Tech Lit Assignments and Examples

Information Technology Literacy (Tech Literacy) is designed to introduce students to computer and network use, application software, and library resources at Cal Young. We will explore and define word processing standards for CY work, understand how to use databases and spreadsheets, photo imaging and graphic design basics, and work with multimedia and presentation software. Students will use these applications along with principles of information architecture in researching and completing daily assignments and mini-projects.

Assignment #1 – Research Paper Set-up & Bibliography Format

Description – Students use Google Docs to learn basic report formatting, learn how to make proper citations for a bibliography, and order paragraphs. Standard report formatting per specifications taught and modeled in class. Students are given 3 paragraphs to put in correct order and format, use correct heading, title, and body copy formatting. They apply the same page formatting to a Bibliography doc/page as well along with creating a HANGING INDENT format for the included citation. These guidelines are used throughout classes at Cal Young and into high school.

Report/Bibliography Page Format:

Heading: 12 Point Cambria or Times New Roman, Right Justified (aligned using tools on menu bar – not tabs or spacing), 2 returns/enter

Title: 18 Point Arial Bold, Center Justfied (aligned using tools on menus bar – not tabs or spacing), 2 returns/enter

Body: 12 Point Cambria or Times New Roman, Left Justified (aligned using tools on menu bar), 1.5-2 line spacing – using settings from Menu Bar, Tab 1X to start Paragraph, return 1X at the end of paragraph.

Bibliography Page: Same treatment as above for Heading and Title, then left justify and paste citation from source or create it, highlight citation and use ruler guide tools to create hanging indent with .5 in. hang.

Link to Google Doc “Hybrid Cars Report” Here

Link to Google Doc “Hybrid Cars Bibliography” Here

10 Points (Research Paper), 5 Points (Bibliography)

Assignment #2. 123d 3D Design Application – Luminaire (Printed)

Students will be introduced to the Luminaire project in a class demonstration, then follow example on video and in class demo to complete the assignment. Students may consult each other in small groups while completing this project. Note: 1. Must build a small platform/base at 5-8mm thick. 2. Must find a suitable pattern to subtract out for the sides. Students will export their finished luminaire as an .stl file and put the in the printer queue for printing. Screen shots (at least 2 perspectives) will be included in their ePortfolio assignment page, along with 2 pictures of the printed piece. Estimated time to completion – 2-4 class sessions. A comprehensive step by step tutorial link to complete the assignment is below.

Luminaire Example (Midway through video – can substitute “follow me” inner/outer layers, using sphere and shell tool (inner) to 3-4mm)

Luminaire Tutorial

Points – 20

Assignment #3 –  Databases: Earthquakes

In a 2 column data set using Google Sheet – States, Earthquakes,  students use the Earthquakes data from the database link below showing Western States earthquakes with a magnitude of < 7.0 in the past 100 years. Link is here: Western States Earthquakes

Use the charts options in Google Sheets to generate a 2D column chart based on the data in the handout. Students must show data value by screen shooting their chart, open the screen shot, trim and label the chart values using the edit tools , then save to their camera roll. 

In Google Docs, using standard reporting page set-up with a header, title and indented paragraphs with 1.5-2 line spacing, must write an introductory paragraph (2 sentences to introduce the chart), show the chart image by importing from their camera roll, finally write a summary paragraph (2 sentences) that extrapolates and describes at least 2 pieces of data shown in the chart.

The finished piece is exported using the Share and Export function —> send a copy —> select and OK .PDF —> select Google Drive option as location, then save to Google drive. The saved file is then uploaded to their Tech Lit page on their ePortfolio and displayed in the standard format of naming the assignment (title), giving the assignment description (can be copied from above here), showing the assignment (link to the .pdf file with an accurate link name), and a reflection statement (restate the assignment task (WHAT), tell steps taken to complete the assignment (HOW), and what the student thinks of their effort and work quality (SELF-EVALUATION).

20 Points

Assignment #4 –  Databases: $1000 Windfall

In a 2 column data set using Google Sheet using categories Items and Costs – students dream of between 6 and 8 items on which they can spend $1000. Students are shown how to select currency number format for Column B (Cost), and to use the Function SUM option to track their spending

Use the charts options in Google Sheets to generate a 3D PIE chart based on the data in the handout. Students must show data value by screen shooting their chart, open the screen shot, trim and label the chart values using the edit tools , then save to their camera roll. 

In Google Docs, using standard reporting page set-up with a header, title and indented paragraphs with 1.5-2 line spacing, must write an introductory paragraph (2 sentences to introduce the chart), show the chart image by importing from their camera roll, finally write a summary paragraph (2 sentences) that extrapolates and describes at least 2 pieces of data shown in the chart.

