Info Tech 2 (term 2) ready for presentations

Students have been working hard learning as much as they possibly can with Microsoft Excel 2016.  We are taking our MOS certification test on Friday and having a make-up test day on Tuesday when we return.  Once we are finished up with Excel, we will be moving on to making professional presentations and learning advanced features of Microsoft PowerPoint 2016.  While this program has a lot of features to learn, it really allows for creativity to shine from students as they put together their work.

Info Tech 2 more spreadsheets (week 4)

This week info tech 2 class is continuing to work on Excel so we can try and get MOS certified.  As we get completed with formulas and functions, we will then move on to charts.  I'm hoping we can try and take our certification test next week.

Info Tech 2 Week 4: Excel

Students will be starting to learn advanced features and functions of Microsoft Excel 2016.  We create and manipulate spreadsheets that can be used in a wide variety of real-world settings.

MOS Certification (term 2, week 3)

Students in information technology 2 are still working through our Microsoft Word 2016 materials.  We took a few GMetrix tests to use as formative assessments, and next week we will more than likely be ready for the MOS Microsoft Certification Exam for Word 2016, which is also our summative assessment.  Students have been working hard!

Info Tech 2 Word 2016 (term 2 week 2)

This week students did a good job of getting their user names and passwords all set up for their IT accounts.  Students then started working through our Microsoft Word 2016 curriculum.  We will next create a GMetrix account that we will use to take some practice Word performance-based assessments which we can use as formative assessments to see how our progress is coming along.  We will also set up accounts for Certiport which is the testing management system we will use when we test for our Microsoft Office certifications.  I would imagine by the end of next week, if our progress continues as it has, we will be about ready for our first MOS certification exam in Word 2016.

Info Tech 2 (term 2 week 1)

I'm excited to get this term 2 information technology 2 class started!  We will start off learning advanced features of Microsoft Word 2016.  Students will be creating a variety of documents and tutorials demonstrating their learned skills that will help them to be more career-ready.  Students will also be taking MOS Microsoft Certification exams this term for their assessments.  Monday, students will be getting their assigned seats, their syllabus, their IT account logins, and will be finding out our classroom expectations and procedures.  We will then be jumping right in to word processing and Microsoft Word 2016.

Student materials for this class are only to bring their school planner and something to write with.  I look forward to meeting everybody Monday.

Emerging Technologies (week 9)

Next week is the last week of the term!  We will finish up our databases on Monday.  We will then be learning about emerging technologies.  We will have some experience with google maps, discuss augmented reality, and get to do some code.  Students will still have the opportunity to take their MOS Microsoft Certification test through Tuesday.  Wednesday we will take our final exam, then Thursday we will clean out our IT folders, look at our final grades, then will do a multimedia enrichment project using Photoshop CC.  It's been a great term with a great group of kids, and I hope to see them again in future technology courses here at NPHS!

Database (week 8)

Week 8 already!  Where has the time gone?!  Next week info tech students will get their non-linear PowerPoints finished up, then we will be working with Microsoft Access 2016 and doing some databases.  During this time, we will also be seeing how databases are used in almost every career field.  With only a few short weeks left, keep working hard, and finish strong.  This class has done a great job so far this term!

Information Literacy/Cyber Citizenship (week 7)

Students did a great job finishing up with spreadsheets!  The next topic is information literacy and cyber citizenship.  We will be learning how to use digital resources in a way to help us.  This includes information literacy, google scholar, cyber bullying, social media, digital footprints, online safety, and more!  We will put all of our findings into a digital presentation at the conclusion of the unit.

finishing spreadsheets! (week 6)

We are just about done with spreadsheets!  Students are finishing up their google sheets collaborative spreadsheet projects comparing restaurants and movies (in 2 separate projects).  We will get those wrapped up on Monday, then will tie a few loose ends, and will prepare for our spreadsheet assessment which will be Tuesday.

Wednesday we will review for our Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Microsoft Word 2016, then will take the test on Thursday, as we now have our testing software up and running.  Friday we will start our next topic which covers information literacy and cyber citizenship.  We are over half way with the term, so let's keep up the good work, being productive and finish as strong as we started!

more spreadsheets (week 5)

Students are continuing to learn advanced features of spreadsheet software to edit and manipulate data.  We took a formative assessment at the end of last week using the GMetrix software testing application to see how we are doing, and students are really impressive demonstrating their understanding.  We will finish up spreadsheets either by the end of this week or at the start of next week.  The unit will conclude with a performance assessment that allows students to demonstrate what they have learned with a spreadsheet project incorporated into a real-life scenario.

