Google Documents

Working on computers today is very different than it was five years ago. Many more computers have Internet access and people work on more than one computer. One way to store and edit work on any computer with Internet access is Google Documents. Google Docs is a lot like Microsoft Office, but it lives on the Internet. You don't need any special software or programs, just a functional web browser like Firefox. With Google Docs you can create documents, spread sheets, and even basic presentations. Also with Google Docs you can do more than save files online, but you can share them with other users, publish them online or right to your blog. It's a very powerful, easy to use tool that may become a venue for your senior portfolio.

Today we are going to explore how to upload or create our first Google Document and share the results with me and your feedback partner. Watch the demo on the screen on how to create a Google Document, how to upload a Microsoft Word file, and how to share a finished document with me and your feedback partner.

When you are finished with your project worksheet, you will make it a Google Document and share it with me at mr.powhida@gmail.com

Project Warm Up and Worksheet

Last week I asked you to post your first independent project idea on your blog. Take a minute and look over your project idea. When you have reminded yourself about your project idea, post a comment here with five questions that you have about your project or that your project idea raises. For example, if Tyree is going to create an investment portfolio, a question might be "What stocks should I invest in?"

Your questions can be about the content of your project, how to make the project, skills and materials you might need, what academic connections it has, and why it is important.

When you have finished adding your questions as a comment, please complete the project worksheet by clicking on the link.

1. Copy and paste the text of the Google document into Microsoft Word and answer the questions as clearly as you can.
   
2. Save the file as YOURNAME_PW.DOC
3. Send the file to mr.powhida@gmail.com as an attachment. Please pay attention to the demo so that you can complete the worksheet and turn it in.

Initial Project Ideas

Now that you have written down your first idea or ideas for an independent portfolio project, take a moment and review what your wrote at the beginning of class. Check your writing for accuracy and precision and then post your first idea under the title "Initial Project Idea". Remember what you post online is public and will be a document of your process. We will discuss your initial ideas tomorrow in class, so be prepared.

Customizing your blog

Take a moment and leave a comment about how you customized your blog. What change(s) did you make to the default layout of your blog? Please include your first name at the end of the comment if your display name is different.

Online Course Evaluation

Please complete the following course evaluation. You can leave comments regarding any of the questions. Click Here to take survey

Last workday and exit survey

Tuesday:

Today and tomorrow are the final days of class and all projects should be submitted Wednesday afternoon. I will accept projects and incomplete project essays until Monday June 16th since it is officially the last day of the marking period. Everyone should take the opportunity today and tomorrow to complete their projects or write your incomplete project essay. Also, BE SURE, to make sure you have commented on any previous class agendas this marking period.

Seniors, only projects turned in tomorrow will be marked and graded for portfolio.

Wednesday:

Please be sure to fill out the course evaluation form provided to you. Please be honest and thoughtful in your reflections. This is a new course that depends on your feedback for improvement. You don't have to put your name on the feedback form. Please make sure it is returned to the envelope at the front of the room.

Juniors - Next Year's Portfolio

Juniors-
Having had the opportunity to take this class as juniors, I would like you to think about your senior portfolio. One of the requirements for the senior portfolio is to include a project that shows you are ready for life after Brooklyn Prep. Thinking about the project you undertook (and in some cases finished!) in digital portfolio, what kind of new project do you envision including in your senior portfolio? Please post your response as a comment below.

Seniors-
You have 4 class days before your portfolio presentations. While many of you have written drafts of your letters, have you considered including your project as your life after Brooklyn Prep piece? If are using your project in your portfolio, please post a brief comment about what habit of mind you reflected on through the project. How does the project demonstrate your understanding of that habit of mind.

BE SURE TO COMMENT ON ALL POSTS, these count as part of your 3rd semester grade for participation. Please respond to ALL posts.