The finished piece is exported using the Share and Export function —> send a copy —> select and OK .PDF —> select Google Drive option as location, then save to Google drive. The saved file is then uploaded to their Tech Lit page on their ePortfolio and displayed in the standard format of naming the assignment (title), giving the assignment description (can be copied from above here), showing the assignment (link to the .pdf file with an accurate link name), and a reflection statement (restate the assignment task (WHAT), tell steps taken to complete the assignment (HOW), and what the student thinks of their effort and work quality (SELF-EVALUATION).

20 Points

Assignment #5 –  Databases: Temperatures

Normal Average Daily Temperatures in Eugene. The challenge is for students to figure out their category/column headers on their own, and make a line graph with data points. Eugene Average Daily Temperatures here: Eugene Average Daily Temperatures

In a 2 column data set in Google Sheet student create a data set and chart for Normal Average Daily Temperatures in Eugene. The challenge is for students to figure out their category/column headers on their own, and make a line graph with data points.

Use the charts options in Google Sheets to generate a line graph based on the data in the handout. Students must show data value by screen shooting their chart, open the screen shot, trim and label the chart values using the edit tools , then save to their camera roll. 

In Google Docs, using standard reporting page set-up with a header, title and indented paragraphs with 1.5-2 line spacing, must write an introductory paragraph (2 sentences to introduce the chart), show the chart image by importing from their camera roll, finally write a summary paragraph (2 sentences) that extrapolates and describes at least 2 pieces of data shown in the chart.

The finished piece is exported using the Share and Export function —> send a copy —> select and OK .PDF —> select Google Drive option as location, then save to Google drive. The saved file is then uploaded to their Tech Lit page on their ePortfolio and displayed in the standard format of naming the assignment (title), giving the assignment description (can be copied from above here), showing the assignment (link to the .pdf file with an accurate link name), and a reflection statement (restate the assignment task (WHAT), tell steps taken to complete the assignment (HOW), and what the student thinks of their effort and work quality (SELF-EVALUATION).

20 Points

Assignment #6 – Databases: Select Oregon Counties Population

In a 2 column data set using Google Sheet – Counties, Population, students use the Oregon Counties Population data from the database link below to show the following Oregon counties populations: Douglas, Lincoln, Jackson, Lake, Lane, Linn, and Marion. Link is here: Oregon Counties Population

Use the charts options in Google Sheets to generate a chart of their choice that will best represent large numbers in their labeling, based on the data in the handout. Students must show data value by screen shooting their chart, open the screen shot, trim and label the chart values using the edit tools , then save to their camera roll. 

In Google Docs, using standard reporting page set-up with a header, title and indented paragraphs with 1.5-2 line spacing, must write an introductory paragraph (2 sentences to introduce the chart), show the chart image by importing from their camera roll, finally write a summary paragraph (2 sentences) that extrapolates and describes at least 2 pieces of data shown in the chart.

The finished piece is exported using the Share and Export function —> send a copy —> select and OK .PDF —> select Google Drive option as location, then save to Google drive. The saved file is then uploaded to their Tech Lit page on their ePortfolio and displayed in the standard format of naming the assignment (title), giving the assignment description (can be copied from above here), showing the assignment (link to the .pdf file with an accurate link name), and a reflection statement (restate the assignment task (WHAT), tell steps taken to complete the assignment (HOW), and what the student thinks of their effort and work quality (SELF-EVALUATION).

20 Points

Sketchbook Gallery

Sketchbook ePortfolio Page Examples:

Kiana K., Alora T.

Assignment #7 – Sketchbook Horses Makeover

Students are to demonstrate their knowledge of using Sketchbook tools including erase, image scaling, and layers. They must use the horses background image and then bring in a minimum of 4 images from the web to create a fantasy composite image that tells a story. Composition, masking, detail, perspective and other basic design technique will be included in the grading. Files must be saved as to Sketchbook Gallery, and shared to their Camera Roll. Students will upload their final piece from their Camera Roll to their ePortfolios with the assignment Title,  order number, and with a detailed assignment description (can be copied and pasted from here) and reflection restating what they did, how they did it, and how they feel about their work.

!Horses Image

!horses_es1

20 Points

Assignment #8 – Sketchbook Personal Makeover

Students are to demonstrate their knowledge of using Sketchbook tools including erase, image scaling, and layers. They must use a background image approximately 1024×768 size, a picture of themselves to match the story/theme of their background/fantasy, and then bring in a minimum of 4 images from the web to create a fantasy composite image that tells a story. Composition, masking, scaling, detail, perspective and other basic design technique will be included in the grading. See examples in the student Sketchbook Gallery.

