home

media type="custom" key="10402274" ** Computer Technology ** Mr Mulkey's Computer Science Blog Computer Basics : [|gcfLearnFree Tutorials] Reference pages : Scratch Tutorials Scratch Reference Manual Scratch Video Tutorials


 * Last Day of Class - 20 June 2012 **

If you haven't finished your pictures for the bulletin board (below), please do it today.

If you have finished, you should **EXPLORE** the V: drive. You probably need to log in to your Windows account to do this. You might find something interesting there.
 * Hint: PizzaDude and PikaBall are highly recommended.**


 * Last Assignment - Decorate 276 - 14-20 June 2012 **

Here is a web-site with lots of programs/services that make funny pictures: []

You can start with a picture of yourself. If you prefer, use a picture from Google images.
 * ==You may NOT do a picture of SOMEONE ELSE in the school.==

Use one of these services, or a different service if you wish, to make a funny photo. It doesn't need to be a face photo - do any image you wish. But it should be interesting and must NOT be offensive.

Make something interesting that we can PRINT and post on the BULLETIN BOARD in 276. Use the 277-Color printer. Write your name on the printed picture before posting it. The goal is not to make as many pictures as possible, but rather to make one or two really interesting pictures.


 * Writing More Instructions - 1-14 June 2012 **

Scenario**:**
 * Another student says: "I want to share a bunch of photos with friends.**
 * What is the best way to do this?"**


 * Choosing Software**


 * Choosing** the right software is an important issue. Unfortunately, many people do this backward. They choose some software and then ask "What can I do with this?" It's better to ask "What do I want to do?", and then choose the software that will fulfill that need. For example:
 * **Task :** I want to share some photos with friends and family

> or any technical issues that I should consider? || Sometimes these are connected, for example: > that you have reduced the size of each photo > to below 5 MegaBytes before uploading the photos. This is an instruction: "reduce the size of each photo" connected to a technical issue: "large photos cannot be saved on Weebly."
 * Tools :**
 * What tools can I use to accomplish this?
 * What steps do I need to follow in order to succeed?
 * Are there any problems that I need to avoid,
 * Instructions** are supposed to help you through the last 2 questions.
 * if you are using Weebly, you need to make sure

You are going to be investigating some software and writing instructions (including technical details). You may choose a task that interests you, or choose a task from the following list. There is only one restriction:

> or registration fees for a web service
 * your solution must be FREE - not software license fees

You may assume that the user has a PC or a MacBook and an Internet connection available. If there are any special hardware needs, like you need a digital camera, please make those clear and explicit. But you are not permited to use commercial software that costs money (except for the operating system that is already installed). The ban on commercial software includes MS Office and iLife.

You may wish to start with the following list of Web 2.0 tools, http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/ but you can use other tools that you have found yourself.

Whatever you investigate, you must provide **two solutions** for each task. If you are a big fan of Flickr for photo-sharing, that's fine and you can write some instructions for that. However, you must also find an **alternative** solution for the same task.

When you are finished, you will have: > **including common technical problems and issues**
 * **A clear TASK statement**
 * **The name (and location) of the tool**
 * **Step-by-step instructions for accomplishing the task,**

For each task, you will have that information for **two different tools.**

Finally, you will write a comparison of the two tools, explaining which tools is easier, which is more effective, and which has fewer technical issues.

Here are some suggestions, but you may create your own tasks:

multiple authors (collaboration) || Wikispaces || Weebly || Your tasks must involve **producing** something. Pure entertainment tasks, where you sit around being entertained, are not permitted. Nor is anything illegal permitted. So do NOT study:
 * **//Task//** || //**One tool**// || //**Another tool**// ||
 * Type an essay || Google Docs || Open Office (or Libre Office) ||
 * Make a poster || Paint.net || some online service ||
 * Create a 3D scene || Google Sketchup || ??? ||
 * Build a Wiki with
 * how to download videos
 * how to copy protected music files
 * how to find web radio stations

You have until **Thursday 14 June** to finish this task. A good solution would include:
 * sample results (e.g. some photos shared on a web-site)
 * training videos (you may use existing YouTube videos)

To get a grade 7, you must complete 2 tasks, each with 2 pieces of software, or you have done one task in great depth. Your instructions must be clear and complete and understandable.


