web address for the URL box.  Do this with me if you aren't sure.

Any extra time, work on your HTML or finish yesterdays reading assignments.

HTML: American Flag Assignment

With the HTML practice I am trying to do the following:

• Get you accustomed to naming files, saving them, and opening the pages.
• Understanding basic structure of code.
• Switching from one teacher (me) to many teachers (you).
• Have you acknowledge what a good website, good writing, and good design looks like.  

So.....

• I will guide you, model some items, but I will try not to give you the answers.  This is a coding class, which is problem solving.  You need to learn how to solve the problems.
• I will begin to insist on your best work.  Some of you will struggle and I will say "try again".  Don't get frustrated, I do that because I know you can do better.
• At just about anytime I will allow you to work on your own projects.  Some examples of student led projects include this music video or maybe creating an advocacy campaign to change the world.  Seriously, this is your chance to really think about what you want to do.

We will make our first webSITE today. Until now we have made webPAGES. Today please do the following:

• Create a folder in your WDrive-Web Design. Label it "Flag".
• Download a clip-art or Creative Commons image of an American Flag. Save in flag folder
• Create a two-page website.
• Title Page 1: "American Flag". Add heading, background color, and flag image.
• Center image.
• Title Page 2: "American Flag History". Add heading. Add short description of Flag history with two links to further information.
• Link pages together: Make image on Page 1 the link to Page 2. On Page 2 include a "home" link back to page 1.
• Does your font choice matter?  Read this.
• Save both pages. Test links.

When done:

• A Google A Day
• Put in your headphones and play with Bobby or Incredibox
• Read this longer, but fascinating, story in the NY Times about a student with autism.
• Watch this movie trailer.  Yes, that is tap water catching on fire at the end.  

Nobody finishes early.  There is always something to work on.

Thursday Lesson

I am at UConn today.  I am presenting a class to future teachers about technology in the classroom.  iPads will be the focus of the discussion.  Your Evernote podcasts will probably be played.

Do the work while I am gone.  I firmly believe that there is not one teacher in the room, but twenty.  We all teach each other.  When a class can let go of the idea that the teacher must tell them everything the class will start to fly.  I want YOU to create the ideas in this class.

Today:

1. Try the Google A Day.  Can you get the answer?

2. Organize your W Drive.  Put assignments into folders.  Make it neat.  Everytime you get a new assignment it should go in a folder.

3. Create a HTML page.  Title it "HTML Lesson".

• Create a one page website that demonstrates how to:
• Open a file and create HTML (open notepad, how to view source, etc...).
• How the "first 8 tags" work.  Body, head, etc...
• How to create a link.
• Use proper colors.  Does it need a table? Image?
• Save in WDrive.  HTMLTutorial.html

4. If you finish please show the substitute.

First HTML Quiz

Start today with a Google A Day.  The site times you.  So move fast.  We will be learning how to search effectively throughout the year.

Then Draw a Stickman.  Wouldn't you like to learn how to do that?  Guess what?  You will.

The quiz for web 1 will be due by the end of the period on Tuesday. Some of you will finish early, some of you will have to work fast...

You will create a one page website about your current class schedule. This website should include:

• A title in the header code.
• A clear heading on the page.
• A list of classes.
• A brief paragraph describing yourself (junior at Seymour High School, etc...)
• Background color other than white.  Keep the color light (no bright red, black, etc...if you disagree go back and look at the bad websites)

If you do the above correctly the maximum you can score is 3/4.  You must do at least one of the extras to be able to score 4/4.

Extras:

1. Can you include an image that you created?  Remember that the image must be in the same folder as the webpage.

2. Can you place the schedule in a table?

3. Can you create a link to Seymour High School?

Be sure you code the first 8 code tags correctly.  Be sure you open and close your tags in the correct order. 

Save the file to your WDrive-Web Design when done.

Web Design: Introductory Quiz

Today's quiz is a letter.

In this letter you must:

1. Include links and examples where necessary.
2. Provide evidence.
3. Be persuasive, yet friendly and helpful.
4. Your letter should be between 100-150 words.

Please evaluate the design bias, usability, and accessibility of the Seymour High School website. This letter should show evidence that you paid attention for the past few lessons.

Start your letter with "Dear Mrs. Goodrich".  


Save to your W Drive Web folder.  Print out for teacher.

Usability

Today we will finish our introductory unit (test to come shortly).

Usability involves design and it involves hardware. First I must have enough bandwidth to get my information to the user. Bandwidth is the "size of the pipe" that carries information. The larger the pipe, the more information I can send. Second I need to think about the hardware at the end of the line. Is my user viewing the information on a phone or through a dial-up connection? Is my user using high spped DSL?

Here is what bad design looks like according to Vincent Flanders: Check out the worst website ever and his checklist for how to ruin your website.

Top ways to ruin a website:
1. We've designed our site to meet our organization's needs (more sales/ contributions) rather than meeting the needs of our visitors.
2. It takes longer than four seconds for a man from Mars to understand what your site is about. Example.
3. Our site looks like we've never seen another web site. Example.
4. We use design elements that get in the way of our visitors.
5. Our site doesn't make us look like credible professionals.

