Alexandra's IT Blog

Please fill out a survey!

2009-06-07T07:43:00.004+03:00

Please fill out this survey that rates my project:

Rate My IT Project

Evaluation ; )

2009-06-01T09:54:00.002+03:00

My project has worked well in the sense that it gets across the message that I wanted to convey. My site shows that every child deserves an education and learning environment that will encourage them to try to succeed.
In the design/plan/investigate stage, I did research about which countries have the most dire need for schools. Africa and India seem to be places where most of the population has no proper schooling. This is due to many various factors like the large population, water deficits, economy troubles, ect. After designing/planning/investigating we went to the create stage.
The create stage was the longest stage and included the making of our website, brochure, and documenting our progress on blogs. I finished my website, and made both an Animoto and a Voicethread. I worked with my partner for the videos, but we had seperate websites and seperate brochures. And finally, after the create stage, we get to the evaluation stage, which is what I'm doing right now.
When it comes to the impact my project had on others, I would say that I am not sure. I'm not aware of anybody making any life changes to support my world issue (Lack of Education in Developing Countries), but I hope there will be.
If I could do something better it would be to work better with my partener, we had a lot of discussions that did not lead anywhere productive and wasted a lot of time. For the next project, I want to do something a little extra instead of just the guidelines, maybe collaborate with my partener better, like I said, and finish on a more timely manner so I have some time to check over my work.

Voicethread done :)

2009-06-01T09:49:00.003+03:00

Click to enlarge:

If you have any suggestions on the web pages, please leave a comment.

Finished My Brochure :)

2009-05-28T11:06:00.003+03:00

Click to enlarge:

Another Update

2009-05-25T09:50:00.004+03:00

Click to enlarge:

Quick Updates and Screenshots

2009-05-24T08:02:00.005+03:00

Click to make bigger:

I'm finished the animoto, and just need to finish the voicethread with my partner, Aoife.

Work Timeline

2009-05-24T07:38:00.002+03:00

Week 1 : Started investigating.
Week 2: Set up iGoogle, blog about design cycle, write the answer to project research questions.
Week 3: Mindmap, news article, 12 Global Issues, Google Docs.
Week 4: Finish previous assignments.
Week 5: Make iWeb, Voicethread, animoto.
Week 6: Continue work on iWeb and videos.

African News Article On Education

2009-04-27T10:06:00.004+03:00

Africa's first ladies urge education, health care

By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER

Summary: Some of Africa's first ladies met together to discuss problems happening in the continent.They focused on infectious diseases and the lack of education available to each country. They are very influencial for the community so they hope to make a change and try and show the population that education and healthcare are very important and to be deemed as a major priority.

"Developing partnerships with the education sector will give us significant mileage in preventing maternal and child mortality in the long term," Kenyan first lady Ida Odinga said.

Mohajer, Shaya. "Africa's first ladies urge education, health care." 20/04/09 Web.27 Apr 2009. .

Blog 3: 12 Issues We Face Today

2009-04-16T10:57:00.019+03:00

12 GLOBAL ISSUES
1. Global warming/Climate Change = Global warming is what is happening because there is too much C02 being put into the atmosphere creating holes in the Ozone layer. This creates many more issues with weather and natural disasters. The reason for all of this C02 is that we use too many cars (burning oil) , it comes from out of our cattle (in burps and gas) and is coming from our processes of making electricity.

2. Biodiversity and ecosystem losses = When we cut down a tree, we destroy all of the life inside of it. The millions of trees being cut are leaving less natural environments for the many animals on our planet. Slowly, this slaughter of trees is killing off many species we once saw on the earth. We are only left with the animals we allow to live and can adapt to our environment.

3. Fisheries depletion = The amount of fish we eat is out of control. We over-fish our waters, and the fish cannot reproduce fast enough. Since there is more fish being caught than reproducing, the numbers of fish available to us are slowly depleting. Fish are important to the underwater food chain, and us taking all of them is killing off larger species that eat them, and letting smaller species over-populate the water.

4. Deforestation = Trees give us oxygen. They provide homes for many of the species on our earth. So why do we kill all of the things that provide us with sustenance and life? We are killing more trees that once belonged to the wild land of our forests, and not planting enough!

