January 25, 2008

Parts of the Computer:

• Computer parts (JR)

Check the Connection Speed of your computer:

• Speed Test: click the Start button.

How the Internet works:

• Peter Packet
  

January 11

Assignment: Click Here to create your computer

December 21

Today we will begin working on our scripts using a Wiki - see link to our class Wiki in the Links List.

Today's Podcasts:

• Steinhart Aquarium Audio Tours
• National Geographic Wild Chronicles

Homework:

• Finish script by next class (January 11, 2008)
  

December 14

Proposals need to be finished by next week! Please break it into sections (with a section title):

• Description
• Outline (in bullet form); for example:
• Intro segment with music and title (20 sec)
• Narrator introduces topic (20 sec)
• Report live from marshmallow eating contest (45 sec)
• Narrator interviews man who ate 1000 marshmallows (1 min)
• Report live from marshmallow factory (sound of explosion in background) (30 sec)
• Conclusion (Narrator) (15 sec)
• Conclusion segment with music and credits (20 sec)
• Multimedia: list the different voices, sound effects, types of images, etc.
• Interest to Others: how will you make the topic of universal appeal? what themes will you bring up?

Comments by Group:

1. (Manza, Renso, Emmit): Need Proposal. I gave you an extension because of the podcast that you brought in, but you need to give me a topic by today's class and a complete proposal by next (you are already at -20% for not bringing it in last class)
   
2. (Aubrey, Marely, Phoebe): Need Proposal. I gave you an extension because I split your group, but you need to give me a topic by today's class and a complete proposal by next (you are already at -20% for not having something on the first day that it was due).
3. (Elizabeth, Austin): Good start. Please add in an outline and the other sections as I explained above.
4. (Zach, Mark, Patrick): You need to flesh out the proposal. Create a description, outline, etc. as I explained above.
   
5. (Liam, Nick): Need Proposal. I gave you an extension because I split your group, but you need to give me a topic by today's class and a complete proposal by next (you are already at -20% for not having something on the first day that it was due).
6. (Dora, Kelsey): Please update your proposal to the format that I explained above. Also work on how to make your podcast idea interesting to a broader audience.
   
7. (Julia, Julia): Need an outline in your proposal (and sub titles so that I know which part is which). Need more info on the multimedia section.

Today's Podcasts:

• To the Best of Our Knowledge: scroll down to Sunday 9/2/2007 1:00 PM
• 60 Second Science
  

December 7

Today we will talk about Online Research and then break into groups to work on your research and proposals.

Use the Research Page that I created on the Hillcrest Links site as your research start point.

Types of Search Engines:

• Clusters: Use to help you define a topic
• Directories: Get info on a specific topic (once you know it)
  
• Keyword / Boolean: Use to find specific information or answer specific question
  

November 30

Today we are going to begin talking about Internet Research (see link to list of search engines in the sidebar). If we have time, at the end of class you will get some time to begin research for your podcast.

Podcast Steps

1. Proposal
2. Research
3. Storyboard
4. Edit/Review
5. Get/Make Audio
1. Record voiceover
2. Find music, sounds, interviews, etc.
6. Make Podcast
7. Process/Upload

Homework

• Group that handed in Proposal: Refine it per our conversation
• Groups that did not hand in Proposal: MUST hand in by next class
  

November 16

Class Assignment

• Click on the Comments link for this entry.
• Choose "Other" under Choose an Identity and enter in your first name.
• Tell me which podcast you listened to.
  
• Type 2 paragraphs in the Comment field: what did you like and what did you not like about the podcast? Be as specific as possible.

Steinhart Aquarium - Audio Exhibit Tours

Homework

• Split into groups of 3.
  
• Decide on a topic. It can be either:
• Redo one of the Steinhart Aquarium audio tours
• Choose a topic of your own - something that you know something about and can teach a "general audience" about.
• Write a 1-2 page proposal that includes:
• Topic title
• Group members
• Description: Explain what your topic will be about. Use specifics to clarify exactly how you will approach it.
  
• Outline: Break your topic down into sub-topics, each with a brief description and how long it will last.
• How will you make your podcast interesting to your average listener?
• How will you use multi-media (images, sounds, music, interviews, etc.) to enhance your podcast?
• Submit the proposal in Word (or .pdf) to my E-mail account (on the right under Contact:) before class on the 30th.
  
  

November 9

WELCOME!

Welcome to the first class - this is your class Blog. I will be using it to post class notes, links and homework. It is also a place for you to post comments or respond to questions.

Comments: NEVER place any personal information (like last names, age, date of birth, etc.) in your comments!!

Homework

• Please fill out the following survey on computers.
• Go to the Apple Learning Interchange website and subscribe to one of the podcasts listed. If you do not have iTunes on a computer at home, or another program for listening to podcasts, do it with a friend, or ask your teacher for permission to use the computer lab.