Doing Your Best Today

Hello,
    I will not be with you for class today.  Please be sure to make good choices and work hard for your substitute.  I am not having you work on your slideshows today, but instead having you take some time to think about "creator's rights."   You are contributing more and more to the web and will want your rights protected.  You have an announcement in Google Classroom which contains a video.  You will watch this video and use the information to help you with the first two worksheets in your packet.  Have a great day and I will see you the next time.
Please make me proud!!
    ~Mrs. White  :)

While I Am Out.....

Hello My Budding Bloggers,
    As you know I will not be in these last two days of this week.  I am confident you have all the tools you need; ones I have provided and ones you are bringing with you.  I can't wait to read your rough drafts of your first blog posts.  For some of you blogging will come very naturally; as I recognize some natural story tellers in my classes.  For others, this may be a bit frustrating.  Blogging is a writing genre all its own.  As you are creating this first post, try to picture your audience.  It will be filled with people of all ages from all over the world.  How would you introduce yourself to them?  What do you want them to know about you?  Using the questions I have left for you will help you do a great job.
The Resource Packet:
At each of your workstations there is a packet of resources.  Please find and review each of the pages mentioned below.

• The first page is filled with some hints and tips.  
• When you flip over to the back side of the first page you will find the actual "how to" or steps to writing your first post.  There are 9 questions for you to ponder and answer.  You don't have to answer them in order.  Be sure to create a paragraph (or two) with your answers; not a list.
• One of the resources is a page of "sentence starters."  I found a blog with these ideas.  Try to use a couple of them.
• I included a resource with the steps for finding and saving an image for your post. It is the process we used a couple weeks ago in class.  Be sure to sign in to Novell.  **If you cannot sign in to Novell I will help you with this process next time.
• I won't be grading this rough draft, but I will be giving you a lot of feedback. You will have many revision opportunities.  Eventually I will be assessing your post with the rubric I've included so take a look at it.
• Finally, the back page is a copy of the BPS Blogging and Commenting Guidelines. 

I have added two new items to Google Classroom.  The first is an announcement containing a presentation of the BPS Blogging Guidelines. You will view this presentation and then move on to the second addition.  You have a new assignment; Creating Your First Blog Post.  Please "OPEN" this assignment and get started.  If you don't get to the image step; don't worry.  The most important part of this assignment is your introductory paragraph.  

Please go to Google Classroom and start the process of introducing yourself to the world!!!!!!

Fondly,

~Mrs. White :)

Class Two: Plagiarism

Hello My Talented Students,
   I am giving you an independent day.   Please read all of this post and then follow the instructions in order.  We will go over your work before the end of class.
Fondly,
Mrs. White

Lesson Procedure: (Follow these steps in order)

Use the link at the bottom of the post to go to Brain Pop and log in.
Log In Information:  
Username:   BIS123
Password:   redraider   (all lower case and one word)

Once in Brain Pop type "plagiarism" in to the search box.  This will bring you to the plagiarism lesson.

Watch the movie in its entirety.
When you have finished the movie, raise your hand and the teacher will bring you a packet which you will complete.
First:  Complete the quiz
Second:  Complete the vocabulary page.  Please use the movie, which you may re-watch or use an online dictionary to define the terms in your OWN words.
Third:  Complete the "Identify It" activity.

If you should complete all three of these pages of the packet, please go back to the Brain Pop search box and type in "copyright."  Find this lesson and complete the same steps (in the same order) as you did for the the "plagiarism" lesson.

Brain Pop Link

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 :)

T.G.I.F.

Hello My Hardworking Techies,
          As I had mentioned during our last class, I will not be able to "physically" be with you today.  Mrs. Diggins will be at the helm in my absence.  I am however, "virtually" with you as I have left you an assignment in Google Classroom and this blog post.  You will NOT be using your iPads during class today.  All work will be done on your workstations, so please put your iPads in a safe place for class.  Today you will continue with your exploration of commenting on blogs of others.  The activity you are doing should look familiar.  We did a similar activity a while ago when we first started blogging.  Please be sure to read the directions carefully.   You will need to get an "answer key" from Mrs. Diggins so you can correct your work.  Please do not turn in your assignment in classroom before you have made corrections.  I should only receive correctly formatted commenting guidelines.  **There are only 8 guidelines on the activity and 10 on the answer key.  Lucky you!!
Once you have finished the Commenting Guidelines assignment you have four possible options, depending on what you have previously completed.   You will need to work through all of these options one at a time in order.  To be clear, EVERYONE IS STARTING OFF BY GOING TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM TO COMPLETE THE COMMENTING GUIDELINES ASSIGNMNET!
See below:
Option 1:
You will need to complete and publish your second blog post.  Please be sure to use the yellow
two page hand out as a guide.  You will need to follow the steps outlined in my blog post from January 4th.  Once you have completed those 6 steps, you will copy and paste your text in to your blog.  Remember to follow the steps on the resource to upload your image and include the link. You may use one another as resources.  Everyone should havea second blog post published by the end of this week with the exceptions of ILT # 13 & #14.
There is a resource for this option.  Please ask for it if you need help.
       
