The instructions for the exam state:
Your essay must be submitted, only once, by email as an attachment on or before the end of your scheduled final exam time.
Which means if you send the document by pasting text into the body of the email, your exam will not be accepted.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Extra Credit Opportunity - Reliability
We didn't make it to the lesson on reliability, or how good information is on a website.
To get extra credit, create a post in which you list three articles (specific articles, not just a general website) that are good examples of reliable information, and three articles that are not very reliable. Explain why each is or is not reliable using the terms given in a previous post on this blog. Your post should be six paragraphs long, with embedded links (like this, not this: http://misterbjerkeca.blogspot.com/2007/11/information-for-end-of
-six-weeks-exam.html).
A good product will raise your overall grade 5 points.
To get extra credit, create a post in which you list three articles (specific articles, not just a general website) that are good examples of reliable information, and three articles that are not very reliable. Explain why each is or is not reliable using the terms given in a previous post on this blog. Your post should be six paragraphs long, with embedded links (like this, not this: http://misterbjerkeca.blogspot.com/2007/11/information-for-end-of
-six-weeks-exam.html).
A good product will raise your overall grade 5 points.
Some Tips for Writing Exam Essays
When you have to write an essay for an exam, it is very important to plan and fully develop your essay, you should also know a few things about your student - teacher relationship as well.
KISS - Keep it simple! Don't make your essay more complicated than it needs to be. Imagine you are reading 150 essays, and you have to grade each one. Would you want to read a very long essay that is difficult to understand? Would you want to spend extra time trying to decipher a confusing essay with long sentences peppered with unimportant details? Probably not. The key to being clear and concise is to stay focused, give just enough information, and reiterate the important points.
Another kind of kissing is valuable, but dangerous. It's the kissing up. If you are reading dozens of essays, would you want to hear something that made you feel good? Would you want to read a few statements that make you sound like a good teacher? You bet! Would you want to wade through a trough of pig slop with which someone is trying to kiss up shamelessly? No way. In fact, some teachers are so annoyed at blatant kissing up, they are less inclined to read an essay carefully, and more inclined to lower the grade just because an essay is annoyingly patronizing. It is good to imply that your teacher is a good teacher and taught you well, it is not to your benefit to bluntly state that your teacher is "the bestest in the whole wide world." You're not selling used cars!
Mechanics. Use proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, and for heaven's sake, spell your teacher's name correctly. It shouldn't be a chore to try to read your essay. Would you want to buy a hamburger someplace where you had to cook it and clean the kitchen yourself? The goal of your essay should be to convey a clear, relevant message. It should not be difficult to read or understand your essay.
Study. Learn all of the vocabulary and how to spell it, learn all of the basic concepts related to the material, and have a very solid understanding of the format that is required or accepted in the class. If you can, get an example of the best essays your teacher has received, and examine them for content, mechanics and technique. If you have a good command of the topic, and you know what the teacher is looking for, you can answer the essay questions, and show that you care about what the teacher wants.
Learn something about your teacher and about the topic that wasn't discussed in class. If you can demonstrate that you have learned something that was not covered in class materials, you will show that you have an interest in the topic. Some teachers don't enjoy their subject, but for the most part, teachers actually like the subject that they teach. If you show interest, they will be complimented. If you can also mention something that you learned during a meeting with the teacher or during tutorials, you will also demonstrate that you valued those experiences.
Make your point, make it clearly and be sure that it is understood. There is a magic number, and it is three. Why is this number magic? It is magic because after repeating your point three times, in three different ways, your audience (the reader, in this case the teacher) will remember it. If you only make a point once or even twice, it may not be clear that it is important. If you were reading hundreds of essays, would you notice all of the subtle inferences that the writers make? Maybe, but maybe not. Do you want to take that chance.
At any time during the class, did your teacher say, "this is important," or "this will be on the test," or "this is something you need to remember?" If so, you should work it into your essay. If your teacher thinks it is important, you should show them that you remember it. Is your essay about the British Army during the American Revolution, and the important point you want to include is about the colonial leadership in Africa? Maybe you can use a comparison or metaphor to emphasize that leadership is critical in colonialism.
OK. This is big. I shouldn't point it out, because in a Darwinian kind of survival of the most perceptive, the folks who are socially clueless will learn this lesson eventually. But I want to give those folks a little hint. Don't insult your teacher. Don't even criticize them, unless you know that you have worded your criticism in a way that the teacher will find useful. Statements like, " this is the stupidest topic ever," "this test is stupid," or "what a lazy way to give an exam," or even "I hate this class (or topic)," are NOT going to win any points. Unless your class is "Agitation and Social Disruption in South America," it will probably not be well-received.
And it all comes down to this. You are selling the concept that you are smart and that you paid attention. So show it. You are trying to prove that you understand and maybe even enjoyed the class. This is your chance to shine. Take it seriously.
KISS - Keep it simple! Don't make your essay more complicated than it needs to be. Imagine you are reading 150 essays, and you have to grade each one. Would you want to read a very long essay that is difficult to understand? Would you want to spend extra time trying to decipher a confusing essay with long sentences peppered with unimportant details? Probably not. The key to being clear and concise is to stay focused, give just enough information, and reiterate the important points.
Another kind of kissing is valuable, but dangerous. It's the kissing up. If you are reading dozens of essays, would you want to hear something that made you feel good? Would you want to read a few statements that make you sound like a good teacher? You bet! Would you want to wade through a trough of pig slop with which someone is trying to kiss up shamelessly? No way. In fact, some teachers are so annoyed at blatant kissing up, they are less inclined to read an essay carefully, and more inclined to lower the grade just because an essay is annoyingly patronizing. It is good to imply that your teacher is a good teacher and taught you well, it is not to your benefit to bluntly state that your teacher is "the bestest in the whole wide world." You're not selling used cars!
Mechanics. Use proper spelling, punctuation, grammar, and for heaven's sake, spell your teacher's name correctly. It shouldn't be a chore to try to read your essay. Would you want to buy a hamburger someplace where you had to cook it and clean the kitchen yourself? The goal of your essay should be to convey a clear, relevant message. It should not be difficult to read or understand your essay.
Study. Learn all of the vocabulary and how to spell it, learn all of the basic concepts related to the material, and have a very solid understanding of the format that is required or accepted in the class. If you can, get an example of the best essays your teacher has received, and examine them for content, mechanics and technique. If you have a good command of the topic, and you know what the teacher is looking for, you can answer the essay questions, and show that you care about what the teacher wants.
Learn something about your teacher and about the topic that wasn't discussed in class. If you can demonstrate that you have learned something that was not covered in class materials, you will show that you have an interest in the topic. Some teachers don't enjoy their subject, but for the most part, teachers actually like the subject that they teach. If you show interest, they will be complimented. If you can also mention something that you learned during a meeting with the teacher or during tutorials, you will also demonstrate that you valued those experiences.
Make your point, make it clearly and be sure that it is understood. There is a magic number, and it is three. Why is this number magic? It is magic because after repeating your point three times, in three different ways, your audience (the reader, in this case the teacher) will remember it. If you only make a point once or even twice, it may not be clear that it is important. If you were reading hundreds of essays, would you notice all of the subtle inferences that the writers make? Maybe, but maybe not. Do you want to take that chance.
At any time during the class, did your teacher say, "this is important," or "this will be on the test," or "this is something you need to remember?" If so, you should work it into your essay. If your teacher thinks it is important, you should show them that you remember it. Is your essay about the British Army during the American Revolution, and the important point you want to include is about the colonial leadership in Africa? Maybe you can use a comparison or metaphor to emphasize that leadership is critical in colonialism.
OK. This is big. I shouldn't point it out, because in a Darwinian kind of survival of the most perceptive, the folks who are socially clueless will learn this lesson eventually. But I want to give those folks a little hint. Don't insult your teacher. Don't even criticize them, unless you know that you have worded your criticism in a way that the teacher will find useful. Statements like, " this is the stupidest topic ever," "this test is stupid," or "what a lazy way to give an exam," or even "I hate this class (or topic)," are NOT going to win any points. Unless your class is "Agitation and Social Disruption in South America," it will probably not be well-received.
And it all comes down to this. You are selling the concept that you are smart and that you paid attention. So show it. You are trying to prove that you understand and maybe even enjoyed the class. This is your chance to shine. Take it seriously.
Pangea Film Contest
Read this website: Pangea and click on "submit a film."
If you want to participate in this contest, you can discuss your ideas for a film and the process we will use to develop a film.
Creating a film (animation) for this contest would take a lot of your time, but the benefits would extend far beyond those I would offer to you.
