Plagiarism

For the first time on the podcast project I started to send the podcasts through my plagiarism checker.  I found two podcasts that were directly taken from articles on the web.  I sent those two students messages through soundcloud.  They will receive zeros for their work.  I also have to notify the administration and their parents.

I take plagiarism very, very seriously.

Now I need to spend time fact-checking the rest of the podcasts.  This is not what I wanted to do.  If you plagiarized any portion of your work on any project I suggest you take it down immediately.

Tuesday is a finish up day.  We start new activities on Thursday.

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out this video.  I think they did a great job editing.  Some of the videos turned in do not have a good balance of audio with video.  Be sure to please both the ear and the eye.

In general your edits should be quicker.




Here is the grading document.  We will work on this Monday (get a head start).

Last Friday in October!

1. When your PBIS videos are done please email them to your Google folder.  If you are SURE everything is good please delete the clips and movie form the iPad to save space.
2. Remember, any idiot can make a movie.  My standards are a little higher.
3. Podcasts are improving!
4. You do not have to finish the code avenger, you just have to show good progress.

Chess?

You may have noticed we are trying to start a chess club.  We are using an online system called chess.com.  You can access the site on the iPads, your computer or your phone.

We hope to use this during appropriate times during school (lunch, Cat Cave time, etc...) but you can also play at home.  We will have tournaments and other activities.  It will be very informal and low key.  Try it out?

This is funny.  And stupid.  Really stupid.

I think Fitz and the Tantrums are cool.  Daryl Halls show is a GREAT music show.

Things to do (whats due Oct. 30):
1. Wikipedia (10-15 edits, etc..).
2. Podcast #3 (done w/blog post).  Remember you must have THREE podcasts done.  Also, I think the "post to soundcloud" button is working now.  Be sure to log in AND log out.
3. PBIS Video (done: edited and perfect).
4. Code Avenger (not done, just working hard).
5. Check and respond to blogmeister/soundcloud comments (done, now).

All projects are due TUESDAY October 30.  On some I originally had it as October 31, but we don't meet that day.

Projects Work

Things to work on:

1. Wikipedia.  I'd like to see if we can move up the quality scale.  Use the talk page to discuss changes you'd like to make.  Be polite to other editors and respect their ideas.  Wikipedia project is due October 31.  Check how I will grade it and ask questions if unclear.

2. PBIS Videos.  Please start with Step 1 in the directions.  You can make a video alone, or you can collaborate with classmates.  I'd like everyone to decide today:

• Who are you working with?
• Basic idea of script.
• Time to practice using camera and iMovie
• Be sure to delete videos or movies when done practicing.

3. Podcast #3: is due October 31.  How will you improve?

4. Respond to comments on your blogmeister or Soundcloud.


Many projects will be coming due at the same time.  Be sure to plan your day and your homework.

Projects

PBIS: We received a gift certificate from Target.  If that is your letter, please write a thank you letter.  I have envelopes.

_______________________________________________________________________________


Wikipedia:

We will be spending some time in wikipedia.  I want you to read, edit, and comment on articles.  Wikipedia is a very, very powerful tool for communication.

Step 1: Create an account in wikipedia.  This should work today.  If it is IP address blocking you try this procedure.

Step 2: Complete the tutorial.  Wikipedia's editing rules are serious.  

Step 3: Begin editing the Seymour High School page.  Follow the wikipedia rules to decide:

• What is relevant?
• What can you provide sources for?
• How should you format the entries and edits?

You WILL get almost immediate feedback from other editors on the site.  Be polite, be thoughtful, and above all be correct!

Step 4: Edit additional articles that may interest you.  Anything that is school appropriate.  I expect this to be an ongoing process.

How will I evaluate you?  Good question.

• Quality:
• Do your edits follow the format for wikipedia?  
• Do the edits get rejected by other editors?
• Do you add value to Wikipedia?
• Did you finish the tutorial and show evidence of that work in your editing?
• Quantity:
• You should have between 10-15 substantive edits (not fixing typos, etc...) before October 31.  This will be hard for some of you.
• I should see some edits over a period of time (not all on one day).  This is to show that you are checking your work and responding to other editors.
• Edits survive on at least two pages.
• Collaboration:
• Do you help classmates as you complete the tutorial?
• Do you utilize the chat functions to communicate with other editors?
• Do your edits respect other viewpoints?