Option 2:
If you have already successfully published your second blog post, you will ask Mrs. Diggins for the
resource, "Cleaning Up Your Digital Life."  You will carefully go through the steps outlined on this document.  Be sure to look at the back side of this document (it is double sided.)

Option 3:
If you have already created and published blog post #2, and cleaned up your digital life, you will
then work on your blog design.  Hint:  From your Blogger dashboard you will select the option
"layout."  Once you are on your layout you will select you will need to look at the top of that
page and select "template designer."  Be sure to "save" your work and changes by looking for
those orange buttons.  Remember:  You are NOT to change your template!

Option 4:
Go to your Google Drive, create a new document, title it, and begin working on a third blog post.

NOT AN OPTION:

•  watching videos
• listening to music
• playing games

You all know the expectations I have for the condition of my lab when I return.  BE SURE TO PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF!!
Please do your personal best while I am out.   Enjoy your three day weekend!

    ~Mrs. White  :)

Blog Post Two for Some

Many of you have finished your first blog post and are ready to create and publish post #2!  My classes meeting on Thursday will find me missing, and Mr. Yetman will be in my lab.  Please do a super job in my absence.  I have told him how wonderful you all are!  Please read the rest of this post carefully before beginning.
You will be working on agenda items #'s 5 and 6 today.  Please don't worry about widgets and gadgets. We will resume our work with them next week.
Step 1:  Launch Google Chrome, sign in to your "Drive" and open your ILT folder.
Step 2:  If you didn't finish "polishing" your first blog post last week, please start there. You will open the "First Blog Post" doc, make your corrections, copy the text, paste it in to Blogger **, then upload images, add image URL, check one last time, and then "Publish."
**You should already have a draft of a post with a title and labels.  You will need to go to your dashboard, select "post" under options, and click on "edit" to continue.  Use this resource to help you with this.
**If you make corrections to your post and want me to take a look at your work to change your grade DO NOT give your rubric to Mr. Yetman.  You will need to bring the rubric to me on Friday morning during homeroom.
Step 3:  You will need to begin creating your second blog post.  Please use the Helpful Hints resource I have created for you.  It is available here, and a copy can be found next to your workstation.  I have also left a resource to help you with your image searches.
Please do a super job in my absence.  Remember:  No watching videos or listening to music during class. You will not be needing your iPads today as you will be using your workstations.  Please put them "apples up" in the safe place, next to your workstations.  I cannot wait to see your next post!!!

Google Forms......Getting Started Finally!!!

Hello my Google forms explorers.  I will not be in school today, but Mr. Fisher will lead you through our lesson.  Please be sure to listen to him and then to read this blog post in its entirety before starting.  If you have not finished your podcasts or blogs you will not have time in this class to do so.  If you have questions about either of these assignments please be sure  to come and see me Thursday morning during homeroom.  You know where to find me (in the hallway.)

Let’s get started with today’s lesson.  You are very familiar with your Google drive.  You will be exploring another facet of this app today:  FORMS. You have already experienced othe “taking” side of surveys using Google forms.  Our assessments, the “Pop Culture Survey”, and your Student Blog Information Survey were all created using Google forms.  

Before you create the form/survey, you will need to create your questions.  This survey will wind up on your blog where the world will be able to take it.  We will play around with the results/data after vacation.  Let’s take a minute to think about surveys you may have taken.  It is important to keep surveys short and sweet.  No one wants to spend an hour taking a survey.  The ones you create will be limited to 5 questions.  There are many different types of questions you could create.

• Text — respondents provide short answers
• Paragraph text — respondents provide longer answers
• Multiple choice — respondents select one option from among several
• Checkboxes — respondents select as many options as they’d like
• Choose from a list — respondents select one option from a dropdown menu
• Scale — respondents rank something along a scale of numbers (e.g., from 1 to 5)
• Grid — respondents select a point from a two-dimensional grid

I would recommend selecting one or two types of questions for your first survey (multiple choice are a great one for starting out.)

1. Please log in to your Google accounts and go to your Drive.  
2. Once there, please “Create” a doc.  
3. Title this doc, “Survey Questions”

Now comes the hard part.....What will your survey be about?  What kind of information do you want to gather?  The possibilities are endless.  This survey does not have to be “school related”, but does have to be “school appropriate.”  Some possible suggestions for survey topics:

• songs
• music
• sports
• food
• school subjects
• “favorites”
• apps
• technology
• a combination of any of the suggestions listed above

Once you pick your topic, type a title at the top of the doc.  You will now write your 5 questions.  If you are selecting multiple choice questions, you will create the question and the choices, typing all of this on the doc.  You will then move on to the second question, and so on.  

