IT – High School and Middle School
These are the objectives/activities for 2011-2012. There are three primary sections in IT: Foundations, Communications, and Information Acquisition. All activities, resources, and assignment submissions will be done through the IT website, Online-Learning (http://www.online-learning.org/school), owned and operated by Linroy Kilgore.
Technology Concepts:
This is a brief look at foundational IT topics. We ensure that all the students are at least functioning at a base level of technology usage. Activities with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Powerpoint, are covered, but the intent is to prepare them to use these tools throughout the course. As needed, we expand the knowledge on how to use tools, as it is applicable. The next foundational IT topic concerns Google tools that can be used to enhance activities (there are 100 different ways to use Google – not just as a search engine or email). Later in the course, the students will be introduced to "Pecha Kucha," a unique way to present information using Powerpoint and specific timing. Basic concepts about computer hardware and related devices will be addressed, but not in great detail.
Technology Applications:
The students will sample a variety of applications that will also become useful in class assignments and activities throughout the course. As mentioned in Technology Concepts, many different Google applications/processes will be used. We will also look at other programs like ActiveWorlds, Adobe Acrobat, Alice 3D, Audacity, AVG Antivirus, CutePDF, Easy GIF Animator, Evernote, FileZilla FTP Client, Open Office, Picasa, Second Life, Skype, Voki, Weebly and other applications. The focus is on "free" or open source or shareware programs that anyone can access. In this section, these applications will be introduced, but more will be covered as the various applications are used in future assignments.
History of the Internet:
Starting around the mid 1800's until the present, we will examine what led up to the development of the Internet and what milestones have taken place in the past 30 years. The focus is on the history, but with a look to the future as to what we can expect to see and do in years to come. This unit is also used to introduce note taking skills that can benefit students in all classes and in the university.
Technology of the Internet:
The focus of this unit is on the various concepts, hardware, and software that make it possible for the Internet to exist. Binary code, data packets, IP4, IP6, networking layers will address concepts. Hardware will involve cabling, hubs, routers, servers, switches, WiFi, and other related hardware and devices. Students will be able to plan, build, and maintain a Local Area Network (LAN) and also understand a Wide Area Network (WAN). This unit will cover several engineering concepts in support of the technology that makes the Internet function. Even though the focus is on hardware, the overall goal is to provide information that students can use in college and to improve how they use the Internet at home.
Security of the Internet:
Protecting personal data and privacy, as well as preventing financial exploitation is the focus of this unit. Computer hacking, online scams, trojans, viruses, and other invasions of privacy will be covered. Applications and processes that are designed to steal passwords, access bank accounts, and other issues will be addressed. How to safely use social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, and a wide range of chat programs will also be covered.
Webpage Design:
Depending upon the interest, students will be exposed to basic HTML programming, using tags and other tools. Using scripted resources like Drupal, Joomla, and other programs will also be addressed, focusing on ways that students can create their own Web presence. Also covered will be ways to use free services to host websites and webpages as well as techniques to register personal domain names and arrange website hosting.
Basic Computer Animation and Programming:
In this unit, students will use free programs, such as "Voki" and "Alice," to create computer animation and programs. With Voki, 2D cartoon like animations will be created, including embedding the animations into Powerpoint presentations, webpages, and other online publishing. With Alice, students will learn how to do basic computer programming, providing basic experience that will be useful in future college classes. Useful for Computer Science majors, these activities will also be useful for any student, pursuing any type of career.
Technology Discussion:
Throughout the course, students will take part in online discussions with the teacher and with other students, on a variety of topics. All of the topics involve technology; however, appropriate current events will also be added. Discussions will take place on the Moodle-based forums and will either be student responses to a teacher submitted discussion topic or each student will introduce their own topics, within specific guidelines. In all activities, the students will be involved in active online dialogue, offering their views and their research data in support of discussions.
Blogs and Wikis:
In order to better utilize the reflective and discussion tools, students will receive an introduction into blogs and wikis, focusing on how they can use these tools to increase their learning opportunities. The focus will be on the various applications and tools, but will also address basic communication concepts that should be used with online resources.
Podcasting:
Students will create their own audio podcasts that can be published on webpages and websites. The created audio files will also be used with traditional applications like Powerpoint, in order to enhance how the program is used. Other information concerning audio files will be covered, providing students with new ways to use audio in school and in their own lives.
Video Production:
Video files will be created, edited, and published that will enhance how the student presents information to others and how they can create their own entertainment. Video techniques will be addressed in order to create higher quality video, suitable for publication. Depending on the school environment, videos may be used by the school for self-promotion.
Basic Concepts for Conducting Searches:
Students will learn how to conduct intelligent searches for information. Rather than just "surfing the Internet" or casting a broad search that often results in unusable information, students will learn how to use the "Advanced" search features that are often found on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. In addition to the popular search engines, other specific search engines will be examined and used. The skills gained in this unit will be useful throughout the IT course and throughout other school courses and university courses.
Evaluating Internet Content:
Often overlooked by most Internet users, knowing how to evaluate the quality and validity of information is crucial to be successful in education and in everyday life. In this unit, students will learn how to identify unreliable information and sources. Being fooled by urban myths, altered facts, and erroneous information can be embarrassing and can lead to other problems, including financial losses. This unit will assist students in being successful while using Internet resources.