Feld's Keyboarding & Computer Applications Classes

Third Quarter - Excel and EOFC Project

2012-02-12T18:07:00.001-08:00

This Third Quarter we will continue with a few more Excel Exercises and then (after the Winter Break) we will start the "Exploring Our Future Careers (EOFC) Project."

On Monday, February 13, 2012 you will create an exercise similar to the Excel Exercise No. 5 (BSC Ex 05). You can work in groups of two (but each student has to create this exercise). You will go to the following websites and do some research on the 15 highest paying jobs in 2011. You will visit: Jobs 1 and Jobs 2 (click on these links) and copy the data for Average Annual Salary and Current Employment into an Excel Workbook (use the cnbc.com site for gathering your data). You will create a Table (Spreadsheet) on Sheet 1 with the following information: Jobs, Average Annual Salary and Current Employment and enter the necessary information there. Your table must have a Main Title and Subtitles. Enter the data, format the numbers properly (Currency - No Decimals), and Sort the information from Largest to Lowest Salary (unless you already entered the information this way). Copy this table (all the information on Sheet 1) and paste it on Sheet 2 (you need it on Sheet 2 to create a Pie Chart there later).

Create a Column Chart on Sheet 1 of the 6 highest paying jobs only (highest Average Annual Salary). The Column Chart should have a main title and Axes Labels (title for y axis and title for x axis), also add Data Labels. Then go to Sheet 2, Sort the information on Current Employment from Largest to Smallest (select all columns to do the sort) and create a Pie Chart with the Current Employment Data of the 6 Careers that employ the most people in the USA. Enter your Name and Period Number in the Footer and the Today's Date formula under the tables (Sheet 1 and Sheet 2). Put the Charts below the tables (on Sheet 1 and Sheet 2) and print the worksheets for Mrs. Feld (with your Name, Period No. in the Footer of both worksheets). Change the margins if necessary, so that everything looks centered nicely on the page (good presentation). If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

EOFC Project:

Mrs. Feld will give you a handout and explain the project. Please read the instructions carefully and spend a good amount of time researching the type of careers you think you'll be interested in pursuing in your future.

Goal: to do some research about possible future careers. Students should select at least six “possible” future careers (even if it’s different careers in just one field, e.g. Healthcare). Each field of interest has many different possibilities.

You will work individually for this project (it is not a “group project” – but you can help each other while you’re working on it).

The websites to check are: http://www.bls.gov/. From this site you can also go to: www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm, www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm, http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm (Check the Occupational Outlook Handbook, OOH 2010-2011). You can also check: http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_alph.htm for an alphabetical list of careers. You can also go back to the links above (Jobs 1 and Jobs 2) for more information.

Other good sites are:
http://www.usnews.com, http://www.princetonreview.com/careers-after-college.aspx www.jobbankinfo.org/ (Explore Careers, Browse Occupations, Salary Information) www.careerbuilder.com/ careerpath.com/defaultb.asp www.monster.com/.

The Word Document - with a brief description of your careers and with information on the Average Annual Salary and an Estimate on the number of jobs available (Current Employment) for that profession in the United States (or locally, if you prefer to select a particular city or state) - is due: Friday, March 9, 2012. Please: no more than two pages long. You will save it in the Server (don't print!).

You will also create Excel Worksheets and Excel Charts and then a PowerPoint Presentation explaining the careers chosen, including the Excel Tables and Charts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
~ Walt Disney

“Be courageous! Dare to explore what you love and what is most important to you. Don’t waste time assessing yourself as you are now. Dream and plan for who you want to be in the future.”
~ Betty Jo Matzinger Lash, Associate Director, Georgetown University Career Center

“When looking for any position, I look for people who have a grasp of computers and good communication skills. I also look for people who can work well with others, adapt easily to change, and be creative when looking for new ways to do things.”
~ Debbie Bornholdt, Human Resource Manager QVC, Electronic Retailer West Chester, PA

EXCEL and Third Quarter

2012-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

On January 23rd we started our Third Quarter. We will continue learning EXCEL - the Spreadsheet Program, and we'll work on a few more exercises and learn how to create charts. We will also cover part of Chapter 5 (Microsoft Office 2010 textbook). Every Friday you will do a Timed Writing, that you will print for Mrs. Feld (2-minute and 3-minute). There are 13 Timed Writings, you can do the ones you haven't done yet and/or repeat others. Mrs. Feld may add some new ones as well.

