Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet practice:

Challenge #13 (extra):
Can you attach a chart to the Challenge #13 SchneiderCorp spreadsheet that shows me how much farm equipment stuff we sold?

Challenge #15:
Clean up your google a day spreadsheet.  What is the average time it took you to solve the puzzle?  Yes there is a formula for time.  Thats todays puzzle, I suppose.  Can you find and apply this formula to get an average?  I don't have an answer yet, but I'm sure its really simple.

Challenge #16:
Create a Google Presentation of your class schedule.  A few rules:

1. You can only have 10 slides.  Not 9, not 11, but 10.
2. You must spend some time reading about Presentation Zen.  Really check out some of the tips.  I will not accept poorly designed slides.
3. You can only use YOUR photos or drawings OR photos you find using a CC search.  Plagiarism applies to photos as well as text.  If you search within Google Docs (click insert image) those images will be CC images.

Name the presentation "Schedule" and save in your shared folder.

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Podcast #4 is due Friday December 7.  Start working on your script in Evernote.  I'll bring the iPads next time.

Some of you gave me random podcasts last time.  Please ensure your podcasts all go off the same theme.

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Edit your blog.  Check for comments.

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I'm going to unload a project next class so I want to use this class to get everyone caught up.  Some of you may finish early.

New Work

Donate some rice, if you don't mind.  Spend a few minutes.

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I think this is very, very funny.  You can find through out Amazon.com where people start to write reviews about very simple devices.  Check out this banana slicer, then scroll down to read the reviews.

Knowing how to write is very powerful.
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Challenge 13:  Some of you have experience with spreadsheets, some of you don't.  This next challenge will be a good way to get us started.  Create a new spreadsheet in your shared folder and name it "Challenge 13: Spreadsheet".

Design a spreadsheet that includes the following information:

• Monthly sales figures need to be collected.
• Mr. Jones, Ms. Smith, Mr. Williams, and Miss Stanley are the sales people who work for "Schneider Corp".
• Schneider Corp sells farm equipment.  Tractors cost $10000, Mowers cost $5000, and Plows cost $15,000.
• Mr. Jones sold 3 tractors, 2 mowers, and zero plows this month.
• Ms. Smith sold 1 tractor, 1 mower, 1 plow.
• Mr. Williams sold 5 plows.
• Miss Stanley sold 2 tractors, 2 mowers, 1 plow.

The spreadsheet should show me total $$ each sales person sold, total # of each item sold, total $ of each item sold.  Finally what was our total $$ sales for the month?

I will walk around and help you.  Also use google and the help menu to figure out your formulas.  It may help some of you to draw it out on paper first.

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Challenge 14:

This will be the first time I've done this, but Google search stories look pretty cool.  Check out some examples.  I don't want to spend a ton of time on this, I just want to see what it can do.

I'd like you to create your own story.  Any school appropriate subject.  Be creative.

This may pull up inappropriate images or topics.  If so, quietly fix it.

When done post your story to youTube and then to your blog.  Please include a short review of search stories and include a link so people can make their own.  

Videos

We have 30 minutes.  Lets watch some videos.  Put on your headphones.

 I love this Arnold video. His movies were really big when I was in high school so that voice is iconic. He really, really believes what he is saying.  That last line is classic.

If you watch this TED talk watch it from the beginning and do not skim forward! Its freaky amazing.

I don't know why, but I love these guys. They seem like they would be fun to hang out with. I can imagine the moment they figured they got season tickets, next to the penalty box. Not settling, they decided to don green suits to distract the competition. Brilliant.

I've watched this 100 times. Still funny.

A LOT of schools are doing lip dubs. I'd love to work on one!  They planned the whole thing backwards.  That takes guts.  A lot of schools do Lip Dub competitions.  Maybe Derby High posts one, and we have to top it.

We are singing this song in choir.  I love how the blond girl takes charge of the song.  I wish they had thought of a better ending.

I'd like to work on this office.  Check out some of their other videos.

I've never really liked Les Mis, but I recognize that its hugely popular.  You may recognize several stars in the upcoming movie.

I know there are some One Direction fans in here.  My 16 year old niece is a fanatic...

5 days until track.  Can't wait.

And, finally, one of my favorite muppet videos.

Thanksgiving

FYI:  Tomorrow will be a video watching day.   No new work will be assigned.

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Second marking period work so far:

1. Testing bog post.
2. Meograph blog post.
3. Resume
4. Blog comments (quality and quantity)
5. App review (today)

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Please spend some time today studying Evernote.  Some of you have barely used it, and some of you have really started to use it.  What helpful tips could you provide?

Maybe check out their blog?  Or google "evernote for students?"

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Classes have often enjoyed exploring Geni.com.

