Info Tech 2 End of Term

Info Tech 2 has had a good term of learning how to use technology at a high level.  We have had 14 MOS Microsoft Certifications earned in Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.  Students have also demonstrated their learning with video tutorials.  The class is now finishing up a project for multi-application interaction.  They did a technical writing exercise creating a manual for a game they have not played before using a wide array of programs, and importing the content into one document.  All work projects need to be turned in at the end of class Wednesday so I can get things graded and entered into the grade book before the window closes.  This term has been a lot of fun, and I'm glad to have gotten to know the kids in this class.

Info Tech 1 Final Week

It is the final week of the term.  Students have finished with their emerging technology work, then have done some desktop publishing.  Students now have their review sheets and should be ready to take their final exam on Wednesday, December 16th.  It has been a great term, and I know these kids will all do a great job ending it on a high note!

Emerging Technology and Hour of Code

Next week we will get into emerging technologies, and will also be participating with the world-wide initiative of Hour of Code.  Some of the things that we will be learning about are text-to-speech synthesis, Google Maps, Google Glass, Microsoft HoloLense, and mobile device application development.  This is always a good section as it shows what upcoming technologies are on the horizon and how they will impact our daily lives.

Here are some videos that show what we will be learning about.

Text-to-speech article and video:
 http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/17/4596374/machine-language-how-siri-found-its-voice

A Day in a Life with Google Glass Demonstration:

Microsoft HoloLense, Transform Your World:

Hour of Code:  What Most Schools Don't Teach:

Some of the coding activities we will use along with many other learning opportunities can be found at this link:  http://code.org/learn .

Access and Databases

Info Tech 1 students have started their section on Microsoft Access and databases.  We will be creating databases over information about colleges, retail business, and movies.  Students will then create a final database over their choice.

Info Tech 2 students will be finishing up their presentation section and will take the MOS Microsoft Certification Exam for PowerPoint.  Once this is finished, they will create their video tutorial to demonstrate an essential skill, then will be moving on to advanced features of Microsoft Access.  At the conclusion of this section, students will have the opportunity to get certified in Access if they choose to do so.

Below are some basic tutorials on how to get started with Microsoft Access...

Introduction to Microsoft Access:  https://youtu.be/FYWwzdnydFw
Microsoft Access Forms:  https://youtu.be/5-P7LIv5Lng
Microsoft Access Reports:  https://youtu.be/iVoqN6n7tL4
Microsoft Access Queries:  https://youtu.be/l3pbFqhY1rI
Microsoft Access Pivot Tables:  https://youtu.be/Cs9FddQFMuU