Excel Test: Friday, February 10, 2012. Review your Excel notes (from PowerPoint presentation) and the handouts Mrs. Feld gave you - the Excel Simple Formulas Paper and the Spreadsheets and Excel Paper. You must understand basic formulas (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, average, square root and numbers squared). You will also have an Excel exercise (to create a table) and will have to create one or two charts. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Vocabulary: Excel, workbook, worksheet, ribbon, active cell, cell, title bar, quick access toolbar, name box, cell address or cell reference, formula bar, scroll bars, sheet tabs, worksheet area, gridlines, status bar, column, column identifiers, row, row identifiers, cell pointer and AutoFill Handle (or Fill Handle). Also the "automatic features" in Excel (learn to identify them): AutoSum, AutoFill, AutoComplete, AutoCorrect and AutoCalculate. When do you see number symbols (###) in your cells? What are labels? What are values? What are formulas? Which sign or symbol must be entered first when entering a formula in Excel? How do you change the column width in Excel? How do you change the row height? How do you change the alignment of titles or text in cells? How do you "wrap" text in cells? How do you add borders to your table? What is a chart?

A chart is a visual representation of worksheet data. A chart can enhance and simplify the understanding of numerical data in a worksheet because the relationship between data is illustrated. You can check your notes and Chapter 5 in the Microsoft Office 2010 textbook to answer some of these questions. Also check the Chapter Summary.

MIDTERM REVIEW 2012

2012-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

For the Midterm, please study from your notes (from the PowerPoint Presentations I showed you in class and any handouts I gave you. Also study from your Tests and Quizzes. There will be two timings for this exam: a 3-minute timing and a 2-minute timing – I’ll let you know which ones you’ll do the day of the exam. You may want to practice 3-minute timings (from the Timed Writings) and the Measurement Writings (2-minute timings) of the Skill Builder Lessons.

1. Computer Concepts: (STUDY YOUR COMPUTER CONCEPTS’ NOTES)

What is a computer? What is hardware (name the four types of hardware)? What are Input Devices (name four and define)? What are Output Devices (name four and define)? What is the Central Processing Unit? What are storage devices (name four and define)? What is software (name the two types of software)? What is Digital? What is RAM? What is ROM? What are binary numbers? What is a bit? What is a byte? Kilobytes? Megabytes? Gigabytes? What is a network? What is a server? What is the Internet? What are telecommunications? What are modems? What is the World Wide Web? What is a Web Site? What is a Web Page? What is a Web Browser? What is a URL (give one example)? What is “http”? What is a “domain”? What are URL identifiers (give four examples)?

Vocabulary: Digital, Digital System, Digitize, Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, Ergonomics, Ergonomists, Posture, Christopher Latham Sholes, QWERTY, Computer, Hardware, Input Devices, Memory, Integrated Circuits, Processing Devices, Central Processing Unit, Output Devices, Software, Data Bus, Storage Devices, Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, RAM, ROM, Network, Server, The Internet, Connectivity, Telecommunications, The World Wide Web (WWW), Web Site, Web Page, Web Browser, Domain, URL, Copyrights.

2. What are Copyrights? Why are they important?

3. Ergonomics:

What is ergonomics? Why is it important to follow ergonomic rules? Name four ergonomic rules (or tips). What are ergonomists? What is the right ergonomic position you should use when typing (mention four rules)? Why is good posture important?

