Final Day Before the Final

Review your blog posts.

Have you posted "Being Thankful."

Do you have a favorite font? is it serif? sans serif?

Do you know how to your blog url? my blog url?

Can you find information on the network drive?

What are the three reflection questions? Can you create a five page Powerpoint Slideshow that illustrates the three reflection questions?

Can you embed html into your blog? Can you invite and comment on other blog?

everything we studied can be on the final, but if you know the information above, and the other topics we studied the last week, you can be successful Wednesday.

bf 

First Semester Reflection

Friday's Assignment. Post a reflection on how you did during the first semester. This is also to help you prepare for the Final Exam.

I expect to see one piclit from you piclit account posted into your reflection. (There will be a piclit post on your final exam.) Embed the piclit into the third section of the Reflection.

Here are the three questions. Separate the questions so that I can read each answer easily. But keep the three questions in one post.

1. What did you do well?

2. What could you have done better?

3. What did you learn?

I want you to use a sans serif font.

300 points.

Practice Final Today

Students will go the Read Only drive and the Farley folder and find the document called "Practice Final."

From their, students will complete the practice final.

Final Exam - 4 parts

Since students learn how to keyboard (or type), in computer applications, students will be required to memorize the keyboard from scratch. Starting with the key to the left of the number one key, to the bottom left "shift" key.

Students will open and save a MS Word Document in their network drive, and change the name of the MS Word file. Students will demonstrate that they know how to use a few popular MS functions.

Using MS PowerPoint, students will create a slideshow and save to their network folder. I will ask students to insert transitions and text to demonstrate their familiarity with the software.

Students will also show that they know how to use the blog software and basic embedding features.

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More PowerPoint Directions

Finish your Powerpoint and any old assignments)

And write a blog post about what you learned. Title this next post, "Three Exciting PowerPoint Lessons."

How can you make your post interesting?

by posting 3 lessons, you get 70 out of 100

including images with examples, up to 85

embed a slideshow, 100 (as long as all other elements are included.)

BF

The Final Stretch

Power Point

Word

Blog

All Three will be on your final

Today, we review the PowerPoint. Can you open the program? Create a slideshow with transitions? Save to your Network Drive in your MyComputers/Final Exam Folder?

BF

Power Through Power Point

Today we are creating PowerPoint Slideshows about PowerPoint.

Find a partner from your interest group.

Two or Three People

Use Transitions.

Color.

Motion.

Do as much as possible. If you make a mistake, do TOO Much. (remember death by powerpoint?)

Save in your network folder and send to farley.

BF

Slideshow Me your Subject

In ten slides, show me your group's subject area. Use color, text, images... what else?

For this assignment, be as creative as possible. Use sound if you can. Use transitions and motion. Use video if it works.

The music group will be split into two. The car group is the car group. Sports is Sports. The artists are all together. Am I missing someone?

Use PowerPoint or GoogleSlideshow. Send to Farley at school e-mail w (bfarley @nusd.org) with proper subject heading. Also, if you can post, please do. You will also be graded again for class participation. Some people might use an online slideshow program too.

bf

The right size of Thank You

So, Thanksgiving is over. Some people are stuffed. Some people are stuffed of stuffing. (That means that some people ate too much.)

And now, it is time to work again.


First, write a quick blog post about being thankful or not being thankful.

You choose. Do you wonder why we travel before Thanksgiving. Give Thanks. Eat. Then Shop like crazy?
Does this confuse you?

Anyway, let's take a moment to relax.

Then I will confuse you again. Those of you who have moved ahead, please open the network "R" drive and open some photos. Please have a machine that has Photoshop and Powerpoint. We are going to learn about image size, pixels, and resolution soon. If you are done being thankful, search the internet for these terms (resolution, pixels and image size.)

Thank you,

bf

Are you thankful for Photoshop or PowerPoint?

A few things to consider during Thanksgiving Break...
Many of you will eat too much. Some of you will eat terrible food, because you think you are supposed to eat dry turkey and yucky stuffing. Some will eat too much store bought pumpkin pie.

Just because you can do too much, does not mean that you should.

This reminds me of our next two computer applications: PowerPoint and Photoshop.

Check out this Slideshare project on Death by PowerPoint.

Death by PowerPoint

View more presentations from www.kapterev.com.

You can also learn a great deal about Photoshop if you  go HERE.If it doesn't load, try this one

Later, use these sites for reference. We have Adobe CS3.

 Julieanne Kost, the Digital Imaging Evangelist at Adobe, is an excellent resource for Photoshop. She has an Adobe Blog too.