1. Read the following article. Save it in your favorites. Web Usability Guidelines.  The chart at the bottom is awesome.

2. Skim this basic article about usability from Great Britian.

3. What's wrong with Google?  Wouldn't you like to learn how to do that? (this may be blocked...working on it...)

Start a MS Word document. Please answer the following questions:

1. Define the following. Provide definitions that make sense to your readers.

• bandwidth
• web usability

2. Which of the following websites has a higher usability for teenagers. Why??

Newsmap 
Connecticut Post

3. Find a website that you think has a high usability rating. Provide a link to this website and explain why you think its usability rating is high. Possible examples: Bobby (use headphones),  Baby Names (blocked??) Tall Buildings.

All three assignments (bias, accessibility, usability), the evernote biography recording, plus the two HTML webpages are due Friday 9/23.  Work hard today and produce your best work.

Accessibility

Everyone fills out an info sheet today.  We will start the HTML Tutorials today.  I will start with a bit of a group lesson and then I will see what you can do.  Most of the class time will be reading time today.

There are four main categories we are covering in this unit; bias, accessibility, usability, and ethics. Today we will focus on accessibility.

Read this article. Introduction to Web Accessibility. The website contains lots of useful information. Take your time reading it.

We will watch this CBS News Video together in class.

Read some of how Apple focusses on accessibility.

Create an MS Word document. Answer the following questions:

• Of the four major categories of disabilities (visual, motor, cognitive, hearing) which one do you think would pose the greatest challenges for a computer user. Why? Include specifics.
• Dealing with a disability can be frustrating. What are three ways a web designer can design a less frustrating website for those who have a disability?
• Try getting to the CNN website without using your mouse. How did that change the experience? Did you get frustrated?
• What is our obligation to serve those with disabilities?

Save the file in your web design folder.  Print out for teacher.

When done here is your first HTML assignment.

Bias, Usability, Accessibility, and Ethics

There are four main criteria that we use to assess the validity of a website; bias, usability, accessibility, and ethics. Today we will focus on bias.

This is also an exercise in communication skills and page design. Can you get your point across effectively? Do you know your audience?

1. Class Discussion about bias

• Barbie Doll website
• GI Joe website (collector site, real site blocked...)
• GIJoe Movie
• Legally Blonde: The Musical

2. Read the following articles:
Gender Bias
Journalism Bias this is a longer article. Skim the whole thing (except the studies and theories of media bias section). Click on links that interest you.

3. Create a one page flyer in MSPaint that contains bias.

Girls: Boys are silly. Why can't they act right so I can get my work done? They should treat us with respect and not be so clueless.
Boys: Girls are silly. Why can't they act right so I can get my work done? They should treat us with respect and not be so clueless.

Think about your audience. Who are you writing it for? I am looking for two things. First, do you have good ideas and understand bias? Second, can you format the page well so you communicate these ideas? This is your first task in design.

This flyer must include the following:

• A clip art or free-non-copyrighted image. Using copyrighted images is illegal. You could make your own image if you want using Paint or Fireworks. Check the links on the right for clip-art images or go here or toFlickr and use creative commons search.
• At least three quotes (from real or imaginary people)
• Have fun with this, stay respectful and appropriate.

4. Save in WDrive (Web Design folder). Check the Rubric for the assessment.

5. If you finish early you should start on the HTML Tutorials (link on right side of page).

Tell A Story

Today students will tell a story.  For many this will be exceedingly difficult.  Not because they can't write, or record, but because they have to interview their peers.

This entire class is about telling a story.  Telling a story through words, images, animation, links.  A bad web page story will be immediately discarded!  Nobody stays on a bad webpage or keeps listening to a poor recording.

Each student will write and record a 60 second biography for radio broadcast.  This biography will be of a classmate.  Students will record using Evernote.

We will post the biographies here.  Once the internet is up students will post to their individual blogs.

I am sure I will adapt this lesson after the first class.


Here are some posts that were created today:

• Danielle
• Tyler

A New Year

So...

Back in Web Class.  I am very excited to teach this "new" class.  I taught this for four years, took a two year break, and now I am back teaching two sections.  So much has changed!

This class should be fun and exciting.  You will write and read A LOT in here.  You will code, create, tape, video, and publish.  This will be an odd class for some of you as YOU take charge of your learning. You will have lots of choices as the year progresses.  This often makes students nervous as I rarely stand in front of you and say "now we will turn to.."

Today I ask you to have fun with the iPads in the group exploration activity.  If you finish, later you can do the solo activity.

Two things need to happen today:
1. You need to return your Internet Use form.  You got it in homeroom yesterday.  I can't do anything without that.
2. Fill out this Info Sheet using your iPad.

I may adapt this activity (filter....) and do some wifi mapping and area of triangle stuff.  Stay tuned.  I have this at 7:30am and will adapt again for 2nd time through at 12:30.

Digital Safety: Would you leave your front door open?

Very interesting discussion starter. We will definitely use this in class.

Responsible, fair use, at all times.

Blogging Platform?

I am teaching Internet Literacy again after a break of two years. I used to use classblogmeister. What is the best blogging platform for high schoolers?

