The day started off with a little Michael Jackson -- can you guess which song? ;)
The connection of Thriller and computers is if the computer doesn't have an operating system, then they're just like zombies!
So.. in order to de-zombify their computers, the students will be installing Windows 7 with Chou~
After discussing operating systems, the students are to restart their computers hitting F12 to enter the Boot Device Menu
But before that, Chou showed another video to the students: iPhone 4
And discussed what the iPhone 4 would be without the operating system.
Next,they all got to work on installing Windows 7~
As the students were waiting for Windows to finish installing, Maddie states that she's glad that "Jose isn't the president of the world." Jose quickly retaliates and says, "Hey, I would be a great president.." and then he trails off into a story about how he and Krystal was waiting for the bus and some lady approaches them and greets them with, "Hi! I'm the laid off mom, can I sing you a song?" It was a song about losing her job and how she cannot get it back.
Soon after that, their installation was completed and they proceeded to download Mozilla Firefox and Google chrome, Malwarebytes and the Microsoft Security Essentials, and then they went and downloaded Google desktop. What came next was finding themes that interested them.
After the students came back from their break, Chou set out to teach the students about Scratch, a simple programming application that can create games for the students to play. DIY games? How fun is that!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Computer Parts Apart!
The second day began with an addition of Jele, a student from the class of 2013.
After everyone introduced themselves to Jele, Eliza began the lesson plan with a memory game where the students had to memorize a set 20 words from cat to ice cream and zebra!
Then Eliza had the students write down names of friends and family (as many as they can remember!) then asked the students which activity was easier.
Krystal and quickly hit the nail on the head and connected the activities to RAM and hard drives (because they ARE in ITA!).
The next portion of the class included a Hardware Review that Cristina quickly went through. The students were reminded to pay attention to the images because they'll be needing it in a bit ;)
Once the review ended, Eliza handed out worksheets of components that the students had to compare. Each pair/group of student was to compare a certain component and choose which was better.
The next activity was similar to the last one, but required a component that fit a certain motherboard that Eliza had posted up on the screen.
Each student was to report their findings...
Krystal's attempt to find a RAM that fit the motherboard didn't quite match the specs, so Maddie quickly offered her findings... After she explained why her RAM fit the motherboard, Jose stated, "for two dollars less, you can get mine!"
Next.. The class went through the steps of what to do before you open your computer and then proceeded to opening their computers. After Cristina showed the class how to open their cases and carefully take out a couple of pieces, the students cleared their desks and lined up to grab their computers from the pile of computers.
After their break, AJ entered the class to present his "Famous Motherboard PowerPoint" that landed him his job at ITA! The students attentively listened and gave good feedback to fully understand what AJ was teaching about the motherboard.
Next, the students blogged to AJ everything that they know about computers~!
After everyone introduced themselves to Jele, Eliza began the lesson plan with a memory game where the students had to memorize a set 20 words from cat to ice cream and zebra!
Then Eliza had the students write down names of friends and family (as many as they can remember!) then asked the students which activity was easier.
Krystal and quickly hit the nail on the head and connected the activities to RAM and hard drives (because they ARE in ITA!).
The next portion of the class included a Hardware Review that Cristina quickly went through. The students were reminded to pay attention to the images because they'll be needing it in a bit ;)
Once the review ended, Eliza handed out worksheets of components that the students had to compare. Each pair/group of student was to compare a certain component and choose which was better.
The next activity was similar to the last one, but required a component that fit a certain motherboard that Eliza had posted up on the screen.
Each student was to report their findings...
Krystal's attempt to find a RAM that fit the motherboard didn't quite match the specs, so Maddie quickly offered her findings... After she explained why her RAM fit the motherboard, Jose stated, "for two dollars less, you can get mine!"
Next.. The class went through the steps of what to do before you open your computer and then proceeded to opening their computers. After Cristina showed the class how to open their cases and carefully take out a couple of pieces, the students cleared their desks and lined up to grab their computers from the pile of computers.
After their break, AJ entered the class to present his "Famous Motherboard PowerPoint" that landed him his job at ITA! The students attentively listened and gave good feedback to fully understand what AJ was teaching about the motherboard.
Next, the students blogged to AJ everything that they know about computers~!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Systems and Service: The First Day
The first day of camp started out with Kiki and Maddie coming in early -- which lead to AJ and Cristina kicking them out to create what the students call, "a setup," where the students must figure out their first test: turn the computer power on.
