In today’s world, students must prepare themselves for a wide range of college and work opportunities. For our students who want to lead a happy life and enjoy the good things the world has to offer, all of our students will certainly need a quality education. This year I am working with our junior high students as we learn about Computer Programming. Students in my “Coding” class will be writing and creating programs using the Python programming language. Students will also learn Block style programming for Android Phones and Tablets using the online MIT App Inventor system.
In other various courses I am teaching, students will learn a wide range of technology applications such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, hardware and software concepts along with basic video editing and production. Students will be introduced to 3D design and 3D Printing. All students in my classes will have ample opportunity to learn and practice 21st Century Skills throughout the semester and year.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Students are learning the basics of how spreadsheet are created. They began the week by completing the last few lessons and a final quiz at the Learning.com website. From here, students began their first spreadsheet. This real life scenario spreadsheet has students moving into their first apartment or college dorm room. They must create a list of needed items. Internet research was done this week as students went to various store websites to look for things like: tables, chairs, dishes, rugs, lamps, clocks, etc. In the process students had to shop at a minimum of 3 different stores, look for information regarding brands, descriptions and prices. Students must have learned a few things since many commented on how expensive things were.
Due to 7th and 8th grade STAAR testing this coming week, our regular work flow will be modified. As this spreadsheet comes together, stay tuned for samples of student created work.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Last week our 6th graders returned from Spring Break to a new "Microsoft Excel" unit. In this unit, students are learning the basics of spreadsheets by interacting with an online curriculum system called EasyTech. This "Learning.com" system is on loan to us on a trial basis. I was able to secure this trial period to coincide with the beginning of our Microsoft Excel unit and the trial period is just about over. We hope to purchase this system to be used next year.
Along with the lessons and quizzes students have been working on, students are also using the Microsoft Excel 2010 program to complete a small sample spreadsheet, done together as a class exercise. This class exercise will reinforce the skills learned through the lessons and quizzes as well as provide practice in the basic creation of a spreadsheet and using Microsoft Excel.
With the knowledge and skills learned, students will soon create their first spreadsheet with a scenario based on a real life application. It is my goal students will be able to use what they learned and complete their first Excel spreadsheet independently and with little or no supervision from me. Similar to how a boss would like to see them function on their first job.
Stay tuned to see samples of spreadsheets as they are created.
If you have not seen the Desktop Publishing projects our 6th graders completed, check out the video at Youtube: Click Here
Monday, March 9, 2015
6th Graders completed their Desktop Publishing Unit with awesome product creations. While some students completed their Tri-Fold brochures, others completed alternative documents. Throughout each product, students had to demonstrate their proficiency in using the following Microsoft Word tasks: Page Orientation, Page Margins, Page Borders, Word Art, Font Style, Font Size, Bolding, Text Alignment, Graphics, Graphics Resizing, Graphic Frames, Text Wrapping, Text Boxes, etc. Most of these are advanced Microsoft Word features.
Students began the school year with little or no knowledge of Microsoft Word and in a few short months learned the basics, intermediate and advanced features of this Powerful Business program. I do not have any doubts students are ready to use Microsoft Word with confidence as they move into 7th, 8th, high school and beyond.
Watch this video and others at the Class Website. Click Here.
You can also watch the video directly from Youtube. Click Here
Sunday, March 1, 2015
This week, work continues with our Tri-Fold brochure project. During the first week of this project it was apparent some of my 6th grade students were struggling. I decided to offer an alternative assignment which some gladly accepted. In this alternative project, students have to create 3 documents on 3 different subjects. About half of the students chose to continue work with the brochure. In these final projects students must use and practice all their Desktop Publishing skills. Things are flowing more smoothly now and the student should wrap up this project on Thursday.
Students appear to have learned enough about Microsoft Word and Desktop Publishing to work independently with little supervision from me. Question and focus is shifting from "how" to do something to the more advanced aspects of the design process.
When this project is complete this week, we move on to Microsoft Excel and spreadsheets.
Due to the editing and polishing needed for this project, the proof reading exercise we normally do on Thursday was not needed.
On Friday, students completed Lesson 5 of their Typing Program. About 90% of all students are typing at the required speed and accuracy. We will see how it goes over the next few weeks as speed and accuracy requirements increase with each passing week..
On a different note, there is a completed video put online which showcases some of the work other classes did during FLEX Week.