______________________________________________________________________________

In addition:

1. Everyone does Google A Day.

2. If you are missing blog entries (Halloween?, 2nd podcast with link?) do that now.

3. Everyone must have at least four comments on Soundcloud podcasts.

4. Some of you will work on podcasts, especially sports podcasts.  Podcast #3 is due by October 31.

5. A few of you are working on PBIS videos.

6. Code Avenger.  Try to finish courses.  This wil be homework after today.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Wikipedia

PBIS raffle prizes have begun to arrive.  So far we have received:

• Two $10 gift certificates from Blanchettes.
• A really nice book about Yankee Stadium from the New York Yankees.

However, I can only give credit to one of you, since I can't find the Yankees on the PBIS form.

If your letter worked please write a thank you letter.  I have envelopes.

_____________________________________________________________

We will be starting a project in Wikipedia.  Wikipedia is the online encyclopedia that is edited by YOU.  Wikipedia has very strict protocols and formats.  I think its important to learn how to edit and contribute to this site.  I hope to work on the Seymour High School page first.

Please do the following:
1.  Create an account in Wikipedia.  Please use a version of your name (First name, last initial).  This seems to be not working, please do this part at home).  You can do most of the tutorial.
2.  Work on the tutorial.  We do not have a textbook, but occasionally I feel it is important to do "textbook" work.  Take the time to read, practice, and understand the rules of wikipedia.

In addition:
1. Some of you will work on PBIS videos.
2. Work on your code avenger courses.
3. Next podcast is due October 31.  If you'd like, get it done now.
4. We are going to practice persuasive writing.  Please write a short blog post that answers the question "On Halloween should teens trick-or-treat? How old is too old?"

______________________________________________________________

Many of your blog grades are not good.  Many of you did not answer the reflective questions after your last podcast.  Too many missing entries.  Are you reading your comments?

Here is an example of a quality answer to the Google a Day question.

Write as if someone is reading!  Check your red dots on your clustrmap.  People are tuning in.

Videos, Challenges and More

This is awesome:
 

Today's assignments:

• Make comments on podcasts.  Good, constructive comments.  ("good job" doesn't count).  Everyone must write at least four comments.
• Checks your blog for typos, bad links, or missing entries.  I will do a blog check grade this weekend.  

Challenge #8:

Google a Day has changed its format a bit.  I'd like each of you to explore it and then write me a blog post where you:

• Link to appropriate information.
• Explain how we can "keep score".  Is it easier/harder now?  Is it more of a game?
• Should you log-in to Google Plus first?  Can you create a "Computer Apps" circle in google plus?
• What are the badges about?
• Explain fully to your readers what google a day is.

Challenge #9:

We are going to work on coding.  If you have taken Web Design this will be review.  If not, it will be new.

Please go to Code Avengers site and create an account.  Mr. Oberdick has recommended this site for us.  Some of you may have used Code Academy last year.

Have your CodeName be your First Name and Last initial.

When in the account...

Linking Students to Teachers

1. Click the Menu button in the top left, then Options
2. Enter the teacher's email address in the Teacher's email (bschneider@seymourschools.org) box
3. Click Save Changes to complete the setup

We will work at our own pace throughout the class.  Start wherever you want.  I suggest you work with your partner so you can solve some of the puzzles together.

Challenge #10:

Some of you will work on PBIS Videos. I will assign students for this.  We will all do this assignment later next week, but I need people to test the procedure.

Podcast #2

Today

1. Google a Day.  Please be sure you format the time correctly on your spreadsheet.

2. Put in some headphones and watch some comedy.

3. Try to answer the US citizenship test questions.

4. Soundcloud items.  You must have:

• An avatar.  If it doesnt work here (using chrome) then do it at home.
• Leave comment on a podcast.

5. We will work on podcast #2 today.  It is due Monday.  Try to get it done today.  Remember, you must complete a reflection blog post (with the right questions!) after a podcast.

Curious about what's coming?  We will soon make:

• Book Trailers
• PBIS Videos (the tardy thing is funny) 
• Wikipedia pages.
• SHS Help Desk
• Lots more challenges.  

Work Day

You should:

1. Google A Day.  Put answer in your spreadsheet.  Many of you are formatting the time wrong.  Figure it out and fix it.

2. Finish your PBIS test from last week.  I must put "Print This!" in a comment before you print it out.  You will need to address your envelope.  Write neatly!

3. Work on script in Evernote and then start production for your next podcast.  2nd podcast is due October 9.  I suggest finishing your script/outline today.

4. Put in your headphones and watch some video.  This is a student video, he did it himself.  We are making videos soon.  Will yours get 2,000,000 views?  I hope so!