You may also want to consider this competition.
If you want to participate in this contest, you can discuss your ideas for a film and the process we will use to develop a film.
Creating a film (animation) for this contest would take a lot of your time, but the benefits would extend far beyond those I would offer to you.
You may also want to consider this competition.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Semester Final Exam
This is your final exam.
You will write an MLA paper to address the topic below.
This exam will be graded on a scale of 100.
You will lose ten points if your ID block, page number or spacing is not MLA standard.
You must have 1 inch margins, an ID block in the upper left corner, double spaced with no extra spacing, and a page number which automatically reflects the page number, preceded by your last name in the upper right corner. No exceptions.
Write 500 words, or five paragraphs, or 50 statements about what you have learned this semester.
What is not acceptable:
I learned about Illustrator. (not specific enough)
I learned how to create an MLA paper. (not specific enough, no reason why)
I learned how to create a profesional presentation (not specific enough, no reason why)
I learned how to use PowerPoint to make presentations. (not specific enough, no reason why)
What is acceptable:
I learned how to use a vector drawing application from Adobe called Illustrator. This application is used to create pictures that are defined by mathematical equations, rather than little dots (called pixels). When you make a vector image larger, the quality stays the same, because it isn't dependent on the individual pixels. Illustrator is used by graphic designers and artists to create pictures on the computer. It adapts to many artistic styles, and allows the artist to be as accurate as they wish. By learning about Illustrator, I found out that I really can create art that looks good, even though I am not much of an artist. I thought that the first few lessons were really hard, and wasn't sure that I could understand how to use Illustrator, but eventually, with perseverance, I learned how to read the crazy instructions, and how to do what they were telling me to do. I really felt good about getting through these lessons, and I think I have a good understanding of what some of the tools in Illustrator are, and how to use them. I also found out that I could spend the next year studying Illustrator and still not know it all. I think that I will use many of the tools in Photoshop and Flash next semester, too. I think that a vector drawing application is in many ways superior to pixel drawing because it is more flexible and produces a higher quality image.
Here is a list of verbs you may want to use in your essay:
Include information from my informational blog posts in your essay, and be sure that you explain CMYK and RGB (required).
Your essay must be submitted, only once, by email as an attachment on or before the end of your scheduled final exam time.
You MUST attend your final exam time, or you will be counted absent.
Note: If I search for the text of your final on the internet, and find significant portions of text, you will receive a ZERO.
You will write an MLA paper to address the topic below.
This exam will be graded on a scale of 100.
You will lose ten points if your ID block, page number or spacing is not MLA standard.
You must have 1 inch margins, an ID block in the upper left corner, double spaced with no extra spacing, and a page number which automatically reflects the page number, preceded by your last name in the upper right corner. No exceptions.
Write 500 words, or five paragraphs, or 50 statements about what you have learned this semester.
What is not acceptable:
I learned about Illustrator. (not specific enough)
I learned how to create an MLA paper. (not specific enough, no reason why)
I learned how to create a profesional presentation (not specific enough, no reason why)
I learned how to use PowerPoint to make presentations. (not specific enough, no reason why)
What is acceptable:
I learned how to use a vector drawing application from Adobe called Illustrator. This application is used to create pictures that are defined by mathematical equations, rather than little dots (called pixels). When you make a vector image larger, the quality stays the same, because it isn't dependent on the individual pixels. Illustrator is used by graphic designers and artists to create pictures on the computer. It adapts to many artistic styles, and allows the artist to be as accurate as they wish. By learning about Illustrator, I found out that I really can create art that looks good, even though I am not much of an artist. I thought that the first few lessons were really hard, and wasn't sure that I could understand how to use Illustrator, but eventually, with perseverance, I learned how to read the crazy instructions, and how to do what they were telling me to do. I really felt good about getting through these lessons, and I think I have a good understanding of what some of the tools in Illustrator are, and how to use them. I also found out that I could spend the next year studying Illustrator and still not know it all. I think that I will use many of the tools in Photoshop and Flash next semester, too. I think that a vector drawing application is in many ways superior to pixel drawing because it is more flexible and produces a higher quality image.
Here is a list of verbs you may want to use in your essay:
- Knowledge: arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state.
- Comprehension: classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate,
- Application: apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write.
- Analysis: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test.
- Synthesis: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write.
- Evaluation: appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate.
Include information from my informational blog posts in your essay, and be sure that you explain CMYK and RGB (required).
Your essay must be submitted, only once, by email as an attachment on or before the end of your scheduled final exam time.
You MUST attend your final exam time, or you will be counted absent.
Note: If I search for the text of your final on the internet, and find significant portions of text, you will receive a ZERO.
Presenting Your Work
You need to do the following before the end of class today.
You need to open your blog to show all recent posts, open your most recent Illustrator document, and have your grade sheet ready and completely filled out.
If you present your work, blog and daily grade sheet and everything is complete, and you have finished at least chapter five, you will receive a 100 for your daily grade for the third six weeks. For every chapter beyond chapter five, you will get 10 points added to your semester final exam.
If you worked on the table and presentation, and you also open your presentation, your MLA paper and handout, and you have finished the Introduction (Lesson 00), lesson one and lesson two, you will receive a 100 for your daily grade for the third six weeks.
Be sure you have:
your most recent Illustrator document open
your presentation open (be sure that you did not use a serif or Roman font)
your handout open
your blog open
and a completed grade sheet.
If you do not prepare for this grade check, and have all of your documents ready, your grade will depend on the completeness of your blog which I will evaluate outside of class time, and my previous evaluation of your table and presentation.
You need to open your blog to show all recent posts, open your most recent Illustrator document, and have your grade sheet ready and completely filled out.
If you present your work, blog and daily grade sheet and everything is complete, and you have finished at least chapter five, you will receive a 100 for your daily grade for the third six weeks. For every chapter beyond chapter five, you will get 10 points added to your semester final exam.
If you worked on the table and presentation, and you also open your presentation, your MLA paper and handout, and you have finished the Introduction (Lesson 00), lesson one and lesson two, you will receive a 100 for your daily grade for the third six weeks.
Be sure you have:
your most recent Illustrator document open
your presentation open (be sure that you did not use a serif or Roman font)
your handout open
your blog open
and a completed grade sheet.
If you do not prepare for this grade check, and have all of your documents ready, your grade will depend on the completeness of your blog which I will evaluate outside of class time, and my previous evaluation of your table and presentation.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Optional Extra Credit in January
If you are interested in video games and how they are made, you should attend this event.
0 comments
If you attend this event, ask questions, and document your attendance (YOU need to come up with a way that proves your attendance without a doubt - like your picture at the event and a signed handout), you will receive a 100 for your fourth and fifth six weeks exams.
The ACC Video Games Information Session will be held, January 9, 2008, in room 201, at the Highland Business Center [map], from 7pm to 9pm.
The Information Session will be co-sponsored by SXSW Screenburn. There will be a drawing for free tickets to SXSW Interactive.
Please reserve this on your calendars. This will be an opportunity for students and prospective students to hear from industry professionals and get their questions answered.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Your Grade
To calculate your grade for this six weeks, use this checklist:
Gradesheet complete and signed for the six weeks - 100 points.
Illustrator grade - see this post.
Your quiz grades (Pop Quiz, Three Weeks and Six Weeks).
Blog Posts for every day of class with TEKS.
Table-Presentation grade (if applicable) Pass/Fail (which means you get a 0 or a 100).
If you complete your grade sheet, you can ask for your quiz grades, but not until it is all filled in and complete.
Remember that you cannot pass unless you have completed ALL of the work.
Don't forget to study for the six weeks and semester final exam.
Gradesheet complete and signed for the six weeks - 100 points.
Illustrator grade - see this post.
Your quiz grades (Pop Quiz, Three Weeks and Six Weeks).
Blog Posts for every day of class with TEKS.
Table-Presentation grade (if applicable) Pass/Fail (which means you get a 0 or a 100).
If you complete your grade sheet, you can ask for your quiz grades, but not until it is all filled in and complete.
Remember that you cannot pass unless you have completed ALL of the work.
Don't forget to study for the six weeks and semester final exam.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Illustrator Grading
For those who started Illustrator two weeks ago (Project) there is one grading curve, and a different for those students who start Illustrator today (Daily), after finishing their project.
If you started Illustrator two weeks ago, your daily grade for this second half of the third six will be what is listed below based on what you finish by the end of class Friday, 12/14:
Chapter 11 100
Chapter 10 95
Chapter 9 90
Chapter 8 85
Chapter 7 80
Chapter 6 75
Chapter 5 70
Chapter 4 Fail
Chapter 3 Fail
Chapter 0 Fail
Chapter 2 Fail
Chapter 1 Fail
If you are starting Illustrator today, you grade is based on how many chapters you finish.
