Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Setting Up Your Folders and Getting Started


Today we are going to be setting up a folder, and saving some items to a specific folder. 

First of all, double click on "Computer" on the desktop.  You will see a hard drive called "username” (H:)" -- meaning that the drive named "Username" is on Drive H:.  
Double-click on “Username” (H:)
Double-click on “My Documents”
Click File on the Menu bar and choose New > Folder.  

Give the folder the name Technology 6, Technology 7 or Technology 8 based on grade.  This will be the folder where you will save your work, save your class documents, and download pictures for projects, etc.



Next we will practice saving an item (the Red Devil picture) from the Internet to your folder:
Right-click on the picture of the Red Devil and choose Save Image As.. (or something like Save Picture As, depending on the browser that you're using)

Click the drop down arrow in Save in: Select usename (H:) from the list of drives available. 
Next, choose the My Documets folder. Then select the folder you created earlier (Technology 6, Technology 7 or Technology 8). Finally, click "Save".  The picture should now be saved in your folder.

Now we will set up some basic folders that you can use to help keep your work organized this year: Go back to the "Computer" icon on the desktop and open Username (H:) (if it's not already open).   Double-click My Documents, then Double click Technology 6,7 or 8 folder.  You should see one item in there now (the Red Devil graphic).
Click File on the Menu bar and choose New > Folder.
Name this folder "Pictures".
Right-click in the open area of the window (NOT on the Red Devil or the Pictures folder) and choose New > Folder.
Name this folder "Portfolio".
Drag the Red Devil graphic to the Pictures folder.  You should be able to double-click the Pictures folder and see the graphic in there.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Projects in Technology

During the course of the school year, we will be exploring a variety of technologies and programs.  I try to select software that is the “industry standard” or uses the same types of tools and/or techniques.  I also attempt to target different areas of interest (Office applications, graphics, 3D, video editing, etc…) We will also be performing several STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) units.

Some of the concepts we will be covering this year include:

·         Computer Hardware and Maintenance
·         Keyboarding
·         Internet Search Strategies
·         Email using Google Mail (Gmail)
·         Blogging using Blogger
·         Using Google Docs
·         Word Processing using Microsoft Word
·         Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel
·         Presentations Using Microsoft PowerPoint
·         Brochures Using Microsoft Publisher
·         Paint.Net for editing/retouching photos
·         Paint.net for production pieces (i.e. magazine covers, movie posters, etc.)
·         3D Home Design using Sweet Home 3D
·         Video Editing using Windows Movie Maker
·         Bride Design using West Point Bridge Builder

We will also be performing several STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) units.

·         Structures - Marble Maze
·         Balsa Bride/Tower Design
·         Magnetic Levitation
·         Flight – Water Rockets

During the course of the year, we will also be building an online portfolio by uploading our finished projects to a Blogger page.  The portfolios will include a finished copy of the project and a description of the tools and techniques used to create that project.  I am always open to suggestions for improving my classes.  If you have ideas for software that should explore, projects we should try, or even suggestions for guest speakers, please feel free to let me know.  This is a rigorous class requiring a lot of motivation, but it can also be very exciting!

Please check out our class web page (mrbucci.blogspot.com) for updates, contact information, and more.
** This site is still partially under construction **

Thank you!





Frank Bucci
Technology Teacher - Peekskill Middle School
Peekskill City School District