Thursday, January 29, 2009
January 30
Criterion B: Design
Maxium 6
Students are expected to generate several feasible designs that meet the design specification and to evaluate these against the design specification.
Students are then expected to select one design, justify their choice and evaluate this in detail against the design specification.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
January 29

Year 11 - Investigation due today at the end of class. Please print and submit.
Remember: Investigate has 3 sections: identify the problem, develop a design brief, formulate a design specification
Look at the Assessment Rubric (located in sidebar). Make sure your Investigation includes all the pertinent information.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
January 22, 23

DEADLINES: (n: the point in time at which something must be completed)
-Investigate - January 29
-Design - February 6
-Plan - February 19
-Create - March 12
-Evaluate - March 19
* Remember - February 13 is Activity Day - no IT classes
- February 23-27 is Half Term Break - no IT classes
Year 11 - now that we have a proper schedule for deadlines it will be easier for you to organize your time.
Please continue working on your Investigations.
Please be advised that there is no "1st Draft" policy. I will be happy to help monitor your work OR you can make an appt with me to review your work with you. (I can be available to you on breaks, during lunch, or after school.)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 15, 16
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
possible products
The Teaching Aid Project is just that. You are working to create a tool that will help other students here at SDIS learn.
Teaching aids can be used with any discipline.
Remember that your teaching aid should be able to be used alone by a student, and interactive. If it is linear, it will not be give top marks.
Some possible tools are: Webquest, Tutorial, How-to, Gantt Chart (using Excel), Vocabulary Review, Quiz, Grammar, Math explanations, Science experiments, etc.
Check out this video tutorial:
http://email.about.com/od/yahoomailtips/ss/wt061105.htm
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 8, 9

Year 11 - Welcome to Information Technology (Term 2)
Our project this term will be a completely independent work! You have a lot of Computer Technology under your belt and you are up to the task.
You are to create a "teaching aid" for a teacher at SDIS.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
December 18
Lisbon |
Year 11 - Time's up. Please hand in your project today!
Have a wonderful holiday and good luck next term!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Google Earth visits Ancient Rome
In the Ancient Rome 3D layer, you can:
-Fly into Rome as it looked in 320 A.D.
-Tour the interior of famous buildings.
-Visit the sites in 3D such as the Roman Forum, Colosseum and the Forum of Julius Caesar.
-Learn about how the Romans lived.
http://earth.google.com/rome/
December 11, 12
Let's change the due date for the Create until Tuesday. Then start the Evaluate.
Consult the Assessment Rubric for details on exactly what you need to do to be successful. Look at the descriptors and make sure your documentation includes that information.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
FYI
On Friday someone mentioned that they did not think it was "fair" that the work you are handing in is NOT a draft.
Remember that this work that you are doing is one of the final IT projects that you will do. This is your 5th year in the MYP and each of you has a lot of CT (Computer Technology) experience. This project is meant to be student driven and should allow the student to put to use all that he/she has learned.
Having said that as your instructor I have made myself wholly available to you. This is my job and I take it seriously. I have provided guidance, links, material, suggestions and am available throughout the week to help you document(but not write)your learning. You can bring your work to me at any time and I will happily provide feedback.
Use all the documents that you have at your disposal (checklist, assessment rubric, class blog) and you will be successful.
Please contact me if you need some assistance.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Ms. Dietrich
December 6
Maximum 6
Students are expected to construct a plan to create their chosen product/solution that has a series of logicl steps, and that makes effective use of resources and time.
Students are expected to evaluate the plan and justify any modifications to the design.
Level of Achievement
Descriptor
0
The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.
1 - 2
The student produces a plan that contains some details of the steps and/or the resources required.
3 - 4
The student produces a plan that contains a number of logical steps that include resources and time. The student makes some attempt to evaluate the plan.
5 - 6
The student produces a plan that contains a number of detailed, logical steps that describe the use of resources and time. The student critically evaluates the plan and justifies any modifications to the design.
Now, what does this mean????
Look at the Check list: (located in the sidebar of this blog)
- I have included a timeline
- I have included a step-by-step plan
- I have included evidence about my planning for materials, tools, resources, etc
- I have critically evaluated my time plan and have tried to answer the following questions: Was the plan sufficiently detailed and why was this the case? Could my plan be followed by somebody else and why? Have I used all of the resources available to me?
- I have justified any modifications to my design
Friday, December 5, 2008
help is just a click away
If you have any questions over this long weekend, please feel free to email me and I will try to answer your questions.
My email address is: rddietrich@yahoo.com
Have a great weekend
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 20, 21
Then continue on with the Design. You are to think about 3 different ways you could make the teaching aid OR 3 different programs/tools that you could use. Look at the Assessment Rubric here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgg4pbx8_47fqr73nhh&hl=en
I won't be here on November 21. I will be attending a conference in Lisbon. Please use your time wisely.
November 20 - Investigate
November 28 - Design
December 4 - Plan
December 12 - Create
December 18 - Evaluate
Friday, November 14, 2008
November 14
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/10/01/the-best-online-sites-for-creating-music/
Saturday, November 8, 2008
November 13, 14
http://www.usalearns.org/index/intro/index.html
In case you'd like to check out some sites/activities that are currently online in the subject area that you are working with:
Social Studies sites: http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/11/02/the-best-social-studies-websites-2008/
EAL sites: Internet sites for English Language Learners http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/08/28/the-best-internet-sites-for-english-language-learners-2008/
Online Learning Games http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/07/09/the-best-online-learning-games-2008/
November 6, 7
Continue working on your Investigation
Remember, we have examples to help us maximize our potential.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 23, 24
Teaching Aid Project
Some teachers and departments who have already identified a need and would like to be part of our project are:
Ms. Odelson,Librarian,
Ms. Tsonis, English
Ms. Rublee, Art;
Ms. Bouvet, French;
Ms. Dietrich, EAL;
Ms. Dietrich, IT;
Ms. Castro, Music;
Mr. Blackburn, PE.
Also, approach your favourite teacher and ask if he/she has a need.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 16
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Your project is important!
As previously stated, if you need help - I'm available. Talk to me and I will help you. We can also arrange to work during lunchtime and afterschool if that is more convenient.
Let me know what I can do to help you be successful.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
October 9, 10

Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 2, 3
Projects are due October 3 at the end of the period.
E-Portfolio Evaluation Sites:
http://www.wikieducator.org/E-portfolio_evaluation_criteria_and_indicators
http://portfolio.psu.edu/files/eportfolio/Self-Evaluate.pdf
http://portfolio.psu.edu/evaluating
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
September 25, 26
September 25 - Activity Day - Enjoy yourselves
September 26 - Period 3 Whole School Assembly
Sorry Year 11 - we were unlucky this week. Only 1 class period together. As a result our Investigations will be due on October 6
Friday, September 19, 2008
Investigate Structure
Create a Design Brief:
- Identify the problem to be solved (explain/restate the problem in your own words)
- Evaluate the importance of the problem for life, society, and the environment
(In other words discuss the importance and significance of the problem/solution. Discuss it's impact and role in society. Define e-portfolio, talk about how this is now a useful tool to showcase learning/achievements. Emphasise the fact that e-portfolios are being used by students to supplement their university applications because they provide a more in-depth and personal view of the candidate. You could also mention that more and more professions are moving toward professional e-portfolios. Remember that e-portfolios provide evidence of learning. They can include works that the person has produced but also include reflections on that work. Develop these ideas. Use words like: multi-dimensional, digital identity.)
Develop the Design Brief:
- Formulate and discuss appropriate questions that guide the investigation
- Collect, analyse, organize and evaluate information (What tool would best serve your purpose and why? Look at a broad range of tools (wiki, blog, protopage, iweb, frontpage) that you could possibly use.)
Formulate a Design Specification:
- Research other secondary school student e-portfolios. What do you like and dislike about their e-portfolios? Give examples.
-What will you include in your e-portfolio? Give a detailed list. This is a precise and accurate list of facts (how many pages it will be, exactly which subjects it will include, community and service, etc)
-Design test to evaluate the product/solution. (In other words create a detailed questionnaire or survey that you will distribute to people to obtain feedback).
REMEMBER to REFERENCE all your work. This is research, please document your work! (Don't try to rely on the knowledge you already have.)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 18, 19

-Identify the Problem
-Develop a Design Brief
-Formulate a Design Specification
-Product Analysis of final product
-Acknowledge sources and document apprpriately
Friday, September 12, 2008
Criterion A
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 11, 12