4. KEYBOARDING:

a. Home Row Keys: Which are the letters of the Home Row? Which fingers do you use to type the Home Row keys? What is the first goal in Keyboarding?

b. What is Touch-Typing?

c. Which letters does each finger type (mention both left and right hand fingers)? What fingers do you use to key the Space Bar?

d. Who invented the “Type Writer”? When? What is the official name of the present keyboard? Why was the first typewriter designed to slow down the typist?

5. EXCEL:

We will start learning Excel this month. You will have to study whatever we cover during the week before the exams (January 17 – 20). There may be a small Excel exercise (similar to the ones practiced in class) in the Keyboarding Midterm (if we cover this before the Exams).

a. What is Excel? What is a Spreadsheet? What is a Workbook? What are Worksheets? What is the Worksheet Area? What are rows? What are columns? What are “cells” in Excel?

b. Mention at least six elements or parts of an Excel Worksheet and explain what these are.

c. What is the “cell reference”? What is an “active cell”?

d. What is the AutoFill Fill Handle?

e. What are the five Automatic Features of the Excel Program? The “AutoComplete” Feature, The “AutoCorrect” Feature, The “AutoFill” Feature, The “AutoSum” Feature and The “AutoCalculate” Feature. Understand what these are.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Assignment for December 5th

2011-12-05T04:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Students: Sorry I cannot be in school today. Please check the assignments below.

Today you will continue with the Creating a Business Project. Please find your folder (if you need it) on the floor near my desk. Try to keep them in order and by Period. I'll appreciate your cooperation.

You can continue with the logo, if you haven't completed it yet. Once done, you must save it as a JPEG in the Server under "keyboardall" inside the "keyboardassignments" folder (under your Period Number > under the Creating your Business folder > under your Group No.). I know, it's a challenge! To save a a JPEG you simply go to File > Save As > and where it says Save as Type (bottom of window) you scroll down until you find "JPEG."

You can continue reading the instructions and start your Business Cards. Please read the instructions you have carefully. Open Publisher and like the instructions say: Select Business Cards in “New” to select a template of your choice – which you can customize to your liking (or go to Blank Sizes at the bottom and select Business Card 3.5” x 2” and click “Create”). To increase or reduce the size of your document, use the slider at the bottom right. Make sure you see 10 business cards per page when selecting Print Preview (in File). Since you have to create a Letterhead also, you may want to look at some samples of letterheads online (go to Google images and enter letterhead). Or look at the samples Publisher offers. The instructions should say: Create a new Publisher Publication selecting Letterhead under New (the instructions I gave you say "Publication Types" - but this was for the 2007 version, please correct this). You can also design your own letterhead but it must match the business cards.

Remember: each group member must create everything (logo, business cards, letterhead, and the other publications). But you must use the logo selected per group - the same logo in all publications. If you have any questions, please ask Mrs. Schuster or ask me when I return to school.

You may also want to continue working on your Keyboarding Lessons; especially if you have questions regarding the project or don't understand some of the instructions. Please work quietly and do your best! THANK YOU!

PowerPoint Presentations (Assignments)

2011-11-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

While I'm at Kairos, you will create two PowerPoint Presentations ("Better Burger" and "Stress"). The first one is already almost done, all you have to do is add a template to it (slide design), add some Clip Art, change the font to your liking (the same throughout the whole presentation), etc. The second one is a presentation called "Stress." Please READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. The instructions and the Better Burger Presentation can be found in the Server (Labserver) under Classes 11-12 in "keyboardall" inside the "keyboardassignments" folder. You will also receive print-outs of these instructions.

If you need to check the Microsoft Office 2010 textbook to learn how to create better presentations or how to add transitions or animations (or other), please feel free to use it. Check the PowerPoint Chapter starting on page 463. The textbooks are in the black metal bookshelf on the left side of the Windows Lab. You can also help each other, but please work quietly and be considerate with the Substitute Teacher. I will ask him/her about your behavior and cooperation. He/she will have seating charts, so that they can monitor your work better.