Chapter 6 100
Chapter 5 90
Chapter 4 80
Chapter 3 75
Chapter 0 70
Chapter 2 Fail
Chapter 1 Fail START HERE and work your way up!
TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A CHAPTER, YOUR FINAL PRODUCT MUST BE POSTED IN YOUR BLOG as a jpg.
You will receive credit for your final image based on how similar it is to the model.
If there are more than two significant differences you will not receive credit.
A significant difference is:
Placement - an object is more than half of the width of a text character off
Color - color is visibly different from the original
Other - tracing, cutting, pathfinding, alignment, letter shapes are significantly/visibly different
Any stray marks or layering disorder will be considered significant.
If you started Illustrator two weeks ago, your daily grade for this second half of the third six will be what is listed below based on what you finish by the end of class Friday, 12/14:
Chapter 11 100
Chapter 10 95
Chapter 9 90
Chapter 8 85
Chapter 7 80
Chapter 6 75
Chapter 5 70
Chapter 4 Fail
Chapter 3 Fail
Chapter 0 Fail
Chapter 2 Fail
Chapter 1 Fail
If you are starting Illustrator today, you grade is based on how many chapters you finish.
Chapter 6 100
Chapter 5 90
Chapter 4 80
Chapter 3 75
Chapter 0 70
Chapter 2 Fail
Chapter 1 Fail START HERE and work your way up!
TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A CHAPTER, YOUR FINAL PRODUCT MUST BE POSTED IN YOUR BLOG as a jpg.
You will receive credit for your final image based on how similar it is to the model.
If there are more than two significant differences you will not receive credit.
A significant difference is:
Placement - an object is more than half of the width of a text character off
Color - color is visibly different from the original
Other - tracing, cutting, pathfinding, alignment, letter shapes are significantly/visibly different
Any stray marks or layering disorder will be considered significant.
All Students Now on Illustrator
All students should now be working on Illustrator.
If you are just starting, you should start with lesson one, then two, and when you have finished one and two, then do lesson zero (the introduction - Quick Tour).
You should finish those three chapters this week.
Due by the end of this week, for those who were doing the table and presentation project, are the first three chapters of Illustrator Classroom in a Book. Those who have been working on Illustrator, should finish chapter 11 this week.
If you are just starting Illustrator, be sure to copy the lesson files to your H drive, and be sure to save everything to your H drive.
If you are just starting, you should start with lesson one, then two, and when you have finished one and two, then do lesson zero (the introduction - Quick Tour).
You should finish those three chapters this week.
Due by the end of this week, for those who were doing the table and presentation project, are the first three chapters of Illustrator Classroom in a Book. Those who have been working on Illustrator, should finish chapter 11 this week.
If you are just starting Illustrator, be sure to copy the lesson files to your H drive, and be sure to save everything to your H drive.
New Solid State HD - Extra Credit
To receive 100 daily extra credits points, answer the following questions in the form of three coherent paragraphs in a separate blog entry about this article. You must also include at least two links to articles sites other than engadget.com and explain their relevance.
What are three ways that it will change the way a laptop functions?
What's the difference between this hard drive and others?
Are there any others like it available?
What makes it different?
How much will it cost?
How will it affect the price of laptops?
What are three ways that it will change the way a laptop functions?
What's the difference between this hard drive and others?
Are there any others like it available?
What makes it different?
How much will it cost?
How will it affect the price of laptops?
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Presentations
Ten minutes into the period, everyone who is working on the table and presentation should have your presentation and the four Word documents open so we can grade them.
Be prepared and open all five documents and your blog BEFORE I come to your desk.
Be prepared and open all five documents and your blog BEFORE I come to your desk.
POP QUIZ
There is a "pop" quiz posted to the S drive in the CApps Folder. You will need to choose the right test depending on whether you are working on the table presentation or Illustrator.
This test must be submitted by the end of class Thursday, December 6th.
If you submit the test more than once, you will lose 50%.
This test must be submitted by the end of class Thursday, December 6th.
If you submit the test more than once, you will lose 50%.
What should you be doing?
What was your grade for the second six weeks? Was it over 90? Was it below 90?
If it was below 90, you should be finishing your presentation.
If your grade was above 90, then you should be working quickly through the Illustrator lessons.
What do you need to have done in the next two weeks before finals?
If you are working on the table/presentation (Daily Work), you need to have a table, an MLA paper, an outline, a handout and a presentation.
If you are working on Illustrator (Project), you need to have lessons zero through eleven completed.
EVERYONE also needs to have a blog post for every day of class. That blog post must contain something you learned in class and a corresponding TEK.
You will need to know the information that we have discussed in class about color theory and printing.
You will also need to know this information about evaluating the reliability of web sites.
If you have chosen to make a presentation for your six weeks exam or you semester exam, you are still required to attend our scheduled exam time. This is a school-wide rule and is not in any way negotiable.
You should be maintaining a grade sheet to track all of your assignments and blog posts for this six weeks.
You cannot pass the six weeks unless you complete all of the work. This is different than most classes where you can pass even if you only do part of the work. It is also different than most classes because most assignments are pass or fail. By completing all of the assignments, you can easily achieve a 100.
It is your responsibility to keep track of assignments and be sure you know what you are doing. It is also your responsiblity to read my blog every day.
You are not required to do optional assignments. That is the meaning of the word optional - it is your choice.
If it was below 90, you should be finishing your presentation.
If your grade was above 90, then you should be working quickly through the Illustrator lessons.
What do you need to have done in the next two weeks before finals?
If you are working on the table/presentation (Daily Work), you need to have a table, an MLA paper, an outline, a handout and a presentation.
If you are working on Illustrator (Project), you need to have lessons zero through eleven completed.
EVERYONE also needs to have a blog post for every day of class. That blog post must contain something you learned in class and a corresponding TEK.
You will need to know the information that we have discussed in class about color theory and printing.
You will also need to know this information about evaluating the reliability of web sites.
If you have chosen to make a presentation for your six weeks exam or you semester exam, you are still required to attend our scheduled exam time. This is a school-wide rule and is not in any way negotiable.
You should be maintaining a grade sheet to track all of your assignments and blog posts for this six weeks.
You cannot pass the six weeks unless you complete all of the work. This is different than most classes where you can pass even if you only do part of the work. It is also different than most classes because most assignments are pass or fail. By completing all of the assignments, you can easily achieve a 100.
It is your responsibility to keep track of assignments and be sure you know what you are doing. It is also your responsiblity to read my blog every day.
You are not required to do optional assignments. That is the meaning of the word optional - it is your choice.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Requirements
To pass the third six weeks, you need to:
-finish Illustrator through chapter 11
-finish the first 4 chapters of Pshop
-or if you started Pshop first, you need to have 15 chapters combined from Illustrator and Pshop
-have a blog entry for every day of class
-provide evidence of your work
-take and pass the six weeks and semester exam
Even if you are doing a project, you need a daily blog entry. Everyone does.
Everyone, regardless of what they are working on will need to take a semester exam, and even if you finish it early, you have to be here during the scheduled exam time.
-finish Illustrator through chapter 11
-finish the first 4 chapters of Pshop
-or if you started Pshop first, you need to have 15 chapters combined from Illustrator and Pshop
-have a blog entry for every day of class
-provide evidence of your work
-take and pass the six weeks and semester exam
Even if you are doing a project, you need a daily blog entry. Everyone does.
Everyone, regardless of what they are working on will need to take a semester exam, and even if you finish it early, you have to be here during the scheduled exam time.
Why?
Some students who have received Progress Reports are wondering why.
The two most likely causes are not having blog entries for each class day with what you learned and a TEK, or not turning in an assignment (like the table or snowboarder) on time.
If you used your computer inappropriately you may have received a progress report because you also get a zero for the three weeks.
The two most likely causes are not having blog entries for each class day with what you learned and a TEK, or not turning in an assignment (like the table or snowboarder) on time.
If you used your computer inappropriately you may have received a progress report because you also get a zero for the three weeks.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Daily Work - Final Steps - Due Wednesday December 5th
You will be scheduled to give your presentation Thursday or Friday. This will be pass fail. If you are unprepared you can not pass. If you do not pass this assignment, you will not pass this six weeks.
After completing the table, you should have used copy-paste special to put the sentences in a Word document that is a list of the sentences. Be sure that all spelling is correct.
After cleaning (using find and replace) you should have sent your sentences to a presentation.
The presentation should have at least 22 slides, as you had 22 sentences in the table.
