Final Project

Here is the project:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1daXNqR6cf-spFkXzZoL05ujxlCwu5BWzk0kj13n1mmI/edit?usp=sharing

MiniProject: Name-in-Lights

Use the "Name in Lights" instructions in
>Public >InfoPro >Photoshop
to
1. Add your initials in PhotoShop
2. Add 3 photos (one for each letter in your initials), and 'cut-out' the letters to show the photo that is behind.

Save your file as a JPG...

PhotoShop Skills #5: Pick-a-Lesson!

As you can appreciate, there is a lot more to Photoshop than the few lessons you've done to build some essential skills. If/when you take Information Processing 20, one module you'll be able to do is "Intermediate Photoshop", where you'll be adding to your skill set. But for the last lesson, you'll be able to choose what lesson/mini-project to finish with!

Your Job:
Go to >Public >InfoPro >Photoshop >ideas for Photoshop Skills #5, and choose ONE lesson to complete.

(they are well written by Adobe Professionals for 'training students' how to use Photoshop, so this is good training for any "Photoshop class" that you'd pay for in the future...).

Photoshop Skills #4: Filters

Filters allow you to modify photos in a number of ways with predefined Photoshop settings. You'll need to use this link to help you start; it has the file mentioned in the "Your Job" section... the instructions can be helpful, too (or you can use the 'Help' feature built in to our version of Photoshop).

Your Job:
Part #1: Find a photo that includes you from the >Public >Yearbook folder. Use the file from the link above to use filters to modify your photo as indicated.

Not all pictures on the Web are created equal. Copyrighted images and non-copyrighted images both are searchable by Google; in a business setting, choosing the wrong one can get you in legal trouble. The website Creative Commons lets you search pictures/video/audio files that others have purposely allowed users to upload for 'free' (just give the creator credit).

Part #2: Use the Creative Commons site to find an image of your idea using the theme below:
   Theme:  "What Summer Means to Me..."

then:
      > add ANY 4 filters that make the photo appear 'dreamlike'
           (as it is a future event that you are wishing for...) and save
           all the photos in 1 file

Again, make sure to save 2 files for each 'part' (one PSD and one JPEG).

Photoshop Skills #3: Blend Layers

For the next learning activity (the third one), you'll be blending pictures together to make a COLLAGE FOR A PERSON (OR PLACE). [A sample can be found here; a 'professional product' is here]. As a tutorial, you may wish to follow the instructions here, as they work well. [But as always, a quick YouTube or Google search may help you find something better].

Your Job:
Choose an individual (or place) to make a collage about, and include blends. Make sure to have:
   > 1 central photo (the person/place)
   > 4 other photos blended
You should have a total of 5 layers (minimum) in your final file.

Again, make sure to save 2 files (one PSD and one JPEG).

Photoshop Skills #2: Colorize a Black-and-White Photo

For your 2nd learning activity, you'll need to add colour to certain parts of a black-and-white photo [a sample of what this looks like is here]. Use YouTube or Google to find a tutorial that works well for you; there are multiple ways to do this correctly. [Addendum: Someone found this link helpful; if you can't find something, try it first]

Your Job:
Create 2 files that. For each, make sure to:
   > choose a black-and-white picture
   > include 2 areas where you've added colour

As discussed in class, please make sure to save 2 copies:
   > one PSD file (so you could edit it more at a later time), and
   > one JPEG (or JPG) file, which can be uploaded to the web

Photoshop Skills #1: Cropping Photos on a Background

For your 1st learning activity, you'll be learning about 2 different ways to "crop" pictures.  This link will help you see both ways. (or find another in YouTube). After seeing the video, and practising a bit, you'll find out which way to crop photos works best for you.

Your Job:
File #1:  Add something to the tray on this picture and put both on a 'restaurant' background.

File #2:  Add a photo of a you with your favorite celebrity on a background of your choosing.

Getting the Job You Want [GTJYW]: Checklist

Please use this checklist (download here) to review your unit, and see what needs to be handed in.

When you are finished, please EMAIL the checklist to Mr.Hackl [and hand in the files to the >Public >InfoPro >Hand_In folder]

Unit 3, Part 4 [last part]: The Job Interview

So far in this unit, you've prepared:
> your resume (chronological, functional, 21st century)
> 2 cover letters (from jobs at saskjobs.ca)

The final part of this "Getting the Job You Want" (GTJYW) unit is learning how to succeed at the job interview.