For example:

                 What is your favorite season?

a.  spring

                       b.  summer

                       c.  fall

                       d.  winter

The example above is one question.  My survey would need to include 4 more questions like this one.  You may use only one type of question on the survey or mix up a couple different types.  

Please check your questions for spelling and grammar.  Remember, this survey will be on your blog for the world to see.  It’s your global presence, digital footprint.

Once you have finished the questions, you will go back to your Drive home and follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Create” tab
2. Select “Form” (second from the bottom)
3. Fill in the “Title” of your form in the first window which pops up.
4. You will then need to select a “theme”.
5. You will now be brought to your “form”.  Do not be confused as the theme will not show up at this point.   It will be a plain, white, boring form.
6. Scroll to the top of the page and “uncheck” the box “Requires Barnstable Public Schools login to view this form.”  You don’t want any boxes checked here.
7. A window will pop up with the statement, “This will make your form accessible outside of your domain. Are you sure you wish to proceed?”  Click “OK.”
8. You will now begin typing your questions.  You can copy and paste (using keyboard shortcuts:  ctrl + C=copy or ctrl + V=paste) from your doc in to this form if you’d like.  The question goes in the “Question Title” box.  Be sure to select the questions type from the drop down.  
9. Check the “required question” box at the bottom of the question.  
10. When you have finished the question you will need to click the “Done” tab.
11. Select “Add item” below to create a new question and follow the same steps.

             Check out the screen shot below. 
 

Please be sure to use the “Help” tab at the top of the page if you have any questions.

Once you have finished your survey, be sure to go back and check your questions and set up.  If you need to make changes, you will need to click on the pencil icon to do so.  Be sure to save those changes.

ILT #’s 10 and 11:  We will put these survey links on your blogs next class.

ILT #’s 4 and 1:   We will put these survey links on your blogs after vacation.

If you should finish this survey and have time left in class, please create a new Google doc.

Title it, “Survey Blog Post,” and type a new post which will accompany your link on your blog.   Please remember to follow the BPS Blogging and Commenting Guidelines when writing this post.

I hope you have fun with this new Google app.  It will be a lot of fun to see what responses you get to them when they are on your blogs.  

Resources for this lesson:

Create a Google Form-  Google Drive help page for “Forms”

Using Google Forms doc resource from North Canton City Schools - Eric Curts- great resource!

Google Forms Tutorial this is a video tutorial. Google forms have changed their look in the last month.  This tutorial shows the old form, but I still think it could be helpful to you.  Just know the forms you’ll be using look just a little bit differently.  The first 5 minutes of this tutorial are all you will need to watch for today’s lesson.

ILT Scavenger Hunt

image link:  http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/hunt/hunt002.shtml

MCAS has most definitely turned our schedule upside down!!!  One of my classes will be meeting this week without me in another lab as the modified schedule has me double booked!!!  I wouldn't want my students getting frustrated with trying to edit with a substitute in a strange lab so I have something else for you to do instead.  Ms. Sweeney had a great idea (once again) and shared it with me.  She created a "Scavenger Hunt" for her students to complete.  This scavenger hunt is a review of some computer skills we have worked on this year.  Just in case you are a bit rusty, there are some links to resources and reminders throughout the process.  Next week some students will be finished with their podcasts while other classes are needing a bit more time; so they will be doing this activity during class one.  Please read carefully, think, and then do!!
Follow the steps in order.  I will try to think of a "prize" to share with those of you who complete this hunt successfully.  Have fun!!!
Mrs. White's Scavenger Hunt

If you should finish this scavenger hunt and there is still time left in class, please do any of the following:

• Work on your own blog-you should have at least 4 good posts by now.
• Complete the "Student Blog Information Survey" if you have not yet done so. Be sure to click on the correct link for your ILT class.
• Check out some of the new posts in your Google Reader.
• Clean out your pdrive
• Clean up your Google docs and Gmail

(You are NOT to play games on line or on your workstation.   This would not be using your most effective effort strategies!!!)

