digital evolution project
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/1356555731.jpg)
(original project created by Rosemary Lengsas and Theresa Friedman)
Edu.Glogster.com is an education version of the Glogster website that allows students to create online multimedia posters. Video, music, images, text, and audio can all be added to the poster to add interest. In Computing in the Modern World, we started the semester out learning about the technology around us. As a culmination of the unit, the students chose from a list of items and created a poster. The poster had to include how the item began, what changes it has gone through, and what might be some emerging technology related to the item. Then the students presented these in class.
The educational version of Edu.Glogster.com can be used in two ways. The students can register for a free account to build their poster. Once the poster is completed and published, the student will share the url with you or the class for viewing. The other way is to purchase an educational version. Very reasonable. The benefit of this is that students will build their posters all on the same "site" and you have control of all the posters. The educator light version is $29.95 for one year for 50 students. The educator premium version is $99 for 200 students for one year.
Digital Evolution Project
Sample Glogster Digital Evolution Project
Article on Glogging vs Blogging
Edu.Glogster.com is an education version of the Glogster website that allows students to create online multimedia posters. Video, music, images, text, and audio can all be added to the poster to add interest. In Computing in the Modern World, we started the semester out learning about the technology around us. As a culmination of the unit, the students chose from a list of items and created a poster. The poster had to include how the item began, what changes it has gone through, and what might be some emerging technology related to the item. Then the students presented these in class.
The educational version of Edu.Glogster.com can be used in two ways. The students can register for a free account to build their poster. Once the poster is completed and published, the student will share the url with you or the class for viewing. The other way is to purchase an educational version. Very reasonable. The benefit of this is that students will build their posters all on the same "site" and you have control of all the posters. The educator light version is $29.95 for one year for 50 students. The educator premium version is $99 for 200 students for one year.
Digital Evolution Project
Sample Glogster Digital Evolution Project
Article on Glogging vs Blogging
buying a computer
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/1708798.jpg?182)
(original Buying a Computer Unit created by Theresa Friedman)
At the culmination of the "Buying a Computer" unit, I have the students work in teams of two and create an account on GoAnimate.com. The students have several scenes to choose from and, based on the research obtained during the unit, they create an animated video of a salesperson selling a customer on the features of the computer the customer needs. Once the scene is completed, the students publish the animation and send the url to my class gmail account.
Buying a Computer Project (4-part unit that includes directions for the GoAnimate project)
Sample GoAnimate Project
Sample GoAnimate Project
At the culmination of the "Buying a Computer" unit, I have the students work in teams of two and create an account on GoAnimate.com. The students have several scenes to choose from and, based on the research obtained during the unit, they create an animated video of a salesperson selling a customer on the features of the computer the customer needs. Once the scene is completed, the students publish the animation and send the url to my class gmail account.
Buying a Computer Project (4-part unit that includes directions for the GoAnimate project)
Sample GoAnimate Project
Sample GoAnimate Project
internet safety
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/8336069.png?140)
This is a two-part activity.
Part I: Print the 8 slides on the PowerPoint and tape them to the walls around the room. Divide the class into pairs and give each pair a stack of sticky notes and a marker. Either give each pair a different colored marker, or give each pair a different colored stack of sticky notes.
Open the site: http://simplebooklet.com/internetsafety.
Simplebooklet.com is a Web 2.0 tool that will allow you to create flipbooks from scratch. I used this tool to create a flipbook of internet statistics. Show the students the first page of the flipbook and read the 8 facts outloud. At the bottom of the page are 8 percentage numbers. The students must decide which percentage goes with which statistic. They should put the percentages on separate sticky notes and stick them to the statistics you posted around the room. Once the class is done give them 60 to 90 seconds to look at the slides on the wall and make any changes. Next, show the answers by using pages 2 and 3 of the flipbook and have a class discussion about the statistics.