I want:
1. To be able to monitor posts/comments.
2. It has to look cool, have high functionality, embed video, etc...
3. I want to the garden wall open. But I'd like to close it if I need to.

I checked out edmodo but I want rich text option and they dont seem to have it. Otherwise it looks pretty cool.

Is google+ the answer? This doesnt seem to have rich text (I need to look at the shortcuts). And it doesnt seem to be searchable?

New Job

You can follow me here.

Final Post

This is the final post for this blog. Three years of assignments, readings, games, and ideas. A new job awaits (not quite sure where I will be yet....) and probably a new blog.

You can track me on twitter (brandtschneider) or my other blog which has been pretty dead lately.

I don't know quite how this blog became the place to go for web design assignments (try googling) but it certainly changed how I work. I recognized I was writing for a global audience. Good lessons and a big transformation.

Good luck.

Final Exam

The final exam will start today. The exam is designed to demonstrate that you can read a simple directive, gather information, and then communicate to an audience. I am using a version of the exam from a previous semester. Therefore you might find versions in the UDrive (Fall 2008, Spring 2008, etc...).

You can use any previous work to build on in this exam. Reuse and recycle.

You must complete it by the end of your exam period.

• Seniors will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam, regardless of day they take it.
• Other students will have today (Monday) plus their exam period.

I advise that you:

• Plan it out first!
• Keep it real simple.
• Be sure to include all required elements.
• Save it correctly. Be sure to code images and links correctly for UDrive.
• Again, keep it simple!!

Exams and other stuff

1. If you are using twitter be careful about spamming. You might get followers that aren't appropriate. Block them and don't click on their links. Most of this is common sense digital literacy stuff. Be safe.
2. Exams will start Monday for seniors. Any senior can take the exam Monday. Just see me to start. Exams for everyone else start Wednesday. I will not be here Tuesday.
3. If you think you are on the bubble for exempt status see me quietly (please don't yell across the room).
4. Check out GGualpas Pecha Kucha. Outstanding work.
5. I'm actually rewriting the exam now. If you have paid attention you will have no problem with this exam.

The End of the Road

Well, we are almost there. Another year is winding down. Boxes are being packed, grades calculated, whiteboards wiped clean. Has it been a good year? It has in many respects. We were faced with a lot of challenges.

I had three goals for the year:

• Teach one main concept. By now I hope you hear it in your sleep (tell a story to an audience!). There is a ton of learning theory (and practical examples) that advocates teaching less content and staying on message. This is why we don't teach out of the book (the other reason is we don't have a book...). Does it cause frustration? Yes. Does it force you to solve problems? Yes. And, thankfully, it caused you to produce good work. You have produced the best work since I have came here three years ago. We did something right.
• Learn how to twitter. I'm still working on this. But I learn from many teachers. In a room without windows I am getting constant updates from dozens of educators about what they are reading, planning, and producing. The work that others do helps me plan our lessons and it is where we get most of our reading assignments. I advocate you getting a twitter account for your learning (use texting or other things for more social things).
• Get you to read more. I tried to find interesting and fun stories that would connect you to what is going on in the world. Be informed!

Today: either scramble (Oh my God--I need to graduate!), finish (computer didn't work yesterday), or relax quietly (phew!). Maybe play a game. Grades will be posted throughout the day after blog posts are done.

Best so far (based on your votes): cwyskiel, nfeliciano, cgallo, tmorrow. I also like the use of the green screen (Gshackett, JPowell). Check them out.

Web Design: Marking Period Exam

Here is the procedure for finishing the marking period exam:

• Proofread what you have done. If you are doing a website be especially careful of your code for images (make sure they aren't directed to the W: drive). Make sure all links work.
• Save folder to Udrive--WebSchneider--MP4Exam--Final Drafts
• Complete blog post. 1. What did you learn? 2. What went well? 3. What would you change? 4. Who has the best project in the UDrive?
• You must complete the project by Wednesday and the blog post by Thursday.

There will be no additional work assigned Thursday and Friday. I will post optional work. I will be in a grading frenzy. I have to complete senior grades by Friday. I also hope to post the exam review.

If you have missing work or issues with grades you will have the opportunity to gain some credit back on Thursday and Friday. I will post grades by Friday afternoon for all (I hope) on Edline. Any exemptions can be figured out from that post. I urge Juniors to take the exam. It can only help your GPA.

Looking ahead to exams. You can take the exam during any period (3-7). I will not be available on Tuesday for exams as I will be at the decathlon. You can take the exam Wednesday or Thursday from 12:00-2:00 or Friday at 10:00 if that fits your schedule.

Monday

State Open today so I will be leaving school early.

Projects due Wednesday. I see some great work coming. Please leave time for proofreading and checking!! Check your blog for comments.

Some interesting links:

• How a curveball works.
• How Staples High School is teaching math.
• Is the iPhone where all web design is taking place? I think so.
• What to drink when you exercise.
• The amazing PS22 chorus. The videos are YouTube. Watch them at home. Its worth it.
• Just a reminder. Imagine if you went to bed knowing you had to do that in the morning.