Dr. Helen Barrett (the e-portfolio guru!) has conducted an experiment where she has created (and re-created) and e-portfolio using many different tools. It's all basically the same information - it's just organized differently. Let's see what she has to say about creating an e-portfolio. http://newali.apple.com/ali_sites/ali/exhibits/1000156/
I'm including some of her other links that I think may be of interest to you:
http://helenbarrett.com/
http://hbarrett.pbwiki.com/
http://hbarrett.wordpress.com/how-to/ (how to create an e-portfolio with wordpress)
http://eportfolios.googlepages.com/home
http://edfolio.fdu.edu/BarrettH/ (good ideas of what to include in your e-portfolio)
Check these option out too!
http://www.carbonmade.com/ Free e-portfolio site
http://www.pageflakes.com/ Page Flakes
http://protopage.com/ Protopage
What else can you come up with? There are merit points just waiting to happen . . .
In addition, when making your process journal posting follow this template to keep the posting relevant:
-From my research I found out . .
-I have discovered that . . .
-My conclusions are that . . .
-I have kept my research relevant by . . .
-I found ICT helpful when . . .
Thursday, September 4, 2008
September 5

While our Unit is still in progress we will be trying to solve this problem: How can technology be used to showcase learning/achievements and make it readily accessible to university admissions office?
Remember the Design Cycle: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate
Investigate tasks:
- Identify the Problem
- Develop a Design Brief
- Brainstorm ideas
- Formulate a Design Specification
- Product Analysis of final product
- Research into available free web-tools
1) Today I would like to INVESTIGATE e-portfolios/online portfolios/digital portfolios. Gather ideas to help you plan your product.
Here are some links that I would like to visit:
http://dp1.ips.k12.in.us:16080/~wyork/Kaijah%20BlackWell/Welcome.html
http://dp1.ips.k12.in.us:16080/~wyork/Frank%20Tardy/Welcome.html
http://dp1.ips.k12.in.us:16080/~wyork/Keshia%20Smith/Welcome.html
http://dp1.ips.k12.in.us:16080/~wyork/Lonald%20Key%20Senior%2008/Me,%20Myself%20and%20Maybe%20I.html
These students completed the above online portfolios as part of their senior year classwork;-) They attend a public school in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA). http://www.616.ips.k12.in.us/
two more great examples:
http://www.newtechhigh.org/gallery/samples/2002/cbaldomero/default.htm
http://www.newtechhigh.org/gallery/samples/2002/eboulier/default.html
Some more to look at - not great - but you might get some ideas:
http://www.pupilpages.com/Students/Default.aspx?studentId=173
2)Keep track of ALL sites you visit!
3) Begin to Formulate a DESIGN SPECIFICATION. What do you plan to include in your portfolio and WHY?????
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September 4
1. Let's view the Welcome to IT ppt.
Let's take a few minutes and dust off our process journals/blogs (hahaha).
2.Blogs are primarily a communication tool. People are more motivated when their blogs are visited and comments are made. I love visiting your blogs. However, I have more than 115 blogs to visit and, unfortunately, am unable to make it to all of your blogs on a timely basis. Therefore, we will organize groups whereby students within that group will visit and comment on each other's blogs and actively participate in each other's learning. Also, invite your friends and family to visit your process journal/blog.
Create a link list in the side bar to add links to the other members of your group.
3.Then check out this blog template site. Look carefully at the templates on this site. What are the differences between the templates provided by Blogger.com and these templates? What possible purpose could this serve? Answer these questions in your blog.
If you would like to change your template, please feel free to.
Remember, effective learners are punctual and meet deadlines!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
June 24
Monday, June 16, 2008
June 16, 19/20
I bid you farewell and wish you health and happiness as you move through to the next stage of your educational journey.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
June 5

Happy "Environment Day - 2008" Year 11
According to Wikipedia, "World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted every year by a different city and commemorated with an international exposition through the week of June 5."
Here is a link to the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) which offers a wealth of info: http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/
Then continue with your projects!
I hope you enjoyed the Activity Day yesterday. We learned a lot about Portuguese traditions. I would like you to think about the fact that due to EU regulations that many small businesses were forced to close. What do you think about that? We'll talk about that next week.
You are almost there Year 11. Keep working hard for a few more weeks. The end is drawing near. . .
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
May 30

Year 11, the sun is shining because I'm feeling a little better today.
I'm returning your Investigations and would like you to print your Designs and hand them in today.
You have 1 week to rework your Investigations and hand them in to upgrade your score. They are due Friday June 6. Remember to have them looked at again - you must submit the original Investigation with the Investigate Mark Sheet, and the 2nd draft Investigation.
Tick Tock, Year 11!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
May 29