You can also work on your Keyboarding Lessons (MicroType) and if you wish, practice some of the Timed Writings, like I showed you Monday in class (using the www.sense-lang.org/typing website - using the Typing Tutorials and clicking the Practice your own text green button and then entering the text of the timing in the white box and clicking "practice the text" tab. You may want to practice Timed Writings 1 - 5 first (one, two or three paragraphs). If you are more advanced, you may practice any of the other timings (6 - 13).

When I come back from Kairos I will check your reports to see how you are doing and if everyone completed the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons. Those who haven't completed these lessons can concentrate on finishing them, instead of working on timings. Those who started working on the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons can work on timings, or repeat the Timed Practices in the Skill Builder Lessons. Remember: those working on these Skill Builder lessons must first work on Accuracy (Focus: Accuracy).

GOOD LUCK!

Second Quarter - November through January

2011-11-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Many of you already completed the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons. Some of you are still working on these lessons. I need to remind you that the goal of this class is to help you learn to type better, using correct posture, technique, accuracy and speed (besides learning Microsoft Office 2010 - Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher). After you complete the Alphabetic Lessons your timing should be at least 35 words per minute (GWAM) with less than 6 errors (ideally less than 3) and less than 6 backspaces. If you are not at this level after completing these lessons I suggest you repeat the exercises in the Alphabetic Lessons.

I'm hoping that you are honest with yourself and recognize where you are. How do you need to improve? Do you need to work on "fingering"? Are you still looking a lot at the keyboard when typing? You really should be able to type without looking at the keys at all, using "muscle memory." If you don't automatically find the keys when typing an exercise or a timing, you MUST repeat lessons. Practice makes PERFECT!

If you feel that you are at the 35 or more words per minute and are using correct technique and don't have any difficulty staying on the Home Row Keys and finding all the letters, etc. You can start with the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. You can start with Assessment No. 1. You must do all these lessons (A - T) and the five Assessments as "Accuracy" first (look at the bottom of the program's screen... Focus: Accuracy (it shouldn't say Focus: Speed). You will do all these lessons emphasizing accuracy first and then repeat all of them emphasizing speed. You will find some 2 minute Timed Practices in these lessons (you may repeat these timed practices to get better with "timed drills").

Also, please work on some of the Timed Writings (left side of MicroType Main Menu) - remember you must navigate to Options in "keyboardall" under Classes 11-12 in the Labserver to get to these timings. If you have any questions, please ask Mrs. Feld. (Ideally you should time yourself for at least two minutes).

If you need some reinforcement, there are some very good websites with free typing exercises online. I suggest: www.sense-lang.org/typing, www.typingweb.com and 20 FREE keyboarding resources (where you can find links to several keyboarding websites). So, when you're bored at home, practice some keyboarding lessons while listening to your favorite music.

This Second Quarter, you will work on a few other PowerPoint Exercises (professional presentations) on various themes. We will also do some textbook exercises. In December you will work on the Creating a Business Project (also known as SBA for Small Business Adventurers).

In January you will start learning (or reviewing) Excel. You will work on several Excel Exercises, first learning to create spreadsheets and later creating graphs (charts). We will also work on some textbook exercises.

January 20th is the end of the Second Quarter. I wish you all the best! Stay positive!

MicroType 4 and More Computer Concepts

2011-09-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

You already started using the MicroType Keyboarding Program. I'm hoping that most of you complete up to lesson 10 of the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons by Friday, September 30th. But, please remember: if you feel that you should repeat the lessons, I encourage you to do so (and don't worry too much about this). These first lessons are very important! If you are still having difficulties finding the right keys, or using the right fingers, you must definitely repeat them. As you advance, the lessons will get harder and once you get to the Skill Builder Lessons, you must have very good dominion of the Alphabetic Keys. It will be harder for you to do well on timings, if you don't practice a lot and repeat many of these lessons. The first goal is ACCURACY!

Little by little you'll acquire SPEED. But proper technique and fingering are essential!

We will also continue with the Computer Concepts presentation, to cover the terms mentioned in my previous entry - that we haven't covered yet. You can type your notes and print them for yourselves.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Welcome Keyboarding Class!