Update

Swine flu update in Hamden.

Check your blogs for comments and respond if needed.  

Be sure to leave time for proofreading your project.

Exam Notes

Some exam notes:

• This class has been about telling a story.  It has been my mantra since Day One.  After looking at the rough drafts I notice that some of you are really struggling with this.  I highly advise finishing a rough draft now.  Only then can you evaluate your story.  
• Be sure your images/pages are consistent in tone.  The rough drafts seem to have images that don't match in color/style/etc...This is especially true with the Flash projects.  Think of the Red Riding Hood example.  Each frame looks like it is part of the same story.
• Get it done.  Some of you really, really, really need to consider working harder.  This is 20% of your grade.
• Some of you are doing children's stories.  Remember, most children can't read.  Use your voice!
• Best so far: Cwyskiel (click on New1), GDipietro, Mchawla, TMorrow.

Exam: Rough Drafts

Everyone does two things today:

• Submit your rough draft to the Udrive (WebSchneider-MP4Exam).  Movies (save as movie file), Flash (export movie), or Websites (copy folder) should be named correctly (bschneiderexam).
• Complete a quick blog post.  Three questions.  First, briefly describe your project. Second, what are you learning?  Third, are you working efficiently (how will you get done?)?

A few notes:

• Be sure your voice drives the Pecha Kucha.  Monotones don't work.
• Some of you are creating way-to-complicated Flash.  Keep it simple.  Rely more on sound!!
• Be sure, very sure, that your links work in your website.  

I leave for the big track meet at 12:30.

Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink is pretty well known thinker and author.  I found this Pecha Kucha that he did. I think it would be valuable for us all to watch it today. It is not a perfect presentation but it does have the most important elements; he respects the audience and it has a definite message. Now, if you are reading this in school you probably see a big white space on the blog. We will watch the video together.

What about your presentation? Are you telling a coherent story?

Project

Everyone completes a blog post today.  Be sure to check your blog for comments.

• Describe your project.
• What will be the biggest challenge?
• Briefly outline your schedule.  How will you get things done?

Web Design Project

I have tried to create a project that has lots of choices. You will need to decide which project best fits your skills and the time you have available. All of these choices require critical thinking skills, technology skills that we have studied, the ability to tell a story and to recognize audience. Projects are due June 10.  This is your exam grade.

Choose One:

• Pecha Kucha. (pronounce Pee-Chak-Cha) Read this for more info. You will have to watch examples at home (videos blocked...).  I am convinced that most of you have no idea how to present effectively. For this project you will create a pecha kucha around any appropriate subject. I decide if it is appropriate. Please check Presentation Zen blog (and the book on my desk). I am giving you great freedom in the subject, but Pecha Kucha requires great discipline in the presentation. This creates great respect for the audience (no--they do not want to read bullet points. Nobody does). You decide how to present your Pecha. I suggest using Moviemaker.
  
• Flash adaptation. Take any childrens story and adapt it for a new audience. Your Flash must include music and/or sound.
  
• Digital Portfolio. Create a web design company and its website. This is your company. Include prior work that you have done. This site will be legit and complete. Include pricing, logos, links, contact form, etc....Everything you would need to go live.
  

A few notes for this project:

• Remember that first impressions happen very quickly in the web world. Make sure your pages/presentations look modern!
• Create a schedule. When will you need to get things done by? This will be your first blog post so start thinking now.
  
• Get help. Work together to solve technical issues. However, don't be the person who asks every three minutes "How does this look?" That gets annoying if you are trying to get stuff done.
• Be excellent. This should be your absolute best work. I am giving you an opportunity to be very creative.
  
• Here is the Rubric.

Canada

I will be leaving after Period 4 for the NVL track meet.

Web 4:

Please evaluate your school project today in a blog post. Each group showed some good points in their final project. Now, there were many days absent but that was a given for this project that we discussed right from the beginning.

• Could you have been more efficient and effective in creating these sites (of course!)? How?
  
• What did you learn? What would you differently if starting over?
• Who has the best project? Why?

All (including Web 4):

Kayla, Lance, and Chelsea are teacher students from the Dean Shareski's class at the University of Regina that are following us as part of their class in Educational Technology. Take some time to read their blogs (and leave comment??). I thought it might be an opportunity to learn something about Canada and practice our Google skills. As you write your answers be sure to include links where it is appropriate! I encourage you to work together to solve these questions. If you can't find the answer describe how you tried to solve it.

Answer at least six of the questions (I am adding more throughout the day).  Show your work (links, math, etc...):

• If Dean lives in Moose Jaw where would he have to drive to watch Star Trek this weekend? 
• What huge event is Canada hosting this winter?
• What is the #1 TV show in Canada this season?
• Would you say "hello" or "bon jour" if you saw a friend on the street in Canada? Does it depend where you live in Canada?
  
• How many days this winter was Regina's high temperature below freezing? Compare to Seymour.
  
• Lance has $10 in Canadian dollars. Can he buy a ticket to Star Trek?
• What is a province? Is it the same as a state?
• What is the best golf course in Canada?  Who says?