"Are these computers working?" were the first words that filled the room when the students sat down. After a few chatters about the computer's inability to turn on, a loud "EVERYTHING is unplugged!" flew from Jamarra's mouth.
After discovering this, the students all helped each other whether it was physically helping Maddie with her problem (the powerstrip was turned off so she had more work than anyone else!) or verbally advising Krystal.
As Cristina lead the first discussion on, the students realized that even though plugging everything in wasn't AT ALL difficult, finding the problem was harder than they thought (they all just sat there wondering what was wrong with the computer).
AJ's next question about systems and services "opened their minds" about technology and the service that can come from their computers. They verbally brainstormed the different services that a computer can do for them and their community. AJ went down the rows asking each student. Then shared two comic strips about today's technology.
AJ's next joke (shown below) striked up crickets in the audience... until the short Matrix clip was showed -- I think they got it then! He IS the one ;)
Silence swept the room as AJ played his "Radiolab: Making Radio Lab" and continued as the "Fish Love" video played on for a couple of minutes. The discussions which followed applied the two video/audio to computers.
Each of the student pairs went up to the front of the class and introduced themselves and explained the relation between the video/audio and computers.
AJ wanted the students to all be like Neo, but someone stated, "I want to be like Miguel (who was the farmer who had a self purifying ecosystem)."
To overview the systems, AJ had everyone come up with some sort of system. His examples included pushing the shutter button on the remote and having the projector's shutter on and off and water which enters the body and leaves as urine. Somewhere along the line, AJ mentioned getting energy by drinking and a few moments later, Jose says, "Water has no calories... (therefore you can't get energy!)"
Some of the examples that the students came up with included cars, doors, facebook, the passing of a bill, bodily functions, jumping into water, and basically EVERYTHING!
-- During break, Maddie and Jamarra called the help desk to find out what their passwords were. Jamarra had called and was transferred about three or four times. When she finally talked to someone who knew about ITA, she said, "You know what you're doing because other people were just transferring me around." It turns out... she was talking to Marquis Stern, a 2009 ITA graduate! When AJ heard the name, he darted to the front of the room (from the door) and asked to talk to Marquis. The problem was solved and the two had their passwords reseted. --
After break, AJ jumped right into clarifying systems and lead to a preview of the workings of the computer... the motherboard, RAM, etc.
Next, AJ discusses binary, or takes "A Trip Down Binary Ln." which is "just like math class!" says a voice in the audience. After a short explanation and example, the students succeeded in converting their first binary number, 1001, to a decimal number, 9!
The class takes a new turns towards hardware and software. After running through the hardware, AJ informs the students that when they bring in their hard drive, they can update to Windows 7! He then quickly recalls a story about Maddie getting mad when he took out her hard drive during Freshmen Orientation. Though Maddie denies ever getting mad, AJ stands firm on his recollection!
The software discussion leads to viruses... and takes a jump to the history of viruses (which will be covered in exactly 7 days...)!
After introducing operating systems, AJ concludes his portion of the day with "Tough Concluding Questions" and informs the students on their PLC dates and expectations.
Eliza starts her portion of the day immediately with... hardware! She introduces what is "Inside Your Computer!" with an illustration of exactly that (what is inside our computers [from the motherboard to the power supply]).
Next, Eliza briefly runs through each of the hardware parts and what they do. One question which stumped everyone was, "What does PCI stand for?" After AJ quickly Googled it, he announced that it stood for, "Peripheral Component Interconnect!"
Soon after the Googling, the students took a 10 minute break.
When they came back, the students began their task of deciphering a Newegg page and comparing different computer parts based on their specs. They are to identify each component and decide where they go. Then to compare and evaluate which component is better and explain why. The students jumped into their assignment and started sorting which component is better than the other! They then filled the red lines on the image above.
Eliza lead the class comparison and answered questions which the students had. 4:00PM, the time to leave came quite fast... and the students all tidied their space and flooded the hall.
"Are these computers working?" were the first words that filled the room when the students sat down. After a few chatters about the computer's inability to turn on, a loud "EVERYTHING is unplugged!" flew from Jamarra's mouth.
After discovering this, the students all helped each other whether it was physically helping Maddie with her problem (the powerstrip was turned off so she had more work than anyone else!) or verbally advising Krystal.