 * Writing Instructions - 30-31 May 2012 **

Yesterday you were writing notes about problems you encountered while using SmartMorph. The goal of such notes is:
 * to be **clearly** aware of problem areas
 * to identify **solutions** to problems
 * eventually to give **complete** and **clear instructions** to another user

Such instructions would include answers to the following questions (and many more):
 * When it asks "add corner points" should I say YES or NO?
 * What should you do to make the morph "smoother"?
 * Which **codec** is best when exporting the animation to a video file?
 * What program can be used to join 2 or more morph videos together?

Now finish the task you started yesterday: > a 3-picture morph like the following (you can hopefully make a better one): > http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/graphics/morphing/movie.mp4
 * make one morph an save it as a video
 * make a second morph that starts with the ending picture from the first morph
 * find a video utility that will join the two videos together, making


 * Morphing and Computer Problems - 29 May 2012 **

Watch this YouTube video from an advertisement that uses MORPHING effects:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5iKr6sYLs

That one is beyond our abilities, because the morph effects happen between two video clips. The following example uses photographs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZurRt0TidI We can do that.

Our goal is to make a similar video using morphing effects. You will (probably) encounter a variety of problems during this small project. You must **keep a record** of all the problems you encountered. That is equally important as the actual video product. USE PAPER to write notes of the entire experience.

The teacher will show you how to install and use SmartMorph - you can also read these notes: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/graphics/morphing/index.html


 * Adventure Game - 21-25 May 2012 **

Your adventure game is **due on Friday 25 May.** Continue working on it during classes this week.


 * Work on Adventure Game - 11 May 2012 **

Continue working on your adventure game today.

Your Adventure Game is **DUE ON FRIDAY 25 MAY.** The goal is for it to be **interesting** and **playable.** That implies that it should be interactive - meaning that it should have buttons to click and puzzles to solve. To get a top grade it must include:
 * graphics
 * videos
 * JavaScript Buttons

The game should probably have at least 15 "places" (pages), probably more for it to be really interesting. Over 30 pages is probably way too many.


 * Hiding Buttons - 11 May 2012 **

Here is another sample page - this one can hide buttons and make them reappear: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/adventure/HideButtons.html


 * Start Your Adventure Game - 9-10 May 2012 **

Here is an example of how you can make an interesting, interactive page for your game: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/adventure/FacultyLounge.html


 * Writing JavaScript - 7 May 2012 **

Here is a sample page that shows how to structure HTML + JavaScript to make dynamic web-pages: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/test.html

You should try to use the DESIGN PATTERN shown in the HTML code in the page above.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =Our Goal - an Adventure Game like the following: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/adventure2009/index.html This example game is short and simple. Your game should be longerand more interesting. Do NOT copy the CODE from this sample game -it is the "old fashion" HTML style. You want to use the MODERN style, so your game will work in all browser and continue to work in the future.


 * W3C and More JavaScript - 7 May 2012 **

Start at the beginning of this JavaScript Tutorial.

http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_intro.asp

Read all the pages - you will learn some history that might be useful at some point. Each time you encounter a [Try It Yourself] example, you should use the online editor and try making at least 3 changes. These changes are "experiments" (or investigations). You should write your changes and the results in a notebook.

Do as much as you can in one period - probably 3 or 4 lessons.


 * Finish Review Notes - 3-4 May 2012 **

Time to finish up our REVIEW NOTES project, like this:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/index.html


 * Buttons Test - 2 May 2012 **

If you finish the test early, try playing a logic puzzle - it's good for your brain: http://www.mathsisfun.com/games/puzzle-games.html
 * Recommended - CleanUp, Orbox , WordSearch , Dstar**


 * Better Buttons - 30 Apr 2012 **

Download this: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/NewButtons.html

This page uses improved Buttons. These are different that the ones made in previous pages. To make these new Buttons, you need to type HTML code directly. The teacher will explain how to do this.


 * Review Notes - 24-27 Apr 2012 **

Quizzes are good practice, but sometimes you just need to remember what you learned. If you can't remember, then what?

We can create **review notes**, in small pieces like **index cards.** It's useful to keep these relatively small, rather than a whole sheet of paper. Then we can make BUTTONS to display various review notes, similar to the following pages:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/math.html

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/flashMath2.html

Notice that the second link is a single review note. You should make some notes like that page. We will make the big collection page (first link above) later.

