Word of the Week: Research

re·search  (r-sûrch, rsûrch)

1. Scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry. 

2. Close, careful study.

re·searched, re·search·ing, re·search·es

To engage in or perform research.

1. To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner.

2. To do research for
3.  systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject
4.  to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc.)

RESEARCH HAPPENS IN 6 STEPS:

• Questioning:  What does the teacher want me to research?  Do I understand the project?  What questions do I want to answer with this project?
• Planning:  How long is this project going to take?  What is my timeline?  How many sources do I need?
• Gathering:  FIND INFORMATION & RESEARCH!  Look for sources about my topic.
• Sorting & Sifting:  Organize all of the information I gained when researching.  Put information in categories and get rid of the information you do not need.  You could possibly use a graphic organizer. 
• Synthesizing:  Put all the information together in the form of a project (paper, poster, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Evaluating:  By this point, all of your information is collected and your project is underway.  Go back through everything you have created to see if it fits your assignment.

Word of the Week: Template

A template is something that is created to guide you.  It can work as a springboard to give you ideas, as well as provide a quick way for you to create a specific project.

Ever tried to trace something instead of drawing it by freehand?  You have used a template!  Translate this to the Microsoft Word world, and a template is something that was created by someone to make your life easier.  It allows you to use a project that was already created without having to start that project from scratch.

Don't forget to check out Microsoft Office's Online Database for FREE templates!

Word of the Week: BLOGS

Guess what?  If you are currently reading this, you know what a BLOG is!  You are visiting a blog right now!  Some people use blogs to create an online journal, while others use a blog to create an online place to  put information.  It is a great way to share exciting news, keep people up-to-date, and organize one's thoughts or actions.

The SMOY TECHNOLOGY blog was designed as an online database of all things technology here at SMOY.  It helps keep parents in the loop about what we are learning in the lab each week during class.  Please continue to check out the blog as often as possible, as Miss Wilmes posts all the cool things we are learning about and even cooler things you can do at home to extend your tech skills!

Ever thought about creating your own blog?  Try a free version here at BLOGGER.  All you need is a Gmail Email Address.

**REMEMBER, if you are a student, please consult your parents before creating an online blog and practice all that we have learned about being safe online.  Don't post any of your personal information and BE SAFE!

WANT A FEW EXAMPLES OF OTHER BLOGS?:
Hamburger A Day Blog:  This guy blogs every day about all the wonderful hamburgers across the US!
Daily Craft Ideas:  Interested in exercising your creativity?  Follow this blog to get some great craft ideas!

Word of the Week: Avatar

An AVATAR is a graphical representation of an image.  It's connection to internet safety and cybebullying online is critical, for the use of an avatar can help keep your identify safe online.

EXTENSION: Want to know more about an AVATAR?  Can you identify areas in your life that you already use an avatar?  Think about your gaming experiences with technology.

Don't forget to experience building your own avatar using the NY Zoo website or through Lego!

Word of the Week 4: Cyberbullying

What is cyberbullying?
CYBERBULLYING is bullying through the use of technology.

RESOURCES:
NetSmartz is a great website for parents to peruse to get tons of information on cyberbullying.  It is from the program for the National Center for the Missing and Exploited Children.  They have videos that are age-appropriate, as well as handouts, discussion questions, and information related to cyberbullying for kids of all ages.

Check out NetSmartz here.

Word of the Week 3: QR CODE

Ever seen one of these?  Scan this QR CODE with your Smart Phone to see where this QR will take you.  Remember, your phone needs to have an internet connection.

Once you start looking around for these cool codes, you will find that they are everywhere!  Advertisers are using QR CODES to expose the public to more information about their products.  Curious to see where you might find these QR CODES?  Check out this video!
QR CODE VIDEO

Would you like to make your own free QR CODE?  Click here!  All you need is a web address from online to link to this QR CODE.  For example, are you always visiting ESPN.com?  Go to the free QR CODE Generator and type in www. espn.com.  Once your QR CODE is generated, scan it with your smart phone.  You now have an instant link to ESPN!

BONUS:  Where does the QR CODE outside of Miss Wilmes' classroom take you?

EXTENSION:

Why do you think there might be a QR CODE on a house for sale sign? Why would someone put a QR CODE on a pancake?  a business card?  BE CREATIVE:  If you could create a QR CODE for anything you would like, what would your QR CODE lead you to?

Word of the Week 2: Hardware & Software

This week's words are the week are HARDWARE and SOFTWARE.

HARDWARE:  Parts of the computer that you can touch
Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, headphones

SOFTWARE:  provides instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it
Examples:  Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google, Email Programs, Games

TEST YOUR SKILLS:  Can you test your computer skills by labeling the parts of the computer below?  Check your skills with the answers below.

Word of the Week 1: Technology

This week's word of the week is TECHNOLOGY.

Technology is:
-something that makes your life easier
-helps us solve problems
-extends our abilities to do things

Think of life around you: what are examples of technology?  What technology do you use everyday?

• at HOME: microwave, refrigerator, computer, cell phone, alarm clock, electric toothbrush
• at SCHOOL:  SmartBoards, laptops, printers, scanners
• DON'T FORGET:  Technology doesn't have to be electronic!  Papers, pens, pencils, binders, and notebooks are examples of technology too!!
• on the FOOTBALL FIELD:  shoelaces, helmets, scoreboards

The list of technologies in your life is endless!  

TRY IT AT HOME:  Try to see how much technology you use in your life.  Do you think you could life without it?  Do you depend on technology too much in your life?  What technologies do you use that your grandparents did not use when they were your age?