5. Clean up any missing challenges.

6. Check your blog for errors and edits you need to make.

Computer Apps Test

Your first test is due Monday.  I am giving you some freedom of time as I know some of you are working on podcasts or finishing the challenges.

You are familiar with the PBIS system that SHS has implemented.  Part of this program involves incentives for students.  We have been using the "respect bucks" for students to enter a raffle and win stuff.

Which gets us to our test.  We need free stuff to give out.

You will write a formal business letter to a national business (Coke, Dunkin Donuts, ESPN, etc..) requesting free stuff to support our PBIS raffles.  Think of stuff that is raffle ready (gift cards, hats, posters, etc...).  We might get a free trip to Paris from American Airlines, but I doubt it.  I guess we could try.

Step One: Research companies.  What type of stuff would be good for the raffle?  Do these companies have a program that supplies donations?  What address do you need?

Step Two: Does a Seymour connection (grad, parent, teacher spouse) work for this company?  That might be who you address the letter to.

Step Three: Add your information to this spreadsheet.  Only one letter per company!  Keep checking the list, if someone choose Pepsi-Cola you need to find someone else.

Step Four: Write the letter in your shared Google Folder.  Check this experiment out first.  If your letter is longer than 150 words or so you are doing it wrong.

Ask the companies to send stuff to:
    PBIS Raffle
    attn: Brandt Schneider
    Seymour High School
    2 Botsford Rd
    Seymour, CT
    06483

Step Five: When you are done I need to read it and put a "Print It!" comment on it.

Step Six: Print letter, address envelope, hand to teacher.

Step Seven: Wait for free stuff.

Step Eight: For extra credit you can write additional letters to companies.

I am grading that:

• Letter addressed to correct person.
• Formatting of letter is correct.
• Writing is clear, concise, accurate.
• You are successful, we get free stuff.

Wednesday

Please respect the class rules and do not have coffee in the room unless its in a non spillable cup.

Thanks for getting the work done while I was out on Monday.  Before you start, put in your headphones and have a good laugh.

I will be grading Monday's work while you work today.

**Be sure to complete the Google a Day and put the answer in your spreadsheet that you made on Monday.

Challenge #5:
Draw a map of Seymour High School using Google Docs.  Name this "Challenge #5-Map".  I do not need EVERY detail on the map, just the highlights (cafeteria, library, etc...).  How will you deal with the 2 floors?

Challenge #6:
Write me a formal email asking me to publish your podcast on my radio station.  Write it to bschneider@seymourschools.org.  This email should be short, include a link, and have absolutely no typos.

Challenge #7:
**see note below**  Please write a blog post about your survey results.  What will you improve next time?  One of the most important aspects of any campaign (business, political, or social) is getting responses.  Did you get five responses?  If not, work on it before you write the post.

***One note: the blog surveys seem to produce an error code in blogmeister (check them out).    I have emailed Mr. Blogmeister to try and find a solution.  I tried coding it, and using the graphical interface.  Extra credit to anyone who can figure it out.***

Google Challenges

I may revise the directions a bit, but I'm really trying to not give you step-by-step directions.  I don't think they help you learn.  I recognize that this is challenging for some of you.

A few PBIS respect reminders:
1. Please leave the coffee and other drinks outside of the room unless its in a container with a twist top.
2. Respect the learning and get your work done on time.  I have lunch and study hall time for you to catch up.  If that doesn't work you have homework.

Challenge #2:

1. Create a new google form in your shared folder.  Name it "Challenge #2".  Some help if you need it is here.

2. Write questions that will elicit feedback about your podcast so you can improve it.  You should decide:

• What demographic information to collect (age, gender, etc...).
• How many questions should you ask?  Too few questions and you don't get good feedback, too many questions and people get annoyed.
• What format for the questions gives you the best feedback (paragraphs, check boxes, dropdown menu)?
• What do you want to know?  What do people want to hear about?

3. Post a link to the "live form" on your blog.  Get responses from at least 5 people.  

Challenge #3:

1. Write a formal business letter to Mr. Lungarini requesting he listen to your podcast.  This letter should:

• Demonstrate proper formatting.
• Include no typos.  
• Be convincing. Mr. Lungarini is a busy guy and values his time.
• Let him know how to find the podcast.

2. Include a signature.  If you save your drawing you can use it again.  Hint: scribble.

3. Be sure the document is in your shared folder.  Name it "Challenge #3".

Challenge #4:

1. Create a google spreadsheet where you track the answer to the Google A Day.  Name it "Google Puzzle".

2.  Include columns for Date, Topic, Answer, Time taken.

3. Save in shared folder.

Podcast notes:

1. If you didn't complete your first podcast you need to.  On your own time.  You may have noticed that our assignments build from one to the next.  You are creating a portfolio.