Russell Brown, the Senior Art Director, might overwhelm people with his ethusiasm. If his energy does not impress people, his knowledge most certainly will. Watch Russell Brown TV or read his blog.

You can also try Photoshop Tutorials. There are also sites on YouTube and many other locations.

Monday Projects

Finish your projects today.

On Wednesday, I will review your assignments. If you do not finish by the end of the day, you will receive a zero.

When I return to school later this week, I want to see that every student has posted five items on their blog.

1. Embedded piclit photo showing that the student knows how to embed photo. this can be a simple photo with text. Because this class is Computer Applications, I want students to focus on HTML. Notice how this blog allows students to "Edit HTML." In the PicLit page, you can embed code or copy a link. We want to embed code.

The other four assignments are as follows.

2. Magazine Cover

3. DVD Cover

4. Movie Poster (or flyer or billboard) however your group wants to conceptualize the project

5. Synopsis Poster (See Example: Synopsis Poster

I will grade the first one. It is worth 100 points. I will also grade one of the group projects. Everyone in the group must post the same exact projects for 2-5.

Read this again. Everyone in your group must post the same embedded pictures for 2-5, so your group must agree on the name of the movie. Your group must choose the same Magazine Cover and DVD Cover and Movie Poster and Synopsis Poster. Everyone must embed the same code into their blog. If everyone in your group does not post the same exact final product, your group will receive a zero!

My multimedia and video production classes are doing something similar as your class; however you will be graded on something different. I want to see if you know how to use communicate with different applications. Also, I want to see if you have learned how to use some of the same commands from MS Word.

Soon, this class will use Adobe Photoshop. We will learn how these applications are different. For now, you may only use Piclit.

PicLitsMovie Projects

Today and Monday you have major projects.

And, you are working in groups by your subject area.

First, create a Piclit.com account if you do not have one.

Secondly, create a photo with words related to your subject.

Third, embed the photo into your blog using HTML code. Look at the top right of the edit box where you can see the words "Edit HTML." This will help. Get help from those in your group who know how to do it.

Fourth, with your group, pretend that you are creating a movie about your subject. Maybe you are creating a sports movie. Maybe a Car movie or Art or Music.

Make four Piclit projects.

1. Magazine Cover
2. DVD Cover
3. Movie Poster
4. Promotional Flyer  (with synopsis)

Everyone in your group must agree on the same FAKE movie.
Everything is due before I return.

500 points total

If you have questions, post comments on Wednesday

BF

Last Day of Second Term

Finish Second Term - Start Third

Please complete your Reflection for Second Term. Answer the three questions:

1. What did I do well?

2. What could I have done better?

3. What did I learn?

Please title the post something identifiable, for example, "Second Term Reflection" or "Reflection: Term Two."

Secondly, see if you have a Piclits account. I will be gone the next two times our class meets. You will have several exciting projects. Be prepared! And in case I was not clear... create a piclits account.

bf

Final Grading Day

Create a Blog Post
List Blog Assignments
Create Links (100 points)

Write a Reflection about your Second Term (200 points)
The reflection follows the following format:
What did I learn?
What did I do well?
What could I do better?

BF

Wednesday - Everybody Loves a Parade... or do they?

Today the Giants and their fans celebrate in downtown SF.

Much of the country celebrates electoral victories. Other Americans suffer election losses.

The rest of the world celebrates International Sandwich Day.

Create a MS Word Flyer showing your view of today. Work in pairs. Your flyer must be the same as your partner's. Save on your network drive.


Groups
Cortez and French
Trudeau and TomZ
KZ & Alderete
Ed and Jeradin
Marco & Yanet
Reimy & Tyler
DP & Casey
Cullen & Corey

Added
Arturo & Garcia

Spooky Election Document

Create a Flyer or Poster in MS WORD

Using Spooky Font

Tell a story that includes all three days... As few words as possible!

Halloween

Day of the Dead

Election Day

Teams
Jason & Dean S
Dean P & Conner
Eduardo & Christian
Patrick & Austin
Conner & Cullen
John G & Arturo

Font Side of Life

For those of you who are looking for font inspiration, you may wish to view this blog about about graphic design and typography.

The site is called Inspiration Lab.

Or check out this site by Jessica Hische.

I am guessing that most of you have not looked very closely at fonts. You probably have not considered the importance of these little letters, and yet, you recognize them instantly.

How about this one?

Word Art with Font

What would Patches O'Houlihan say

Is it necessary that you understand composition and color theory? No!