As Cristina lead the first discussion on, the students realized that even though plugging everything in wasn't AT ALL difficult, finding the problem was harder than they thought (they all just sat there wondering what was wrong with the computer).
AJ's next question about systems and services "opened their minds" about technology and the service that can come from their computers. They verbally brainstormed the different services that a computer can do for them and their community. AJ went down the rows asking each student. Then shared two comic strips about today's technology.
AJ's next joke (shown below) striked up crickets in the audience... until the short Matrix clip was showed -- I think they got it then! He IS the one ;)
Silence swept the room as AJ played his "Radiolab: Making Radio Lab" and continued as the "Fish Love" video played on for a couple of minutes. The discussions which followed applied the two video/audio to computers.
Each of the student pairs went up to the front of the class and introduced themselves and explained the relation between the video/audio and computers.
AJ wanted the students to all be like Neo, but someone stated, "I want to be like Miguel (who was the farmer who had a self purifying ecosystem)."
To overview the systems, AJ had everyone come up with some sort of system. His examples included pushing the shutter button on the remote and having the projector's shutter on and off and water which enters the body and leaves as urine. Somewhere along the line, AJ mentioned getting energy by drinking and a few moments later, Jose says, "Water has no calories... (therefore you can't get energy!)"
Some of the examples that the students came up with included cars, doors, facebook, the passing of a bill, bodily functions, jumping into water, and basically EVERYTHING!
-- During break, Maddie and Jamarra called the help desk to find out what their passwords were. Jamarra had called and was transferred about three or four times. When she finally talked to someone who knew about ITA, she said, "You know what you're doing because other people were just transferring me around." It turns out... she was talking to Marquis Stern, a 2009 ITA graduate! When AJ heard the name, he darted to the front of the room (from the door) and asked to talk to Marquis. The problem was solved and the two had their passwords reseted. --
After break, AJ jumped right into clarifying systems and lead to a preview of the workings of the computer... the motherboard, RAM, etc.
Next, AJ discusses binary, or takes "A Trip Down Binary Ln." which is "just like math class!" says a voice in the audience. After a short explanation and example, the students succeeded in converting their first binary number, 1001, to a decimal number, 9!
The class takes a new turns towards hardware and software. After running through the hardware, AJ informs the students that when they bring in their hard drive, they can update to Windows 7! He then quickly recalls a story about Maddie getting mad when he took out her hard drive during Freshmen Orientation. Though Maddie denies ever getting mad, AJ stands firm on his recollection!
The software discussion leads to viruses... and takes a jump to the history of viruses (which will be covered in exactly 7 days...)!
After introducing operating systems, AJ concludes his portion of the day with "Tough Concluding Questions" and informs the students on their PLC dates and expectations.
Eliza starts her portion of the day immediately with... hardware! She introduces what is "Inside Your Computer!" with an illustration of exactly that (what is inside our computers [from the motherboard to the power supply]).
Next, Eliza briefly runs through each of the hardware parts and what they do. One question which stumped everyone was, "What does PCI stand for?" After AJ quickly Googled it, he announced that it stood for, "Peripheral Component Interconnect!"
Soon after the Googling, the students took a 10 minute break.
When they came back, the students began their task of deciphering a Newegg page and comparing different computer parts based on their specs. They are to identify each component and decide where they go. Then to compare and evaluate which component is better and explain why. The students jumped into their assignment and started sorting which component is better than the other! They then filled the red lines on the image above.Eliza lead the class comparison and answered questions which the students had. 4:00PM, the time to leave came quite fast... and the students all tidied their space and flooded the hall.
Friday, June 25, 2010
last day of lab :-(
For our last day of lab, we started out with a HUGE road test. Students entered the class room to discover a dismantled computer at each of their desks. They were a little shocked to have to wait in the hallway until exactly when class was going to begin. But once they saw the computer parts everywhere, they knew what they were going to have to do . . . or they THOUGHT they did! AJ gave them detailed instructions about preparing their computers for the customer, who would be coming in an hour. They had to fix the computer, get any missing parts, and then make a lot of changes to the software and the appearance of the operating system. They dove in to it with some trepidation, but by my observations, they stayed determined and did their best. Way to go 2012!
Then we had some work time to finish our BTW while Eliza corrected yesterday's permit tests and she and AJ told each other jokes.
