Learning to create a bulleted and numbered list FA7

Today I am going to show you how you can use Word to create a bulleted list and a numbered list.  Usually, a numbered list is created to show rank (such as your favorite athlete, second favorite athlete, and so on) while a bulleted list is used to show a list that has no rank (a shopping list would be an example).  These are fairly easy to create, modify, and format so Ill show you how you can do that today before starting on your next Formatting Activity.

Again, I want to remind those of you who have vocabulary words to define to get those completed as soon as you can.  If you want to come in here before school or during lunch recess to do that you are welcome - just let me know.


Activity 7.pdf

Read More..

Untangling the CS Principles Learning Objectives

Struggling with the CS Principles Learning Objectives? Try them as Flashcards: CS Principles flashcards - Learning Objectives

One of the thing I have found most challenging in working with the APCS Principles Topic list over the last 3 years is the Learning Objectives themselves. None of them are all that hard in of themselves, but trying to make sure I am covering everything can sometimes be overwhelming. Unlike the existing APCS course, the topic list does not really suggest any particular sequence, so trying to make sure everything has been covered at AP depth can be a challenge.

Here are the LOs in Flashcard format if you would like to print them out. This has been really helpful for me as I lesson plan to make sure everything is in there. Sometimes it is fun to draw a few cards randomly and try to come up with an activity to cover them. this has helped with some out of the box combinations of topics.

**Note - these are the learning objectives as of Dec 2013. If you are reading this more than 6 months from now you should make sure they still align with the LOs. The course is still in pilot phase and the LOs are subject to adjustment as Collegeboard gets ready for the launch of the new course in 2016-17.

Collegeboards AP CS Principles site

Read More..

Learning the keypad

As a reminder there is no vocab quiz this week.  However, this is a great time for those of you who still have vocab definitions to post to get those completed.  There are 4 vocab weeks left, so that means that most of you (if not all of you) will still be responsible for defining words on at least one occasion.  Please use this time (meaning this week when you dont have a vocab quiz) to get these definitions posted so it isnt hanging over your head and you dont have to scramble on the last day possible to get your definitions posted.  Trust me...youll feel much better knowing that youve got it done and out of the way!

For today we are going to start with learning the keypad numbers.  This is the completely separate set of number keys out to the right of the alphanumeric keyboard.

The crossword puzzle that you are getting in class today will be due Friday.  It covers lists 1-6.

Read More..

1st full week learning new keys

THIS WEEK:

Learn the following keys on the keyboard - H, E, I, R, O, T
Google - Add a signature and add a contact
Technique grade sheet

TODAY:
We will spend the beginning of the hour reviewing the home row.  After reviewing we will then add 2 new keys - the H and the E. 

What we are using is called a QWERTY keyboard (you should be able to find where QWERTY is on the keyboard); there is another keyboard called the DVORAK keyboard, but it is very uncommon (designed in the early 1900s; see image below).  The QWERTY keyboard has been in existence since 1870, but didnt become really popular until about 15 years later.  Ever since that time, however, it has been the standard for keyboard layouts.

The purpose of the QWERTY keyboards layout is to avoid having keys stick together as they were being typed - the idea was to have a layout in which you alternated using your hands often while typing - this helped to eliminate having the typewriter arms get stuck.  The DVORAK keyboards purpose was to have the most commonly used keys on the home row - thus your fingers moved less while typing, but the problem was that the keys got stuck more often.
 

Just a few things to keep in mind as you are keying:

1. When keying your forearms should not be resting on your thighs.  Remember that your fingers are the only "things" touching anything - everything else on your lower arm should not be touching the keyboard, countertop, or anything else.
2. If you keep your keyboard at the edge of the countertop you will avoid having issues with #1 above.  This will also be a benefit when it comes to the technique sheet and grading.
3. The speed skins will move slightly as you are typing - I understand your frustration in this regard, but do the best that you can.
4. In order to be able to key at a proficient level you need to fight through the urge to constantly look at your keyboard (thats part of why we have the speed skins).  This will probably be a "weird sensation" - you are used to using your visual senses to help you accomplish what you do on a daily basis.  However, we want to get to a point where looking at your keyboard is not necessary.

Read More..

Start learning the numbers

Today we are going to review the keyboard.  We really havent practiced much in the last 2 weeks, so this will be a good day for reacquainting ourselves with the keys.

After a review we are going to start learning the numbers.  Today we are going to learn the 8 (R2) and the 1 (L4).

Also, ANYONE CAUGHT CHATTING IN GOOGLE DURING CLASS WILL BE GIVEN A REFERRAL - NO EXCEPTIONS!

Read More..