Each review note should contain a **TITLE**, an **IMAGE**, and some **NOTES.** Start out with a page where the notes are presented in a FLASH Animation. Use Mandomartis to make the FLASH Animation. Copy the .SWF file into the same folder with your web-page, and copy and paste the OBJECT code into the HTML (source) part of your page.


 * Practice - Make several REVIEW NOTES [|like this one.]**
 * If you finish one REVIEW NOTE, make another... and another ....**
 * These can be about any school subject - you need not do math.**

Make sure you are **COLLECTING** all your quizzes and notes in a folder. Eventually we will collect ALL the quizzes and notes from ALL the students. We will start that process on Friday or Monday. We will have a test next Wednesday. You will need to create a couple web-pages, using Buttons and JavaScript and the other techniques you have learned in the past couple weeks. ||
 * *** * * * * * * * Test Announcement - Wed 2 May** * * * * * * * *


 * HTML with Style - 23-24 Apr 2012 **

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/hideandcolor.html


 * Interactive Quiz Pages - 19 Apr 2012 **

Make more questions. Every new question is a new web-page. Save them all in the same folder. They don't need to be about countries, but they need to be some sort of educational review questions. They can be math or science or German or history or questions from any other subject - but not "popular" questions like rockbands or TV questions. Keep them all about the same size - 400 pixels wide. And they should be similar style - each one contains a title, a picture, a question, and buttons for the answers. The goal is to become FAST AND EFFICIENT in producing the questions. You should be able to produce at least 5 questions in 50 minutes.

Next week we will learn more interesting techniques, like making more attractive Buttons, using roll-over effects, incorporating Flash animations, various other **multimedia** techniques.


 * Interactive Quiz Pages - 18 Apr 2012 **

Read these notes about making an interactive quiz: []

Automating Web Pages with JavaScript - 16-17 Apr 2012
Read these notes and do the practice exercises: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/239179/comptech/webpages/review/buttons.html

Assembling Web Pages with Flash - 29-30 Mar 2012
We can assemble web-pages containing lots of Flash applets. Mandomartis makes a sample page when you publish your applet. Now we must take the code from that page and copy into our own web-page. The teacher will demonstrate how to do this.

http://www.chicagonow.com/media-tech-connection/2011/11/adobe-flash-edge-and-how-future-transition-to-html5-for-mobile-impacts-creative-agencies-and-rich-media/
 * The (not) Future of Adobe Flash**

Explore Flash Generator - 27-28 Mar 2012

 * Mandromartis Flash Generator**

Turn in Alice Story - 26 Mar 2012

 * 1. Turn in your Alice Story**

You must download the program and install it. It runs on a Mac and Windows, but there is no Ubuntu Linux version.
 * 2. Investigate the Mandromartis Flash Generator**

Your goal is to investigate the Flash Generator and find out how to use all the features. Concentrate on the MESSAGE tools, like those shown in this example Daily Bulletin page: [|Flash Applets with titles]. For example, make sure you can answer the following;


 * How can you choose a specific style of applet?
 * How do you change the text in the message?
 * How can you change colors of background and text?
 * Can you put a picture in the background?
 * After creating an applet, how can you put it into a web-page?
 * Any other features you can find

Spend 2 classes investigating this application. On the 3rd class day we will discuss what you found out.

Alice Story Project Due Mon 26 Mar
Reminder - your Alice Story project is **due on Monday 26 March**
 * at the beginning of class.**

Be sure to include lots of text (SAY or THINK commands) so it's easy for the viewer to understand the story.

Continue Alice Story - 15-16 Mar 2012
You have one more week to complete your Alice story - it is **due on Monday 26 March.**

Alice Billboards and Pictures - 15-16 Mar 2012
Billboards and Pictures in Alice

Alice Story Project - 12-13 Mar 2012

 * Project Due on 26 March : Historical Story Project**


 * Homework - think of a topic for your story.**

You may find the following ideas useful.
 * **Moving Together**
 * **Downloading Objects**

Alice Events - 9 Mar 2012
Read these notes: **Using Events**

Then do Tutorial #3 (Penguins) - really, do all the steps. You will learn a lot. Then do the further practice questions.