2. Next podcast due no later than October 9.  MANY of you will need to complete one before then.  Especially if you are doing a podcast that is timely (sports headlines, etc...)

Catch-up

When you write about your podcast in your blog there are two ways you should/can link to it

1. Link:

I made a podcast about the Andromeda Strain.

2. Embed


There is a "podcast" box in blogmeister.  Don't use it.

Some of you will quickly realize how to amplify your message by using facebook, twitter, email or your blog.  For example, Cindy's podcast could quickly be posted on the facebook page of every NVL volleyball player.  If its picked up and tweeted by the reporters of the Waterbury papers it will get amplified even more.  Be aware that what you record WILL be listened to.

You may get comments on your podcast.  You can set the podcast to no comments. Check this link out.  If there are any issues let me know immediately.

I've restarted a landing page for the podcasts.  I hope to finish coding it today.

Some things to improve on:
1. You should follow your classmates in Soundcloud so your "Dashboard" will show you all the new podcasts.  If you go to "Seymour High Music" and check followers it will be easy to do so.
2. Your podcasts must be between 2-3 minutes.
3. Many of your podcasts have low volume.  Be sure to use the microphone or speak more clearly into the iPad.
4. Above all, its got to get done on time.  Many of you use lunch, study hall to get more time with the iPad.  I don't assign much, if any homework in this class.  I also allow you to manage your projects.  But they must get done on time.

Today:
1. Work on your blog.  Does it have clustrmap?  Are all your entries posted?  Any typos, links to fix?
2. Comment on a classmates blog.  You should comment with your blog address, your First name and last initial, leave the email blank.
3. Listen and comment on student podcasts.  Notice you can comment directly on the podcast!  Please use your headphone.

One note:

I ask that you respect our learning environment and keep the food and drink outside of the computer lab.  I have allowed drinks as long as its unspillable and has a screw top.  That the compromise. Please keep the containers of coffee out of the room.

Publishing

Today you will publish your first podcast.

There is a bit of a work around we have to do due to the filter...

1. Be sure to name your file in garageband.
2. Send it to your email.
3. Upload it to your Soundcloud

Be sure to:
1. Log out of any apps on the iPad that you use.
2. Delete any podcast versions off the iPad to save space (once you confirm its on Soundcloud).
3. Check the directions and complete the reflection blog post.

Good luck!

Housekeeping note: On Friday we are on an A/B modified schedule.  Lunch will be during F block.  We will eat LAST lunch.

Podcast Project

We will be making videos soon.  Take ten minutes and watch this video (if you have your headphones).  Powerful, well done movie. Notice how they use music, text, and images to create emotion.

Today I will grade the following:

1. Google Doc Challenge #1.
2. Blog check (has clustrmap, and two blog entries).  I'm hoping 9th graders have access.

By Friday I will check that:

1. First podcast is published.
2. Soundcloud account is functioning and you have started to develop an audience for your show.

I'm working on a landing page for the podcasts.

Please work on the following:

• Listen to some sample podcasts or here or here.  Take some notes about what works. Review the directions and tutorials on our podcast page.
• Will you have opening music?
• Will you sign in and sign off correctly?
• Will you introduce guests correctly?
• Will you pace your broadcast and have a beginning, middle, and end?
• Did you notice how good podcasts tell you what the podcast is about right at the beginning?  You are painting pictures with words.  Be consistent, be descriptive.
• Create an avatar in Paint (or Fireworks..) or search for a non-copyrighted image to use on your Soundcloud account profile.  Please avoid actual images of you, it causes too many problems.  Also, never publish someone else's copyrighted images that you stole off a google search.  
• You should have Google, Dropbox, Evernote account.
• You must share a google folder with me.  Name it correctly.
• Choose your podcast passion subject.
• Create an Evernote note to brainstorm ideas, make notes, etc...
• Write a blogmeister post about the project.  Link to the project directions, talk about your passion, and what you'd like to learn/cover in your reporting.
• Begin working on your podcasts.   I dont have enough iPads for everyone to be working at once.  Manage your time and the resources effectively.  iPads are available at lunch and before school, and most study halls.  
• First podcasts should be posted today for some of you, if we can get it to work with the filter.  We may have to design a work around...