Little Red Riding Hood

Can you tell a story with graphics?  Check out Tomas Nilssons work on Little Red Riding Hood.  Use your headphones.  Now, I checked this morning and this will play for you but you may have to click the video box a few times.

None of this is technically that difficult.  None of the techniques are out of reach for you.  You will recognize tweens, layers, etc... But the story and the recognition of audience is impressive.  Nothing of the story is changed.  However, notice he did not retell the story, he reshaped the story.  

Blog post today:

1. Briefly review the movie for your readers.  Include link to movie.

2. Provide a brief technical discussion about his techniques.  How did he make this?

3. Did you like it?  Why or why not?

All projects are due today.  If you need a new grade report please check edline or let me know and I can print one out.  If you have been out or have not done the reading for the past few days then you have some homework.

Random reading

Web 2/3 will continue their Memorial Day work today.  Web 4 project is due tomorrow.

A few things from the news:

• Will your textbook soon be on a kindle?  Or Palm? Or iPhone?  Is it already?  How much would you love not to carry that heavy Biology book around?
• Flu update. 
• Kayla and Lance are students in Canada that are studying to become teachers.  They are in Mr. Shareski's class.  They will be working with us over the next few weeks.  They will work on lessons, comment on blogs, and hopefully give us some insights about the Great White North.  If you see something of interest on their blog be sure to leave a comment (first name-last initial, URL of your blog, email).  Also check your blog occasionally to respond to comments they might leave.  
• In case you missed it.  Do the work.
• Anything else to discuss?

Memorial Flash

If you complete the Memorial Day Fireworks poster please start working on a Flash animation.  This animation should do the following:

• Have the same screen size as your poster (300x600).
• Include the words "Memorial Day" in the animation.
• Keep it really short (5-10 seconds).  I also can't see how you could make this without sound.  Maybe you surprise me.
• The animation should celebrate the holiday.

This is an opportunity to be creative.  Save into same folder (MemorialDayposter) in Udrive.

A few notes:

• Make sure you save posters as .jpg when done and export Flash movies.  Thats what we want to see in UDrive.
• Keep it simple!!
• Be sure your poster/animation is the correct size.

Memorial Day

Web 2/3:

Your assignment is to make a poster about Memorial Day.

More information on Memorial Day can be found here: Wikipedia entry Be sure you understand the purpose of Memorial Day before tackling this assignment.

Your assignment is to design an image that could be posted in schools. You will use Fireworks and choose the appropriate tool or tools for your image.

Assignment parameters:

1. You set up the image size when you create a new document: Height=300 pixels, Width =600 pixels.
2. Your images MUST be non-copyrighted.

3. You must be able to defend your choice of a tool in your blog post.
4. You must include "Memorial Day" somewhere in your image. You might decide to include additional text (date, slogan, etc..).
5. You must finish by the end of the period on Friday May 22.
6. Save in Udrive when done (bschneider) as a .jpg file. All students will save in the same folder so be sure you name it correctly in the WDrive BEFORE you copy it to the UDrive. Be sure to test your work in the UDrive.

Now, lets recognize that there are several functions this week (music trip, senior day, etc...). Plan your work accordingly so things get done. I anticipate adding a Flash component to this assignment on Thursday.

Good luck!

Monday

Web 2/3:


We will do a series of tutorials today:

• Easy layers tutorial. You do not have to use their images, just create the same effect.
• Image maps.

We will also look a little at creating tables.

Then:

• Cool job. How would you train for this job? What skills do you need? Notice how they match images with the script.
• Sad news in NYC. What do you think is going on? Why is the flu spreading again?
• Worth reading for seniors.  Don't let up too much.

Web 4:

I am going to set the deadline for your school project for Friday 5/22.

Friday

Web 2/3:

I will be spending the day grading.  If you can keep the room quiet I would appreciate it. 

You have several items today.  Please write a short (50 words or so) blog post about what you learn today.

1. Some bad news about the flu.  What do you think of this news?  

2. Play a serious game.  Serious games teach you about something (kind of like our last project?).  Do you learn well when playing a game?

• Ayiti
• 3rd World Farmer
• Energyville
• Climate Challenge

Thursday

I will be out of school today.  Please complete the following:

Web2/3:

1. Website evaluations.  The more you can do, the better.  I think you learn a lot from this process.

2. Finish your blog post from yesterday.

3. Watch some NYTimes video and learn something.

4. If you finish all that try to solve 3rd World Farmer.

Web4:

Back to work on school sites.

Project Evaluation

Today Web 2/3 students will evaluate the projects.  You will have two things to do:

1. Evaluate at least six websites using this form.  Include your own website.  Notice that you will need a new form for each website.

2. Complete a blog post about the project that answers the following questions:

• What did you learn? Focus on technical aspects of the project.  
• Did you use your time effectively?  Why or why not?
• What grade do expect (check rubrics)?  Why?  Be specific.
• Who has the best project in the UDrive?  Why? Be specific.

Now, if you find an error in your website--fix it!!

If you got an extension for field trip or other reason be sure to finish today and do blog post for homework.

Some interesting flu reading.  