Alice Methods - 8 Mar 2012
Methods with the Bunny and the Phone

Alice - Make Your Own World - 7 Mar 2012
Read the following and do the practice listed at the end. []

Alice 3D Animation Programming - 5-6 Mar 2012
By popular demand, we will do some more programming. ALICE is a programming system for 3D animations. You probably want to use Windows for this work.

You will need to install Alice. In Windows, you can COPY the **Alice** folder from the V: drive V:\Mulkey Dave\Shortcuts329\Graphics Programming\ and store the program on the D: (that's fast). No "installation" required.

For Mac users, you will need to download the application from [] (slow)

Alice is supposed to run in Linux, but it will take a long time to download it and even longer to install all the correct Java and OpenGL support. It's a lot better idea to use Windows for running Alice.

Read this brief introduction and do the exercises listed.

Collecting Your Math Pages - 24 Feb 2012
Today you should collect all the technical (math) word-processing pages that you typed and link them to your Wix ePortfolio. It's best to make a **new page** in Wix, call it "Math Pages", and put several links on it. You should have done all the following:

Drawing the classroom from [|lab276] Test tubes and beaker diagram from the Equation Editor. Two math problems from [|Practice Drawing Math Diagrams with Equations] Math Puzzles from [] Math patterns from [] Anything other technical document you drew or typed

Please ensure that it is **easy** to find these links - e.g. organize your ePortfolio clearly.

More Math Pages - 20-22 Feb 2012
After finishing your **math puzzles page,** you should **print it** and turn it in to the teacher. Then read this document and practice drawing as indicated: []

In the test, you must use a word-processor to create a technical (math) page. You may use whichever word-processor you wish - MS Word or Open Office - but you must draw the required drawing correctly, as well as correctly writing any math formulas required.
 * Test on Thu 23 Feb**

Math Pages - 16-17 Feb 2012
Plan on a **TEST** on **Thu 23 Feb.** It will be a test on using a Word-processor to write technical documents. No, you will not be "doing" mathematics, but rather typing it.
 * Test Announcement**

Here is a simple **algorithm** for creating **math puzzles** (can also be used for other subjects.) []
 * Math Puzzles**

We will be creating some puzzles (math and otherwise) that we will publish in a variety of ways. We will start by learning to use **Open Office** to type a page like the one shown above. The teacher will briefly introduce Open Office and show where some key tools are found.

Math Pages - 15 Feb 2012
Turn in your **math problems** (at least 2) by doing the following: > If you don't know how to connect to the printer, have someone help you (teacher or another student)
 * send an e-mail to Dave_Mulkey@fis.edu with your Word Document as an attachment
 * **print** your page(s) on our **monochrome printer** called **277** and give the a paper copy to the teacher

We are going to make some **math puzzles.** One possibility is a **jig-saw puzzle,** like this one: [|http://ibcomp.fis.edu/graphics/DHTMLpages/JH-ZY/Albert_Einstein.exe] Today is an **investigation** day.
 * Math Puzzles**
 * 1) Try to find out how it is possible (and hopefully easy) to create a jig-saw puzzle
 * 2) Search the Web for interesting by understandable math puzzles
 * 3) Keep a list of **useful web links** so that they will be accessible next class.

Before next class (today or tomorrow) send an eMail to the teacher with a suggestion of a type of puzzle that you might like to make, preferably with a web-link that contains and example.
 * Homework**

Drawing Math Diagrams and Equations - 10-14 Feb 2012
The following notes contain several sample math problems. [|Practice Drawing Math Diagrams with Equations]

Use MS Word to draw type exact copies of 2 of the problems above (not including the drawings at the top of the second page).

Important tips for writing MATH in a Word-processor: (1) Drawings are made in PIECES, using CLEVER ideas with lots of COPY and PASTE

(2) Put TEXT into TEXT-BOXES

(3) Use EQUATION EDITOR for equations – e.g. almost all text - and put the EQUATIONS into TEXT BOXES

(4) Keep your eyes open, looking for helpful tools

Drawing the Classroom - 8-9 Feb 2012
Use MS Word to draw a diagram of the desks, PCs, chairs and doors of our classroom. Show the teacher your diagram when it is finished.

Turn in Your Scratch Game - 6-7 Feb 2012

 * Turn in Your Scratch Game**

Scratch programs are stored in a single file with an **.sb** extension. You need to upload your Scratch game to Dropbox. Then place a link in your Wix ePortfolio.