Then you should change fonts, adjust placement and select high contrast colors.
You presentation must meet all of the standards that we have already discussed in this class.
After completing your presentation (taking care to remove enough words that you have no complete sentences on any slide), you should step back to your word document with the sentences.
You will need to make these sentences into three different documents.
First is the paper. Your paper should be MLA compliant (1 inch margins all the way around, non-decorative font between 10 and 12 point size, ID block with name, date, teacher and course in the upper left, page number with last name, indented paragraphs with no extra line spaces, and the entire paper double spaced).
Second, you need an outline. Take the sentences, arrange them in outline form, and complete with an ID block. This outline should be arranged with typical outline formatting with indented sub-points and using roman/arabic numbering.
Third, you need a handout. You can use the outline as a handout if you add your contact information. The outline and the handout should NOT have any complete sentences.
Finally, you need to read through your presentation and make notes for everything you want to say. You must have these notes when you give your presentation, and CAN NOT read off of the screen.
The four documents need to be placed in a single folder on your H drive titled "Presentation 2."
When they are all complete, you can request that your project be graded by writing your name and you student ID on a piece of paper. Be absolutely sure that your documents are on your H drive.
After completing the table, you should have used copy-paste special to put the sentences in a Word document that is a list of the sentences. Be sure that all spelling is correct.
After cleaning (using find and replace) you should have sent your sentences to a presentation.
The presentation should have at least 22 slides, as you had 22 sentences in the table.
Then you should change fonts, adjust placement and select high contrast colors.
You presentation must meet all of the standards that we have already discussed in this class.
After completing your presentation (taking care to remove enough words that you have no complete sentences on any slide), you should step back to your word document with the sentences.
You will need to make these sentences into three different documents.
First is the paper. Your paper should be MLA compliant (1 inch margins all the way around, non-decorative font between 10 and 12 point size, ID block with name, date, teacher and course in the upper left, page number with last name, indented paragraphs with no extra line spaces, and the entire paper double spaced).
Second, you need an outline. Take the sentences, arrange them in outline form, and complete with an ID block. This outline should be arranged with typical outline formatting with indented sub-points and using roman/arabic numbering.
Third, you need a handout. You can use the outline as a handout if you add your contact information. The outline and the handout should NOT have any complete sentences.
Finally, you need to read through your presentation and make notes for everything you want to say. You must have these notes when you give your presentation, and CAN NOT read off of the screen.
The four documents need to be placed in a single folder on your H drive titled "Presentation 2."
When they are all complete, you can request that your project be graded by writing your name and you student ID on a piece of paper. Be absolutely sure that your documents are on your H drive.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Option for the Remaining Three Weeks, and Fourth Six Weeks
If you get all of the Photoshop chapters done and have a blog entry for every day of class by the end of this six weeks, you will have a 100 for the third six weeks. Be sure to get my signature for each chapter.
In the Illustrator book, you need to work through chapter 11.
In the Illustrator book, you need to work through chapter 11.
In the Flash book, you need to work through chapter 15.
In P-shop you need to complete chapters 1-8, 10-12.
Most chapters should take you about a day (there are 32 total chapters to get through). We have about 40 days of class between now and the end of January (excluding test days and breaks).
When you finish the lessons in Illustrator, Photoshop and Flash, you get to move on to your project.
The project involves creating a logo in Illustrator, a display with your logo and "product" in P-shop, and then a small animation with your product and animation in Flash.
Your project is due at the end of the fourth six weeks.
If you want to plan the next 9 weeks now, you can create a grade sheet with a column for each chapter, a column for the date, a column for my signature and a column to check off your blog.
If you complete all of the chapters and a blog for every day of class, you will have a 100 for the fourth six weeks.
If you bring a three-ring binder (two inch) to donate, I will make a full copy of the book for you to use (exclusively) until you finish the book.
EXAM TODAY
Your mid-term (mid six weeks) exam is due today.
It is located in the CApps shared folder.
Be sure to use Firefox to open the exam (go to the File menu, and choose Open File, then drill down to the right folder).
If you submit your exam more than once you will receive a 50.
It is located in the CApps shared folder.
Be sure to use Firefox to open the exam (go to the File menu, and choose Open File, then drill down to the right folder).
If you submit your exam more than once you will receive a 50.
Information for the end of six weeks exam
There is so much information on the internet, it is important to understand that not all of that information is reliable. Anyone can post anything they want to, but there are criteria that you can use to determine if the information is reliable.
Sources – Fact Checking
The article lists its sources AND you can find those sources on reliable web sites.
There are links or websites mentioned that lend credibility to the article.
You can verify the facts on other reliable web sites
You can follow the links given AND find the subject of the article mentioned on other reliable sites.
You can find a similar article on another reliable site.
You can find an article on another reliable site that has the same information, with no significant differences.
Website - Domain
The top level domain is (web site ends in) .gov .mil or .edu.
The top level domain is the website between the “www” and the “.com” or other ending, like www.utexas.edu - this gets reliability points simply because the domain ends in edu which stands for “educational institution.”
The web site has extensive “about,” “contact” and “mission” information.
If you look around the site, usually at the very top or very bottom of pages you will find links to information about the site and the group that owns the site, information about how to contact the owners of the site, and information about why the organization exists and what its goals.
The site is referenced by other websites as a source for factual information.
When website A links to website B it tells us that website A believes the information on website B to be truthful and well-founded. It doesn’t mean that website A has really researched the reference, but there is a good chance that they did. It is less likely that a reference to site B is well researched if website A is otherwise unreliable.
Author
The author has personal information and/or a curriculum vitae (resume) on the same site, including contact info specific to the author.
When an article is well researched, the author is usually proud of their work – they should at least list their name with the article if they believe in the information. But just a name alone doesn’t make a website reliable. You should also be able to find information about that author and what the author’s qualifications are. If none of this is available, then you can’t rely on the author.
Spelling and grammar are correct.
A professionally written and edited article is spell-checked, and edited for correctness and grammar. If the article is quickly dashed off without being edited, its veracity is much lower.
Format
Information is posted in a discussion board or comment section.
Discussion boards and comments are totally unreliable because anyone can write anything and doesn’t have to use their actual name or contact info. Diccussion boards and comments sections are frequently used by businesses to promote their product covertly (it is often done in user reviews as well).
Information is posted in a blog with no references.
Like discussion boards and comments sections, blogs can be posted by anyone with fictitious information. If there is not information about he author and there are not references to the information, then it is likely opinion, not fact.
Information is posted in a blog with references.
Blogs with references are more reliable, but still blogs. The same holds true for discussion boards and comments, which may be reliable if there are references listed and you can verify those references, but the sources should then be listed as what was linked to, not the original blog, discussion or comment.
Objectivity/Current
The article is well-reasoned, objective and plausible.
Read the article, and think about it. Does it make sense? Does it sound like fantasy? Do the supporting details fit well with the thesis? After you read the article are you left wondering if it could be true, or do you believe it?
Article is dated and the date is within the last two years
At one time, we could read something in a magazine or newspaper and know that it was the most current available information. With the internet, you need to check you information every day. It is not uncommon for big news stories to be proven a fraud in a day or two.
Sources – Fact Checking
The article lists its sources AND you can find those sources on reliable web sites.
There are links or websites mentioned that lend credibility to the article.
You can verify the facts on other reliable web sites
You can follow the links given AND find the subject of the article mentioned on other reliable sites.
You can find a similar article on another reliable site.
You can find an article on another reliable site that has the same information, with no significant differences.
Website - Domain
The top level domain is (web site ends in) .gov .mil or .edu.
The top level domain is the website between the “www” and the “.com” or other ending, like www.utexas.edu - this gets reliability points simply because the domain ends in edu which stands for “educational institution.”
The web site has extensive “about,” “contact” and “mission” information.
If you look around the site, usually at the very top or very bottom of pages you will find links to information about the site and the group that owns the site, information about how to contact the owners of the site, and information about why the organization exists and what its goals.
The site is referenced by other websites as a source for factual information.
When website A links to website B it tells us that website A believes the information on website B to be truthful and well-founded. It doesn’t mean that website A has really researched the reference, but there is a good chance that they did. It is less likely that a reference to site B is well researched if website A is otherwise unreliable.
Author
The author has personal information and/or a curriculum vitae (resume) on the same site, including contact info specific to the author.
When an article is well researched, the author is usually proud of their work – they should at least list their name with the article if they believe in the information. But just a name alone doesn’t make a website reliable. You should also be able to find information about that author and what the author’s qualifications are. If none of this is available, then you can’t rely on the author.
