Welcome to Second Semester

Hi again everyone!

It has been a several weeks since my last post.  I must admit that I have been rather busy but I have indeed missed the opportunity to write and communicate with you.  For the parents that are new to this blog, the parents of the students in Communication Technology, welcome you to your first view of Taking Tech' in HD!  For the parents of my last semester students, or anyone for that matter, if you wish to be removed from the mailing list for the blog please just send me an email (hblyleven@hdch.org) and let me know that you wish to no longer receive the blog updates.  I will not take it personally  ;)

http://somenovelideas.typepad.com

Some of you may recall that I instruct a class at Redeemer, Technology in the Classroom.  This class usually is offered in January and February with two sessions per week. Over the last 14 years, I always enjoy teaching this course.  What I like the most is sharing teaching ideas with other educators and other soon to be educators.  This year, I had my students blog as part of an assignment.  For some this was an activity that met with some uneasiness, while others enjoyed the process.  Some people think that they have nothing to write about or that no one will care what they have to say.  My purpose for having them blog is be transparent with their ideas about teaching and also to begin to develop a Personal Learning Network (PLN) in which they can converse and respond to other educators.

The idea of belonging to a PLN, I think, is modelled very well by our students.  Most kids, especially those with cell phones, are constantly in connection with their network and freely call on "their network" for almost anything, including learning.  Aside from the "what u doing?" and the "where r u?" texts, I think that the amount of "local knowledge" and information shared by our students is quite vast.  However, I do believe that our students need some guidance about how to effectively use technology.  Recently, on the local news, there was a segment about how some high school students were making poor choices about how they used technology within their network and that the community was hurting as a result. The news reporter broke a story about how popular "sexting" was at this school. "Sexting is the slang term for the use of a cell phone or other similar electronic device to distribute pictures or video of sexually explicit images. It can also refer to text messages of a sexually-charged nature." (http://teenhealth.about.com)

Throughout our computer and technology courses at HDCH, we attempt to show students, not only the incredible things that we can do with technology but we also try to be open and frank about some of the dangers and lures of technology.  This current generation, Generation Z, which is;

• born after 1990
• highly connected
• carrying mobile technology
• readily sharing information online (often without thinking about future ramifications)

and has the tools, and the knowledge to work very well.  Making good choices, I believe, is a skill that needs to be discussed and practised.  I always enjoy the  impromptu class discussions about appropriate technology use, usually after a cellphone goes off in class. I would also enjoy hearing from you, the parents, about ideas and topics you would like to see included in the planned class discussions.  I invite you to please leave comments below or email me at the school. 

Grade 9 Computer Class

The grade 9's have been busy as of late. Looking at effective webpage design provided students a foundation to begin with, as they created their own websites using Google Sites.  Currently, the class is just about to wrap up a mini unit on Power Point. Using Power Point in a new and interactive way was our focus.  Using Power Point, the class created a five question multiple choice quiz on electronic waste.  This week we will be looking at having some fun with Power Point and create some interactive video games.  I will try to post videos of the games for the next blog.  

The E-waste quiz also allowed Mr. Brink and I to have the students think again about the topic which will be our main project for the next semester.  We look forward to having our students wrestle with a topic that can have such a negative affect on God's creation.  We will keep you posted.

Grade 10 Communication Technology

It is my pleasure to again have the opportunity to teach this course.  For me, this is one of the most exciting courses that our school has to offer.  This semester, the class in divided into four Project Based Modules in which students, and/or groups of students, take the skills that this class provides and uses them to develop tangible productions that others need, i.e. logos, graphic design work, audio productions, video productions etc.  

Below is a group's first production.

If you are not sure what this course is all about then have a look at the picture below. It represents the thoughts, ideas and words that this class determined were important.  We liked it so much that it is now a poster hanging on our classroom wall!