Update: Simplebooklet.com is now set up to automatically scale to fit within any webpage or browswer screen. "No longer worry about how wide you make your booklet page, it will scale to fit in your narrow blog column or expand to fit in your extra large webpage. It is true universal ppublishing for all your simplebooklets." (3/4/13)
Part II: Use the rest of the flipbook to introduce the Internet Safety project. Students must work in the same pairs and they must use simplebooklet.com to create their presentation. (Note: your computer lab must have IE9, Google Chrome, or Firefox, installed. Google Chrome and Firefox are free and can be downloaded to each students' home directory. Also, the free version of simplebooklet.com will include ads)
Internet Safety Presentation One
Internet Safety Presentation Two
Great Video to Show at the end of this Unit (from WSB-TV in Atlanta)
Great article and infographic on cyberbullying from MakeUseOf.com
Part I: Print the 8 slides on the PowerPoint and tape them to the walls around the room. Divide the class into pairs and give each pair a stack of sticky notes and a marker. Either give each pair a different colored marker, or give each pair a different colored stack of sticky notes.
Open the site: http://simplebooklet.com/internetsafety.
Simplebooklet.com is a Web 2.0 tool that will allow you to create flipbooks from scratch. I used this tool to create a flipbook of internet statistics. Show the students the first page of the flipbook and read the 8 facts outloud. At the bottom of the page are 8 percentage numbers. The students must decide which percentage goes with which statistic. They should put the percentages on separate sticky notes and stick them to the statistics you posted around the room. Once the class is done give them 60 to 90 seconds to look at the slides on the wall and make any changes. Next, show the answers by using pages 2 and 3 of the flipbook and have a class discussion about the statistics.
Update: Simplebooklet.com is now set up to automatically scale to fit within any webpage or browswer screen. "No longer worry about how wide you make your booklet page, it will scale to fit in your narrow blog column or expand to fit in your extra large webpage. It is true universal ppublishing for all your simplebooklets." (3/4/13)
Part II: Use the rest of the flipbook to introduce the Internet Safety project. Students must work in the same pairs and they must use simplebooklet.com to create their presentation. (Note: your computer lab must have IE9, Google Chrome, or Firefox, installed. Google Chrome and Firefox are free and can be downloaded to each students' home directory. Also, the free version of simplebooklet.com will include ads)
Internet Safety Presentation One
Internet Safety Presentation Two
Great Video to Show at the end of this Unit (from WSB-TV in Atlanta)
Great article and infographic on cyberbullying from MakeUseOf.com
Use studystack to create vocabulary flash cards
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/377670.png?171)
Students must register with a username, password, and email. Once registered they can click the "Create New Stack" link on the right side of the window. Under Settings, give their flashcard stack a unique name ... usually student last name and chapter number or unit name.
On the Data tab, key in the term and the definition of all words in the list.Once all the data has been created and saved, scroll to the bottom of the screen and choose any of the tools to practice the vocabulary.
Students can choose Flash Cards, Hangman, Matching, Crossword Puzzles, and more. They also have access to this tool from their home computer so studying is readily available. The data can even be printed and turned in for grading! StudyStacks can also be categorized based on content and shared with anyone. Students will find lots of StudyStacks already created.
A StudyStack Example (a rediculous one! :-) )
On the Data tab, key in the term and the definition of all words in the list.Once all the data has been created and saved, scroll to the bottom of the screen and choose any of the tools to practice the vocabulary.
Students can choose Flash Cards, Hangman, Matching, Crossword Puzzles, and more. They also have access to this tool from their home computer so studying is readily available. The data can even be printed and turned in for grading! StudyStacks can also be categorized based on content and shared with anyone. Students will find lots of StudyStacks already created.
A StudyStack Example (a rediculous one! :-) )
Practice Problem solving and Logical thinking with RiverIQ
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/7089376.jpg?195)
RiverIQ is a free .swf game that students can play. I put a link to this game on my school web site and use it as a "filler" when students have time left at the end of a lesson. It also works well as a Friday activity along with a GoogleWhack contest! I sometimes give out candy for the students who complete the game.
