Sep 26-30
Back to school night was a blast. I gave 6 presentations to just about everybody at school...and the response was tremendous. I am so amazed at the commitment this school has made to Technology education. We have all worked very hard to build what we have got here and it has turned out great and provided us with ample opportunities for growth
Kindergarten: KA – The students got back on the computers, attached their mice, turned them, and logged in on their own. I was very impressed with how much they picked up in just one week. We then proceeded onto kid pix. We had planned to cover the drawing tools, but I decided to let them explore a bit. They then turned off their computers on their own and cleaned up. Good day.
KB – No class.
1st Grade: We got to use Kid Pix...and learn together. We investigated the Drawing tools, including the pencil/crayon/chalk/thick pencil, line thickness, and the two line tools (including the Super cool curvy line tool). We also talked about the circle tool and square tool. The students were asked to create their dream house using these tools.
2nd Grade: We created their folders on the computer and talked about moving and renaming folders and files in case they are mispelled or misnamed. Then, we got to use Kid Pix...and learn together. We investigated the Drawing tools, including the pencil/crayon/chalk/thick pencil, line thickness, and the two line tools (including the Super cool curvy line tool). We also talked about the circle tool and square tool. The students were asked to create their dream house using these tools.
3rd Grade: 3A - We created their folders on the computer and talked about moving and renaming folders and files in case they are mispelled or misnamed. Then, we got to use Kid Pix...and learn together. We investigated the Drawing tools, including the pencil/crayon/chalk/thick pencil, line thickness, and the two line tools (including the Super cool curvy line tool). We also talked about the circle tool and square tool. The students were asked to create their dream house using these tools.
3B – No class
4th Grade: 4A — We talked about effective web searching using Google. The students learned the 5 keys to effective searching: 1) Be specific, 2) Use “” 3) Use – 4) Use OR 5) Combine #s 1-4. We also talked about results, and the “I’m feeling lucky” button
4B -- Typing. We reviewed the proper seated position, finger position, and finger layout. The students colored in their paper keyboards, denoting which fingers were responsible for which keys. Then, the students practiced typing the alphabet and “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Homework:
5th Grade: We introduced the wonderful world of using the Stickies application. Using it and the internet we talked about effective web searching using Google. The students learned the 5 keys to effective searching: 1) Be specific, 2) Use “” 3) Use – 4) Use OR 5) Combine #s 1-4. We also talked about results, and the “I’m feeling lucky” button
Homework:
6th Grade: I was not here, but the students had an Internet activity where they visited sites and learned how to REALLY use the Internet
Homework: Assignment 3 — Using the Internet, due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
7th Grade: I was not here, but the students had an Internet activity where they visited sites and learned how to REALLY use the Internet
Homework: Assignment 3 — Using the Internet, due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
8th Grade: We talked about email and chatting. First, we talked about to:, cc:, and bcc:. We discussed appropriate subject lines and effective body text. We discussed attachments and attachment size. We also highlighted the dangers and lack of privacy associated with email. We then talked about chatting and the students held a short local chatting session.
Homework: Assignment 2 — Reply to my email with 2 paragraphs, 2 links, and a picture attachment due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org
Have a great weekend!!!
Make sure to visit the Tech website at
http://www.wornickjds.org/tech
===================================
Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
RIDDLE
If a plane crashes on the US/Canada border, where do you bury the survivors?
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Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
Sep 19-23
This has been a pretty good week. I am getting a lot done and the students are getting excited. I have identified a couple of deficiencies, but they are far outweighed by the strengths. The middle school students are doing a great job with their laptops and the lower school is showing that they understand and are excited about what is being taught. I think we have a real good program here...just wait for what is to come.
Kindergarten: This was the first time we put the kids in front of the computers...and there are a lot of them. We talked about sitting correctly and listening carefully, both of which they did really well. We went in depth on the mouse and how to use and connect it. Then the kids turned on the computers, logged in, and turned the computers off. Next time, we get introduced to Kid Pix and move a bit faster through the login process.
1st Grade: Our first jump into the new Kid Pix world. We put the computers in front of the students, reviewed the login process, then let them free on Kid Pix so they could explore.
2nd Grade: 2A — We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
2B — No Class
3rd Grade: 3A – No Class
3B – We went right into our Kid Pix instruction...and hit a snag. The new version of Kid Pix has a few hurtles that we have to get over. I talked about the color picker and pencil tools. The students got to play with the line maker, squiggly line, and parabola tool. They also used the polygon maker, square tool, and circle tool. They finished off by creating their dream house. We have discovered, however, that the eraser has a snag...I am going to try to figure that one out over the weekend.
4th Grade: 4A — Typing. We reviewed the proper seated position, finger position, and finger layout. The students colored in their paper keyboards, denoting which fingers were responsible for which keys. Then, the students practiced typing the alphabet and “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
4B -- We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
Homework:
5th Grade: Typing. We reviewed the proper seated position, finger position, and finger layout. The students colored in their paper keyboards, denoting which fingers were responsible for which keys. Then, the students practiced typing the alphabet and “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Homework:
6th Grade: We talked about email and chatting. First, we talked about to:, cc:, and bcc:. We discussed appropriate subject lines and effective body text. We discussed attachments and attachment size. We also highlighted the dangers and lack of privacy associated with email. We then talked about chatting and the students held a short local chatting session.
