Effective Searching with Google

It seems so strange to have February 29th on the calendar this year.  I know it was only four years ago when we had our last Leap Year, but it always seems new to me. Why does Leap Year happen anyway? Check out these facts about this special day. I heard someone on the radio say, "We have an extra day this year.  Make the most of it."  I thought that was a great sentiment.  What did you do with your extra day this year?
We will start off class one with a website evaluation review using Kahoot.  Now that you're done cheering about Kahoot, stop and think.......Ahhhhh yes!  You will have a summative assessment on this topic at the beginning of class two this week.  You are ready, so don't be worried.
We will take a look at searching using Google.  Many students are not making the most of searching.  We've talked about evaluating sites, but how do you narrow down the number of sites from which to choose?  We will take a look at an activity which will answer this question.

Back to the Grind....

I don't about you, but I feel as if our vacation went by at lightning speed!!  I spent a couple of days with my daughter down in Nashville.  We heard some amazing up and coming singers and had a great time.  You can check out her work and some of the local up and coming talent on her blog, Jam Catchers.  Nashville is most definitely a very cool place to visit.  I hope you enjoyed your time off and are ready to get back to work.

This week we will continue working with ISTE Standard 3:  Research and Information Fluency.  I will start off class number one this week by sharing a site about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which seems fitting as Black History Month is coming to a close.  After we evaluate and discuss this site, I will ask you to answer the question I have sent you in Google Classroom.  You will then work on a website evaluation activity using a mystery QR code (if you didn't do this before vacation.)  We will also use Kahoot to do a final of review of website evaluation.

During class two this week you will create, edit, and publish a new blog post.  Speaking of your blogs, I have also created an announcement in Google Classroom which include the link to a form I need you to complete.  This "Blog Collection Form" will allow me to access and view your blogs so I may give you feedback.

Have a super week and welcome back!!!

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Message to My Thursday Techies

Hello,
    I will not be with some of you today as I have to leave early.  The good news is our lesson for today is student driven.  You should be able to work independently, and not need me at all!  The resources you need are in your Google Classroom Assignment.  Please follow the steps below and work hard!  I will be looking for your work in "Classroom" this afternoon and tomorrow so I can give you feedback and plan our lessons for next week!  This is important, you can do this, I am counting on you!!!
Steps for Today's Class (follow in order):
YOU MUST FOLLOW THE STEPS IN ORDER AND COMPLETE EVERY PART OF THE STEP BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT ONE!!!!!

1. Grab a pair of headphones, plug them in, and watch this video: Website Evaluation with C.A.R.S.
2. Using the Apps Launcher in your tray, sign in to Google Classroom
3. Locate and "OPEN" the assignment titled, "Website Evaluation Activity." (it should be the 3rd item in your stream.)
4. Read the directions and open the resource above your work area, Web Site Evaluation Activity.  On this activity you will see URLs and links for 5 different websites.  You will select only ONE of these websites to use to complete both of the docs in "Your Work."
5. Open your website in a new tab.
6. Select one of the "Answer Sheets" and open it.  You will need to type the name of the website you have selected to evaluate on the top of this doc (I forgot to leave a space for that; sorry :()
7. Go through and answer each question on the answer sheet based on what you find on the website you have selected.
8. When you finish this answer sheet, open the second "Answer Sheet" and follow the same procedure.  Be sure to put the name of the same site on the top of the second answer sheet, answer all questions based on what you find on the website.
9. When you have finished the second answer sheet, be sure to turn in your work.  You will turn in both answer sheets at one time.
10. If there is time left in class, please explore any of the other websites on your resource.  You will not be completing an answer sheet, but try to ask yourself the same questions and figure out if the sites are reliable, valid, and credible.

You should NOT be on any other sites, listening to music, or playing games of any type.   I will be looking for your assignments in Google Classroom tonight.  There is plenty of time for you to complete both evaluations during our class.

                           Have a great day!  Please do not be doing any "SnowDay" dances tonight!!!

                                           ~Mrs. White :)

Valid, Reliable, and Credible

A new month is upon us.   I wonder if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow.  How accurate is that silly old groundhog anyway?  USA Today shares their thoughts on the furry little creature. There are many other critter predictors around.  Check out this link to find out more.  I don't know about you, but I am hoping for a very early spring.  Keep your fingers crossed!!
You will work on a mini website evaluation unit this week.  It will be important to have this information when we return from February Vacation.  You will start work on a research project when we return.  You will work independently on the Website Evaluation Activity I have assigned to you in Google Classroom.  Let's start by watching a website evaluation video.

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Jump Starting Genius Hour

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a complete week of school with out any scheduling changes.  I think it has been two months since we have been in attendance for five straight days without interruptions in class time.  Only time will tell.  I don't  know about you, but I LOVE how late the sun  stays out.  It is so nice to get out of school and have the sun shining.

Let's get jump started with our Genius Hour Projects.  We'll start with a video of some students sharing their projects:  Pewamo-Westphalia Genius Hour Projects 2014.   Afterward we will do a quick review of website evaluation.  You will be given a QR code which will lead you to Moonbeam Enterprises.  You will use your Website Evaluation Checklist to determine whether this site should receive a "thumbs up" or a "thumbs down."  You will then continue searching for websites to help you with the research for your own GHP.  Be sure to check out those sites before you start collecting data.  You may record this data in any manner, using any tool or device (workstation, iPad, or good old fashioned paper and pencil.)  Be sure to save your sites as bookmarks in your Diigo account.  Label these resources "GHP."