Instructions:
1) Left click on the member that needs to be put on the raft.
2) Left click on the red signal pole on the right side of the river to set the raft into motion and transport the
members to the other side of the river.
3) To bring back the raft left click on the red signal pole on the left side of the river
Combinations for selecting people:
a) Father must never be alone with girls.
b) Criminal must always stay with cop.
c) Mother must never be alone with the boys.
d) A boy and a girl cannot travel together.
e) Raft only carries 2 persons at a time.
Link to RiverIQ Game
Instructions:
1) Left click on the member that needs to be put on the raft.
2) Left click on the red signal pole on the right side of the river to set the raft into motion and transport the
members to the other side of the river.
3) To bring back the raft left click on the red signal pole on the left side of the river
Combinations for selecting people:
a) Father must never be alone with girls.
b) Criminal must always stay with cop.
c) Mother must never be alone with the boys.
d) A boy and a girl cannot travel together.
e) Raft only carries 2 persons at a time.
Link to RiverIQ Game
scratch
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/4683856.jpg?161)
Scratch is a free downloadable software developed by MIT. It is a drag and drop programming tool that gets students started thinking about programming techniques, such as: if, else; lists; variables; looping; logic, and more. It is fun for all ages and there are so many tutorials and activities on the internet that you can pick and choose from. There are lots of Scratch competitions all over the United States. These are a great way to encourage your students, to bring recognition to your school, and to show your students some value in what they are doing. Georgia Tech runs a Scratch competition every fall and gives awesome prizes to winners in several categories. Just do a search for Scratch competitions.
Let's Teach Kids to Code Video by Mitch Resnick, Directory of Lifelong Kindergarten Group
Download Scratch
MadLib Student Sample
Nursery Rhyme Student Sample
Nursery Rhyme Student Sample
LearnScratch.org
MIT's Scratch Site
Georgia Tech's Scratch Resources Site
Link to Scratch tutorials (Theresa Friedman's site)
Link to Scratch tutorials from Christopher Michaud
Let's Teach Kids to Code Video by Mitch Resnick, Directory of Lifelong Kindergarten Group
Download Scratch
MadLib Student Sample
Nursery Rhyme Student Sample
Nursery Rhyme Student Sample
LearnScratch.org
MIT's Scratch Site
Georgia Tech's Scratch Resources Site
Link to Scratch tutorials (Theresa Friedman's site)
Link to Scratch tutorials from Christopher Michaud
Computer Nerd Back Story Using Windows Live Movie maker
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/9903820.png?145)
A great activity to learn about the men and women who have created the technology that we use every day. This activity was not created by me, but it is a good one!
First have the students use the handout (this one has web site hints to help the students) to indentify the "nerds" based on time period and what their contribution was.
Here is the key to the handout.
And here is a handout without hints if you want to make it harder.
Second, have the students choose a "nerd" that they want to do a back story on. It can be someone from the handout or someone new.
Use MovieMaker or simplebooklet.com or even animoto to create a visual history of the person selected. Have student present these. If you are requiring a video, you cannot use animoto because you are limited to 30 seconds. If using MovieMaker, have students record their voice using Audacity and then import as .mp3 into their MovieMaker project.
Mark Zuckerberg created with Animoto
Student Example created with Windows Live Movie Maker
First have the students use the handout (this one has web site hints to help the students) to indentify the "nerds" based on time period and what their contribution was.
Here is the key to the handout.
And here is a handout without hints if you want to make it harder.
Second, have the students choose a "nerd" that they want to do a back story on. It can be someone from the handout or someone new.
Use MovieMaker or simplebooklet.com or even animoto to create a visual history of the person selected. Have student present these. If you are requiring a video, you cannot use animoto because you are limited to 30 seconds. If using MovieMaker, have students record their voice using Audacity and then import as .mp3 into their MovieMaker project.