5. Water deficits = Water is the reason our planet has life on it. But there is only so much, and most of it is trapped in glaciers. The problem here is that we are letting a lot of dirty water stay dirty leaving only the little amount we clean for drinking and hygiene.

6. The Oceans - Maritime safety and pollution = The amount o trash we dump in the ocean is crazy! We seem to think that is the best place to put it, but it is really the worst. Innocent birds are chocked by colourful trash they mistake for food, fish die from oil coating their lungs and body, and animals are poisoned by cyanide from divers who couldn't care less about their safety.

7. Poverty - Massive step-up in the fight against poverty = All around the world there are people less fortunate than you. They do not have access to education, health care, food, shelter, and even fresh water. They have no way of providing a living for themselves and are dieing needlessly because no one knows they exist.

8. Conflict Resolution - Peacekeeping, conflict prevention, combating terrorism = Thousands of people die each year from conflict, wars, and terrorism. Violence ended their life. Lets try and prevent further blood being shed needlessly.

9. Education - Education for all = Education is what allows us to have a better future. We need to have expertise and talent, and to discover our talents we have to get an education. When an employer sees you and then finds out for never went to school, you might as well have never gone. Every child and adult alike should have access to education. We need to bring it to them.

10. Diseases - Global infectious diseases = The more people on the planet there are, they quicker diseases spread throughout us. This means we need better prevention. Money needs to be spent on research and studies to try and control the many infectious diseases that affect us today.

11. Digital Divide = Some of us are lucky enough to own a mobile phone or a laptop, but the majority has no access to such things. There is divide of knowledge and information when you cannot go on the internet.

12. Natural Disaster prevention and mitigation = Our planet is rapidly changing and we need to be prepared for any disaster. There needs to be plans and safety regulations that will put people out of danger when something does end up going wrong.

Post 1 - MYP Design Cycle

2009-04-12T07:37:00.009+03:00

I N V E S T I G A T E

P L A N

C R E A T E

E V A L U A T I O N

Post 2 - Investigation

2009-04-02T11:11:00.013+03:00

I've started IT again, now with Mr. Jones.

1.How can we use the Internet to communicate and problem-solve global issues and the environment that are affecting our world today to a wider audience? The Internet is the playground of a new generation, and what better place is there to teach the next generation about the problems that will one day, cripple their life? Creating awareness by the World Wide Web is the start of a global campaign that can really appeal to any group of people. No matter the race or nationality, they can all unite on the web for a cause. So we can use websites and blogs to try and entice the next generation, and every one after that, that they can make a difference, and they should.
2. How can I make use of established Internet tools to support online publication and what are the best to use? To make a website you probably have to use a template hosted by a bigger website. It may be yours to customize but in the end, that website still owns it. Things like Piczo, MySpace, Blogger, Wikispaces, and Facebook all host many small pages belonging to different users, but since they are still a part of the host, they have things like " it-blog.wikispaces.com". That page is a part of wikispaces, as you can see in the address. These tools are readily available for everyone to use, and you can publish what you want to. These tools are very important for people who want to get a message out, and are popular for regular use.

3. How can the Internet be used to help a community solve a environmental issue? By getting out the message, people can comment on posts and voice their opinions. Online discussions are going on all the time where people can commerce and listen to each other. Websites and pictures are always being put out to show some of the environmental problems we are facing.

Some websites/blogs that are spreading the message:

It Has Been a While...

2008-09-24T14:08:00.002+03:00

---------Havent been on lately. With school being out and all, there never was a point to post anything. But school is back in! And summer is over :(. Instead of taking IT and DT this year we are taking them in turns, and I have DT (MT) first. So if I dotn say much for a while, it is probably because theres nothing to say. Anyways, just wanted to post something, ANYTHING. Bye.. -----------