FIRST...
...You'll need to prepare a powerpoint which you reflect on how to prepare for the job interview. Answer these important thoughts:
1. What are some do's and don'ts as you plan... your clothing/dress? makeup? perfume/cologne?
2. Why is eye contact important in a job interview?
3. What should you do if you don't know the answer to a question?
4. Find "any 5 common interview questions" and provide a well-worded reponse that you would share with your interviewer.

   Links to get you started: (or google "Common Job Interview Questions"):
      > SaskNetwork: Job Interview
      > Government of Canada: Preparing for a Job Interview
      > Common Job Interview Questions... how to answer them

SECOND...,
...Email your "5 questions" (but save the answers for the interview) to Mr.Hackl. He'll choose from your list and his 'master list of questions' and email your partner a script, so you'll be able to do the interview.

THIRD,
...You'll be video-ing you and a partner "at the job interview" (we will plan for this on Wednesday, April 15th, and Thursday, April 16th). 

Unit 3: Part 3: Cover Letters

In this unit so far, we've:
> completed the Resume Worksheet
> created 3 resumes: 1 'functional', 1 'chronological', and 1 'digital'

Now, your next step is to create a "Cover Letter". It's purpose is to

a) introduce you to your (hopefully) future boss, let them know you've attached your resume, and explain where you found the job
b) explain why you would be a "good fit", explaining your qualifications, training, experience, personality, and general skills that would make you the best choice for the job
c) thank the employer for your time, and ask for an interview

When you write the actual letter, each letter is a separate paragraph. Look for sample cover letters here (or google search "examples of cover letters')

To do this:
Step #1:  

The leaders of many leading companies were asked 'what they look for in a cover letter. Read over this link which discusses their responses, and then add a blog post which explains any 5 tips to making a good cover letter, based on what you've read. Please MAKE SURE to include quotes/phrases from the link.

Step #2: 

Visit http://www.saskjobs.ca, and find ANY TWO (2) jobs you'd really like to apply for

Step #3:

Lastly, create a cover letter for each job you'd like

Unit 3, Part 2: Making Your Own Resumes

Good morning, everyone!

Time for "part 2" of the "Job Search" unit! PART TWO: Design Your Resume Now that you've seen the two different types of resumes [functional and chronological], it's your turn to create a resume (or modify one that you've already made before).... including creating a 'resume-for-the-21st-century'!

What to Do:

• for each of the two types of resumes mentioned above, use this link to give a scenario/example of when to use it, and when to avoid using it... so you know why each is important [save this in a new Microsoft Word file in your folder]
• create a resume in EACH of these styles: 1) Functional, 2) Chronological  [save each as a separate file in your folder]
• use this link (or Google "21st century resume" or "online resume" to 3) create a 'digital resume'

(more 'infographic resume ideas' are here...)

Unit 3, Part 1: Resumes

Our new unit, which we can start today is the “Job Search Experience”, also called "Get the Job You Want". We’ll be reviewing skills and techniques so that by the April break (on April 18th), you'll:
> develop different versions of your own professional resume
> develop your own cover letter
> practise ‘interviewing techniques’

Our first task: “What Makes a Good Resume”?  Use this link and the file What Makes a Good Resume (you can put your answers on the Word document) to explore do’s and don’ts of good ‘professional resumes’.

I intend to make a separate website for this unit, but for today and tomorrow, let's use the instructions here...

Unit 2 [Audacity] Assessment

Unit 2 is done (good work, everyone!)

Mr.Hackl will show you the process of creating a "zipped folder" for your files to be handed in. If you're not sure how to do this after he's done the teaching, please make sure ask...

Please use the file "Unit 2 - Audacity Skills Checklist" to analyze your work in this unit. Remember to add your comments/answers in the 'burgundy boxes', and Mr.Hackl will add his thoughts/comments/marks in the 'blue boxes'. Email the file to Mr.Hackl when you are finished.

Audacity Unit: "SHS Noon Hour DJ"

Now that you've done a few learning activities to get stronger skills using Audacity, it is time to put-it-all-together in our unit-ending project: "SHS Noon Hour DJ"

Project Sheet: SHS Noon Hour DJ

Rubric (as decided upon in class):  here

Reminders:
   > school appropriate language and lyrics, please!
   > for each song, include a reference for the 'commentary' on your storyboard
   > speak clearly and confidently

Multimedia & Audactiy Unit [Week 1: Formatives]

One module in Information Processing addresses 'multimedia use'. We will be focusing on the use of "Audacity", which is a program that is used to modify, edit, and create audio files.

