- Lit Mag - We finalized the Lit Mag and made sure everyone's pieces were included and what we wanted on the cover.
- Templates - I reviewed with them the value of using templates and planted the seed that they can use "report" templates as they move up into higher grades.
- Internet - We did a wrap up about websites and the Internet. They watched an awesome video about how the Internet works. You can find it on this website under "How Does It Work".
- XtraMath - We looked at the XtraMath math website and students learned how to use it. This is the "summer math work" site.
Today was the last computer class of the year and we covered a number of topics...
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The last project of the year was making brochures using Microsoft Word. I wanted the kids to understand how to use templates - including how to select one, download it, and change the text and images. Some of the students finished this project and others ran out of time. In both cases, most students got an idea of how to use them and their value.
Today we'll finish the Imaginary Gods project. The students will post their project on their website by using the embed code provided by Blabberize. I'll show them a couple of videos about how web browsers and html work. You can click here to learn more about how the Internet works. We will then start working on the 5th Grade literary magazine. Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create your pages. Make sure the pages are vertical!
Make sure you have an image to use for your Blabberize. Use Audacity to record your narrative and use Blabberize to make your Imaginary Greek god come to life. Ask me for a login & password.
Most of the students have either finished or are finishing up their Travel Into History project. Most of them have finished researching their selected Greek god or goddess (e.g. Zeus, Hera, etc.). The purpose of this step is for them to understand how Greek gods and goddesses are described (e.g. family, special powers, etc.) and Greek myths. Once they understand, then they can create their own Greek god or goddess. They will write a narrative about their god/goddess and record it. The narrative will include the following types of information:
They will use Audacity to change the way their voice sounds. And finally, they will use Blabberize to bring their god to life. Here is an example I created: Mrs. Mink came to computer class to teach the students how to do research on their Greek god. Here is one site she will be using:
All the student should be working on their Travel Into History project. They will pick a topic from History class and superimpose an image of themselves using Paint.NET visiting that location (or thing). They will then do research and write-up a fictitious visit using Microsoft Word. Once reviewed by Mr. Pitera, the students will post the picture and the article on their personal website. If they are done, they can work on their personal websites. Click on the image below if you have questions on how to use Paint.NET. There are three instructional videos at the bottom of the site that show you how to Chroma Key the background, superimpose and layer images, crop, and save files using Paint.NET.
The marking period is over and we are finishing up keyboarding today. I would like every student to fill out the following questionnaire. When you're done you can either practice keyboarding or try and take the final test.
Currently we are using a typing tutor called Type to Learn 4. It is an application which is installed on the lab PCs. I am trying to evaluate some web based typing tutors which would enable students to practice their typing from any PC that has Internet access. That means they can practice in the computer lab, classroom, home, library, hotel on vacation, etc. The first web based application we are going to evaluate is Typing Pal. Here is a link to log in: This trial is scheduled to conclude at the end of the first marking period. Students will have the choice which Typing Tutor they want to use. If students decide to evaluate Typing Pal, they must:
It's unclear if and when we will switch to a web-based tool. It will be dependent on student feedback on this and other tools, evaluation of administrative features, and budget. Starting this week each half of the fifth grade will come to computer class for half a period twice a week. This will give students time to practice keyboarding every day - twice a week in computer class and 3 days a week using the NEOs in the classroom with Mr. Pitera.
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May 2013
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