2011-09-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class! It is up to you to have a successful and interesting class... I wish you all the best! Please keep in mind the Classroom Policies.

First you will learn some important information about "Ergonomics," and "Ergonomists" and their importance. Make sure you understand what these terms mean (you will also have homework - finding two good definitions of what is ergonomics and why is good posture important). You will learn a little bit of history about the keyboard. Who invented the "Type Writer" and the "QWERTY" Keyboard? Why is the layout of the keyboard the way it is? Also the importance of "Good Posture."

Later you will learn about "Computer Concepts": What is Digital? (watch the movie by clicking the link on the upper right side). What are Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes? What is a Computer? What is Hardware? What is Software? What are Input Devices? What are Output Devices? What are Integrated Circuits? What are Processing Devices? What are Storage Devices? What are Networks? What is the Internet? What is Connectivity? What are Telecommunications? What are Copyrights?

We will also cover the "Home Row Keys" and which is the correct "fingering" - which fingers type which keys. I will show you an easy way to remember this. You can also check the fingering chart on your tables.

We will also start with the first MicroType Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) - "Alphabetic Keyboarding". Initially, you will enter these lessons as a "Guest"; until the system allows us to connect to the Labserver properly and you can then be able to enter the program as a "User". Take these lessons seriously; they will teach you to type the proper way and use the right fingers. Please read the instructions and techniques shown on each lesson carefully! At first, you will concentrate on "accuracy" (not speed). It is essential for you to learn the right fingering and the right techniques. As you become better at typing, you will start working on "speed". Remember: the first goal in Keyboarding Class is to learn the Home Row Keys and to learn to type accurately.

If you need to, please repeat the lessons until you feel more confident.

Quiz: Thursday, September 22, 2011 (which will include what you have learned in class up to this date - Mrs.
Feld gave you a hand-out with all the presentations she showed).
Test: Thursday, September 29, 2011 (which will include what you have learned in class up to this date).

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Communication is important!

Vocabulary:
Digital, Digital System, Digitize, Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, Ergonomics, Ergonomists, Posture, Christopher Latham Sholes, QWERTY, Computer, Hardware, Input Devices, Memory, Integrated Circuits, Processing Devices, Central Processing Unit, Output Devices, Software, Data Bus, Storage Devices, Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, RAM, ROM, Network, Server, The Internet, Connectivity, Telecommunications, The World Wide Web (WWW), Web Site, Web Page, Web Browser, Domain, URL, Copyrights.
(The Quiz and Test will only include the vocabulary learned in class up to September 22nd and 29th respectively!)

FINAL EXAM

2011-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

KEYBOARDING - REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM

EXCEL:

1. What is Excel? What is a cell? What is an “active” cell?
2. When can you use Excel?
3. How do you enter a formula in excel? Which sign should you enter first?
4. What is a workbook? What is a worksheet?
5. How many default worksheets are in a workbook?
6. What is the Auto Fill Handle?
7. Which are four automatic features in Excel? Explain all of them. Know the difference between these features.
8. How are columns in Excel labeled?
9. What is a cell reference or cell address?
10. How should you read numbers in order to type them faster?
11. We will have an Excel Exercise. Study your Excel Test.

FORMATTING DOCUMENTS USING MICROSOFT WORD:

1. What are Tab Stops? Mention four types of Tab Stops.
2. What are Indents? Indent Markers? What is a Hanging Indent? First Line Indent?
3. What are the default Tabs in Microsoft Word? How do you set Tab Stops more precisely?
4. How do you remove a Tab Stop from the ruler?
5. How do you select a different Tab Stop? (Where do you go?)
6. What are Margins? How can you change the Margins? (Mention two ways)
7. What are Indents? How can you change the indentation of individual paragraphs in a Word document?
8. How do you insert a Page Break in a document? (Mention two ways)
9. How can you change the line spacing in a Word document? (Mention two ways)
10. How do you insert a Header and Footer in a Word Document? When do you insert a Header and/or Footer?
11. Study your last test on “Formatting Documents and Tabs & Indents,” your notes and test.