After placing the link in your Wix page, you need to use a DIFFERENT computer and check that :
 * the link works
 * your Scratch program runs successfully on the other computer
 * ask a friend to check that the link on your Wix site is easy to find

If you have trouble making this work, get some help form the teacher.

We are finished with Scratch for now. We may do some more programming in the future. But for now, on to something else.

High school students need to use word-processors to do lots of essay writing. Sometimes they also need to write **mathematics** or **science** in a word-processor to make a **formal presentation.** Microsoft Word and Open Office both contain two useful tools for writing math and science: We will look at how to use the MS Word tools. If you wish, you can use Open Office, but you will need to make the appropriate modifications**.**
 * Technical Writing Tools**
 * drawing tools
 * equation editor

Start by reading this document.
 * HOMEWORK**

Learn More About Scratch - 27 Jan 2012
You might learn faster if you learn from someone else. For example: - Try watching some videos at : [] (click on Video Courses) - Insert some of the "scripted" Sprites - they say [Scripts] next to the name Watch what the Sprite does, read the commands, and try to use the same ideas. - Read a book at : []
 * Learning More About Scratch**

Variables in the Scratch Game - 23 Jan 2012
How to use variables in Scratch

Multi-level Scratch Game - 23 Jan 2012
Multi-level Scratch Game

Starting Scratch - 17 Jan 2012

 * First Scratch Program**

Starting Scratch - 16 Jan 2012
Finish your presentation. Make sure your name appears somewhere in the presentation. Then upload the file to Dropbox and place a link on your Wix ePortfolio.
 * Finish your Presentation**

We will be writing programs in Scratch, a programming language for young students created by MIT. Scratch provides hosting for student projects on their site at [].
 * Starting Scratch**

Today, do the following: - go to @http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Scratch_1.4_Download, download the software and install it. - look at some of the projects available on the Scratch web-site. - make an account for yourself - find an interesting project and download it by clicking in the top-right corner to "download the project and open it in Scratch".

Animating Presentations - 9 Jan 2012
Sample Math Problem Presentation (requires Open Office Impress)

Sample Train Trip Presentation (requires PowerPoint)

Notes about Animating Presentations

Finishing Your Videos - 12-13 Dec 2011
Read these notes about finishing and submitting your videos.

If you need more time to finish your video, you may work on it during class. However, we are starting something new, so you will need to catch up on that work sometime.


 * Investigating PowerPoint**

Read these notes about [|interesting things you can do in PowerPoint.]

Find out how to: > It might look something like this (this is a PDF version)
 * Insert Clip Art
 * "Take apart" a clip-art picture
 * Make a puzzle out of clip-art pieces
 * Make a series of PowerPoint slides that show the clip-art "reassembling" itself

If you want more clip-art images to choose from, try downloading from Microsoft. Be sure to choose "illustrations" - these are .WMF files. That stands for Windows Meta File - Microsofts format for vector graphics images.

@http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

**Short Videos Assignment for 28 Nov - 12 Dec 2011**
Here is one finished sample - not particularly good, might get a grade 4. [|Here is a different version] - not better, but maybe it loads faster.

Sound Effects - 28 Nov 2011

 * Sound Effects**

You can download free sound effects from : @http://www.mediacollege.com/downloads/sound-effects/ or from here : @http://www.stonewashed.net/sfx.html or any other site you can find.


 * Sound Editor**

You may need to shorten, lengthen or trim som of the sound-effect files. A good tool for **sound editing** is **Audacity.** It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. You can download it from: []

The teacher will demonstrate how to use Audacity. The main thing to know is how to save the resulting files. That can be loaded into most any video editor.
 * .WAV** is probably the simplest format.

Video Editor - 22-23 Nov 2011
Eventually you will be creating short videos composed of very short video clips combined with sound effects - for example this one: Sound Effects and Action


 * Video Editing**

You can use the **video capture program** that you used yesterday to cut out short clips of YouTube videos. But you will also need a **video editing program** to paste the clips together, as well as adding sound effects. Here are some video editors that will work:


 * Linux : OpenShot** (Ubuntu Software Center)


 * Windows : Movie Maker** (free download from MIcrosoft)


 * Mac : iMovie** (if you have it)

The teacher will give you a brief demonstration of how to use OpenShot. Other video editors are similar.