Website Project

We are entering the "weird period" of school.  Today is a big field trip, we have AP tests, Thursday all juniors are at Take a Stand Day, Friday is the Prom, etc... Consequently attendance in class will be spotty.  If you are out don't use it as an excuse.  Just get the work done.  If you are here and "done" find something to work on and learn.  There is plenty to do.

Web 2/3 will complete the project today.  Copy folder to "FINAL COPY" in Udrive folder.  At the beginning of the project we created "index1", "index2", etc... If some of those are dead pages be sure to delete them.  Be careful that you delete the correct ones.

Tomorrow we will check each project then grade them.

Found this today.  You can trade virtual money on the Swine Flu market.

Finishing Up

Web 2/3:

• Reread the assignment.  Make sure you have included everything (movie, links, flyer, etc..)
• Provide links to all blog posts you have written.
• Make sure your Flash component works.
• Check results from your survey.  Take 4-5 surveys of your classmates.
• Copy draft of folder to UDrive (PSAProjects-Website Drafts).  Have partner check on their machine.  Fix errors (try not to ask me! check code first!!).
• Is your news up-to-date?

Due tomorrow.

Survey

Today all classes will be adding a survey to their website using Google Docs.  Students will create the survey to collect information about their topic (Web 2/3--Flu, Web 4--School).  They will track data in google docs and publish that data to their sites.

This will require:

• Quality questions that encourage particpation and provide quality data.
• Using tools (blogs, website, etc..) to encourage students to take survey.  The more responses the better.
• Being good classmates by taking other surveys.  Check blog list on blogmeister.

Try to post your survey today.

Web 2/3 projects will be done on Tuesday.

Wednesday

I found an interesting flu quote:

Pandemic years are associated with many more cases of influenza and a higher case fatality rate than that seen in seasonal flu outbreaks. It is common to encounter clinical attack rate ranges for seasonal flu of 5% to 15% in the literature. For pandemic flu, clinical attack rates are reported in the range of 25% to 50%.

It might be worth reading to understand some of the concern officials had.  This is the difference between average flu and pandemic flu.

For the next few days you will be creating your websites.

Here are a couple of sites we have looked at over the last couple of days that I think show modern design:

• Save Darfur
• Oberlin College
• White House
• Smokey the Bear

Be sure to review all the components you plan to include before you complete the initial design.  By the end of the day you should have completed the template on your main pages.  Be sure your design choices are conistent through all of your pages.

Tuesday

All classes will begin making their websites for their projects today.

1. Check to make sure that your Google Docs account is activated and you have the password.

2. Open Dreamweaver and create your site and subfolders.  

3. Once your site is active save the first page as Index1.

4. Create a folder in your website panel named Images.

5. Import any files (images, movies, flyers, etc..) that you have already created to the correct folders in your site panel.

6. Put a title for your page in the appropriate box.  I don't want to see any "Unititled Documents".

7. Save page.  Wait for activity.

We will spend some time today collaborating on the design of your pages.  I hope to make it a fun activity.

Pandemic

First of all. Happy Star Wars Day.

So, I think we have some decisions to make. Here is some of the latest news:

• The virus has spread to pigs, which is a bit ironic.
• The WHO is likely to raise the threat level to six. The quote from Margaret Chan is classic.
• Numbers of cases is jumping, but the disease does not seem to be that harsh.
• The NPR blog has some great posts.  Put in bookmarks.

What do you think? Is this a serious threat or not? Has your view changed? Make a short blog post that includes links to your trusted sources.

The rest of the time is devoted to making updates to your blog posts, fixing flyers, making sure you saved the movie correctly, etc... I have not graded anything yet (only checked that it was done on time) so this is an opportunity to boost up your grade.

If you are having any computer trouble please be sure you have filled out the google form.

Update

Are we switching to H1N1?

Read this about staying home--can people do it?  Some effects of everyone going to the doctor--can we afford it.

Be sure to save your movie correctly.  We have talked all semester about establishing a folder and sticking with it.  Those that are having trouble are ignoring that.  Be sure to save the movie file!

Now, its annoying when things go wrong.  I understand.  But most of these mistakes are avoidable with proper planning and procedures.

Thursday

Web 2/3:

Some news as of 6:30am:

• Texas cancelling or postponing spring sport season. (Alabama joins them as of 10:42am)
• WHO raises to Level Five.
• A couple more CT schools have closed.
• East Haddam students test negative for Swine Flu.  Schools will re-open tomorrow.

Today you will work in teams to create a short video.   This video is designed as a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to reduce the threat of a pandemic.  Your video must:

• Be 28 seconds long.  
• Include a voice-over.
• Outline steps to reduce the threat of disease (wash hands, etc..).
• Audience is high school students.
• Be completed using Moviemaker.
• Save to Udrive-WebSchneider-PSA Projects-PSAMovies when done with names (CassBobJaneflumovie).  Be sure to Export movie for the Udrive.
• Due end of class on Friday.  Work fast.

I put some old examples of PSA movies in the "Sample Movies" folder.