Mark Zuckerberg created with Animoto
Student Example created with Windows Live Movie Maker
using voicethread for "looking inside the computer"
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/6224399.png?137)
I am not the originator of this project.
Start now asking for donations of old computers .... from teachers, students, neighbors. The more you collect the better. You can always store those you don't use until next year. You also need screwdrivers and canned air as well as digital cameras.
Give students the "Looking Inside the Computer" handout and have them use the internet to define each of the images.
Put students in groups (depending on how many computers you have ... two or three to a computer) to begin taking apart the donated computers. Have students take digital images of each of the 10 parts from the handout. (You should take pictures of your students taking apart the computers ... this makes a great marketing tool!)
Students will then download the images and complete a VoiceThread presentation. Student must record their voice (see if your media center has microphone headsets) identifying the part and describing its purpose. Each student on a team must be responsible for an equal part in putting the VoiceThread together.
How to Use VoiceThread in 5 Minutes or Less (youtube video)
A Simple VoiceThread Example
Student Example
Note: Students do have to register for a free account, but creating a VoiceThread is easy. Make sure they set the project as public so everyone can see it. VoiceThread will also give students a link that they can email you for grading.
Idea! In order to learn and practice VoiceThread, I first showed the class a couple of the "How To" videos that are on the VoiceThread site. Then I had each student create a simple VoiceThread of their favorite candy. They had to include 4 pictures, a history of the candy and a unique fact about the candy. This was a fun way to get them comfortable with the program!
Candy VoiceThread Example
Start now asking for donations of old computers .... from teachers, students, neighbors. The more you collect the better. You can always store those you don't use until next year. You also need screwdrivers and canned air as well as digital cameras.
Give students the "Looking Inside the Computer" handout and have them use the internet to define each of the images.
Put students in groups (depending on how many computers you have ... two or three to a computer) to begin taking apart the donated computers. Have students take digital images of each of the 10 parts from the handout. (You should take pictures of your students taking apart the computers ... this makes a great marketing tool!)
Students will then download the images and complete a VoiceThread presentation. Student must record their voice (see if your media center has microphone headsets) identifying the part and describing its purpose. Each student on a team must be responsible for an equal part in putting the VoiceThread together.
How to Use VoiceThread in 5 Minutes or Less (youtube video)
A Simple VoiceThread Example
Student Example
Note: Students do have to register for a free account, but creating a VoiceThread is easy. Make sure they set the project as public so everyone can see it. VoiceThread will also give students a link that they can email you for grading.
Idea! In order to learn and practice VoiceThread, I first showed the class a couple of the "How To" videos that are on the VoiceThread site. Then I had each student create a simple VoiceThread of their favorite candy. They had to include 4 pictures, a history of the candy and a unique fact about the candy. This was a fun way to get them comfortable with the program!
Candy VoiceThread Example
Computer Science-related activities and videos
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/0/0/16007664/1533153.jpg?151)
Online Computer Parts Hangman Game
New York Times Crossword Puzzles (lots of cross curricular topics, but several related to computers)
Map of the Internet (which is actually a map of the WWW). Use this as a short activity and have students try to find popular web sites.
A true map of the internet
Current Technology Videos:
Sixth Sense Video
Coffee Table Video
State of the Internet
One Second Every Day Project
The Very First YouTube Video
Google Glass
What most schools don't teach
Wearable Gesture Control
It's Official: Teens are Bored with Facebook
The Kid President Featured on CBS TV
New York Times Crossword Puzzles (lots of cross curricular topics, but several related to computers)
Map of the Internet (which is actually a map of the WWW). Use this as a short activity and have students try to find popular web sites.
A true map of the internet
Current Technology Videos:
Sixth Sense Video
Coffee Table Video
State of the Internet
One Second Every Day Project
The Very First YouTube Video
Google Glass
What most schools don't teach
Wearable Gesture Control
It's Official: Teens are Bored with Facebook
The Kid President Featured on CBS TV