Spreadsheets (Week 4)

Well, we have finished up with Microsoft Word and Google Docs and are now ready to move onto spreadsheets.  Next week we will be learning how to use Microsoft Excel.  After this, students will have the opportunity to create and manipulate spreadsheets collaboratively with Google spreadsheets.  The activities in this unit address the state standard of using advanced features of spreadsheets to create and manipulate data.  Below are a few real basic tutorials that we will use to get the kids started on the very first day.

Introduction to Formulas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_e0EOy1Ydo

Introduction to Functions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=yZvrHvspMok&x-yt-ts=1421914688

Introduction to Fill Button
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=84503534&v=8cHeQTgcz3k

Introduction to Charts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPf8cPP2CJw&x-yt-ts

MOS Certification (Week 3)

We are finished up with our word processing and professional communication unit, and I'm happy to say every student passed both of their assessments.  Great group of students!  Before we go on to spreadsheets, every student in class volunteered to try the MOS Microsoft Certification Test for Microsoft Word.  We will get students set up with their Certiport accounts next week and will prepare for this test.  These students have a great opportunity to really make themselves marketable and have a great resume piece if they earn their Microsoft Certification.  If they choose to take Info Tech 2, they have another opportunity to take this exam in Word, and also Excel, PowerPoint, and Access!

word processing (week 2)

We have spent this past week learning about information technology.  We set up our IT computer accounts, learned how to navigate and utilize the folders in our business department server, and researched various technologies, what technologies influenced or were the influence of those technologies (if that makes sense).  The next learning in our class will involve using word processing applications (Microsoft Word 2016 and Google documents) to create professional communications.  Many of us are also getting familiarized with Windows 10 in the process.

Students will have the opportunity to take the MOS Microsoft Certification Exam in Microsoft Word at the conclusion of this unit.  This certification test is free for our students (a GREAT bargain) and looks great on job applications and resumes.  As we progress through our word processing unit, more information will be available for students to use and share with parents.

Welcome to NPHS!

Welcome to NPHS!  Information Technology class is a great way to start off the year.  We will be learning how to use many applications and programs that you will be using in your high school classes, college, and in your future careers!  Tuesday we will get to know each other, talk about our learning for this term and will get set up with our classroom IT computer accounts.  I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great term!

emerging technologies (term 4)

Next week is emerging technology week in information technology 1 class!  We will discuss and try a variety of emerging technologies throughout the week, and determine which will become more of the norm in the future.

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:

Database and Access

This week students will really be making themselves marketable by learning how to create and manipulate databases using Microsoft Access 2013.  Students will create a variety of different databases that can be used in various settings.  We will also discuss how there is a demand for people with database skills in many different work forces.

Below are a few tutorials that show some of the skills the students will be building on during the next few weeks.

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

presentations

We are finished up with spreadsheets, and also over half-way through the final term!  Students are now learning different ways to create professional presentations.  The first project is a non-linear PowerPoint project.  The second project is evaluating and utilizing a web 2.0 presentation application.  The last project will be collaboratively working together to make a presentation using Google slides.

These projects give students an opportunity to be as creative as possible and can make these presentations be a lot of fun.

Spreadsheets

Next up in Info Tech, we will be learning to create and manipulate spreadsheets.  We will primarily be using Microsoft Excel 2013, but students will also get experience working collaboratively with Google Spreadsheets using their Google Drive.  Below are a few basic tutorials of things we will be getting started with.

Introduction to Formulas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_e0EOy1Ydo

Introduction to Functions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=yZvrHvspMok&x-yt-ts=1421914688

Introduction to Fill Button
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=84503534&v=8cHeQTgcz3k

Introduction to Charts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPf8cPP2CJw&x-yt-ts

Cyber Citizenship term 4

Last week we were able to finishing word processing and professional communications with business letters.  Students will spend time this week learning about cyber citizenship and information literacy, which involves learning how to use technology in ways that help them instead of hurting their futures.  The topics will include information literacy, social media, cyber bullying, online safety, and digital footprint.

At the conclusion of the unit, students will create a product that promotes awareness about information literacy and cyber citizenship.

Above is a video of some of the tools we will be learning how to use this week.

First day, Last term.