Web 4:

You will use the next 2-3 days to complete three sample designs for an opening page.  This should include all the basics from your concept map, but it will be only a sketch of the final site. Your client (me? Chuck?) will then choose the design that you will use.  You should:

• Create a SHS School site (can this be shared from Udrive??).
• Include image boxes where movies might go.
• Be as accurate as possible with basic design, color, font, but don't fret with the details (emails, links, etc...).
• You only need to create the initial page (index1, index2, index3).
• Be prepared to outline the strengths of each design.  You want to highlight your team so all designs should strong.
• It might be smart to mirror some of the "awesome sites" we have looked at.....

Mr. Skiparis gave us all of the yearbook pictures.  We will spend some time today culling out the pictures we want.

Project growth

Web 2/3:

There was some great writing yesterday.  I was very impressed!  Some good examples include: Amanda, Patrick, and Christina.

Today all will work on a flyer that would could be sent home with students TODAY.  Use Fireworks to complete this page.  You should be sure to design the page so it looks official and is the correct size to be printed (you figure it out!!).  It should include:

• Current information from trusted sources.  List the source.  Remember, information may have changed since yesterday (or this morning).  
• Steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Places to access information (phone and web) at the state and national level.
• School contact information.

Here is an example from the State of CT.

Save to Udrive-WebSchneider-PSA Project-Flyers (bschneiderflyer)

Web 4:

Use Fireworks (or other software) to create a "concept map" of your site.  The concept map should include all major information and how it links together.  You will submit one map per team.  We will review this in class.  Save to Udrive-Web4-School Site.

A few thing to read for information about school websites: Example #1,  Awesome Sites.

Evaluating Sources

Having computer issues?  Fill out this survey.

Web 2/3:

You will continue your research today.  You must complete this blog post today.

• List three sources that you trust in separate paragraphs.  Include link.  Why do you trust them?  Include at least one valuable fact from each source.
• Has the story grown or diminished in the past 24 hours?  How can you tell?  Try using google trends.
• What is something we as a school should be doing RIGHT NOW to prepare for the possibility of the flu spreading to Connecticut?  Think hard.

Web 4:

Blog post questions:

• List each stakeholder (student, family/parent, staff, community, random search) in a separate paragraph.  What information is each stakeholder looking for if they visit a school website?
• Colleges and private schools use websites to attract students.  How does the issue of recruitment change a website?  How does the website balance this while still serving their current population's information needs?
• Could some of the same recruitment strategies help a website for a standard public school like ours?

Semester Project

Internet was down until 8:07am, so this is a work in progress.....

Web 2 and Web 3:

Here is your project (I haven't finished writing it, but you can start!!). Put it in your bookmarks.

Check out the latest news at Newsmap.  Any doubt what the big news is?  

Everyone should be using and sharing information using Google Notebook.  

Web 4:

Create the Seymour High School website. We will discuss more in class. You will work in teams of two.

You must include:

• Video with voice over.
• Directed towards audience of students/parents/staff AND community.
• Easy to use navigation.
• All necessary information.
  

Yom Hashoah

My winners so far: KGargano's poster, AGrose website, PCorkery's podcast, and AGriffing's Flash.

A few thoughts:

1. Some of you coasted through this.  Don't do that.  Your work should reflect the time we have spent in class.

2. I think the fade in/out slideshow in Flash is becoming a bit of a cliche since so many of you are using it.

3. Do not neglect your blog posts.  This is what the world reads about you.  Be sure to link to the assignment and describe it accurately.  If a job interviewer googled your name what would you want them to read? 

Today and Friday we will work on Flash or Fireworks tutorials.  You need to complete at least four tutorials including at least one of each.  Remember that the tutorials might not match your version of the software.  I encourage you to find your own tutorials if you so choose and I hope you work with a partner.  I will grade that you completed the tutorials first thing Monday.

Flash

1. Transparent Buttons

2. Shape Tween Fix

3. List of tutorials (choose one or all)

Fireworks:

1. List of tutorials (choose one or all)

2. Another list (choose one or all)

Project evaluation

Please submit your projects today.  Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What did you learn?

2. What method did you use to report the results (poster, writing, movie, etc..)?  Why was this the best choice?

3. Who did the best project?  Why?  Remember that some people did blog posts, but most posted work to the UDrive.

I am working on our next project and I am opening it up for suggestions.  Really, I am looking for you to help design it.  You can join the wiki and edit it, add discussion, or write blog posts.  Keep checking back as it is worked on.

Yom HaShoah

We have six standards that we teach in this class.  Today we will focus on the third standard: Research and Information Fluency:

According to the standard you must be able to:

a. plan strategies to guide inquiry. b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks. d. process data and report results.

Yom HaShoah, a day of Remembrence, starts this evening.  Your task is to create a digital work (Fireworks poster, Flash animation, Website, Movie maker file, Audacity podcast, etc...) that describes and teaches about this day.  Keep it simple and on message.

Your assignment is as follows:

a. Decide how you will learn more about Yom HaShoah.  What strategies will you employ ("just google it" is not a mature strategy)

b. How will you use your network and the internet to locate information?  How will you store and gather this information?  How do you know your source is a trusted and valuable one?

c.  There is a lot of information on this subject.  How do you filter the information so you accomplish your task?

d. What is the best tool to report this?  A poster, an audio podcast, a flash animation, a blog post, a webpage with links,?  