During class two you will complete a Website Evaluation Assessment in Google Classroom.   Don't worry, you will be prepared for it.  Pretend you are doing a project on "critters" and you found the following site in your Google search.  Please evaluate this site:  Tardigrades.

Have a super week!!
  ~Mrs. White :)

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Back from Break

Welcome back!   This crazy winter did not take a break last week.  I hope you enjoyed your time off and are back rested and ready to work hard.  I spent some time researching a few different topics I cannot wait to share with you, but in due time.  First things first.....we are already up to the letter "P" in named storms.  Pandora dumped a wintery mix on us Saturday night through Sunday.  Luckily, the bulk of the storm was rain which shrunk some of our snow mounds.  Unfortunately the air coming in behind Pandora has caused temperatures to plummet.  We are now left with smaller mounds of snow, well actually frozen solid ice hills.  It is making it hard to walk out there!  Let's hope we don't get another storm this winter.  Just in case you were wondering, the next storm will be names, "Quantum."  
Okay, back to business.  We will start out by using the new Web Evaluation Checklist I created and have shared with all of you in Google Classroom (there is also one next to your workstation.)  Let's take a look at the site, Dihydrogen Monoxide Research. You and a computer neighbor will have 10 minutes to decide whether or not this site is reliable, valid, and credible using this checklist.
I also created an infographic to help you with your web evaluation process.  Check it out!
I will expect you to go through this process with any site you choose to use as a resource for your GHP.  It may take a little extra time in the beginning, but after some practice you will get very efficient at this process.
I have gone through all of your GHP organizers and will be sharing this feedback with you during class 1.  Some of you have asked to work with a partner.  Those of you for whom I have approved a partnership will need to move seats.  This may take a few moments.  I will initiate this process.  Some of you are struggling with ideas for your Genius Hour Projects.  You may find this video, "Obvious to you, Amazing to others," inspirational.

I hope you enjoyed the pep talk from Kid President which was playing as you walked in to class!  Help him spread his message!
                           

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Web Evaluation....Be a Super Sleuth!!

Welcome back from our mini break.  I hope you all had a relaxing few days off and got your fill of turkey and pie.  It's hard to believe it is already December-YIKES!!!  We only have 3 weeks until our next break.  I'm sad to say this is our only full, "regular" week. Next week our schedule will be interrupted by parent/teacher conferences, and the following week will be impacted by concert rehearsals and performances.  Hold on to your hats.....we have a lot to do.

We are taking a step back from blogging to review an important concept- Website Evaluation.  As you move forward and are asked to do projects and papers for your classes, you are also being asked to find your own resources and information.  What are the best sources and how do you find them?  How do you know if the site you are visiting is reliable, valid, and credible?  Hopefully you will have answers and strategies after this week.

I would like to make one comment in regard to your comments on peers blogs.  Please remember to be careful and kind with your word choice.  As you are reading blogs please try to focus on the content and not so much on grammar and mechanics.  Leave those comments to me.  One last word on blogging for this week; you may (and I hope you do) keep on blogging this week.  Just remember to have another set of eyes check your post before you publish!

We will start our class this week with a quick introduction to URLs.  This video should jog your memories a bit.  Do you remember learning about this last year?  It's okay if you don't.  I have created a Web Evaluation Activity for you to work through during our first meeting this week.  Please take your time.  At the end of class we will discuss your findings.

Class 2 Activator:  Please start class with this survey for our guidance department.  Please read the questions carefully and answer them honestly  This information will help make BIS a better place for all of us.  Thank you for doing this.  School Climate Survey   Be sure to submit your responses by clicking, "done" a the bottom of the survey.

Once you have finished this survey you will pick up where we left off last class.  You will be inventing your own domain name by going on this E-VENTURE.  So fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!!

Once you have finished this activity you will take a look at an activity called, "Comparing Search Engines."  Please complete this activity, writing your answers on the note card you have been given.
                   

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Website Evaluation

I will not be in class with my Monday students this week.  I will be attending an Apple Seminar in Millis.  I hope to bring back some exciting information about 1:1 iPad programs in middle schools.  In my absence Mrs. Diggins will be sharing this week’s first lesson with you.  Please make me proud and show her how responsible and hardworking you all are!!

This week we will move on to the second part or phase of getting better at searching and finding information.  This weekend I was visiting my parents and my dad asked me a question.  “What is the difference between .com, .gov, and .org?  Is one better than another?”  I laughed before I answered his question thinking, “Gee if he asks any of my students after this week, they would be able to answer his questions!!”  Last week we focused on changing your keyword searches when looking for your information.  Once you find your search results, how do you decide whether or not the results are any good?  Are the sites reliable, valid, and credible?  We will start our week off by watching a video, “Internet Skills:  How to Evaluate a Website.”  We will then work together as a class to evaluate two websites.  Once you have practiced together, you will select a school appropriate site to evaluate on your own.  You will complete a form which will guide you through this process.

So let’s check out our first website.  It is called “Build Your WiLDSeLF.”  This is really a fun site.  But we need to decide how reliable, valid, and credible this site truly is.  We will try to answer the questions found on the “Website Evaluation Guide” you have been given.  This guide has been adapted from EasyBib’s Criteria for Evaluating Websites.   After evaluating “Build Your WiLDSeLF” we will take a look at a site which is one of the hyperlinks you should have checked on this site.  We will now take a look at the “New York Aquarium” site.

So we have checked out two sites together.  I think you are ready to “fly solo.”  You will need to choose a school appropriate site of your own and follow the same procedure.  This time you will need to complete the Website Evaluation Form which is on the other side of your Website Evaluation Guide.