Evaluation

2008-05-28T08:31:00.005+03:00

--------For the project on the Wii, I had to complete an animoto and voicethread. Once I was done I had to present it all for the class. I think all the ideas about the Wii i had were portrayed in my presentation. I have a Wii myself, and I know what it's like. One thing I think I did well was finding a picture of someone actually using a Wii in school. To tell the truth, I didnt think I would find any. But I did, and it made the idea of wii in school so much more real. I think I have to work on my recording. Maybe find a quieter place and figure out what position the microphone has to be in for the best sound.-------
--------If I had to to anything over again i would do the voicethread. The voicethread was good but it lacked more information about the Wii in school. Other than that, I think the presentation was great.-------
--------Next year I hope grade 5 students can be as successful of some of the students in grade 6. Since I don't know what technology will be like next year (it is ever-changing!) I cannot make any recommendations. The only thing i can tell them is hand it in ON TIME! No one likes a late presentation, and your grades will show it. ;)-------

IM DONE!

2008-05-14T09:13:00.001+03:00

I presented and it's the end of the class, I wasn't first though. ;) I'm glad i did it and while everyone else had to be chosen, I volunteered. I feel proud in how i preformed and some of the other presentations were really great. i hope they bring the tablet PC into school.:P

...

2008-05-14T08:27:00.001+03:00

So i'm done and waiting to present. No one wants to go first. Well, I dont blame them. I dont want to either. So all im doing is waiting...

The Wii

2008-05-07T09:12:00.001+03:00

The Wii

2008-05-07T09:07:00.003+03:00

So my voice thread is above. I guess that means im DONE! YAAY! :P :)

Progress

2008-04-23T08:47:00.002+03:00

Its been going well and I have most things done. I think I will make our deadline for this project (May 11). All I have to finish is the recordings for my VoiceThread. I will have to do that at home though because its too noisy in the classroom. I just need silence for recording. :) Other than that im done. ~

Posting Delay

2008-04-16T09:14:00.003+03:00

If I dont post it is probably because of my pressing IT work. At the moment a VoiceThread on the Wii in the Classroom is being made. Thank you for all your support and keep commenting!

My Animoto Video

2008-03-19T09:04:00.001+03:00

Here is the video I created about the Wii on Animoto!

Inspiration Map Of To-Do's

2008-03-19T08:49:00.003+03:00

click it to open to a full-size picture!

The Amazing Wii

2008-03-12T08:40:00.002+03:00

What tasks can it be used for in school?
The Wii can be used in math because the whole class can participate coming up with multiple choice questions, with the curriculum on a disc. It makes it more fun the sitting in desks answering questions all day. Also, in any class that needs a waking up, in P.E. even! In P.E. you can practice for a sport before you really play it. Or as a warm-up.
Would all students need one?
No. Students could come up, and take turns using it to answer questions. Anyways, they could be at the front of the class and all students participate in the course. There is no need for everyone to have a separate one.
How could the use of the technology add value or improve the lesson?
It would make it much more exciting and fun for the teacher and the students. One of the best ways to learn is by doing, so wouldn't students learn better if they were having fun? I sure would. It would improve the overall memory of the lesson. Like, "Oh, I remember fractions! That was the day I got to answer a question on the Wii!" As a fellow student, i think that would be great.

Pics of a Wii!

2008-03-05T09:04:00.005+03:00

INVESTIGATE!

2008-02-27T08:49:00.006+03:00

What is the new technology?
I chose the Wii as my technology. It integrates fun and active learning by getting you up and moving.

How is it used in everyday life for communication or creativity?
It promotes active video games making it easy to have fun and stay fit. There can be internet acess and daily weather and news forwarded straight to it if you want it. Some games have focused completely on education or fitness.

Where do you get it and how much does it cost?
Most electronic stores will sell it and it usually goes for about 300 US dollars. Some stores provide them in different colours. Also, you can by them on Amazon is you do not mind wating.

What are the brands or models available?
Though only Nintendo sells this product, it comes in special editions. You may be able to find a different colour, but they are usually limited edition. There's a rumour that they may start selling different skin colours for them. That gives you the chance to personalize them.

How can the Wii be intergrated into school?
The wii provides fitness and fun for students. It's scientifically proven that kids learn much better when they do something fun to learn it. Wii does just that. There is a game completely dedicated to education, and this game is called Brain Academy. Using it will create fun activities and rewards for students. If the school really wanted to go far, they could create a program for the Wii, and the Wii will do the rest.