Spelling and grammar are correct.
A professionally written and edited article is spell-checked, and edited for correctness and grammar. If the article is quickly dashed off without being edited, its veracity is much lower.
Format
Information is posted in a discussion board or comment section.
Discussion boards and comments are totally unreliable because anyone can write anything and doesn’t have to use their actual name or contact info. Diccussion boards and comments sections are frequently used by businesses to promote their product covertly (it is often done in user reviews as well).
Information is posted in a blog with no references.
Like discussion boards and comments sections, blogs can be posted by anyone with fictitious information. If there is not information about he author and there are not references to the information, then it is likely opinion, not fact.
Information is posted in a blog with references.
Blogs with references are more reliable, but still blogs. The same holds true for discussion boards and comments, which may be reliable if there are references listed and you can verify those references, but the sources should then be listed as what was linked to, not the original blog, discussion or comment.
Objectivity/Current
The article is well-reasoned, objective and plausible.
Read the article, and think about it. Does it make sense? Does it sound like fantasy? Do the supporting details fit well with the thesis? After you read the article are you left wondering if it could be true, or do you believe it?
Article is dated and the date is within the last two years
At one time, we could read something in a magazine or newspaper and know that it was the most current available information. With the internet, you need to check you information every day. It is not uncommon for big news stories to be proven a fraud in a day or two.
Art - ASCII
ASCII is a really long abbreviation for "letters only."
Before computers could display pictures of any sort, they displayed everything in letters.
This is art, created with letters only: link
Before computers could display pictures of any sort, they displayed everything in letters.
This is art, created with letters only: link
Student Photo
This photo was posted by a student in one of my classes.
She would appreciate your vote if you like the photo.
She may receive a scholarship if her photo gets enough votes.
See and vote here.
She would appreciate your vote if you like the photo.
She may receive a scholarship if her photo gets enough votes.
See and vote here.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Oooh, oooh, lots of stuff...
You also need to show me your grade sheet today, be ready five minutes into class. I will come by and check it off.
Model Blog
If you are not sure what your blog should look like, take a peek at Juliet's.
This is exactly what your blog should look like.
This is exactly what your blog should look like.
Daily Work - Tables
Today during the first 10 minutes of class, you need to email your PowerPoint created from your table. Without this, you will receive a progress report indicating that you are failing.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
You Are a Snowflake (Project Students)
Though the instructions for snowboard say place random snowflakes, you need to match the example. Each snowflake extra or missing or significantly misplaced is 10 points .
Monday, November 26, 2007
Semester Exam Option
Instead of a multiple choice Semester Exam, you can choose to make a presentation from the list of topics below. Your presentation must be at least ten minutes long, technically correct and must include a paper, outline and handout submitted as a pdf. Only one student from any class may choose a topic. You must schedule your presentation before the two last days of the semester because we will be taking tests both days.
1. Document Standards in Academics and Business - Ben Z.
2. Email Standards in Academics, Business and Informal Use
3. Computing Power - Moore's Law and the Evolution of Processing - Wyatt C
4. The Largest Carbon Producers and Their Contribution to Global Climate Change - Lauren G.
5. Eliminating Hunger with Technology - Mohammad
6. Green Building, Affordable Housing and Innovative Architectural Movements - Juliet Team
7. Online Math Resources
8. 3D Studio Max, Maya and Lightwave
9. Internet Service, Access and Bandwidth - An Introduction and Analysis of Current Issues
10. Electronic Privacy - An Introduction and Analysis of Current Issues - Heidi K.
11. Creating Dimension, Texture and Transparency in Computer Graphics
12. Computer Science and Innovation
13. Technology and Humiliation - How a Lack of Understanding of Technology Has Resulted in Embarassment for Individuals, Companies and Governments - William D.
14. Web Innovations
1. Document Standards in Academics and Business - Ben Z.
2. Email Standards in Academics, Business and Informal Use
3. Computing Power - Moore's Law and the Evolution of Processing - Wyatt C
4. The Largest Carbon Producers and Their Contribution to Global Climate Change - Lauren G.
5. Eliminating Hunger with Technology - Mohammad
6. Green Building, Affordable Housing and Innovative Architectural Movements - Juliet Team
7. Online Math Resources
8. 3D Studio Max, Maya and Lightwave
9. Internet Service, Access and Bandwidth - An Introduction and Analysis of Current Issues
10. Electronic Privacy - An Introduction and Analysis of Current Issues - Heidi K.
11. Creating Dimension, Texture and Transparency in Computer Graphics
12. Computer Science and Innovation
13. Technology and Humiliation - How a Lack of Understanding of Technology Has Resulted in Embarassment for Individuals, Companies and Governments - William D.
14. Web Innovations
Essay and Presentation Option
In lieu of a six weeks exam, you can give one presentation about a topic from the list below.
Only one person can present on each topic.
In order for this to be accepted instead of your exam, you must submit an MLA perfect paper, MLA perfect outline, MLA perfect handout, and a presentation that meets ALL of the standards for presentations in this class. You must also have a 90 or better for your second six weeks grade.
1. The History of Printing
2. Four Color Process Printing - In Depth
3. The Development of Computer Attached Printers
4. The Development of the Inkjet Printer - In Depth
5. The Development of the Laser Printer - In Depth
6. Twelve Great Tips for Adobe Illustrator
7. Technological Answers to Environmental Problems
8. Autodesk's AutoCAD
9. Personal Computers - An In Depth History
10. Alan Turing - A Biography
11. Exploring and Researching Your Post-Secondary Choices - Online Resources
12. Reliable Sources - Evaluating Sources of Information on the Internet
13. Scalable Vector Graphics - Standard and Software
Presentations must include three reliable sources minimum, pictures sized appropriately for your presentation (not stretched or visibly pixelated).
The Documentation Manager will track the assignment of topics.
Only one person can present on each topic.
In order for this to be accepted instead of your exam, you must submit an MLA perfect paper, MLA perfect outline, MLA perfect handout, and a presentation that meets ALL of the standards for presentations in this class. You must also have a 90 or better for your second six weeks grade.
1. The History of Printing
2. Four Color Process Printing - In Depth
3. The Development of Computer Attached Printers
4. The Development of the Inkjet Printer - In Depth
5. The Development of the Laser Printer - In Depth
6. Twelve Great Tips for Adobe Illustrator
7. Technological Answers to Environmental Problems
8. Autodesk's AutoCAD
9. Personal Computers - An In Depth History
10. Alan Turing - A Biography
11. Exploring and Researching Your Post-Secondary Choices - Online Resources
12. Reliable Sources - Evaluating Sources of Information on the Internet
13. Scalable Vector Graphics - Standard and Software
Presentations must include three reliable sources minimum, pictures sized appropriately for your presentation (not stretched or visibly pixelated).
The Documentation Manager will track the assignment of topics.
Managers - DUE TODAY
Documentation Managers, Duty Managers and Accountants need to prepare a report by end of class on Monday, 11/26 with a record of positions, students and verified service.
Concepts you need to know
You should understand the following terms and concepts for the third six weeks three weeks exam.
If you do not know or understand these concepts, you should consult your notes from class or find information online.
As with any vocabulary words, you need to be sure that you understand the context of these words. The first definition that you find may be insufficient or may use the word in the wrong context.
Check this list all week to see if more terms are added before Friday's exam.
_____________
What is hidden?
_____________
If you do not know or understand these concepts, you should consult your notes from class or find information online.
As with any vocabulary words, you need to be sure that you understand the context of these words. The first definition that you find may be insufficient or may use the word in the wrong context.
CMYK .
four color process printing .
RGB .
additive color .
subtractive color .
vector image .
raster image .
pixel .
path .
Adobe Illustrator .
swatch .
mask .
laser printer .
inkjet printer .
toner .
Check this list all week to see if more terms are added before Friday's exam.
_____________
What is hidden?
_____________
Monday, November 19, 2007
Project Students - Snowboarder
The Snowboard image is due at the end of class Tuesday.
Your Final post about the snowboarder should be titled: Snowboard-Final
and should contain your final image.
You will receive a quiz grade for your final image based on how similar it is to the tour_done.ai model.
For each significant difference, you will lose 10 points from a base of 100 points.
A significant difference is:
Placement - an object is more than half of the width of a text character off
Color - color is visibly different from the original
Other - tracing, cutting, pathfinding, alignment, letter shapes are significantly/visibly different
Your Final post about the snowboarder should be titled: Snowboard-Final
and should contain your final image.
You will receive a quiz grade for your final image based on how similar it is to the tour_done.ai model.
For each significant difference, you will lose 10 points from a base of 100 points.
