Pre-Unit - Getting Started and Organizing

Lesson 1

There are a few things we need to do or go over before we begin the course work. Each section has an assignment. These include:

General Terms

Here are some general terms with which you need to be familiar:

GC
Google Classroom - We will use this a lot. Get familiar with it.
Drive
Usually refers to your Google drive. Usually used to create docs and slides for research-type activities. When in doubt, ask.
Home Drive
Refers to your network drive. This is usually used to keep files for creating your web pages.
Web page
Refers to a single page from a site.
Web site
Refers to a collection of pages that are all produced together and hosted on the same server.
Forum/Discussion Board
Refers to the Question feature in our Google Classroom. I have made every attempt at removing other references to previous discussion board/forum methods, but hey, no one is perfect!

Computer Use

Technology User Agreement (TUP)

You must have a signed user agreement on file before you can even turn on a workstation. Most of you did this a long time ago. We'll need to check that every thing is in order for you to proceed any further.

Classroom Use

Since this class relies heavily upon using computers and technology, it is your responsilibity to remain in good standing with school regarding your technology use. In other words, if your technology account becomes suspended, you will have a most difficult time completing your assignments. You will need to open the following documents. The second is a short assignment regarding the TUP.

 

Folder Organization:

It is vital that you keep your work organized for two reasons: 1) You need to find your work, and 2) I need to find your work. Please pay very close attention to where you are saving your work and under what file name. We tend to avoid spaces when saving files, so you'll notice we use a lot of underscores (_) in our file names. You'll be saving your work in one of two places: your portfolio folder or a unit folder. Complete the following assignment. Folder Organization

Survey

Please fill out the following survey. It will not affect your grade, but will give me a better idea of where we are as a class.

Survey of Web Design Skills

Forums (Discussion Boards) Assignment follows.

Why Online Discussions?

We’ll be looking at several new concepts each week involving making web pages.  Sometimes, the best way for you to learn about a topic that’s related to web pages but not really a part of programming is to have you “research” it and tell others about it.  So I’ll pose questions to you from time to time that you need to find the answers to and relate your findings to others. 

There won’t be a discussion post every week, but when we have one, you’ll be expected to participate fully.  This is a part of your grade in addition to your tasks that you’ll be completing actually designing a web page. 

For the most part, I’ll give you two due dates.  The first due date will be for your original post.  Make certain that your original post is on time, is your own work and is thoughtful, answering all parts of the question.  The second deadline is for your reply.  Since everyone will have their original post done on time, you’ll be able to respond to your classmates after that date. 

Mrs. Gilmore’s Rules for the Forums (discussion boards):

  1. Answer the question or prompt fully.  Don’t ignore one part of the puzzle simply because it will require you to do some searching. In other words, if there are 3 parts to the prompt, answer all 3 parts.
  2. Type your initial response in MSWord or Google Doc first. The discussion board we’re using has some editing features, but it’s not as good as an actual word processor. Using Word or Docs will better enable you to produce something of quality. I want substance with your thoughts, not simple opinions, and of course, good grammar and spelling. This isn't a Communication Arts course, but it should appear that you've been present in those classes for the past 10+ years. Additionally, unless stated otherwise, your original response should be at least 200 words long. At the end of your original post state the number of words in parentheses. () For example the item number has 120 words in it. (120)
  3. Having met the original posting deadline, you’ll need to reply to at least two of your classmates.  Logistically, this will mean that each student will have at least two responses to his/her original post.  When replying look for someone who doesn’t have any replies yet.  Read their post and reply thoughtfully.  Simply saying “I agree” or “True” doesn’t count.  Use complete sentences.  Pick out one or two points from their post and state why you do or do not agree.  Or, can you find ways to extend what they have said.  Obviously, the second due date is for you to have your replies done. Comment on something they have said and draw it out, add to it, or contridict it in a meaningful and respectful manner. Each of your responses to your classmates (2 required) must be at least 100 words long. Post your word count at the end in parentheses.
  4. Please watch this video for instructions on completing a discussion question in GC. This is not my video, but the instructor who made this, uses the same guidelines I do. Video Link. You'll need your earbuds.

Now take a look at the following articles:

 

Your First Post -

Exit Ticket -

I'm trying something new. In years past, students would finish the unit but have unfinished activities. Usually it was a case of going too quickly and accidentally skipping parts. So, at the conclusion of each lesson I'll have a "quiz" with each point bearing activity listed. Open it, and fill in the information. This will help you make certain you've done everything. Plus, that way I can put in one grade for the whole lesson and not 5 or 6. Access the "Exit Ticket".

Now on to Unit 1. Next