BUSINESS LETTERS:

1. What are Business Letters? When do you use them?
2. What is a “personal” Business Letter? What is a “regular” Business Letter?
3. Mention the 10 Basic Parts of a Business Letter. Describe each of them. (You should know well what each part is)
4. What are the three styles of Business Letters? Which is the most popular one? Describe them. (Know the difference between the different styles)
5. How should you type the date in a Business Letter?
6. What is another name for the “Greeting”? It normally begins with the word …
7. The “Closing” is also called…
8. When do you add the word “Enclosure(s)” in a Business Letter?
9. Can you add “Post Scripts” in a Business Letter?
10. Can you use “lined paper” when typing a Business Letter?
11. Study your notes (taken from Mrs. Feld’s PowerPoint Presentation) and your latest test.

Business Letters

2011-05-01T18:42:00.001-07:00

During this last quarter we will also learn about "Business Letters." What are Business Letters? How many styles are they? How can you type an effective letter? These are questions you'll be able to answer after Mrs. Feld shows you the Business Letters Presentation and after you do a few exercises, typing sample letters and creating your own letters.

By now you should have completed all the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons (both as Accuracy and as Speed). Some of you even completed the Numeric Keyboarding Lessons. If you haven't done so, please continue with these keyboarding lessons ("Numeric Keyboarding" - not Numeric Keypad - you already completed those).

The month of May will go very fast and we will also review for the Final Exam; which will cover Excel, Formatting Documents, and Business Letters. You will also have a timing. If you haven't completed all the Timed Writings, I suggest that you do so.

Thank you...

FOURTH QUARTER

2011-04-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we are starting our Fourth Quarter already! I'm hoping that by now you have completed all your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons (both as "Accuracy" and as "Speed") as well as all your Numeric Keypad Lessons (including the Keypad Timed Writings).

This quarter we will learn how to properly format documents in Microsoft Word. We will learn how to use the Reveal Formatting Task Pane, and about Margins, Indentation (Indents and Indent Markers), Line Spacing, Pagination, Tabs (Tab Stops and Tab Leaders), Headers and Footers, Footnotes, Endnotes and Clip Art. We will cover Chapter 5 in the Microsoft Word Textbook.

After typing some notes on how to format documents, we will go to page 129 in the textbook and start reading about the Reveal Formatting Task Pane. I want you to carefully read pages 129 to 131 (before the Training Exercise). You will first create a new document with the information you see on page 129 (using the Reveal Formatting Task Pane). Mrs. Feld will tell you what to do and will give you a handout. When you complete this exercise you will continue on page 131 and start the Practice Exercise ("Training").

You can find this Training Document in the Server, in Keyboarding 10 under Format Docs. PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE EXERCISE DIRECTLY, but drag it on your desktop first, before opening it! Then, follow the textbook instructions carefully. First following the instructions of Part 1 of 7, then reading page 133 (Headers and Footers) - you can add some of this information in your Formatting Documents notes. Then, continuing on page 134, Part 2 of 7... and moving on. Read page 135 on Tabs and Tab Stops. Before you move on to Part 3 of 7, you will complete an exercise Mrs. Feld will give you (to practice how to insert Tabs in a table with columns). After this you will move on to page 136 and continue with Part 3 of 7.

All the steps mentioned must be followed carefully until you complete the exercise (Part 7 of 7). Once completed, you must save it in the Server under Format Docs (with your name on it, i.e. "FeldK-Training").

You may want to review the Chapter Summary (pgs. 152 and 153), the Vocabulary (on page 154) and your notes to study for the Test on April 19 (Tuesday). The test will only cover the material covered up to that date. You can add some of the textbook information on your notes. Mrs. Feld will also give you a few other exercises on Formatting Documents. We will also learn how to create Business Letters this quarter, and if time permits continue with the "Numeric Keyboarding Lessons."