A significant difference is:
Placement - an object is more than half of the width of a text character off
Color - color is visibly different from the original
Other - tracing, cutting, pathfinding, alignment, letter shapes are significantly/visibly different
Classroom Supplies (optional assignment for everyone)
We are well into the year, and finally settled into our new lab.
I thank every one of you for being flexible and patient while we have pulled this lab together.
We still have a few things to do, and a few supplies to get, which I will be working on over the next few weeks before winter break.
For extra credit, you can bring any or all of the supplies in this list.
1 - one-and-a-half inch binder
1 - box (kleenex) tissue
1 - package 9"X12" construction paper
If you bring one thing you get 10 points, if you bring two things you get 25 points, if you bring all three you get 50 daily points.
I thank every one of you for being flexible and patient while we have pulled this lab together.
We still have a few things to do, and a few supplies to get, which I will be working on over the next few weeks before winter break.
For extra credit, you can bring any or all of the supplies in this list.
1 - one-and-a-half inch binder
1 - box (kleenex) tissue
1 - package 9"X12" construction paper
If you bring one thing you get 10 points, if you bring two things you get 25 points, if you bring all three you get 50 daily points.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Project Students - Extra Credit?
For Extra Credit, you can take the snowboard image, make several changes using techniques you have just learned, document those changes in detail, and submit the image with the explanation by posting on your blog and noting on your grade sheet. I will check this extra credit (optional) assignment at the end of next week.
Grades Today
Every student is required to have a grade sheet ready today.
Without this grade sheet, you cannot receive my signature for your weeks work.
Without this grade sheet you cannot pass the six weeks.
You need to be prepared to show your week's work and have the grade sheet ready 10 minutes into the period.
If you need to know how to create this grade sheet, check the post titled:
Without this grade sheet, you cannot receive my signature for your weeks work.
Without this grade sheet you cannot pass the six weeks.
You need to be prepared to show your week's work and have the grade sheet ready 10 minutes into the period.
If you need to know how to create this grade sheet, check the post titled:
Third Six Weeks
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Why Can't I make this Work?
Toilets Beware, Germans Follow Directions to the Dot
GPS navigation systems are beginning to get a bad rep in Germany. That's probably because Germans are actually too good at following instructions. Even when they are told to crash into a toilet shack.
If car navigation systems could have their rathers, they would probably all want to be working in Germany. Not only because the German Autobahn is a speed-racer dream come true, but because Germans are very good at following instructions. If the system tells them to turn right, they turn right. If it tells them to turn left, they turn left.
And although one or two Germans will find themselves asking philosophical questions about what it means to turn right or left at any point in their life, most will happily oblige and surrender to that bizarrely infantilizing feeling we all know from looking at the assembling instructions for an Ikea cupboard. It's called total dependency.
It is nice, from time to time, to surrender one's control. To feel there is a gentle digitalized voice to guide you through the winding, curving, meandering roads of life. To know that you can will a virtual pat on the shoulder every time you do something right. Navigation systems are low-maintenance life companions: they never get tired and they don't need anything for Christmas.
Taking things literally
A 53-year-old German driver recently took the command "Turn right now!" from his navigation system all too literally. 30 meters before the crossing he was meant to take, the excessively obedient driver from Freiburg drove his SUV off the road into a nearby construction site, drove it up a stairway and crashed it into a poor, unsuspecting toilet shack that had never seen this type of action before.
Police in the eastern German town of Rudolstadt said the incident had caused 2,000 euros ($2,500) in damages to the stairway, 100 euros to the car and that the driver was also fined accordingly. The ongoing fine for extreme obedience is 35 euros.
Earlier this month another German ignored the sign "Closed for construction" on a Hamburg highway and followed his navigation system into a pile of sand. No injuries were reported.
A navigation system is, it seems, the new dominatrix: virtual whip in hand, it tells you what to do. It is up to you to decide how much pain you're willing to take on.
Was it the GPS system's fault?
Project Students - Illustrator
Confused?
This is probably your first experience following directions at this level of technicality. When something doesn't work for you in a lesson, the best way to solve your problem is to step backward in the steps to where you last knew everything was working right, and step your document back by pressing Ctrl+Z (I always call it "Control-Zed"). Control Zed is like "Undo" in Microsoft Word. If you go too far back, you can use Control-Shift-Zed to step forwards again.
The more that you learn key strokes, the faster you can work in Illustrator. For example, if you press the "V" key to get the selection tool (if you point the cursor to the tool on the tool bar it will show you the letter shortcut). The ONLY time that you can't use the keyboard to select tools is when you are typing in a text box. Try it.
This is probably your first experience following directions at this level of technicality. When something doesn't work for you in a lesson, the best way to solve your problem is to step backward in the steps to where you last knew everything was working right, and step your document back by pressing Ctrl+Z (I always call it "Control-Zed"). Control Zed is like "Undo" in Microsoft Word. If you go too far back, you can use Control-Shift-Zed to step forwards again.
The more that you learn key strokes, the faster you can work in Illustrator. For example, if you press the "V" key to get the selection tool (if you point the cursor to the tool on the tool bar it will show you the letter shortcut). The ONLY time that you can't use the keyboard to select tools is when you are typing in a text box. Try it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Daily Work Students (not Project)
If you complete your table, paper, handout and presentation and the documents are perfect, you will get a 100 on your six weeks exam.
You can consult with me twice (when you are nearly finished) to find corrections before you submit your work to try to skip the exam.
You can consult with me twice (when you are nearly finished) to find corrections before you submit your work to try to skip the exam.
Project (Not Daily Work) Students: A High Goal
If you can finish the Illustrator book (the entire book, not just your packet) you will get a 100 for your six weeks exam.
Project (Not Daily Work) Students: Illustrator
Sometimes when working through the lessons, even though you feel confused or muddled, finding your way through is the best way to learn the tools.
If you have questions, you can ask me or search the web for forums and FAQ's.
CMYK - what is it?
Additive versus Subtractive color, what is it?
Why is the transform pallete/toolbar one of the most important toolbars in Illustrator?
What is a vector graphic and how is it different from a raster graphic?
What is a path?
What is a Bezier curve?
Do you think that these might be questions on your exam?
If you answer them in your blog, and discuss them with me, you will get 10 extra exam points.
If you have questions, you can ask me or search the web for forums and FAQ's.
CMYK - what is it?
Additive versus Subtractive color, what is it?
Why is the transform pallete/toolbar one of the most important toolbars in Illustrator?
What is a vector graphic and how is it different from a raster graphic?
What is a path?
What is a Bezier curve?
Do you think that these might be questions on your exam?
If you answer them in your blog, and discuss them with me, you will get 10 extra exam points.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Project Students
If you are working on projects during this six weeks (not daily assignements), you need to post a before and after picture every day in your blog.
On days where you start something new, you simply state "new project" and do not post a before.
On days where you start something new, you simply state "new project" and do not post a before.
Assignments and Schedule for Third Six Weeks
| November | Daily Assignment Students | Project Students |
| 13 | Table | Read and Blog about Illustrator |
| 14 | Table | Start Illustrator |
| 15 | Fill in table with Sentences | Illustrator CiaB |
| 16 | Finish sentences and format properly | Illustrator CiaB |
| | | |
| 19 | copy and strip to word document | Illustrator CiaB |
| 20 | format word document to MLA paper | Illustrator CiaB |
| | | |
| 26 | strip word document to sentence list | Illustrator CiaB |
| 27 | export sentence list to PowerPoint | Illustrator CiaB |
| 28 | design and check template | Illustrator CiaB |
| 29 | format slides and fix template | Illustrator CiaB |
| 30 | add pictures to every other slide | Illustrator CiaB |
| December | | |
| 3 | chop sentences | Illustrator CiaB |
| 4 | polish presentation | Illustrator CiaB |
| 5 | create handout | Illustrator CiaB |
| 6 | finish handout | Illustrator CiaB |
| 7 | finish cards | Illustrator CiaB |
| | | |
| 10 | practice | Illustrator CiaB |
| 11 | practice | Illustrator CiaB |
| 12 | deliver | Illustrator CiaB |
| 13 | deliver | Google Sketch-up |
| 14 | Excel | |
| | | |
| 17 | Excel | Sketch-up |
| 18 | Excel | AutoCAD |
| 19 | test | test |
| 20 | test | test |
Third Six Weeks
If you received over a 90 for the second six weeks, you will be working on a project.
If you received under a 90m you will have daily assignments.
Everyone must track their grades for this six weeks.
The days of class this six weeks are:
November 13, 14, 15, 16; 19, 20; 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
December 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 17, 18, 19, 20
You need to record your assignment and progress or grade for every day of class.