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Writing an app review is hard.  Things that must be included:

1. What is the app?  Who made it or designed it?  Include a link!!
2. What platform does it require?  Do you need iOS6?  Can it run on an iPad1?
3. Should you include screen shots or video in the app review?  Can you figure out how to do that?
4. Who is your audience?  Is it kids, gamers, teachers, or parents?
5. An opinion!!  Should people buy it?


Please review one of the following iPad apps using your blog.  Some of the apps are only on the iPad2 machines.

• DragonBox
• DustBuster
• NoteShelf or Penultimate
• iMotion HD.  You will be using this app when we come back.  Check what we made at home.
• Doodle Buddy
• Video Time Machine
• USA Today

Be sure if you log in to an app that you LOG OUT when done.

Grab Bag

Today is kind of a grab bag day.  The only thing I'd like you to really finish is the meograph assignment.  Be sure to check the questions for your blog post that were posted.

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I was impressed by your passion over testing.  I read many responses that were well formatted, cogent arguments.  I'd like you to spend some time reading those arguments today and responding with comments.

I think leaving comments is an important skill to master.  Check this article out.  Of course, don't be a troll.  Your comments should continue the conversation.  Make it obvious that you read the post.

When you leave a comment in blogmeister be sure you are logged in first.  In the comment box leave your first name, leave the email blank, and the URL will be filled in already.

Please aim to leave five substantive comments today.  Please be sure you respond to any comments on your blog.

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Perhaps you can guess my opinion, but would we get more benefit if we dropped the test prep and enrolled everyone in music lessons?  Does taking practice tests for the CAPT get as much benefit as being in Choir?

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Additional work:

• Do some wikipedia edits.  Check out the SHS page.  Perhaps there is too much information there does not quite fit wikipedia's guidelines.  We can also organize it better.
• Google a Day.  Keep practicing.
• Read this story about caffeine drinks.  Stock in Monster Drinks has dropped from $80 to $44.  Does that tell you something?
• This review in the NYTimes of Guy Fierri's new restaurant is gaining a lot of attention lately.  It is very, very harsh.
• If you did all that check out some of my favorite videos.  Be sure to have headphones on.

Resumes, Meographs

Today:

1. Do the google a day.  Put your results in your spreadsheet.
2. Check out this cool hack from MusicHackDay.  Put in your headphones.  Read more about music hack day here.  I kinda wish school was like this.
3. Blog post:  read this article about testing.  What do you think?  Include link to original article.  A few things we need to improve as a class in our writing:

• Paragraphs.  Organize your thoughts.
• Include relevant links.  
• Have a solid closing thought.  The closing thought should encourage comments on your blog.  Don't END a conversation, START one.

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I will hand back your resumes.  Please make fixes or adjustment and print out a clean copy for me.  Be sure there are NO errors or typos.

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I brought two microphones in for you to work on your meograph.  I hope to work on mine today as well.  I haven't added any content yet.

A few notes:

1. Try to give the meograph some depth.  You don't have to include many points, but for a few of them I'd like you to include video, audio, photos, etc...
2. Do not publish copyrighted material.  Use creative commons to search for content or create your own.
3. When done publish to your blog.

• Use the embed code.
• Give a short description of the meograph service.  What is it?  Include a link.  How can it help tell a story?  What was easy about it?  Hard?

New Marking Period

PBIS:

We got the following in this week:

1. Lots of Subway gift cards.
2. A ton of stuff from Planet Fitness, including two memberships, bags, shirts, bottles, etc...

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

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I like this story about confidence.

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New tasks:

Challenge #11:  Create a one page resume and put in your google shared folder.  This is a TRADITIONAL resume.  Here are some tips.  Here is an example.  I will spend a lot of time on this assignment.  We will make infographic resumes shortly.

Some things to think about:

• Use Evernote to make notes and brainstorm about the resume.
• List EVERYTHING you could possibly include.  Only include stuff you did in middle school if it is truly amazing (like winning a National Science Fair or something).
• Follow the format, follow the format, follow the format.
• Use active verbs.  Quantify everything:
• Created and published movie review podcast that reached 75 listeners per day
• Directed Hope Club recruitment plan that increased membership by 75%
• Implemented lunch recycling plan that resulted in 35% reduction in cafeteria waste

Challenge #12:  Create an account in Meograph.  Create a meograph around one of the following:

• Your family vacations.
• Your favorite professional teams best season (Road to Victory...)
• Battles of the Revolutionary War
• Upcoming tour of your favorite singer/band

Half Way

Today we will be grading.  I will hand out Edline sheets.  Lets fix any mistakes.  Also be sure to complete your Google document.

Here is the grading document. 

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New tasks on Thursday.  If you are "done" please help a classmate by commenting on their blog, helping them edit movies, or checking their work for typos.

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Who will win the election?  There are 512 paths to the White House.  Which one do you think will happen?  Write a blog post about your prediction.

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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?"

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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...)