Homework: Assignment 2 — Reply to my email with 2 paragraphs, 2 links, and a picture attachment due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
7th Grade: We talked about email. First, we talked about to:, cc:, and bcc:. We discussed appropriate subject lines and effective body text. We discussed attachments and attachment size. We also highlighted the dangers and lack of privacy associated with email. We repaired their wireless connections at school and attached them to the MS wireless printer.
Homework: Assignment 2 — Reply to my email with 2 paragraphs, 2 links, and a picture attachment due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
8th Grade: Our first full day of instruction. We talked about the layout and elements of the desktop, highlighting the menu bar and the doc. We also talked about the parts of hardware, highlighting care and safe usage. The students looked at their Home folder and added folders into their documents folder for each class they are taking. We then connected to the file server for the first time and downloaded the first assignment.
Homework: Assignment 1 — Parts of the computer, due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org
Have a great weekend!!!
Make sure to visit the Tech website at
http://www.wornickjds.org/tech
===================================
Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
Sep 12-16
See, now we are back to school. For the first couple of weeks, I was just setting things up...now, we are teaching classes, the students have their laptops, things are good.
We are getting some good hands on instruction with the laptops and I am really impressed with how fast our students are processing the instruction. We have a strong group of kids at this school I am so impressed at their passion and attention levels. I don’t think you find this level of student performance at other school.
Kindergarten: I introduced them to the computers this week. We talked about the parts of the laptop and how to care for them and ourselves. I talked about the mice and how to take them out of the box and attach them to the computer. We talked about logging in, loading, and shutting down. After that we did an activity sheet where we identified the parts of the computers and discussed their usage.
1st Grade: We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
2nd Grade: 2A — We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
2B — We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
3rd Grade: We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
4th Grade: 4A — We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
4B -- We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
Homework:
5th Grade: We had our first computer class...with computers. We took out the computers, turned them on, and explored all the fun and exciting changes for this year. The students logged into their personal accounts and personalized them. We talked about the Dock and its usage. Then they finished off the period playing with our new version of Kid Pix
Homework:
6th Grade: Our first full day of instruction. We talked about the layout and elements of the desktop, highlighting the menu bar and the doc. We also talked about the parts of hardware, highlighting care and safe usage. The students looked at their Home folder and added folders into their documents folder for each class they are taking. We then connected to the file server for the first time and downloaded the first assignment.
Homework: Assignment 1 — Parts of the computer, due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
7th Grade: Our first full day of instruction and troubleshooting... Several of the students were having issues with their email, so we fixed them. We talked about the layout and elements of the desktop, highlighting the menu bar and the doc. We also talked about the parts of hardware, highlighting care and safe usage. The students looked at their Home folder and added folders into their documents folder for each class they are taking. We then connected to the file server for the first time and downloaded the first assignment.
Homework: Assignment 1 — Parts of the computer, due NEXT WEEK by email to homework@wornickjds.org
8th Grade: We did our yearly ceremony of turning on the computers together. We reviewed the documentation, requirements, and expectations regarding the laptops. We configured the students’ email accounts and MS Entourage.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org
Have a great weekend!!!
Make sure to visit the Tech website at
http://www.wornickjds.org/tech
===================================
Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
Aug 29 - Sep 9
Welcome back to school. Much has happened since we were all together last. There have been many new and exciting additions to the school, both Techwise and otherwise. I have just been SO amazed in the efforts from teachers this summer to get ready for the school year. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, Secular to Judaic, completely across the board great things have been happening. This is really going to be a great year.
For some highlights of our most exciting tech additions please email me or come by the library...
Kindergarten: We did our first quick introductions. I introduced myself to the students and was introduced to them. We talked about rules in class, keeping our hands clean, sitting correctly and calmly. We talked about some of the subjects we will be covering this year in computer class.
1st Grade: No Class
2nd Grade: 2A — No Class
2B -- We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
3rd Grade: We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
4th Grade: 4A -- We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
4B — No Class
Homework:
5th Grade: We spoke about the rules, about respecting the computer, others, ourselves, and me. We spoke of open communication and mutual respect. We talked about what we would be covering in class this year. I informed the students that they would be receiving their own accounts on the computers as part of their preparation for Middle School and their own laptops. Then we completed a computer worksheet where students identified parts of the computers, labeled them as input/output/processing devices and drew in the wires.
Homework:
6th Grade: Sep 2 — We reviewed all the documents the students would need to receive their laptops. We went over the Laptop FAQs in details and discussed some of the students’ questions and concerns.
Sep 9 — The BIG day. Students were given their laptops. We did our yearly ceremony of turning on the computers together. We reviewed the documentation, requirements, and expectations regarding the laptops. We configured the students’ email accounts and MS Entourage. Those students who were missing either a)documents, b)a case, or c) a parent having attended the orientation had to leave their laptops at school over the weekend.
7th Grade: Sep 2 — We reviewed all the documents the students would need to receive their laptops. We went over the Laptop FAQs in details and discussed some of the students’ questions and concerns.
Sep 9 — The BIG day. Students were given their laptops. We did our yearly ceremony of turning on the computers together. We reviewed the documentation, requirements, and expectations regarding the laptops. We configured the students’ email accounts and MS Entourage. Those students who were missing either a)documents, or b) a parent having attended the orientation had to leave their laptops at school over the weekend.
8th Grade: No class. But the students received their laptops. Those students who were missing either a)documents, or b) a parent having attended the orientation had to leave their laptops at school over the weekend.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org
Have a great weekend!!!
Make sure to visit the Tech website at
http://www.wornickjds.org/tech
===================================
Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
WELCOME BACK!!!
School is back in session...and I KNOW it is going to be a good year.
===================================
Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
