This week at Gatherings, various forms from the Technology program are being distributed to parents.
Parents of Early Learner students received a Tag Reader information sheet, explaining the Tag Readers and providing a list of books in our library. No action is required from parents in this age level - but if you have questions feel free to email me!
Parents of Lower and Middle Elementary students are receiving a copy of the Computer Usage Agreement. Students have reviewed this in class, and should be able to understand the concepts within. Please review with your child, have your child "sign" to the best of their ability, and sign yourself, then return to the school. You can return to the classroom teacher, to me, or place in my mailbox in the main office.
Parents of Upper Elementary students are receiving the Computer Usage Agreement and a Google Apps in Education permission form. We use the Google Apps to begin learning about online communications in a fun, safe environment. These accounts are administered and monitored by the Technology Teacher. Students in this age group will likely be receiving the accounts in November, and using them for classroom activities in the computer lab, such as composing and sending emails, online chat and IM, making a blog and/or video log (in a safe way!), and using online storage and sharing tools. This is a great way for these students to practice the online safety rules we learn about and reinforce classroom lessons by sharing and collaborating. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Please review the forms with your child, sign the forms, and return them to your classroom teacher, to me, or place them in my mailbox in the main office.
Thank you!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
This Week in Technology
This has been an educational and fun week in the computer lab! We sure have been busy!
Students in Early Learner classes enjoyed visits from Karen with the Tag Readers! This week students especially enjoyed Go Diego, Go!, The Little Engine that Could, Ariel's Adventures Under the Sea, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, T-Rex's Mighty Roar, and Dora Goes to School.
Students in Lower Elementary classes had their first visit to the computer lab on Monday! Students had class in small groups (4-4-3). Each group spent about 25 minutes in the lab. We learned the names of devices commonly found in the computer lab (included monitor, keyboard, computer, mouse, printer, headphones, camera, and speakers). We read Arthur's Computer Disaster, and learned that we should always ask an adult before using a computer, always follow directions about when it is ok to use the computer, and always tell an adult right away if something goes wrong on the computer. Finally, students were able to enjoy a few minutes of playtime on the computer at NickJr.com.
Students in Middle Elementary had a busy classtime! We learned a new word: device. A device is a mechanism or electronic equipment that does a specific task. Students had a great time naming devices, and came up with some good ones! Examples include: blender, iPad, Computer, iPhone, clock, DS, mp3 player, remote control, and printer. We then learned another term: peripheral device. A peripheral device is a device used with a computer that enhances the computing experience. Examples are things like speakers, monitors, the mouse, headphones, or flash drives. We learned how to sort peripheral devices into three groups: Input device, Output device, and Storage device. Then we started learning about how to stay safe online with FauxPaw the Techno Cat.
Students in Upper Elementary are learning about online safety and responsibility at the Carnegie Cyber Academy! (http://www.carnegiecyberacademy.com/index.html) This fun format for learning encourages students to complete lessons and activities to reinforce important lessons about safe and responsible communications, avoiding and ending cyberbullying, and making smart choices online, in a fun, game-like format. Students will register for an account (as part of the CS group - no name or identifying information shared!) and download and install programs on the computers in the lab with my supervision and direction.
Students in Middle School learned about formatting documents, how to search for information online, and citation of online resources. Students created a sheet of information about themselves that utilized various formatting. We watched the Google Digital Literacy video entitled "Detecting Lies and Staying True", and discussed smart search strategies like reviewing a website, checking up on the author(s), and finding multiple sources that agree with each other to fact-check. Finally, we learned how to cite online sources. Just in case they forget, here's how:
Students in Early Learner classes enjoyed visits from Karen with the Tag Readers! This week students especially enjoyed Go Diego, Go!, The Little Engine that Could, Ariel's Adventures Under the Sea, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, T-Rex's Mighty Roar, and Dora Goes to School.
Students in Lower Elementary classes had their first visit to the computer lab on Monday! Students had class in small groups (4-4-3). Each group spent about 25 minutes in the lab. We learned the names of devices commonly found in the computer lab (included monitor, keyboard, computer, mouse, printer, headphones, camera, and speakers). We read Arthur's Computer Disaster, and learned that we should always ask an adult before using a computer, always follow directions about when it is ok to use the computer, and always tell an adult right away if something goes wrong on the computer. Finally, students were able to enjoy a few minutes of playtime on the computer at NickJr.com.
Students in Middle Elementary had a busy classtime! We learned a new word: device. A device is a mechanism or electronic equipment that does a specific task. Students had a great time naming devices, and came up with some good ones! Examples include: blender, iPad, Computer, iPhone, clock, DS, mp3 player, remote control, and printer. We then learned another term: peripheral device. A peripheral device is a device used with a computer that enhances the computing experience. Examples are things like speakers, monitors, the mouse, headphones, or flash drives. We learned how to sort peripheral devices into three groups: Input device, Output device, and Storage device. Then we started learning about how to stay safe online with FauxPaw the Techno Cat.
Students in Upper Elementary are learning about online safety and responsibility at the Carnegie Cyber Academy! (http://www.carnegiecyberacademy.com/index.html) This fun format for learning encourages students to complete lessons and activities to reinforce important lessons about safe and responsible communications, avoiding and ending cyberbullying, and making smart choices online, in a fun, game-like format. Students will register for an account (as part of the CS group - no name or identifying information shared!) and download and install programs on the computers in the lab with my supervision and direction.