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.  And, it's the first day of the last term!  Time to start and finish strong!!  This week, we will get an introduction to Information Technology and word processing.  Early activities will include creating a living time-line of technology and it's influences over our lives, introductions to word processing, and creating business letters with other professional communications.  Below are a few short tutorials of things we will be working with.

Why is Information Technology important?

Wordle.net to make word collages.

How to set up header & footer for info tech 1 class.

Last week of the term?!

Hard to believe that we are at the end of the term already!  Quarter 3 really flew by!  Next week we will be working on some multimedia projects, then will take our final exam on Thursday.  Any missing/late work is due by Wednesday.  Students really did a great job this term, and look forward to seeing them in other technology classes down the road!

Emerging Technology

Next week Info Tech 1 students will be learning about emerging technologies.  This is an exciting time where we will preview, utilize, and predict trends in various emerging technologies that will be changing the way the world will look 5-10 years from now.  Below are some examples of trends in emerging technology that we will be exploring.

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:

Third Term Database/Access 13

Info Tech students have finished up with their presentation projects, and we are moving on to databases.  We will start off discussing and looking at examples of where databases are used.  Students will be introduced to Microsoft Access 2013, and learning the components of a database like fields, records, reports, forms, etc.  Students will then create and manipulate a series of databases that can be used in a variety of settings.  Below are a few basic tutorials to show what we will be learning as we get started with databases.

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

presentations

Students will be learning various presentation software this week in Info Tech class.  Students will start with a review of PowerPoint, where they will create a nonlinear PowerPoint using some troubleshooting skills.  Next students will research possible online presentation programs and will choose one to evaluate and make a project with.  Finally, students will work in collaborative groups making a presentation using Google Presentation from their Google Drives.

Term 3 Basic Spreadsheets

Next week students will be learning how to use Microsoft Excel to create and manipulate spreadsheets.  These can be used at school, home or at work.  We will start off with basics to the program, then will work through how to utilize formulas, functions, charts, and filters.  We will then be able to utilize spreadsheets to analyze and interpret various forms of data.  Below are a few basic tutorials that we will use to get started.

Introduction to Formulas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_e0EOy1Ydo

Introduction to Functions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=yZvrHvspMok&x-yt-ts=1421914688

Introduction to Fill Button
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421914688&x-yt-cl=84503534&v=8cHeQTgcz3k

Introduction to Charts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPf8cPP2CJw&x-yt-ts

Info Tech 1 Information Literacy Cyber Citizenship

This week, students are learning how to use technology in ways that help them instead of hurting their futures.  The topics will include digital/information literacy, social media, cyber bullying, online safety, and digital footprint.  At the conclusion of the unit, students will create a product that promotes awareness about information literacy and cyber citizenship.  Below are some tools that we will be learning about this week.

Info Tech 2 Spreadsheets

We have finished up our video-editing activity, so students will know how to create video tutorials to demonstrate skills from class this term.  We are now learning advanced features of Microsoft Excel 2013.  As we have finished with the review of Excel basics, students are now working with formulas, functions, absolute value, and nested if/then statements.  As we continue to progress through our work, students will be preparing to take the MOS Microsoft Certification Exam for Microsoft Excel.  This will serve as our test grade for the unit.  The second half of our grade for this unit will come from created video tutorials demonstrating what they learned about this program.

Info Tech 1 Word Processing/Business Letters

What a great group of kids in 1st period info tech class!  Students have been hard at work from the beginning!  We finished up our technology timeline project, then have moved on to word processing.  Students are learning various features of Microsoft Word 2013, while learning how to create professional business communication documents.  We are finishing up the business letter section by making cover letters for job applications.  Students will then get some experience using cloud computing to collaboratively work on a document using their Google Drive accounts.  At the conclusion of word processing, students will have the opportunity to prepare and take the MOS Microsoft Certification test for Microsoft Word.

Welcome 2016!

I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday break and is rested for a full term of technology!  Info Tech 1 students will be introduced to rules/procedures for class, then will get an introduction to the field of information technology.  After these first activities, we will move on to word processing and become familiar with Microsoft Office 2013.  Students interested will have the opportunity to earn their MOS Microsoft Certification for Microsoft Word, which makes theses students extremely marketable as it is a skill widely recognized by many employers.

Information Technology 2 students will become familiar with rules and procedures for class, then will work right away on a video editing project.  The project serves as a way to meet their class-mates, as well as help them to become familiar with software we will be using to create our video tutorials throughout the term.

I'm excited to get this term started and meet these new classes!