Thursday, September 26, 2013

Investigate - Prezi Tutorial

http://ad-tech.blogs.imediaconnection.com/files/2011/03/prezi-logo.jpg
Year 8 - it's time to explore Prezi.  You will have to open an account with Prezi (prezi.com) .  I suggest you do that first.

Then do the tutorial to get a feel for what Prezi can do.

Remember that you will have to generate 3 designs and actually create your Prezi based on this research;-)

http://prezi.com/learn

IB Learner Profile: Inquirer

Learning Objective: The student will complete a tutorial and become proficient using a productivity tool.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Investigate - 3. Formulate a Design Specification

http://www.technologystudent.com/images4/specy3.jpg


Based on your research you should have a good idea about what makes a successful Prezi presentation.

The IBO says that the design specification is "A detailed description of the conditions, requirements and restrictions with which a design must comply. This is a precise and accurate list of facts such as conditions, dimensions, materials, process and methods that are important for the designer and for the user. All appropriate solutions will need to comply with the design specification."

Include a detailed list of 5 specifications.

Then create a test that will help you evaluate your product/solution in Criterion E - Evaluate.

________________________________________________________________________________
Let's brainstorm some possible design specifications . . .


3.  Formulate a Design Specification

My Prezi must possess the following characteristics:

1.       Correct spelling   This is a good design specification because. . .
2.    
3.    
4.    
5.    

To test my Prezi I will create a questionnaire. On a scale of 1-5 (1=awful, 5=awesome) I will ask the following questions:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Investigate due date  September 30 at the beginning of class.

IB Learner Profile: Thinker

Learning Objectives: The student will list, with little guidance, the specific requirements that must be met by the product/solution and design, with limited guidance, tests to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification. The student will design, with guidance, tests to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Investigate - 2. Develop A Design Brief

FINISH  ON/BEFORE  SEPTEMBER 22

To learn more about Prezi click here

Year 8, each one of you has completed the Identify the Problem.  Yoohoo!  You did a good job.  Now, let's move on.

Remember that at the beginning of each class we get together and discuss what the goals and objectives of the daily assignment is.  I explain exactly what is expected of you.  If you don't understand the assignment, raise your hand and I will be happy to offer you further information.

2.  Develop a Design Brief

Introduce this section by writing a small sentence explaining that this is the section of the Investigate in which you will do research (ask and answer questions) that will help you solve your unit problem. (for example: The following research questions will give me enough knowledge to solve my unit question.)

Then, research the following questions:
1.  What is Prezi? (Include a definition using your own words.)
2.  Look at 2 Prezi's to get ideas and information to help you make a creative presentation.
      https://sites.google.com/site/prezilinks/home/prezi-examlpes

  • Include printscreen of Prezi
  • Describe what the presentation is about
  • Do you like it?  Why or why not?
  • Did you get any ideas that you would like to use in your Prezi
3.  Gather information on your topic to put on your Prezi to share with others.
Use in-text referencing and include images to support your work.

IB Learner Profile - Inquirer

Learning objectives: The student will identify websites as possible sources of information, learn how to reference sources.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Investigate - 1. Identify the Problem

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/images/Vista/network_identify_problem.jpg
The Investigate (Criterion A) consists of 3 tasks:
1.  Identify the problem,
2. Develop a design brief,
3. Formulate a design specification.

The "Identify the Problem" is the introduction to our project.  It consists of two paragraphs.

Paragraph one must contain the following: it must state the CT problem that we are trying to solve, it must discuss "relevance" (why we are doing this project), the solution, and it must say who our audience (customer) is.

Paragraph two must say what our area of interaction is and state how your project connects to that area of interaction.

You may follow the Investigate Template which is located here.


Learning Objectives - The student will: consider the importance of the problem within a wider context and outline a simple design brief.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Prezi

Year 8,


Wow!  We are starting a new unit of work today. 

The guiding question is: How can I help change the world? Our Area of Interaction is:  Environments.  We will try to answer the question:  How can technology influence the environment?    Prezi is the tool we will use to create is a dynamic presentation to raise awareness about an environment issue.

But before we go any further let's look at the videos.

Global Warming


Biodiversity and ecosystem losses - extinction of species


Deforestation


Water Shortages


Ocean Pollution


Now, I would like to you do research and choose a topic that you would like to educate others about.

Here are 2 links to get you started:
http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/
http://www.globalissues.org/

Some companies are very worried about the environment too and have started their own campaign.  Haagen Dazs is one such company.  Check out this link which helps us learn about the plight of the honey bee: http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/ 


Year 8, we are now ready to begin documenting our project.

Let's open a Word document.
Put your name in the upper left hand corner, include your tutor group.
On the next line type the word INVESTIGATE (all caps, bold) and centre it.
On the next line type 1. Identify the Problem (bold).

Now I would like you to create a Design Brief. The Design Brief is a statement of what you are going to make, why you are going to make it, and for whom you are going to make it. This is the introduction to your project.  For more guidance CLICK  HERE.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Welcome

http://stand.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_post/public/Illinois/back_to_school_banner.jpg
Year 8, welcome to Computer Technology.

My name is Ms. Dietrich and I will be your facilitator this year.

We will work on 3 fun and exciting projects this year.  In Term 1 we will use an online web tool to create dynamic presentations. In Term 2 we will create digital stories and in Term 3 your will use Trimble SketchUp to design and create a 3D model of a medieval castle.

Today, we will take a look at the class blog and discuss class rules that will aid our learning.  Finally, we will discuss the Design Cycle and how it is used to solve problems.

Year 8, let's have a great year together!