After that, students presented their projects.
Allie went first and gave an impressive presentation of her home computer and her computer of the future. She wants to make a computer that will read people's thoughts and show them on a screen so the speaker/teacher can see if everyone is understanding. It will be able to read people's word thoughts and picture thoughts.
Then David presented. He gave a good presentation, first talking about each of his computer components in a very relaxed and funny way.
Taylor presented next. Her computer was meant to be a computer that she can use to watch movies at home.
Her second project was a blog entry about a computer that designs and creates ice cream flavors. (That would sell millions!)
Ninah told us about her fantastic computer, and about her future computer that creates a virtual 3D image of any clothes you want to try on.
Brandon talked about his different components for the computer he built for programming. His dream computer helps catch wanted criminals, it will identify them no matter what their disguise and no matter where they are hiding.
Richie showed us a cute picture of puppies before he told us all about his computer and its various components. He bought some candy for Chou so he would spend enough money. (Very Funny!). His computer of the future reads thoughts of people who are handicapped and can surf the internet for them.
Jon has built himself quite an impressive computer (although he confused RAM with hard drive memory when explaining it). He has such a good sense of humor that everyone was laughing during his presentation. He created a game in Scratch where a cat would run around maze.
Bronson's computer was impressive, with a case that lights up (wow!). His mouse is shaped like a car! He also made a Scratch game, but it wasn't working. In his game, built with Garrett, the roadrunner and coyote were chasing each other through a maze.
Dhondup's computer components were nice, with a motherboard with on-board sound. His Scratch game was a pong game that knocked out bricks. It was built together with Diana.
Diana also built a nice computer, and she and Dhondup did a great job on their game!
Malibu's computer looks great! and her project was a game that had three objects: a person, a cat, a ball. She made a self portrait cartoon for the person in the game.
Garrett wanted to build a computer for making videos.
Everyone did such a great job! It was an amazing camp and everyone learned a lot! I am so glad I got to be here with these amazing students.
Then we had some work time to finish our BTW while Eliza corrected yesterday's permit tests and she and AJ told each other jokes.
After that, students presented their projects.
Allie went first and gave an impressive presentation of her home computer and her computer of the future. She wants to make a computer that will read people's thoughts and show them on a screen so the speaker/teacher can see if everyone is understanding. It will be able to read people's word thoughts and picture thoughts.
Then David presented. He gave a good presentation, first talking about each of his computer components in a very relaxed and funny way.
Taylor presented next. Her computer was meant to be a computer that she can use to watch movies at home.
Her second project was a blog entry about a computer that designs and creates ice cream flavors. (That would sell millions!)
Ninah told us about her fantastic computer, and about her future computer that creates a virtual 3D image of any clothes you want to try on.
Brandon talked about his different components for the computer he built for programming. His dream computer helps catch wanted criminals, it will identify them no matter what their disguise and no matter where they are hiding.
Richie showed us a cute picture of puppies before he told us all about his computer and its various components. He bought some candy for Chou so he would spend enough money. (Very Funny!). His computer of the future reads thoughts of people who are handicapped and can surf the internet for them.
Jon has built himself quite an impressive computer (although he confused RAM with hard drive memory when explaining it). He has such a good sense of humor that everyone was laughing during his presentation. He created a game in Scratch where a cat would run around maze.
Bronson's computer was impressive, with a case that lights up (wow!). His mouse is shaped like a car! He also made a Scratch game, but it wasn't working. In his game, built with Garrett, the roadrunner and coyote were chasing each other through a maze.
Dhondup's computer components were nice, with a motherboard with on-board sound. His Scratch game was a pong game that knocked out bricks. It was built together with Diana.
Diana also built a nice computer, and she and Dhondup did a great job on their game!
Malibu's computer looks great! and her project was a game that had three objects: a person, a cat, a ball. She made a self portrait cartoon for the person in the game.
Garrett wanted to build a computer for making videos.
Everyone did such a great job! It was an amazing camp and everyone learned a lot! I am so glad I got to be here with these amazing students.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Almost to the Finishing Line!
