Based on what we've seen so far, it is possible that Schoology may replace some of the function of this site. There are calendar and blog features that we may move to over time. If I can figure out how to update
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Yesterday, today, and tomorrow we're discussing computer hardware. We're tearing apart on old PC and Mac. Then we're watching the CommonCraft computer hardware video.
Then we'll set up accounts on www.schoology.com. To do this you must have the access code for your class. Schoology is basically a digital class environment that looks and feels like a social networking site. It is completely secure and self-contained by password and teacher invitation. The website will allow our classes to interact in discussion groups; share links, files, and other resources; complete online assignments and quizzes; as well as act as a forum for group work. Tomorrow's the big day. The last day to finish MT4 lessons during regular class time. If you're not done with lesson 16, you'll have until the end of third quarter to finish. That means you can still use ICE, study hall, lunch, before school, after school, and class time when you're finished with that day's work.
After each class tomorrow, I'll be changing the score for incomplete lessons to zero. Many of you will not be affected by this in any way. Many of you will see a significant drop in your current grade. As you finish lessons (until the end of the quarter) you will receive full credit for them. Any questions about this, ask me or post your question Hey, a lot of you are making great progress in MT4. Your goal for today is to be done with lesson 10.
Remember, if you finish lesson 16, work on the numerica keypad lessons. Do lessons 1-5. They're worth one bonus point each. After that, go to the materials/links page and click the link on 1/27/11. There are a bunch of class-related games (not keyboarding) that you can play. You can visit the sites posted under todays date on that page. Ready for keyboarding? Whether you answered "yes" or "no", it's that time.
Please let me know in class each time you finish an even numbered lesson. I'll look at your results for two lessons at a time. That way you'll spend less time waiting for me to get around to your seat to look at your screen. Your goal is to finish one lesson per day. For some, this will be no problem. If you are falling behind right from the start, please see me, and we'll figure out how to keep you up to speed. I will always write passes for ICE, study hall, and lunch for you to come down and work. You can also utilize time before school (just see Mrs. LaCasse) or after school (see me) Today we went back and re-discussed the rules of posting comments on this site. They go like this:
1. Your user name is the first letter of your last name and your full first name. (For example, mine would be CCraig.) 2. Your comments are ONLY about whatever the topic is. (And school appropriate, of course.) You may also ask me questions on the blog. 3. You do not pose as anyone else. You are who you say you are. After discussing this in class today, the comments (and names) have gotten much better. Good job, everybody. One of the things we're doing today is signing up for accounts on a site called Diigo. It's a social bookmarking site that will allow us to open saved bookmarks from any computer and share links and research with each other.
The first step is to accept an emailed invitation from me to our class group. We have to do that step during class, because you will each enter your email address for me, so the invitation can be sent to you. Each class will have its own private group that nobody else is able to view. Once we've all finish that step, we'll discuss how we'll use the site, and we'll discuss the concept of social bookmarking, in general. Take a look at the ticker on the home page. Tell me what you think about it. Are you amazed by some or any of the numbers? Not amazed? Partially amazed? What do you think? What does this tell us about social media?
What about the Web 2.0 video we just watched? Do you think there might be real educational uses for sites like youtube, facebook, and others? Your first assignment is to have the class expectation sheet read and signed at home and returned. The calendar page has it as an assignment for tomorrow, but we got to it today, but it's still due Friday. You get an extra day.
If you need an extra copy, go to the materials/links page. Take a look at the RevolverMap on the homepage. We've had our first visitor from a continent that has not seen us yet. See if you can find it. Thanks to my buddy, Shane, who's on an overseas work assignment and visited our site while there.
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Rules of the Blog
Rule #1: No full names or last names. Your name on this page is your last initial and first name. (Example: John Smith would be SJohn.) Posts using other names will be deleted. Blog Archives
March 2011
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