Files must be saved as to Sketchbook Gallery, and shared to their Camera Roll. Students will upload their final piece from their Camera Roll to their ePortfolios with the assignment Title,  order number, and with a detailed assignment description (can be copied and pasted from here) and reflection restating what they did, how they did it, and how they feel about their work.

20 Points

Assignment #9A – Drone Flight and Image Capture

Students learn Tello drone flight basics, then practice flying drones with a partner and TAs. Students pick a school background/base image to build a composite with images captured in various school locations. Students must use at least 4 pictures, sketchbook imaging and editing tools, and use composition, masking, detail, perspective and other basic design techniques to produce their final piece.

Files must be saved as to Sketchbook Gallery, and shared to their Camera Roll. Students will upload their final piece from their Camera Roll to their ePortfolios with the assignment Title,  order number, and with a detailed assignment description (can be copied and pasted from here) and reflection restating what they did, how they did it, and how they feel about their work.

20 Points

Assignment #9B – Photoshop – Buddy Picture – Extra Credit!

Students are to demonstrate their knowledge of using Sketchbook tools including erase, image scaling, and layers. They must use a picture of themselves and a “buddy” or “buddies”, then bring in a minimum of 4 images from the web to create a fantasy composite image that tells a story. Composition, masking, detail, perspective and other basic design technique will be included in the grading.

Files must be saved as to Sketchbook Gallery, and shared to their Camera Roll. Students will upload their final piece from their Camera Roll to their ePortfolios with the assignment Title,  order number, and with a detailed assignment description (can be copied and pasted from here) and reflection restating what they did, how they did it, and how they feel about their work.

10 Points

Assignment #10 – iBook Biopic – All About You!

Students use iBook Author to create a biopic with the following 4 main content categories for their Chapter pages, with 3 (or more) sections for specific content: Personal Bio Info  (includes – about you, family, pets, where born, schools, etc.), Favorites (Foods, things, places to visit, bands, songs, sports, etc.), Hobbies (Things you like to do), and Career (what you want to be when you grow up). Students are graded on how well they use page space/page layout, write intros for each chapter, use the iBook details for accenting and highlighting content (includes page color, frame color, images and placement, labels – font choice and size, etc.).

Students will design 4 main chapter pages and will use 3 section pages for detailed content in identified categories to tell there Bio stories – images, text copy for introductory information and captions. Spelling, grammar, and formatting will also be graded.

The final work is saved as a iBook Author file, then exported as both an iBook file and as a PDF. Work must be uploaded to their ePortfolios with a PDF of this assignment description and standard 3 part reflection – restate the assignment, step by step of how it was done, and reflection on process, quality, and possible improvement. Grading is based on structure (4 chapter pages w/3 sections each and appropriate labeling – 10 points), content (images and text to detail Chapter and section pages – 10 points), and layout design/presentation (page organization, markers, margins, boarders, balance – 10 points).

30 Points

iBook Biopic Examples:

Charlotte Bailey, Becky Aasheim, Cody Reuter, Addison Bardwell, Audrey Bivens

Extra Credit – iBook – MY Cal Young

Students use iBook Author to create a a short picture book of their favorite places and things about Cal Young. Students are graded on how well they use page space/page layout, write intros for each chapter, use the iBook details for accenting and highlighting content (includes page color, frame color, images and placement, labels – font choice and size, etc.).

10 Points

Assignment #11 – Choice Project

Students choose to work with one of the previously introduced apps during the term, identify a project idea, complete it, and upload it to their ePortfolio with a description of the project idea. Their reflection should include detailed steps necessary to successfully complete their project.

20 Points

Assignment #12 – iMovie and/or iMotion – Story telling with iMovie and/or iMotion App (if time)

Description – Students learn the basics of iMovie video production and editing program, and the iMotion Stop Motion app to tell a story using still images, videos shorts, objects, and drawings for stop motion. Students pick a topic of interest to them, use one of the video formats to create a 30-120 second movie. Finished compositions must include a title and credits screen, transitions, labeling where necessary, and music/soundtrack. Students must complete a storyboard prior to movie production with storyboard picture uploaded to assignment page.

Students will make a iMotion Stop Motion “Play” movie to learn the iMotion app, and post it to their iMovie/iMotion page.

20 Points

Assignment #13 (Optional) – GarageBand – Story Telling with Music (if time)

Students learn the basics of working with the GarageBand music composition and editing program. Students create an original song using a variety of instruments and beats. The composition is to be 30-60 seconds in length, and model a format of having an introduction, at least two verses, a repeating chorus, and ending. The intent is to use different instruments (voices), rhythms, and beats to tell a “story”.

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