Week 1 of this unit is to gain some 'formative' practise with using the program... Here's what to do to set yourself up for success this unit:

1. Install "Audacity"
> on the 'Desktop', double-click the 'Audacity' file from the 'Install Software...' link that has programs to install. This will take about 10 minutes to install [maybe a bit longer if everyone is doing it at once]. While this is installing, do parts 2 and 3 and 4.

2. Find the "Audacity folder" [at >Public  >InfoPro  >Audacity]
> all of the instructional videos and files you will be using are in this folder. Also, notice the folder called "_Lessons", which has the formative links you must complete before starting the 'Summative' project.
Please make sure you can get back to this folder; you may wish to make a 'shortcut to the desktop' of this folder, so you can find it quickly.

3. Create the sub-folder "2-Audacity" in your GoogleDrive
> this will be the folder that you will put your 'finished' files for marking [in about 2.5 weeks, when we are finished this unit].

4. Complete "Task #1: File Extensions"
> you can create a GoogleDrive document [or Microsoft Word document] to do this; when you are finished, please put the file in your "2-Audacity" folder in GoogleDrive.

5. Start "Activity 1: Fast Talking!" from the "_Lessons folder"
> you'll likely not finish this today; we'll be working on this tomorrow, when I'll share the 'Unit-at-a-Glance' file with you...

Enjoy the day.... it's sunny and warm!

Typing Unit "Wrap Up" [due March 5th]

As a wrap-up to the unit, please do "4 final timings" from the links you'd used  earlier, and add it to your earlier "table of timings". Here again are the links:
             #1 = http://www.typeonline.co.uk/typingspeed.php
             #2 = http://www.typingtest.com/ (choose a 2 minute test...)
             #3 = http://www.speedtypingonline.com/typing-test (choose a 2-minute test...)

Then, the 2nd (and last) post for the unit is the answer to this:
        POST #2: "In a 100 word post, compare your final timing with your first timing. Explain each of these:
                 1. h/ow did you show improvement from beginning to end?
                 2. How did the "non-words" improve your speed?
                 3. Which timing was easiest (site #1, #2, or #3), and why?

When you are ready for Mr.Hackl to summatively assess your work, please use this file (Unit 1: Typing Skills Checklist) to provide evidence for the unit. Please remember what Mr.Hackl mentioned in class; you fill in the maroon sections, and he'll fill in the blue sections (which are your 'marks').

Typing Unit: Week 2 [Feb 24 to 28]

Third: Keep Practising

1. Welcome back! After "a week off" of typing, your timings would be lower than before the break, so let's do some practise to get your skills back... and prepare for the final part of the unit...
.

Fourth: Real-Life Typing [starting Tuesday, Feb 25th]

1. Mr. Hackl will have a file-of-documents that need typing. As with anything "real-life", your job is to make the digital copy look as close to the original as possible. Keep in mind these reminders:
         > Font = "Times New Roman" or "Cambria" or "Calibri"
         > Font Size = "12"
         > use 'numbered lists' and 'tabs' when required, rather than just pressing the spacebar

2. You'll notice there are points awarded for each document. Your job is to SCORE 20 POINTS (this will make up part of your summative score for the unit). More on this in class...

Typing Unit: Week 1 [Feb 10 to 14]

First:  Get a "Baseline Speed"

1. Create a new word processing document (Microsoft Word or GoogleDrive document) to keep track of your timing unit 'formative' work.

2. Set up an account at http://www.typingweb.com/tutor/ AND THEN email Mr.Hackl your username-and-password (so I can track your progress during the unit)

3. Using the sites below, DO A TOTAL OF 6 "TIMING TESTS" to see your 'average starting typing speed'. You can use any 2 or 3 of these sites below (they each test a little differently):
             #1 = http://www.typeonline.co.uk/typingspeed.php
             #2 = http://www.typingtest.com/ (choose a 2 minute test...)
             #3 = http://www.speedtypingonline.com/typing-test (choose a 2 minute test...)
    ** after each timing, add your information into your document. You may get something like this:

Second:  Practise, Practise, Practise!

1. Sign in at http://www.typingweb.com/tutor/ AND do the Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced lessons (in that order).
.
Meanwhile:  On Your Blog

As part of this unit, you'll need to make blog posts to respond to these articles:

#1:  Do violent video games make teenagers (and everybody, really) less empathetic?
            http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26049333

Personal & Business Ethics

Good day!