You also need to record that you have completed your daily blog.
You will need to create this record on paper so that I can sign off every assignment or every week.
This assignment record will count as an exam grade, which will be added in to your average at the end of the six weeks.
There will be THREE tests this six weeks, the mid-term, the six weeks, and the semester test.
This grade sheet is an assignment. You cannot pass the six weeks without completing one or more assignments or tests.
If you received under a 90m you will have daily assignments.
Everyone must track their grades for this six weeks.
The days of class this six weeks are:
November 13, 14, 15, 16; 19, 20; 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
December 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 17, 18, 19, 20
You need to record your assignment and progress or grade for every day of class.
You also need to record that you have completed your daily blog.
You will need to create this record on paper so that I can sign off every assignment or every week.
This assignment record will count as an exam grade, which will be added in to your average at the end of the six weeks.
There will be THREE tests this six weeks, the mid-term, the six weeks, and the semester test.
This grade sheet is an assignment. You cannot pass the six weeks without completing one or more assignments or tests.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Third Six Weeks - Your Blog
During the third six weeks, you must blog every class day.
Your blog must cover something you learned in class.
Your blog must include the text and number of a TEK that applies to what you learned. You cannot use the same one every day.
If you do not blog every day (make-up days you have an excused absence), blog about something you learned in class, and include the text and number of a TEK, you will not receive credit for your blog and you will not be able to pass the third six weeks.
Your blog must cover something you learned in class.
Your blog must include the text and number of a TEK that applies to what you learned. You cannot use the same one every day.
If you do not blog every day (make-up days you have an excused absence), blog about something you learned in class, and include the text and number of a TEK, you will not receive credit for your blog and you will not be able to pass the third six weeks.
Computer Sciences Roadshow - November 14th
Are you interested in...
Robotics?
Computer Games?
Computer Graphics?
Computer Programming?
The University of Texas Computer Sciences Roadshow is coming to McCallum on Wednesday, November 14th.
They will make two presentations, one during A lunch and one during B lunch in room 153.
Everyone interested is invited to attend.
This year will cover some of the competitions that have participated in and will include both young men and young women who are fired up (no really!) about Computer Science. Their presentation is interactive.
To receive credit if you do not have my class fourth period, you will need to blog about it in detail. You may want to plan to take notes.
Robotics?
Computer Games?
Computer Graphics?
Computer Programming?
The University of Texas Computer Sciences Roadshow is coming to McCallum on Wednesday, November 14th.
They will make two presentations, one during A lunch and one during B lunch in room 153.
Everyone interested is invited to attend.
This year will cover some of the competitions that have participated in and will include both young men and young women who are fired up (no really!) about Computer Science. Their presentation is interactive.
To receive credit if you do not have my class fourth period, you will need to blog about it in detail. You may want to plan to take notes.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Your Study Guide is Posted
A study guide for the six weeks exam, which will be given tomorrow, is on the shared drive.
Be sure to open with Firefox.
The questions are identical to those that will be on the test, though they will be in a different order.
Plan to get started on your test as soon as you walk in the door as it is 127 questions.
Be sure to open with Firefox.
The questions are identical to those that will be on the test, though they will be in a different order.
Plan to get started on your test as soon as you walk in the door as it is 127 questions.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Project Work or Daily Activities
If you pass the second six weeks with a 90 or higher, you will be assigned individual projects for the third six weeks. You will work each day on your project, and blog about your progress, post a picture and list two TEKS. There will only be one daily activity that you will have to complete, a spreadsheet and chart in Excel.
If your grade for the second six weeks is 89 or lower, you will have daily activities to complete for the third six weeks.
If your grade for the second six weeks is 89 or lower, you will have daily activities to complete for the third six weeks.
Are you passing?
You can NOT pass this six weeks without turning in every assignment.
Have you completed 30 blogs with a statement about what you learned and TEKS in every entry (except Out Friday, Recycling and Quiz Time)?
Have you completed the quiz?
Have you given your presentation?
Have you turned in an MLA paper with all errors corrected?
You will not pass unless you have turned in all work and finished your blog entries.
You will pass if you have completed every assignment.
If there is anything missing on the progress report that every student received, you need to complete those items before you can pass.
Did you return your progress report? That was an assignment also.
Have you completed 30 blogs with a statement about what you learned and TEKS in every entry (except Out Friday, Recycling and Quiz Time)?
Have you completed the quiz?
Have you given your presentation?
Have you turned in an MLA paper with all errors corrected?
You will not pass unless you have turned in all work and finished your blog entries.
You will pass if you have completed every assignment.
If there is anything missing on the progress report that every student received, you need to complete those items before you can pass.
Did you return your progress report? That was an assignment also.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Next Project - First Step
This table is due by the end of class Wednesday, November 14th (new date).
Choose any topic that it appropriate for school. You will give this presentation to the class.
You get 10% bonus for choosing a topic related to technology, recycling or the environment.
First, create a table. It should have twenty-two rows and twenty-seven columns.
The columns should be labeled in the first row as follows:
column 1: (leave column 1 blank)
column 2: "Item"
columns 3-27: number consecutively from 1 to 25
Label the rows in the first column as follows:
row 1: (leave row 1 blank)
row 2-22: number consecutively from 1 to 21
In column 2, enter the information from below:
row 2: Name, Class Period, Date
row 3: Topic (what) - 1 title (less than 25 words)
row 4: Introduction - 1 sentence
row 5: Why is this important - 1 sentence
row 6: Who does it affect - 1 sentence
row 7: What is the most important theme or concept - 1 sentence
row 8: When did it start - 1 sentence
row 9:Where is it located (how to get to it) - 1 sentence
row 10: How did it get started?
row 11: Hook* - 1 sentence
row 12: Vocabulary One - 1 word and definition
row 13: Vocabulary Two - 1 word and definition
row 14: Vocabulary Three - 1 word and definition
row 15: Detail One - 1 sentence
row 16: Detail Two - 1 sentence
row 17: Detail Three - 1 sentence
row 18: Unknown fact** - 1 sentence
row 19: Conclusion - 1 sentence
row 20: Insight - 1 sentence
row 21: Bibliography - 3 website addresses
row 22: Contact - email and blog address
* Why we should be interested or why we should care?
**Some fact you don't think that most people would know.
The cells in columns 3-27 (the same ones that have 1-25 at the top) can contain only one word.
Word will automatically capitalize each word in each cell, you need to ask or figure out how to change the case.
When you start entering the information (not the labels) ENTER ONLY ONE WORD OR NUMBER IN EACH CELL.
An example is posted in the shared folder titled "Breakdown Example Picture."
Choose any topic that it appropriate for school. You will give this presentation to the class.
You get 10% bonus for choosing a topic related to technology, recycling or the environment.
First, create a table. It should have twenty-two rows and twenty-seven columns.
The columns should be labeled in the first row as follows:
column 1: (leave column 1 blank)
column 2: "Item"
columns 3-27: number consecutively from 1 to 25
Label the rows in the first column as follows:
row 1: (leave row 1 blank)
row 2-22: number consecutively from 1 to 21
In column 2, enter the information from below:
row 2: Name, Class Period, Date
row 3: Topic (what) - 1 title (less than 25 words)
row 4: Introduction - 1 sentence
row 5: Why is this important - 1 sentence
row 6: Who does it affect - 1 sentence
row 7: What is the most important theme or concept - 1 sentence
row 8: When did it start - 1 sentence
row 9:Where is it located (how to get to it) - 1 sentence
row 10: How did it get started?
row 11: Hook* - 1 sentence
row 12: Vocabulary One - 1 word and definition
row 13: Vocabulary Two - 1 word and definition
row 14: Vocabulary Three - 1 word and definition
row 15: Detail One - 1 sentence
row 16: Detail Two - 1 sentence
row 17: Detail Three - 1 sentence
row 18: Unknown fact** - 1 sentence
row 19: Conclusion - 1 sentence
row 20: Insight - 1 sentence
row 21: Bibliography - 3 website addresses
row 22: Contact - email and blog address
* Why we should be interested or why we should care?
**Some fact you don't think that most people would know.
The cells in columns 3-27 (the same ones that have 1-25 at the top) can contain only one word.
Word will automatically capitalize each word in each cell, you need to ask or figure out how to change the case.
When you start entering the information (not the labels) ENTER ONLY ONE WORD OR NUMBER IN EACH CELL.
An example is posted in the shared folder titled "Breakdown Example Picture."