Podcasting

Today we will:

1. If 9th graders can, please do classblogmeister activities from the last class. 10-12th graders: did you get any red dots on your clutrmap?  How can you get more?
2. Please take two minutes to complete the Google of the Day.
3. Complete Google Doc Challenge #1:

• Create a New Document in your BusCompApps folder.  Name it "challenge #1".
• Write me a formal business letter.  It can be short.  Write about anything.  Insert a hyperlink and a picture.  Google the school address if you don't know it.
• Invite one other person to collaborate on the document.  You want to share the document, not the folder.
• Use the chat or comment feature to have your partner remove the picture from the document.  (Yes, I know you can just turn and ask them, but I want to see that you can do this).
• Publish your letter to the web.
• I will check that you:
• Shared it with me (its in the shared folder).
• Collaborated effectively (remember, I can see the history and who made edits).
• Format letter correctly.

I will spend a significant amount of time talking about our podcasting projects.  This should be fun.  I want first broadcasts posted this week.

Friday

Today we will set-up our blogs:

1. We will discuss digital footprints and blogging code of ethics.
2. We will log-in to our blogs and make our first post.
3. Next, we will leave a comment on a classmates blog, using the proper procedure.
4. Control panel will be discovered and we will add a simple sentence to it.
5. We will choose a template.

Business Computer Applications

Welcome!

Things to do:

1. You need to be sure you returned your Internet Use form (I imagine you have).  I can't do anything without that.

2. Fill out this Info Sheet.

3. Please solve a Google A Day.  The site times you.  So move fast.  We will be learning how to search effectively throughout the year. 

4. Introduce yourself to the people around you.

5. Write yourself an email that will be delivered on January 1, 2013.  Use Futureme.org.  Keep the post private.  Write yourself and completing the following questions "By January I hope to have learned..." "I think the most important aspect of communication is...."

6. Swearing is bad.  Please don't do it.

7. Read the class syllabus.

8. Create a dropbox account.  Take the Dropbox tour on the site.

9. Create an Evernote account.  Watch some videos about Evernote.

8. Establish a Google account.  Many of you already have one.

• Open Google Drive
• Create a Shared Folder
• Title it "first name-last name BusCompApps".  This is one way I will collect your work.
• Share folder with teacher
• my email brandtwschneider@gmail.com 

9.  Create a note in Evernote called "passwords".  Put your accounts, usernames, passwords in it.

Web Design Final Exam

You have reached your destination.  Your final exam should demonstrate a full semester of learning.  The exam should demonstrate a keen sense of story telling, recognition of audience, and technical knowledge.  Good luck.

Exam:
Create a website about the history of the internet.  The website should include how the internet has changed family and school life.  I would like you to focus on the years 1980, 1995, and 2010.

You have many tools at your disposal including HTML, Flash, Fireworks, Creative commons searches, etc.... Be sure to create a website that is easy to read, highly usable, and accessible.

You may notice that I have not included specific guidelines about pages, images, and the like.  By now you should know how to tell a good story by using a website.  You should know how to effectively include links.  You should know not to include copyrighted images.  You should know how to embed video, animation, and images.

When done you must copy your exam folder to the Udrive: Web Schneider.  You MUST finish during the allotted time for the exam.  I will begin grading once your folder is placed in the UDrive.
  

Final Exam Prep

Today is a prep day for the final exam.  You need to know how to do the following.

1. Make a basic webpage using a table for layout that is highly usable.
2. Use fireworks to manipulate an image.
3. Create animations using Flash.
4. Tell a story.
5. Search and evaluate internet sources.
6. Develop an audience.

It will be very hard to complete the exam during the allotted time so I am giving you some assignments now.  I urge you to work hard today.

Your exam will be a website that demonstrates the "web" in 1980, 1995, and 2010. I will give all the details next week.

• Create a folder in your WDrive.  Name it correctly (BSchneiderFinalExam).
• All work will be stored in this folder.
• Research the following questions.  Keep the notes in your folder.
• Who is credited with inventing the internet?  
• How did the internet develop?  Who used it first?
• How many internet enabled devices existed in 1980? 1995? 2010? (you will have to estimate, but you can find this information).
• How many people regularly accessed the internet in 1980? 1995? 2010?
• Think, research, review the following questions.
• How is your family/social life different than a high school student in 1980 or 1995?  Focus on how the internet has changed daily life (for better or worse).
• How is your school/academic life different than a high school student in 1980 or 1995?
• Prepare a very simple Flash animation to display on "the internet" page (see above).  For example, a computer zooming into focus, or a smartphone "buzzing".
• Prepare simple Fireworks images of "The Internet", 1980, 1995, 2010 to display as headings at the top of each page.