Picking Partners and Starting Scripts

Image Link:  http://www.wallsave.com/wallpaper/1920x1200/my-girlfriend-is-a-gumiho-free-valentine-computer-chobir-dokan-47292.html

Happy Valentine’s Day!!  I will be attending a workshop at the high school today and will not be teaching your classes.  Mrs. Diggins will be in for me and you know she is very familiar with our routines and my plans.  Please take the time to read this ENTIRE blog post.  She will be giving you specific directions once you have read the post.  I am sure you will do a wonderful job in my absence.  
On Tuesday I reviewed the Podcast Rubric and “contract” for working with a partner.  I asked you to think about a good partner for you.  Some of you, I believe ILT #9, already selected your partners.  If you were absent, I know this may all seem confusing to you.  In just a moment Mrs. Diggins will be giving you some papers and asking everyone to select or sit with partners.  If you are having a difficult time finding a partner please ask Mrs. Diggins to help you with this process.  I respect some of you may wish to work alone.  Remember this is a large undertaking and you may want to reconsider flying “solo.”  
Mrs. Diggins will give you the signal to go ahead and move so you are seated with a partner.  Once you have found someone to work with she will take you through a review of the “contract” for this project which can be found on the backside of the Podcast Rubric.  You will need to decide together which of your “How To” ideas you would like to develop.  You will also need to agree on your intended audience.  Mrs. Diggins will give you some examples if you aren’t sure what I mean by that.  I want you to write the word AUDIENCE on your contract under your How To topic title and fill in your audience.  Then you will read and sign the bottom of this page.

Now you are ready to start writing your script.  Please take a moment with your partner to reveiw the “Script Writing Tips” document.  Take note of the required elements at the bottom.  You will need to welcome your audience, introduce yourselves (first names only) and then introduce your topic.  Remember this isn’t being written like an English paper, but more like a conversation.  You will want to note who will be saying which lines in your script.  

For example:
Johnny:   Welcome to our How To Podcast Series.
Mary:  Today we will be sharing How to Tie Your Shoes.
Johnny:  I’m Johnny.
Mary:  And I’m Mary.  Let’s get started.

You will also need a closing or send off after you have finished your “How To.”  You may use the Internet to do some research about your topic.  Please write down the places you visited to get information. You will need to mention them at the end of your podcast.

I would recommend creating a Google doc for your script.  If you would prefer to hand write it that is fine as well.   Mrs. Diggins will have paper if you forgot to bring some to class today.  If you are creating a Google doc, you will want to share it with your partner.  To do this, create and title the doc as you always do.  Then look in the top right hand corner for the blue “Share” button.  You will click on it and see a very familiar window.  It is the same one you used to “share” your folders with me and other teachers.  You will need to add the school gmail address of your partner in the bottom space where it says, “Add people.”  It may be a good idea for your partner to type this in.  Then select “Share and Save” then “done.”  Your partner will now have access to this document just in case you are absent when we return from vacation.

Continue working on your scripts until Mrs. Diggins asks for you attention.  Be sure to put all of your documents in your binders or folders at the end of class.  You will be needing these when we return from vacation.  

**My ILT#3 students:  I know you didn’t have class on Monday.  Mrs. Diggins will be going over the rubric with you.  I am sure you will have some questions.  I will answer them after vacation.  Please do your best to get a script started.  Don’t get frustrated as I will make sure you are on track when we return from vacation.

I hope all of you have your power restored and are warm and safe in your homes.  Please do your best for Mrs. Diggins, as I know you will.  If I don’t get to see you in the halls on Friday be sure to have a safe and fun vacation!!!!
                       Fondly,
                        Mrs. White  :)

Get That Creativity Flowing

There isn't anything harder than waiting for a vacation to arrive.  There is so much energy and excitement in the air.  I know it's hard, but we all need to try and keep a little bit of peace and calmness in our days.  You will be using this time, whatever little you may have, to work on your blogging presentations.  I will not be in on Monday, but I am confident my students will work very hard for Mrs. "D" and impress her not only with their presentations, but also with their work ethic!! 

So what exactly should you be doing during class you may ask?  You will want to take out your storyboard (recipe) and finish putting all of your text and images in your presentation.  Be sure you include your citations.  Remember you have the choice to put them on the slide with the information or to create on citation slide (zoom) at the end of your masterpiece.  Once you have all of the content loaded in, you will want to work on the attractiveness component of the project.  If you are struggling with "how to" be sure to use that "HELP" tab on the top of  the page.  You may also use the many other resources (students) or search the Internet for help.  Once you feel you are "done" be sure to carefully look over your presentation using your rubric.  A good way to check your work is to pretend you are me.  Think about how I would assess this project using that rubric (it is what I will be doing after all.)

If you are satisfied you have done your absolute best and it is ready to share with the rest of us (and the world), you may go back to your blog and work on it.  You can work on the design, or even get another post ready to go.  Please DO NOT upload or publish a new post before I look at it.  In fact, it would be a good idea to create it as a Google doc.  You could share it with me so I can look it over before it goes "live."  You will need to send me an email letting me know you have a post waiting to be checked.   If you aren't in the mood to work on your blog, you may check out the latest posts coming in to your Google Reader.   You may also search for other blogs and subscribe to them.  Have fun!  

During our second class this week we will be messing around with web cameras!!!  So get ready to say, "cheese!"