So far, you have done a lot of "setup" for the year. You have:
   1. set up your email account,
   2. made sure your email is working
   3. created your Google Account
   4. sent your first 'shared document' from Google Drive (aka... GoogleDocs)

Between now and Friday, you should also create a blogger site (from http://www.blogger.com), which will use your Google Account information to set up your 'online portfolio'. Please email me the address of your blog site when you have finished this (thanks).

Now...

ASSIGNMENT #1:
Theme:  Personal & Workplace Ethics
   Start Date:  February 5th, 2014
   End Date:  February 7th, 2014

Before we look at creating, learning, and applying skills that will help you in your future workplace skills, we'll take some time to look at "Workplace Ethics". [In the future, I may add this into other coursework, as a reminder].

Employers always appreciate when people act "ethically"... but what does that mean? Ethics refers to the reasons why people do what they do... is it for selfish reasons? is it to help other people? is it to work together to solve problems?  The ethics a person has will guide how a person acts in many different situations.

The goal of this first assignment is for you to describe your personal ethics, and how you will be able to show it in this class. You'll also be able to analyze different situations in business where ethics guides decisions that people make.

What to Do:

1. InfoPro 10-20-30:  Create a 'Google Drive Presentation' and add a Title Slide with your name, the class, and the theme you see above. WHEN YOU ARE READY TO HAND IN, share the presentation with Mr.Hackl.

2. From slides #2 to #5, (a) find any 3 definitions of 'ethics' (cite your sources), and use them to develop your own definition of the term ETHICS. (b) Describe where you think your ethics comes from, and why it is important to be "ethical" in your workplace (and general life, too). (c) Finally, explain why it is true that a "good student" in this class will also be "ethical". [Use appropriate pictures to highlight all of these thoughts.]

3. Finish the Presentation:
> InfoPro10:  Use the 3 files in the  >Public  >InfoPro  >10  folder:  "Honesty/Integrity.pdf" , "Beginning a New Job.pdf", and "Workplace Health.pdf". On your powerpoint...
           a) Type ANY 1 (ONE) of the case's word-for-word [one for each file], and then
           b) Answer the questions provided for ALL the cases in the file.

> InfoPro20-30: Use the file in the >Public  InfoPro  >20 30  folder: "Professionalism in the Office.pdf" and finish these on your presentation:
          a) Project 2 and Project 3,
          b) define each of these with an example, and explain [with an example] how it can hurt a business:
                       rationalization, breach of confidence,
          c) what is the benefit to a business of a positive self-image, and how can you develop one?
          d) explain the value of a 'positive work environment', and how you can contribute to a 'positive class environment'
          e) Project 7
          f) Project 8
          g) Project 9
          h) explain how you can contribute to positive morale in class

First Day of Class!

Welcome to Information Processing!

This class is entirely on the computer... the only paper we'll be using is the 'finished products on paper' we'll be making from time-to-time. For everything else (responses, assignments, new creations), we'll be saving it online.

Our class time involves three courses happening at the same time... Information Processing 10, 20, and 30. Please check your HomeLogic site to make sure you are in the correct class.

Since not everyone may be in their correct classes yet, we'll save the "Course Topics" until Wednesday, February 5th. Make sure you're here then... you'll see what our projects this year involve!

So today, here's the agenda:

1. Check to make sure your email is working.... and send a note to Mr.Hackl at ryan.hackl@lskysd.ca [you may wish to add me as a contact, as you'll be emailing me quite often]

2. Create a Google Account at http://docs.google.com. This will be the main way you'll "share documents" with me, so I know you're keeping up with the coursework. You will also use this to work on projects with others.

3. Create a GoogleDocs Document that answers these questions:
       a) Why did you decide to take InfoPro this semester, and what are you looking forward to learning?

       b) What were the challenges and successes from Semester 1 (that just finished) this year?

       c) Using this link, describe your personality style, and whether you think this is accurate:
                       - PersonalityDNA:  http://www.personaldna.com/tests.php

       d) Using this link, describe your learning style, and whether or not you think this is accurate:
                       - Edutopia:  http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-learning-styles-quiz

4. On your GoogleDocs Document, 'share' with Mr.Hackl.... ryan.hackl@lskysd.ca. I'll respond! Here's a link, if you've never done this before... https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2494822?hl=en