 * Monday** - editing sound with **Audacity**

Video Capture - 21 Nov 2011
Use a **video capture program** to cut out pieces of YouTube videos (or other videos). Save the pieces in a folder - we will be adding sound and pasting the pieces together in the next few days. We will be adding sound afterward, so it does not matter whether you record the soundtrack of the video or not.

The following programs are recommended for video capture:

Ubuntu - Desktop Recorder (install from Ubuntu Software Center)

Windows - Jing or CamStudio

Mac - Jing (or anything else that works)

You may use any other software, as long as it can cut out pieces of a YouTube video.

Printing and Security Problems - 15 Nov 2011
Remember: the **TEST on FRIDAY 18 Nov** will be **open notes** - that means you may use any notes that YOU HAVE WRITTEN. You may not use print-outs or photocopy of someone else's notes or web-pages.

Try HouseCall: @http://de.trendmicro.com/de/products/personal/free-tools-and-services/

We will study these pages to start a discussion of printing, errors, malware, security and backups.

@http://www.malwarecity.com/blog/twofer-malware-rogue-internet-explorer-plugin-infects-firefox-1151.html

@http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/are_your_web_browser_plugins_safe_this_page_tells_you.php

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZmlA50mSM (these suggestions also make sense for PCs)

@http://macmost.com/how-to-protect-your-mac-from-malware.html

http://macmost.com/do-macs-need-antivirus.html

> Name 5 **common** problems/errors that can go wrong when printing a web-page. > For each problem, suggest a sensible solution (don't say "don't bother printing"). > Identify one type of **malware** that a virus scanner might not prevent. > Describe two problems associated with using a virus scanner. > **social engineering, phishing, unauthorised access** > Outline 2 sensible safety precautions when downloading plugins. > NOT including the possibility of malware. > and describe how this is done. > - your school work (on a PC in the computer lab or a laptop) > - your software on your personal computer > - the phone numbers stored in your cell phone > **USB Stick** > **External Hard Disk** > **Dropbox** > **Z: drive (home.fis.edu)** > **Burning DVDs**
 * Practice Questions**
 * 1) Describe 2 situations where you might need to print a web-page.
 * 1) Describe 2 web-page formats that would make printing very difficult.
 * 2) Explain what a **virus** is, including a clear explanation of why viruses are **platform specific.**
 * 3) Explain what **spyware** is, including how you might "contract" this "disease".
 * 4) Explain what a **macro-virus** is, including the common method of infection.
 * 5) Explain what a **trojan program** is, including a common method of infection.
 * 6) Why do some people say: "Never open an e-mail attachment from an unknown source." ?
 * 7) Explain what a **virus scanner** is.
 * 1) Explain the following terms, including their connection to each other:
 * 1) Outline 3 techniques for protecting your passwords.
 * 2) Explain what a **browser plug-in** is.
 * 1) Explain one reason that "automatic updates" might be dangerous,
 * 1) Find out whether it is possible to make a **backup** of your Wix site (or any other web-site),
 * 1) Outline a sensible **backup strategy** for each of the following:
 * 1) Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of each of the following backup devices:

Bandwidth - 14 Nov 2011

 * Do the following reading and watching:**
 * Bandwidth**

We will have a T**EST on Friday 18 Nov** about covering all the information from last week and this week about Internet basics and other technical vocabulary. It is an OPEN NOTES test - you may use any notes that you have written, but no computers and no photocopies that the teacher provided.
 * TEST ANNOUNCEMENT:**

Past and Future of the Internet - 10-11 Nov 2011

 * Do the following reading and watching:**
 * Past and Future Internet**

Technical Vocabulary and Concepts - 9 Nov 2011

 * Make sure the teacher has your Group Publicity Site address on Publicity Pages
 * Add a link from your **ePortfolio** to your group's Publicity Project Page

Whenever you encounter a term you don't know, like **IP Address**, **DNS Error,** etc, you should try to find out what it means. Here are a few possible source of information:
 * Technical Vocabulary** -


 * **Tech Terms** a technical dictionary
 * **How Stuff Works -** a web-site with lots of technical explanations


 * Today's Topic - All About IP Adresses and URLs**

Group Project Review - 8 Nov 2011
Start by looking at some BAD web-sites - @http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/worst-websites-of-2010-navigation.html

Spend a few minutes looking at the various groups' publicity projects. Publicity Pages You are looking for things like the following: - Is it attractive? - Do you understand it? - Is there enough information? - Is it easy to read? - How could it easily be improved? - Does it use any special techniques that make the page nice?