Is it necessary that you know the history of font making and text? Is it necessary that you know when to use a serif font or a grotesque sans serif font? NO! 


Is it necessary that you take notes? No.


Do you at least know the five D's of dodge ball? 


D


D


Dip


D


D




1. Go to the post with advanced examples. Click on the link. Your assignment should be more like this. No MS Word essays needed! PLEASE.


2. In MS Word, answer the following questions.


 What do you see? In the Village Voice Summer Fest? Or the Summer Book Preview? Or “Love Your Heart?” What about the color? Shape? Texture? How can you use your font to answer the questions listed here at the bottom of the post.


How old? Where was it created? Why? Who? Where was it popular? Do we use it for billboards? Text messages? Movie titles? Newspapers? Magazines?


3. Open your MS Word Document. Save it; title it; store it in the correct place. If you are at a computer without Word, open a Blog post and work on the information. You will still create a blog post.


4. Use Word  Art, or other MS Word functions. Themes, Colors. Identify someone nearby who is a resource. You may ask them questions.




Short Break to walk around class and stretch. Review work of other students.


5. Short oral presentations answering questions about font's history, purpose, use.


6. More work on "Font Flyer", prepare for showcase. Students who have completed project can post short response on blog. Also, complete other assignments. I have noticed some students have not completed previous blog posts.


7. At 2:30 Showcase student work

8. Receive feedback from at least two people. Make final changes if necessary. 




Conclusion and Preview Thursday. And Dodge ball.

Getting Started with Blogging

For your families and friends... and for you if you have not read this yet.


Getting Started with Blogger

Font Assignment

We will be using the following fifteen fonts. I will divide the fonts by group. Students will answer the questions and create a MS Word Document. This should be a creative assignment where students use the art feature in MS Word.

BF

Arial
Bauhuas
Bodini MT
Century Schoolbook
Courier
Franklin Gothic
Garamound
Georgia
Gills Sans
Impact
Microsoft Sans Serif
Myriad Web Pro
Palantino
Times New Roman
Verdana

More Microsoft Core Font Info
(core fonts for the web )
(Apple font Suite )




More on Garamond and Bodini

What type of font?
How would you describe it?
When was it created?
Who? How? Why?
How was it used? How would you use it? When?
Did it make money? Did the font artist make money?
Is it popular today?http://www.microsoft.com/typography/default.mspx

Monday's Assignment

Chose a font from the list HERE .

Go to this site to see an example  of our next assignment.

Reply below and describe the font.

Follow me if you have not already.

bf

Fontastic

Check out this site for more Fonts

Did you know there were so many fonts?

Loot at these Examples

go here

to understand the next assignment. I do NOT want you to write an essay. I do not want to read a long story about the font.

but I want you to use the font to inform your viewer.

Pix Lit Computer Online Computer Application

This assignment will start on November 5, 2010. Students can begin learning about pixlit.com before November 5th.

Click the photo for more directions... and an example.

See the full PicLit at PicLits.com

Read more about Pic Lits at the ILearnTechnolgy blog.

bf

Class Calendar

Please review the calendar for 6th Period Computer Applications. You will notice that I have assigned students to work with computers again.

The schedule could change quickly if students damage the equipment or violate privacy and security.

BF

Voice Mail and E-mail

Recently, I created my staff voice-mail account. Even though I teach in room 708, my voice-mail box is #720.

E-mail is the best way to reach me. Please use my school e-mail at bfarley (at) nusd.org

I am also available to meet in person.

Thank you,

bf

Next is Text - Font and Center

Read more about font and type at the post I wrote for my multi-media and video production course.

Leadership Lessons

I am often asked why I create groups? Students often wonder why I assign group leaders. Sometimes parents ask.

Sometimes, I ask myself.

Teaching leadership requires dilligence, patience and committment.


I am often asked why I create groups? Students often wonder why I assign group leaders. Sometimes parents ask.

Sometimes, I ask myself.

Teaching leadership requires diligence, patience and commitment. I think that learning how to lead requires patience... so does learning how to follow.

Today, I remembered one reason why I teach leadership when I received a monthly e-mail from Patrick Lencioni. Some day, some of my students will become leaders.


Patrick is the President and Founder of The Table Group, a business consulting firm. His books and lectures simplify an otherwise complicated topic. Below is his October edition of Point of View.