Year 11, I'm sorry I'm not with you today but I'm a bit "under the weather".
Forge on with your CREATE. You should be finishing up with that as time is passing quickly and we only have a few classes left.
Remember that Graduation is June 27 and all your work must be in by June 20. Tuesday June 10 is a national holiday and consequently we won't have classes. So after today's class - we only have 5 classes.
Tick Tock, Year 11
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
May 22/23
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 20

Year 11, you all are busy as bees as you buzz around to get your projects done on time. Take a few minutes to check out this site I came across.
Check it out - it's way cool:-) http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 13
Year 11 - How about a little wine and cheese party? Well, not quite but we are planning our Activity Day on June 4 around a Systems Technology theme. We are planning on visiting 2 establishments in Azeitão that have a very long tradition here in Portugal.
But until things are finalized, let's continue working on our projects.
Year 11, we have received a "thank you" card for our particpation in the Earthwatch webcast on April 22. Well done Year 11. They loved YOU!
Henry, before I forget. . . Would you be willing to write a very small article for the June issue of the Signadou regarding your participation in the webcast? It would be fantastic to have a student's view of the project;-)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 8/9
Sometimes students begin working on a school project (homework, classwork, group work) during class time and don't finish it. It is necessary to complete the project at home. Now comes the student's dilemma - how to "take" the project home. Well, for some it's possible to access his/her school folder from home but for others with Microsoft Vista this doesn't seem to work.
Google Docs is another option. With Google Docs it's easy to store documents online. By doing so, the student can access the document from any computer (with an internet connection) anywhere in the world. Wow! That covers a lot of territory.
To learn more about Google Docs check out this video.
For more info and to start using Google Docs today visit this site: http://docs.google.com
ALSO, the Design portion of your project is due today;-) Don't forget to print it and hand it in.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May 2

- George Bernard Shaw
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 24/25
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 22 - Earth Day
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 17/18
A Voicethread has been created and will become part of an Earth Day initiative (Earthcast 08 Project). Please contribute to the SDIS Earth Day Voicethread and offer advice for protecting our world.
1. Go to http://voicethread.com and register
2. Click on Browse
3. Type - SDIS Earth Day, then click on the magnifying glass
4. Record your message
That was quick and easy. You have just added yourself to the list of contributors and helped make the world a better place.

Thank You Year 11
and now back to the Design portion of the program (hahaha).
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 15
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
April 8

Good Morning/Afternoon Year 11
First things First;-)
First things first!
1. Please sign into Blogger.com and open your blog
2. Click on the Layout tab
3. In the Sidebar, click on Add a Page Element
4. Choose Link List and click
5. Ask the person sitting to your left for their blog address
6. Insert this information and save changes
7. Then use this link and visit the blog
8. Leave a relevant comment on that blog.
Great Year 11 - You have just added to and participated in someone else's learning! Well done!
Now continue with your Design
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
March 27/28
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March 11
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
February 26
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
February 22/23

We are at the beginning of the course and I'd like to offer you some assistance with respect to creating posts for your Process Journal/blog.
You are conducting research and want to summarize using the following:
- From my research I found out . . .
- I have discovered that . . .
- My conclusions are that . . .
- I have kept my research relevant by . . .
Starting Questions that can be useful while undergoing research: Why? When? Where? What? How many? How often? How much?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February 19

Year 11 - INVESTIGATE
We perform investigations everyday - without really thinking about it. Every time you seek information that you don't already possess, you, in fact, are investigating.
We will proceed in a more organized fashion to really focus on investigating AND learning.
Click here to access the Investigate Help Sheet
Follow this sheet for success. Address each item carefully and completely!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
February 14
Monday, February 11, 2008
February 12
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
January 22
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
January 8 - Happy New Year!
Get a Voki now!
Welcome back Year 11. There's a saying, "Time and tide wait for no man" - and that's so true. We only have a few weeks to complete our projects - so let's get started!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
December 13/December 14

Monday, December 10, 2007
December 11

If you have finished your updates, please continue with the flowchart - it the Plan portion of the design cycle (Criterion C).
We are hoping to move into the Create mode after holidays. This is the part that everyone has been waiting for. Your designs were terrific - so I can't wait to see the finished product.
If you need assistance, I'm here;-)
Remember NO: games, facebook (or other social networking), YouTubes or other unauthorized sites. If you have a headset you MAY listen to music.