The class will discuss **standards** for web-pages that improve the quality. For example: - Content - Appearance - Usability - Popularity - Purpose - Flexibility

Group Project Last Day - 7 Nov 2011
Today is the last class period for the Group Publicity Project. Plan on sharing your results with the class tomorrow.

Group Project Progress Check - 31 Oct - 3 Nov 2011

 * We will continue working on the Publicity project this week.**


 * Each group will present their project to the class**
 * on Tuesday 8 Nov.**

If you are running out of ideas, show your project to the teacher and get recommendations for further improvements.

Group Project - 24-28 Oct 2011
Continue - Web 2.0 Group Project - Publicity

Group Project - 21 Oct 2011
Web 2.0 Group Project - Publicity

Weebly CMS

Web 2.0 - 20 Oct 2011
Continue creating Web 2.0 accounts as described in: []

Web 2.0 - 19 Oct 2011
Turn in your comic strip (see notes below).

Read these notes before the next class: []

Comic Strips - 17 Oct 2011

 * For the period 5 class** - finish your comics today.


 * For Period 4 Class - turn in your comics**

Inkscape produces **vector graphics** images, normally stored as **Scalable Vector Graphics** (SVG) images. SVG was invented about 10 years ago, but it never "caught on". It does function, but is not actually supported by some browsers. That means that Internet Explorer might only display an SVG image if it has an extra plug-in installed.

According to this article, SVG is gaining popularity now: []

> The best format is PNG, but you may use JPG or GIF if you prefer.
 * Turning in Your Comic Strip**
 * you must **convert to a bit-map image**. That means you will have a drawing like all the images made with Windows Paint, Photoshop, etc.
 * Make the bit-map image a reasonable size, something like 800x600 . If it's too big, it won't fit on the screen. If it's too small, it won't be readable.
 * Upload the image to your Dropbox account - remember to put it inside the public folder, preferably in a sub-folder.
 * Put a link in your ePortfolio that will display your image.
 * If you have trouble connecting this to your ePortfolio, send it as an eMail attachment to Dave_Mulkey@fis.edu.

[] Don't do the practice exercises - we will do them in class.
 * Homework : Read the following page about Web 2.0**

Comic Strips - 12-14 Oct 2011
Read the information from Ms Ziegler about ISA TESTS - 13 Oct 2011

Complete your comic strip(s) -
 * due Mon 17 Oct at the beginning of class.**

If your **ePortfolio (Wix)** is incomplete or has problems, get help from the teacher to fix it. You need to have it complete and fixed by next Wednesday.

Comic Strips - 29-30 Sep 2011
Faces in Comic Strips You must create a comic strip as described above. If you finish early, make your comic strip BETTER or make a second one.
 * Due Date - 17 Oct 2011**

Examples from last year: Knock-Knock A Bad Day Just Faces

Using PATH Commands in Inkscape - 27-28 Sep 2011
The teacher will show how to use the Path commands. Then you should continue studying tutorials.

you might be able to draw.
 * Homework -** Think of an idea for a comic-strip that

Inkscape Tutorials - 26 Sep 2011
Look at some Inkscape Tutorials (you'll probably need headphones). Then try drawing something similar to what you saw in the tutorials.

Starting Inkscape Vector Graphics - 23 Sep 2011
> >
 * 1) Finish your (first draft) WIX page for the ePortfolio.
 * 1) Send an eMail to Dave_Mulkey@fis.edu containing the ADDRESS of your WIX page.
 * 1) Read the notes and start the exercises on this page: [|Starting Inkscape]

Make Your ePortfolio Interesting - 20 Sep 2011
There are lots of decorations available on WIX,but you can add more decorations from other web-sites. Try the following|:

> using one of the special tools in WIX
 * Use Google Images
 * Search for GIF animations - add some interesting animations to your site
 * Collect a few pictures that are interesting and make a slide-show


 * Go to the site: www.cooltext.com.
 * Create a LOGO for the top of your page
 * Create an interesting BUTTON for your page and link it to another site


 * Spend some time make your WIX site attractive - you have all week.