Monday, November 5, 2007
Presentation Checklist
q Template designed and used on every slide
q Contrasting colors chosen
q No more than 25 words on any slide
q Sans-Serif font used
q No full sentences
q Legibility:
o Contrast
o Margins
o Font
o Size
o Placement
q Continuity
o Layout
o Colors
o Focal Point
o Balance
q Professional Appearance:
o No animation
o Slide transitions – one style maximum
o No Fill Effects (gradient, word art, fills)
o No more than one or two “features”
Structure: › Intro, › Hook, › Details, › Conclusion, › Insight
Nightmare Film Festival
The Nightmare Film Festival will be held November 17th and 18th at McCallum in the Theater!
16 films will be shown including Night of the Living Dead, Scared to Death, The Amazing Transparent Man, Teenagers from Outer Space, The Last Man on Earth, The Brain that Wouldn't Die, White Zombie and 9 more!
Two Day passes are being sold and are $20 for adults, and $12 for students ($24 and $15 at the door) in the main hall during the week before the festival.
Students in my classes can get 10 daily points for each blog review of each movie and 100 points for a signed ticket. The ticket is required to receive credit for the reviews.
16 films will be shown including Night of the Living Dead, Scared to Death, The Amazing Transparent Man, Teenagers from Outer Space, The Last Man on Earth, The Brain that Wouldn't Die, White Zombie and 9 more!
Two Day passes are being sold and are $20 for adults, and $12 for students ($24 and $15 at the door) in the main hall during the week before the festival.
Students in my classes can get 10 daily points for each blog review of each movie and 100 points for a signed ticket. The ticket is required to receive credit for the reviews.
Marines Presentation
On Wednesday, November 7th, the Sgt. Daniels of the Marine Corps will give a multimedia presentation about careers and technology in the Marines in room 153.
There will be three presentations:
during A lunch
during B lunch
and during 7th period
If you are interested in attending, please let me know if and be sure you have permission if you plan to attend during 7th period. I will limit the attendance to 60 students.
As a part of career exploration, if you attend one of the presentations the Marines will be giving Wednesday, and blog about it, you will receive credit for one daily grade (100 pts).
There will be three presentations:
during A lunch
during B lunch
and during 7th period
If you are interested in attending, please let me know if and be sure you have permission if you plan to attend during 7th period. I will limit the attendance to 60 students.
As a part of career exploration, if you attend one of the presentations the Marines will be giving Wednesday, and blog about it, you will receive credit for one daily grade (100 pts).
Friday, November 2, 2007
MAKE UP WEEK - NEXT WEEK
If you need to make up work, need help on your presentation or paper, or are assigned to attend morning tutorials you need to plan to attend morning tutorials next week from 8:00-8:50, Tuesday through Thursday.
You must attend if you receive a note from me or your progress report showed an average of less than 80.
You must also attend if you did not pass the first six weeks.
By attending and participating in these tutorials, you will raise your grade to passing.
You must attend if you receive a note from me or your progress report showed an average of less than 80.
You must also attend if you did not pass the first six weeks.
By attending and participating in these tutorials, you will raise your grade to passing.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Blog Entries
Your DAILY blog entry must contain:
1. something you learned in class
2. TEKS that apply to what you learned.
You CANNOT pass this six weeks without 30 blog entries which contain the two elements above.
You have just about TWO weeks to get these done.
No Exceptions.
1. something you learned in class
2. TEKS that apply to what you learned.
You CANNOT pass this six weeks without 30 blog entries which contain the two elements above.
You have just about TWO weeks to get these done.
No Exceptions.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
PROGRESS REPORTS
By the end of class on Thursday (11/1/07) you will receive a progress report with your current grade.
EVERYONE needs to take this home and have it signed and return it by Friday (11/2/07).
You will receive a pass fail daily grade, and this is required to pass the six weeks (as are ALL assignments).
EVERYONE needs to take this home and have it signed and return it by Friday (11/2/07).
You will receive a pass fail daily grade, and this is required to pass the six weeks (as are ALL assignments).
Presentations Due (Revised and Final)
Beginning tomorrow, November 1st, I will take volunteers to present to the class. If there are not five volunteers, I will choose students, so BE READY.
Friday, all day will be spent presenting, so do not expect to work during the first 40 minutes of class (the last ten minutes will be reserved for blogging and jobs).
If you are not ready to present, you will lose 20% from your grade after subtractions for problems with your presentation.
The rubric for this presentation will be the Presentation Checklist:
Friday, all day will be spent presenting, so do not expect to work during the first 40 minutes of class (the last ten minutes will be reserved for blogging and jobs).
If you are not ready to present, you will lose 20% from your grade after subtractions for problems with your presentation.
The rubric for this presentation will be the Presentation Checklist:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Bridge Builder Competition (optional assignment)
Over the next three weeks, we will hold a bridge building competition.
Using West Point Designer, you can enter a bridge in any of the categories below.
If you win, you get a 100 on your six weeks exam.
Each category can have one entry per person, per version (3.01, 4, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007). You must also specify if you are competing for Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints. Just added: Most Spectacular Failure, Best Truck Trap (truck must drive onto bridge before failure)
1. One Entry per person per category. If you enter more than one bridge in a category, you will be disqualified. This rule applies to everyone, no matter what, so be sure that you submit your bridge in the correct category and don't accidentally do it twice.
2. NO TEMPLATES ARE ALLOWED. BRIDGES WHICH HAVE TEMPLATES EMBEDDED WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
3. YOUR FULL NAME MUST ALSO BE EMBEDDED IN THE "DESIGNED BY" TAG which must be set from the initial options dialogue.
4. Bridges must be submitted by email and have the exact subject line of the category (copy and paste the category from below).
5. You must continue to turn in regular class work. If you do not turn in regular class work ON TIME, you will be disqualified.
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Single Span Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Single Span Truss (44 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Two-Span Truss (56 Meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Arch Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Arch Truss (40 meters)
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span Truss (44 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Two-Span Truss (48 Meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Arch Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Arch Truss (36 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span with Anchorages (48 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Two-Span with Anchorages (56 meters)
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2003
Standard Abutments, One Pier
Standard Abutments, No Pier
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 4 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 8 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 16 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 20 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 24 Meters
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2004-2006
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, Two Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, Two Cable Anchorages
Arch Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorages
Any deck elevation, arch height and pier height is acceptable, and all will compete within the category.
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2007
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, Two Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, Two Cable Anchorages
Arch Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorages
Any deck elevation, arch height, pier height, concrete strength and loading is acceptable, and all will compete within the category.
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
There are 31 categories, and 4 competitions within each category.
No local contest number is required.
Using West Point Designer, you can enter a bridge in any of the categories below.
If you win, you get a 100 on your six weeks exam.
Each category can have one entry per person, per version (3.01, 4, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007). You must also specify if you are competing for Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints. Just added: Most Spectacular Failure, Best Truck Trap (truck must drive onto bridge before failure)
1. One Entry per person per category. If you enter more than one bridge in a category, you will be disqualified. This rule applies to everyone, no matter what, so be sure that you submit your bridge in the correct category and don't accidentally do it twice.
2. NO TEMPLATES ARE ALLOWED. BRIDGES WHICH HAVE TEMPLATES EMBEDDED WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
3. YOUR FULL NAME MUST ALSO BE EMBEDDED IN THE "DESIGNED BY" TAG which must be set from the initial options dialogue.
4. Bridges must be submitted by email and have the exact subject line of the category (copy and paste the category from below).
5. You must continue to turn in regular class work. If you do not turn in regular class work ON TIME, you will be disqualified.
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Single Span Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Single Span Truss (44 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Two-Span Truss (56 Meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Arch Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 3.01 Arch Truss (40 meters)
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span Truss (44 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Two-Span Truss (48 Meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Arch Truss (24 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Arch Truss (36 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Single Span with Anchorages (48 meters)
West Point Bridge Designer 4.11 Two-Span with Anchorages (56 meters)
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2003
Standard Abutments, One Pier
Standard Abutments, No Pier
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 4 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 8 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 16 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 20 Meters
Arch Abutments, No Pier, Arch Height 24 Meters
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2004-2006
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, Two Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, Two Cable Anchorages
Arch Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorages
Any deck elevation, arch height and pier height is acceptable, and all will compete within the category.
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
West Point Bridge Designer 2007
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, No Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, One Pier, Two Cable Anchorage
Standard Abutments, No Pier, Two Cable Anchorages
Arch Abutments, No Pier, No Cable Anchorages
Any deck elevation, arch height, pier height, concrete strength and loading is acceptable, and all will compete within the category.
Select One: Aesthetic, Asymmetrical, Least Expensive or Least Number of Joints
There are 31 categories, and 4 competitions within each category.
No local contest number is required.
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