There you go, the Wii. An all around school helper. :D

New Blog! RAnDoMNeSs!

2008-01-30T19:19:00.001+03:00

Hey! I made a personal blog called RAnDoMNeSs! You should check it out when you have a chance. It basically contains random stuff i cant keep bottled up, or id 'SPLODE with all that randomness! Ok, i hope you like it!

"How can I use iGoogle to support my learning at QA?"

2008-01-30T08:51:00.000+03:00

1. Reminders: With iGoogle i can keep track of all my to-dos and remind myself of upcoming tests and quizzes.

2. Studies: With intergrated dictionaries and thesaurus' you can ask it anything. They even have daily spanish words! Pictures and stories can keep you up-to-date with new info.

3. Homework: Sometimes i need to kno the meaning of a word and then all i have to do is go on iGoogle and ask it the word. Easy as that!

4. News: News is automatically sent at least once a day. This keeps us up-to-date on whats going on in the world. It is great to get daily pictures too!

5. Communication: With iGoogle i can see all my friends blogs and see whats going on, especially when im absent. This will improve my know-how, and i can keep organized and stay along.

Overall, it is a GREAT program! I hope you use it too!

iGoogle

2008-01-30T08:35:00.000+03:00

I recently signed up for an iGoogle. It is a great tool for getting new info everyday, from continuous sources. I think everyone should get one. If you want one, you go to google.com and click iGoogle at the top. If you have a blogger account you can use that google account to sign in for an iGoogle. I hope that helps!

Kinda Bored...

2008-01-16T08:56:00.001+03:00

Ya, im kinda bored... add comments and tell me what kind of pics you want next. I may just add it!

New Technology: Wii's

2008-01-16T08:38:00.000+03:00

Over the winter break I got a Wii. The technology for a Wii is extraordinary. With a remote you can control everything feeling your way around the screen. Even my parents love it! One of the best consoles I have played with. Some great websites for learning about a Wii are: The Official Wii Website, Great Wii Info, and the Wikipedia Description of a Wii. I think you should visit these sites if you want good info on Wii’s! Wii's are great for exersise and you get a heavy workout from playing it. Some games are low key, but some get you moving and working out. I played for a long time and i got so tired!

2007-12-12T09:11:00.000+03:00

im so bored, here's a random pic! By the way, I LOVE otters! (i love all animals!)

2007-12-12T08:54:00.000+03:00

Please comment on my blogs about my pics or if you found the websites i provided useful. I really appreciate comments and ideas. They stretch my mind into finding amazing discoveries! LOL! And finally i would like to say, i do not like copy cats and would HATE for anybody to copy my ideas. This goes mainly to my classmates not the public. Thank you...

2007-12-12T08:50:00.000+03:00

oops! forgot the pic! heres the pic made for the blog post below...

2007-12-12T08:43:00.000+03:00

I learned that Web 2.0 may be though of as old in a few years and internet is ever changing. Did you know that there is over 8 billion pages bookmarked on Google?!? Remember one thing, not every page is bookmarked on Google, meaning that there must be over 10 million pages! Thats alot of internet!

2007-12-12T08:38:00.000+03:00

Hey people! Hows it going? From now on i will get you a cute picture for everytime i post. Come to see the adorable animals! I will keep you posted with my blog reports on IT. I hope you come back time and again to see my new posts!

2007-12-12T08:31:00.000+03:00

Hey. I have been learning new things! I think this video is one of the best overall video. It helps me with everything about web 2.0! If you want to watch it too, go to Understanding Web 2.0. I hope it helps you too!

My First Post

2007-12-05T09:05:00.000+03:00

my grade 6 IT wiki page!

We are learning about web 2.0. I know what blogging, rss, pod casting, and wikis are. Web 2.0 is revolutionary and i hope to learn more about it. Go to some of the cool websites i have linked to about web 2.0: Some Videos about Web 2.0, Some Info from the Experts, and Wikipedia's Info about web 2.0. I hope these websites help.
Web 2.0 is the internet of the 21st century!