The Dilemma of the Difficult Employee

It’s a simple but painful problem that has plagued business people since the beginning of time, I’m sure. From shopkeepers in ancient Rome to English factory supervisors during the Industrial Revolution to software engineering managers in modern Silicon Valley, leaders have always struggled with the question of what to do about a difficult employee. And the dilemma is almost always seen the same way: should I continue to tolerate this person or let them go?

The first step toward solving this simple and painful problem is coming to the realization that it is a false dilemma. The decision should not boil down to keeping or firing a difficult employee. In fact, the manager should avoid engaging in this line of thinking in the first place. The real question a manager needs to ask is "have I done everything I can to help the difficult employee?" Based on my work with leaders in all types of organizations and at all levels, the answer to that question is usually a resounding 'no.' Here’s what I mean.

Most managers—including me during much of my career—react the same way when they come to the realization that one of their people is a problem. First, they find someone to vent to about it. Usually to a colleague, sometimes to a subordinate, and almost always their spouse. On a courageous day, they might make a subtle comment to the difficult employee, or if they’re timing is lucky, be able to include something in an upcoming employee review. What they rarely do is sit down with that employee and tell them, in no uncertain terms, that their attitude needs to change.

As ridiculously obvious as that sounds, and as much sense as it makes to anyone who has ever coached little league or parented a child, it rarely happens. Whether it is a CEO dealing with an arrogant or condescending VP of sales, a pastor managing a rude church receptionist, or a school principal hearing complaints about a caustic teacher, very few leaders have the guts to directly and unequivocally let a difficult employee know that their behavior is patently unacceptable.

This is understandable given that in many of these situations the employee in question is somewhat of a peer to the leader. No one relishes the idea of having to give a colleague bad news, especially when that news has to do with their personality or behavior. And so it is not surprising that leaders often hesitate, procrastinate, even abdicate their responsibilities, hoping that the situation will somehow change on its own.

But it rarely does, and the complaints continue, and that’s when the false dilemma starts to emerge and leaders feel like they have to make a "buy or sell" decision. If they fire the employee, the consequences aren’t pretty—there is the potential for a lawsuit or expensive severance, not to mention the possibility of a morale problem among the people who liked the employee or never saw the problematic behavior. And then there is the loss of that person’s production and the need to hire a replacement. On the other hand, if the leader decides to keep the difficult employee, there is the inevitable morale problem among the people who experience the poor behavior, and the loss of credibility that the leader will experience for not having the courage to make a hard decision.

And so the manager engages in a stressful and fruitless calculus exercise, constantly trying to estimate and mitigate the damage that either decision will create, all the while watching the stakes grow and grow with every passing day. What that manager needs to do is as fool proof as it is difficult: inform the difficult employee that he is being, well, difficult, and continue to remind him again and again and again until one of three good things happens.

In the best possible scenario, the employee gets so tired of the manager reminding him how difficult he is that he changes his behavior. This is certainly what any manager would prefer, but it cannot happen without honest and incessant communication. In the next best scenario, the employee gets so tired of the manager reminding him how difficult he is that he decides to leave the organization. This allows him to take action on his own terms, and it avoids the stress of lawsuits and the cost of severance.

Even the third and worst case scenario is preferable to the false dilemma that managers put themselves in. If the difficult employee decides he will neither change his behavior nor leave the organization, then the manager needs to let him go. Though it may still be somewhat painful, the manager will be able to act with relatively little guilt, knowing that he did everything possible to achieve a better outcome. That will go a long way toward helping employees feel good about the situation, and reduce the possibility of lawsuits that come about when a difficult employee is surprised.

But perhaps the greatest outcome of choosing the direct approach will be the message it sends to the rest of the organization: we have standards of behavior, those standards have consequences, and your leader has the courage to enforce those consequences. That is something that any leader, in any organization, in any era, should be able to appreciate.

Computer Applications

For my Computer Applications Course, I asked my students to return a signed copy of a syllabus.

I also requested that a parent or guardian contact me.

THIS IS AN ASSIGNMENT. Please help your student with this assignment. I will help you if necessary.

Computer Applications Syllabus

San Marin High School	Comp Applications / Adv Comp
School	Course
Mr. Farley	bfarley@nusd.org
Teacher	Contact Information

Personal Note / Welcome

For nearly twenty years, I have worked as a visual art educator, technology consultant and commercial artist. For five years, I worked for a photography, film and graphic arts college. I also work with national organizations that support high school journalism, photography and multi-media. I am a credentialed teacher with a Masters in Educational Technology.

I love teaching; I also love learning, but I struggled as a student. Letters moved when I read. I was confused by reading comprehension tests. I struggled with linear thinking; I was more analytical and creative. Even now, I think that most educational settings restrict those of us who are creative.