Students in Middle School learned about formatting documents, how to search for information online, and citation of online resources. Students created a sheet of information about themselves that utilized various formatting. We watched the Google Digital Literacy video entitled "Detecting Lies and Staying True", and discussed smart search strategies like reviewing a website, checking up on the author(s), and finding multiple sources that agree with each other to fact-check. Finally, we learned how to cite online sources. Just in case they forget, here's how:
Last Name, First Name. (not always available; if not provided, skip)
"Title of Specific Page." Title of Website. www.URL.com/specificpage Date of access (DD Mon YEAR)
Or here is a completely made up example (courtesy of Katrina):
"Asteroid to hit Earth Today." NASA. www.nasa.gov/news/notreal.html 13 Sept 2012
Whew! That's a lot of hard work! I'm super proud of all the students for their hard work and attention, and look forward to next week's classes!
Star Power!
This year, students in Middle Elementary and Upper Elementary classes are trying a new way to earn free time. This new method is called Star Power!
As students do positive things in class - participating in discussions, following directions, helping friends, using kind and respectful language, etc. - they will earn stars on their star cards. As a class, they have a star goal to earn 10 minutes of free time. Free time can be used to do any appropriate activity of their choice, including games, drawing, videos, music, and more! As individuals fill their star cards, the cards will be replaced and the full star card will be placed on the "Wall of Fame".
Current Star Power earnings:
Andrea's Class: 28*
Tulie's Class: 52
Keri's Class: 40
Kim's Class: 55
Betsy's Class: 55
I'll keep updating the Star Power boards to keep classes and parents updated on our awesome progress!
*short class this week :-)
As students do positive things in class - participating in discussions, following directions, helping friends, using kind and respectful language, etc. - they will earn stars on their star cards. As a class, they have a star goal to earn 10 minutes of free time. Free time can be used to do any appropriate activity of their choice, including games, drawing, videos, music, and more! As individuals fill their star cards, the cards will be replaced and the full star card will be placed on the "Wall of Fame".
Current Star Power earnings:
Andrea's Class: 28*
Tulie's Class: 52
Keri's Class: 40
Kim's Class: 55
Betsy's Class: 55
I'll keep updating the Star Power boards to keep classes and parents updated on our awesome progress!
*short class this week :-)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Pivot Stickfigure Animator
In our first classes of the year, we have used a free software called Pivot Stickfigure Animator. It is a simple program that allows users to create short animations using stick figures.
Students asked that I provide the download link, so here it is: http://pivotanimator.net
Kids, remember the rules we learned about online safety - who do you need to ask before you download that program? :) If you said "A trusted adult" you are right! Preferably the trusted adult who owns the computer you are using.
Bonus tip: make sure as you download that you unselect the extra free software if you don't want it.
Students asked that I provide the download link, so here it is: http://pivotanimator.net
Kids, remember the rules we learned about online safety - who do you need to ask before you download that program? :) If you said "A trusted adult" you are right! Preferably the trusted adult who owns the computer you are using.
 |
| pivotanimator.net |
Bonus tip: make sure as you download that you unselect the extra free software if you don't want it.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Beginner Robotics: Day 1
Today we had our first meeting of the first robotics group of the year! The students divided into four pairs, and each group built a simple rover. This afternoon they were given programming challenges related to movement. Next week we will cover sound and display blocks, complete challenges combining these skills, and add sensors!
We had a great first day! I can't wait for next week!
We had a great first day! I can't wait for next week!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Welcome Back! & Rule Review
Hello, everybody! Welcome back for another fun year of learning in the Computer Lab! This week all classes are learning/reviewing our technology rules.
The computer lab rules are as follows:
The computer lab rules are as follows:
1. Always treat classmates and teachers with
respect, and use a respectful tone with any person you encounter in the
computer lab.
2. Please be mindful of websites you visit. Do not do things on the computer that are
inappropriate for school time.
3. Always ask a teacher’s permission before you
use any kind of equipment. Do not willfully damage equipment. Use equipment
only as instructed.
4. Do not disrupt other students’ opportunity to
learn. This includes, but is not limited
to, such actions as: distracting other students or the teacher by poking,
hitting, or yelling at them.
5. Although it is ok to ask for help, or to work
together on some projects, please do not copy another student’s work.
Various forms, such as the Computer Usage Agreement and information about programs and accounts your child may be using as part of our Technology program, will be going home in students' Gatherings packets later this month. Students in Elementary classes will begin the year with computer safety, and being safe online. Middle School students will begin the year learning how to do basic tasks (format papers, online research, save and print) in support of classroom assignments.
I'm so excited for the new school year! We're going to have a great year of learning and fun!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Strawberry Festival Today and Tomorrow
Hello, everybody!
Today and tomorrow is our 32nd annual Strawberry Festival. Make sure you stop by Elmwood park to try our tasty strawberry treats! Remember that all sales benefit Community School! So come on down and try some strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothies, chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry jam...and so much more!
See you there!
Today and tomorrow is our 32nd annual Strawberry Festival. Make sure you stop by Elmwood park to try our tasty strawberry treats! Remember that all sales benefit Community School! So come on down and try some strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothies, chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry jam...and so much more!
See you there!
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