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.