 * EXTRA** : Gamers Solve Retrovirus Problem

@http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508122520.htm

@http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110918144955.htm

ePortfolio - 19 Sep 2011

 * Creating an ePortfolio**

Slide-show - 13 Sep 2011
.


 * Turn in your notes about GIMP
 * ** [|Make a slide-show] **

Bit-mapped Graphics Tasks - 8-12 Sep 2011
Continue **investigating** graphics editors - do the **How-To tasks** at the bottom of this page :** today's assignment**

Bit-mapped Graphics - Wed 7 Sep 2011
We will be **editing photos** and **drawing simple diagrams.** The following software is recommended for these tasks:

PINTA - Linux (in Ubuntu, install in Applications/Ubuntu Software Center) [|Paint.net] - Windows PaintBrush - Mac - - or - - [|GIMP] - works on all platforms. Gimp does lots of stuff, but is rather difficult to use at the beginning.

**Read and do today's assignment**

Improving Linux - Mon 5 Sep - Tue 6 Sep 2011
The teacher will demonstrate how to create a new User account and how to install some software. **Tasks for today:** > Even if you use a notebook, you should still create a User account on one of the PCs. > Install Pinta - this is a Bit-mapped Graphics Editor. > This is similar to Paint.net for Windows. > Start with a picture of a famous person. > Add a beard or mustache or horns or a fat nose, > or change the colors ... be creative.
 * Create your own User account on the PC that you use in class.
 * Log-in to your own (new) account.
 * Use Pinta to make a "funny face" picture.
 * Explore various tools in the graphics editor.

Adding Text - Fri 26 Aug 2011
The teacher will show how to add a title and some text to your page. The text should include:
 * a title in a large font
 * a brief description of your page
 * your name

When finished (pictures and links and text) you need to:
 * upload your page to DropBox
 * copy the public link
 * send an eMail to the teacher (Dave_Mulkey@fis.edu) containing the link to your web-page

If you finish early, try reading some of the interesting magazines on the main page mulkey.wikispaces.com

Adding Rollover Hints (Titles) - 24-25 Aug 2011
The teacher will show how to add the pop-up hints (titles) when the mouse "rolls-over" a picture.

Web Page with Pictures and Links - Tue 23 2011
Your assignment for the rest of this week is to make a web-page like this one. The teacher will explain the details, adding a few more ideas each day.

You are making a web-page with **pictures** that link to **interesting/favorite** web-sites. Today, collect at least 8 pictures for your 8 favorite web-sites. We will add more pictures and text and some other stuff later.

Arrange the pictures so that they look neat, fit together well, and without large empty spaces between pictures.

Continue with First Web Page - Mon 22 Aug 2011
Unfortunately, BlueGriffon seems to have some unexpected bugs. We will switch to Seamonkey. It's a bit older, and doesn't have quite so many features, but it is a bit easier to use and should cause fewer problems. You may continue using BlueGriffon if you wish, but Seamonkey is recommend.

You can download Seamonkey for Linux, Windows or the Mac at this web-site:

[]
Be sure to choose the correct language and the correct Operating System.

The teacher will show you how to use Seamonkey - it's not much different.

**Saving on a Web-server**

You can **upload** your page to the DropBox web-server for free. [|Read here how to get an account.]

**Homework -** > Find at least one very good page and one very bad page. > Write down (yes, on paper) two reasons that make the good page good > and two reasons that the bad page is bad.
 * Look around at various web-pages.
 * Be prepared to discuss your pages and reasons in class next time.

First Day of Class - 17 Aug 2011
Welcome to **Computer Technology**. Here is a brief summary of the course. > creating graphical content, learning and understanding technical vocabulary, > learning technical details of comptuer operations > followed by practical work using these new idea
 * **Expectations** - learn as much as you can each day by working energetically and cooperatively.
 * **Topics** - constructing web-sites, using computers, using other digital devices (e.g. cameras),
 * **Assessment -** 2/3 project work, 1/3 written quizzes and tests
 * **Instruction -** most classes will start with a 15 minute presentation of new concepts/techniques,
 * You can learn more details by reading the course overview.

**= First Project =** Our first project will involve making a simple web-page by "copying" pictures from Google Images. Read this page of notes. Then start searching for 4 good pictures for your page.

For this assignment, you will need a web-page editor like BlueGriffon. If it is not installed on your computer, you can download it here.media type="custom" key="10401284"