Class #5: Java

It was another interesting class. As we learned about Java and JavaScript (which I never knew were two different things!), I was thinking about how I could apply one or both to my final project. At the end of class, during our work time, I did some searching for something I could use. I found some neat ones that, unfortunately, just didn't fit my theme. For example, I saw one that recreated the Star Wars script at the beginning of the movie where the text scrolls back amid the stars. I thought that would be REALLY neat, but it would have totally clashed with my page! I found many other neat ones too, but nothing that really fit my page.

Last night, I finally decided to add a digital clock to the bottom of my page. I searched through several different ones to find one where I understood the directions on how to upload/apply the script. Some of them are really confusing! I finally found one, uploaded it, put the script into my html, and it worked! There was only one problem... I didn't like the digits. They were difficult to read (the contrast wasn't very good), and I didn't like the style. I looked at the rubric for the final project and noticed it said we should "modify" an existing JavaScript. So... I searched on the Internet for some FREE digit graphics that I did like. I found some and managed to successfully modify the existing code so it used the new digits I found instead of the ones that came with the script! It does give me a great feeling of accomplishment when something actually works the way I want!

Now I need to add some more pages to my final project...

Class #4: CSS

Well, another class... another new concept! CSS is very interesting. I think it is really neat that you can set up a style sheet and then have a consistent look to all the pages you create. I am going to try working on one today or tomorrow for the pages I am creating for my final project. I am intrigued by some of the examples shown in class, especially some of the ideas on Eric Meyer's website.

I'm glad the midterm is behind us! I haven't taken a test since college, and I was a little nervous when I saw the syllabus. It was really nice, however, that we knew exactly what we had to do.

Time to go explore some of those CSS sites...

Class #3

My husband, the computer programmer, is now referring to me as a "geek." The worst part is that he sounds very pleased when he says it.

I have to admit, I am enjoying the HTML a lot more than I thought I would. I find myself searching the Internet for ways to add little elements to my pages. It is interesting to see how it all works and fun to make it happen. Will I continue to do this once the class is done? I don't really know. Right now I have to make time for it because it is homework, but once the next class starts and I have a new focus, who knows. If nothing else, I will now be able to understand it if I see it. It also gives me an appreciation for all the work that goes into maintaining a good website.

I really enjoy the work time in class. That portion of the class always goes by very quickly. It is also really helpful to have the time, with the teacher there, to try out some of the new things we are learning.

Class #2: More HTML

The lecture portion of the class was a little long. It was difficult to sit and listen for such a long stretch after working all day. That being said, I did learn some of the things I wondered about while working on my homework last week. I wondered how I could move the text away from the pictures, for example, and now I can do it!

Strangely enough, I am enjoying HTML. The last hour of the class flew by while we were playing with the new information. I couldn't believe it when I noticed it was time to leave. I really enjoy trying out the new commands, and then seeing that they actually worked! I actually had fun last week creating the pages and looking on the internet to find out how to do what I wanted to do.

I have been thinking about the final project, and I was thinking about creating a class web yearbook. I started something like it while playing over the weekend, and I think it might be neat. I could include pages for different events that took place during the year, and I could have the students help with the text. I could include their memories of the events. I am not completely clear about the requirements so I am not sure if this is a good idea for the project, but it does sound like fun. I think my class would really like it too!

HTML... Yikes!

I was a little nervous coming into this class because I didn't know much about programming. The programming classes I took in both high school and college were in languages that don't even exist today - according to my husband, the programmer! I have looked at the html when embedding videos and the podcast, but it really looked like jibberish to me!

I am feeling a little better after the first class. It was interesting to see how it works, and I am looking forward to playing with that first website a little more. I want to see if I can figure out how to add color, pictures, etc to it.

I am a little apprehensive about the group project (assignment #3) because to be perfectly honest, I don't even know what a CMS System is! It might be that it will be something I understand once we start to look at the material, but right now I don't have a clue!

Week 5: Project Idea

I have recently started creating children’s digital storybooks based on a math concept with my seventh graders. This project incorporates higher levels of thinking because students really have to understand the math concepts in order to apply it to a story situation and explain it in the story’s context (synthesis).

After I read several children’s math books to the students, they broke into pairs. They chose a math concept and created a story to teach the concept to younger students. After creating the story, they broke the story into pages and created illustrations for each page. They then scanned the illustrations into Keynote and arranged them into the correct order and added transitions. They are currently in the process of adding the voiceovers to tell the story and create the timing for the presentations.

This project requires the students to organize, plan, and compose their story. They have to demonstrate an understanding the their chosen math concept in order to explain it to their readers. They also have to adapt their story to match the age group for which it is meant. In addition, they are improving their technology skills by learning to scan pictures and create presentations using voiceovers.

This seems to be a very motivating project. The kids are really excited about it, and they are really looking forward to sharing their “books” with the younger students in our school!

My First Podcast

Well, I planned to use Podomatic, but I couldn't get the recording to work so I went to Gcast and here is my first attempt:



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