Rubric

Good luck.  Save to UDrive when done or submit on blog.

Breaking news: This is why its so important to understand.  Read the quotes about Yom Hashoah.

Thursday reading

Today will be an odd day as so many of you will be out at various functions.  Here is a list of things to do (choose one or all):

• Answer the question from the Blogmeister David Warlick: “In maintaining a Facebook (Myspace, Beebo, etc.) presence, what do you strive to accomplish? What is your measure of success?”  I encourage you to write a blog post and possibly comment directly on his blog with a few sentences.  He has asked for feedback--lets provide it!
• I think this is kind of weird.  What do you think?
• Should cellphones be used as an educational tool in schools?  Check this blog out.  Its a long post--but worth it.  Check out the comments where the conversation is continued.  What do you think?
• This guy would be fun to have at a dinner party.  What do you think about his house?  Watch the slide show too.
• Or find a story that you find interesting and blog about it.
• Any of you twittering?  My twitter ID is brandtschneider.  Who do you follow?  Twitter is in the news.

Evaluation

Complete your Flash replication today.  Don't worry if it is not done or perfect.  Be sure to save both the Flash document and export the movie to your folder.  Then copy the folder to the Udrive as normal.

Please complete this blog post today, either in class or at home.  Your grade for the project will be a combination of me looking at the Flash movie, evaluating your blog post analysis, and classroom observations.

1. What are three skills or techniques you developed or improved during this project (tweening, movie clips, buttons, collaborating with classmates, etc...)?

2. Did you do a good job?  What went right? What went wrong?  

3. If you started over would you tackle the problem differently?

4. Did any student, tutorial, or other part of your network assist you? How? Or....did you show assistance to others?  How?

Overall, I am really impressed by your work.  This wasn't easy.

This just in from the BlogMeister David Warlick:

“In maintaining a Facebook (Myspace, Beebo, etc.) presence, what do you strive to accomplish? What is your measure of success?”

Can we answer in our blogs?

Replicate Project

I got the impression that yesterday many of you unlocked the key to your Flash puzzles.  I saw many leaders stepping forward to help classmates which was great.  Notice there are many project-drafts in the UDrive.  

Please recognize that I really don't care what you learn.  I care how you learn.  Develop your personal learning network so when puzzles pop up you have a method to solve them.  Keep your learning transparent by posting to your network (blog, twitter, Udrive) what you learned.  If we share our knowledge we will be much stronger.  As evidence of this you should check some people's clustrmaps.  How can you use your readers to help you learn??  If you have readers in Lebanon or Kenya, or Denmark does this change how you learn and share?

So a few keys to the puzzles?  If you have more to add do so on your blog.

• Flower: I can't see a way around doing frame to frame animation.  Any other solutions?
  
• Body: A whole bunch of movie clips for each body part.
• Birthday card: Stop action with movie clips.  Then a tween to the next scene.
• Bouncing balls: A whole bunch of motion tweens.

Flash Animation

First watch this movie about Color. I think its brilliant.  Check out the movies and the lab.  Think about  all of the design choices, both with layout and the metrics of "what should we click on".  These are some of the lessons we need to be applying in our websites and animations.

Then we will practice some Flash skills.  Web 3 did a version of this assignment last semester.  Recreate one of the following Flash animations.  Be as exact as possible. You don't need to include the loading prompt at the start of each movie.

• Birthday Card
• Make a wish
• Anatomy
• Bouncing Balls

When done please save movie to Udrive-WebSchneider-Replicate.  Save movie correctly with name of movie (bschneideranatomy).  I expect this to take about three days.  

Exam Review

We will talk more about your exam tomorrow.  Several of your classmates may be making up the exam today--keep the room quiet for them please.

The rubric for the exam pretty much worked.  Class averages were all around 3.0 out of 4.  So overall we did pretty well on the exam.  There were five 4's that I graded.  In general you demonstrated an improved use of images and a much improved layout design.  Check your pizza sites from the first week to compare.  If you had trouble it was usually because you tried to do too much.  Keep it simple!!

There are a handful of you who struggled.  I urge you to find the time for extra practice, either with a partner or with me.  

Take time to look through the UDrive.  Which website do you think would sell the most product?  Why?  

If you completed the exam here are today's options (you must do one or all):

1. Work on the blogging challenge.  Make new posts or comments.  Improve past articles (check typos!).

2. Improve your exam website.  Ask me or a partner what you should change or improve.  This would be great practice and similar to what a client would offer. 

3. Complete additional Flash or Fireworks tutorials to improve your skills.

4. Review some HTML and play around with Tables.  This might have really helped some of your exams.

5. Research your family tree using Geni and Familysearch.

Web Design Exam

Your exam must be done in one period.  You must complete:

1. A working website that highlights a new product.  Save folder to Udrive-WebSchneider-MP1Exam.

2. A blog post advertising this product in a short paragraph or two.

Here is the grading rubric.

Exam: Sell Box4Blox to young mothers who need to organize their house.

(yes, this is the same as the sample I gave you yesterday!)