Start to 2:10 Work on BTW
2:10-2:20 Break
2:20 - 3:00 Permit test re-take, silent work time
3:00-3:10 Break
3:10-4:00 Finish BTW
Tomorrow:
Road Tests
Present Projects (Scratch and BYOCOPU)
Here is a snapshot of what is happening right now (1:36):
Everyone is quietly focused on working on his or her BTW. All you can hear are a few whispers, mouse clicks and some typing. AJ is kneeling next to David's computer helping him look over his BTW to see how he is doing with his computer purchase. He is encouraging him to maximize what he can get for his money. They are talking about why his optical dive is SO EXPENSIVE! And Chou mentions "Do you guys know that if you are making a gaming computer, sometimes Linux won't all the games you want?"
During class today, some students went with Michelle to talk to some incoming high school students about the importance of science. Here is a quote from an email from Michelle describing the experience:
"I just took a group of 4 ITA students to the PEOPLE Science Prep class. Alison was telling me how they totally lacked motivation and I figured our kids could talk about their own experience and maybe help out a bit. After 10 minutes in that room, I want to hug every one of our students [...].
We are all so LUCKY!!!!!!"
It is true that we ARE lucky: lucky to work with great people, including Michelle!
While everyone was working on projects, I met with most of the students to talk about their blogs, mentioning what they are doing well and what they can improve. It was interesting (for me at least!) and I hope it helped. The general advice was to add more details and to stay on top of proper English. Some students have a handle on both of those things already and we were able to talk about features of Blogger that they could use to enhance their blog or to create a personal blog for their own use.
Then we talked about how the most important part of a project is right at the end, when you are working really hard and finishing up. AJ played a song for us to wrap up the day, and everyone headed out in to the lovely weather.
Have a nice day, everyone!!
Scratch and Sniff!
We started off making a short little game in Scratch. It was cool and fun, fun, fun! I couldn't get the ball to chase my cat, but the kids were doing great. I can't wait to mess around with it some more and I bet the students feel the same way. Then we had some work time in Scratch and some time to work on the BTW.
A.J. gave us a quick demo about purchasing online by talking us through his thinking process as he looked at different components on Newegg.
Things to remember when purchasing:
Then we played Review Jeopardy and took a permit test.
A.J. gave us a quick demo about purchasing online by talking us through his thinking process as he looked at different components on Newegg.
Things to remember when purchasing:
- get the best you can afford to have a working system right now
- keep in mind the ability to upgrade
- maximize what you purchase
READ THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Then we played Review Jeopardy and took a permit test.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Weird Al, a magical mystery tour, and some chili-covered mango
We started our day with a couple of Weird Al videos that were making fun of the world of computers. The we took a Learn @ UW quiz on the videos and talked about the videos. Funny! It is cool that we all get most of the jokes now, and we wouldn't have got a lot of them just a week ago.
Then Brad stopped by to take us upstairs to RADS for a tour. We learned about the different services provided by RADS and saw the workshop where they do their magic. AJ and I were joking before we went in that it was like entering the Chocolate Factory . . . (Everything you see is eatible, I mean edible) . . ..
Apparently, there were too many people for the whole group to then tour the DoIt Tech Store, so the class returned to the lab to continue working on their BTWs.
We worked on our BTWs for the rest of the day. AJ shared some chili powder covered mango with everyone. The class seemed to like the unusual treat, although they drank a lot of water afterward!
Everyone worked on the BTW and chatted until it was time to take the permit test, which proceeded in silence.
And that was it! All in all, a pretty darn good day.
I am enjoying my role as supportive instructor: reading and composing blogs, making comments and asking questions that keep the flow going, and generally acting like Ed McMahon on the Johnny Carson Show.
Then Brad stopped by to take us upstairs to RADS for a tour. We learned about the different services provided by RADS and saw the workshop where they do their magic. AJ and I were joking before we went in that it was like entering the Chocolate Factory . . . (Everything you see is eatible, I mean edible) . . ..
Apparently, there were too many people for the whole group to then tour the DoIt Tech Store, so the class returned to the lab to continue working on their BTWs.
We worked on our BTWs for the rest of the day. AJ shared some chili powder covered mango with everyone. The class seemed to like the unusual treat, although they drank a lot of water afterward!
Everyone worked on the BTW and chatted until it was time to take the permit test, which proceeded in silence.
And that was it! All in all, a pretty darn good day.
I am enjoying my role as supportive instructor: reading and composing blogs, making comments and asking questions that keep the flow going, and generally acting like Ed McMahon on the Johnny Carson Show.
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