After high school, I discovered visual art and technology. While I might still struggle with reading comprehension, I am fortunate to have excellent visual comprehension. (Often, students who struggle in one area excel in another area.) Through visual art, I have also learned to value literacy. After years of practice, I enjoy writing. Now, I spend more time writing than creating visual content.  I am constantly writing.

For all of my classes, I will write a blog so that families can follow our progress. Sometimes I will also post photos or utilize sound. Other times we might post charts or spreadsheets. I hesitate to reveal too much of my personal work though, because I want students to find their own voice.

I look forward to teaching this year. I love the challenge. I love the experience. I love how much I learn when I am in the presence of creative people.

Course Goals (from course outline)

This course is an introduction to computer applications; some students may continue to Advanced Computer Applications.

While learning how to use computer software applications, students will gain the Technical Knowledge and Skills required for careers in the field.

Students will learn how to communicate effectively; students will communicate with computer applications and traditional forms of communication. To increase their likelihood of success in the work force, students will develop essential leadership and teamwork skills.

The curriculum is based on the California State Standards for Career Technical Education. For access to the full CTE standards, go to http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/sf/documents/ctestandards.pdf

Course Objectives (from course outline)

·         Students will improve keyboarding skills by creating an online journal.

·         Students will learn how to use a variety of Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Access.

·         Students will use Google Documents and Applications to learn how to work cooperatively and share work online.

Texts (from course outline)

We will reference various technology guides so that students can learn how to use some of the popular computer software programs. Many of our texts are written by the software distributor; other texts are written by users and can be accessed on online forums.

Progress Reporting (from Board Policy)

Grades shall be reported at the end of each progress reporting period for all students.  Progress reports will be mailed home and/or accessible to parents online approximately every five/six weeks.  Whenever a student falls below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester, the teacher shall arrange a conference with the student’s parent/guardian and/or send a written report.  (Board Policy 5121)

Classroom Policies (Required)

Grading

50% Daily Assignments

20% Group Projects

20% Class Participation

10% Final Exam

Behavior

Students are expected to know and follow all school rules. See the student handbook all students signed at the beginning of the year for guidance.

Since Computer Applications is a career oriented course, students are also expected to learn appropriate work setting behavior. A student’s Class Participation grade may be affected by a student’s ability to follow rules.

Students will also learn that those who follow rules, usually receive the most fredom. Parents are encouraged to contact me if they want to discuss how we can help their child learn more about this section.

Homework

Students are encouraged to spend time on projects outside of class to further support their learning. Some students will learn how to plan wisely, and may never take work home. However, students who wish to excel will probably work outside of class, during lunch, or after school. For families who do not have computers at home, please contact me.

Parents will be able to monitor progress by using Aeries Homelink. Parents may also contact me via e-mail. (bfarley@nusd.org.)

Classroom Tardies

I will follow San Marin's policy which is found in the Student Handbook.

Supplemental Materials / Media (See Board Policy 6161.11)

Keys to Success

Flexibility and Accountability are keys to career success. To understand the basics, I have listed the basics.

·         Show up on time ready to work

·         Encourage others to participate, collaborate and follow the rules

·         Be creative

·         Take Risks, while being safe

·         Respect the creativity of others

Notebooks / Binders / Journals

Students will maintain a private blog which they can share with parents. On the blog, students will regularly answer questions about their favorite topic and how it relates to technology and computer applications. Parents are encouraged to review student's blogs; students will provide access.

Projects / Special Assignments

Students who have a strong interest in a career subject area will have internship opportunities.

Content

Students will start learning how to keyboard.  After typing, students will learn how to create documents and use word processing programs. Then, students will learn about spreadsheet programs and database programs. Finally, students will learn about presentation programs, such as PowerPoint. Throughout the year, students will use a blog to document their work. Some students will become interested with this format and incorporate more visual art, video and music, especially the Advanced Computer Application students

Receipt of Syllabus

I am asking that every student have a parent or guardian sign and return. I am also requesting that the parent or guardian send an e-mail. Please include your student's name in the subject line. If you do not have e-mail access, please include your phone number.  I can contact you. If you do not speak English, include your preferred language so that someone can communicate with you directly.

Thank you,

Bryan Farley

Student Name                                              _____________________________________

Parent or Guardian Name                           ______________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature                     ______________________________________

Welcome to my Computer Applications Class Blog

I am creating a blog for my students to follow the class. I also want parents or guardians to have alternate methods for following student coursework.