Review:

1. What are margins? What are three ways of changing margins in Microsoft Word? What are the default margins in Word?
2. What is pagination? How is pagination changed? Mention two ways to insert a page break. Can you delete a page break? How?
3. What is a Header? What is a Footer? How can you add a Header and Footer?
4. What are indents? Name four types of indent markers. What is a normal indent? Hanging indent? First line indent?
5. What is line spacing. What are three ways to change the line spacing in a document (e.g. to double-space your text)?
6. What are tabs? What are tabs used for? What are the default tabs in Microsoft Word? What’s the first thing you should do when you need to work with tabs?
7. Which are the different types of tab stops? Mention the basic four tab stops.
8. How can you set tabs more precisely? Where do you go? How do you change the tabs for an entire document?
9. Which is the most used tab (most popular)? How do you remove tab stops from your ruler? How do you set a tab stop?
10. What are tab leaders? How do you create them?
11. What are first line indents? What are hanging indents? What are the first line indent and the hanging indent markers?
12. Mention two ways to indent a paragraph in Microsoft Word?
13. When do you move the left indent square?
14. How do you create a hanging indent? Mention two ways.
15. What are footnotes used for? How can you create a footnote in your Word document?
16. What are endnotes?
17. How can you insert clip art in a document?
18. How do you open the "Reveal Formatting" Task Pane and when do you use it?

EXCEL

2011-02-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

This month of February you have been learning the Spreadsheet Application - EXCEL.

On February 24th, Thursday, you will have an Excel Test. Check your notes and the handouts Mrs. Feld will give you, and remember what was already taught in class.

Study the Automatic Features in Excel: AutoComplete, AutoCorrect, AutoCalculate, AutoFill (& AutoFill Fill Handle), and AutoSum. Also answer the following questions, if you don’t find the answers in the hand-outs, check the Microsoft Office Textbook (Chapter 7 and Chapter 9). And review pages 5 and 6 of the Excel Summary.

What is a spreadsheet?

What is a spreadsheet document called in Excel?

How many worksheets does a new workbook contain? What is a worksheet?

What is a cell? What is an “active” cell?

What is a cell address?

Which are the column identifiers (labels)? Which are the row identifiers (labels)?

When does a cell display # # # #?

How can you quickly “add” numbers in and Excel Worksheet?

How can you quickly copy a formula to other cells?

How can you add a Header and Footer in an Excel Worksheet?

What is a chart, what is its purpose?

How do you add a chart in Excel? Mention two ways.

How is an entire column selected? How is an entire row selected?

What is a formula in Excel?

True/False Practice:

1. A cell reference consists of a column letter only.

2. Selected cell and active cell mean the same thing.

3. The contents of the active cell are displayed in the Name Box.

4. A cell’s alignment can be changed.

5. A cell address is also called a cell reference.

6. The “AutoComplete” Feature in Excel will automatically insert data in a cell that begins the same as a previous entry.

7. The “AutoCorrect” Feature automatically formats your data to your liking.

8. The “AutoFill fill handle” is the white cross (pointer) in an Excel workbook.

9. The “AutoSum” feature in Excel allows you to add and calculate the sum of a list of numbers in your worksheet.

10. The multiplication symbol in an Excel formula is an “x.”

11. The division symbol in an Excel formula is represented by a slash (“/”).

12. All formulas must start with an equal sign (=).

13. Any expression in a formula that is enclosed within a parentheses is calculated first.

14. Certain formulas can be entered in Excel without entering an equal sign.

15. To enter “today’s date” in Excel you enter =TODAY().

16. The “AutoCalculate” feature in Excel is a shortcut that allows you to view a calculation for a selected range of cells without placing a function in a cell.

Which is the Excel Formula that adds the numbers in cells A1 through A6?

Which is the Excel Formula that multiplies the numbers in cells B3 and C3?

Which is the Excel Formula to calculate the average of the numbers in cells B3 through B8?

Vocabulary: spreadsheet, workbook, worksheet, worksheet area, gridlines, cell, active cell, column identifiers, cell reference or cell address, name box, formula bar, AutoSum, AutoComplete, AutoFill Handle, AutoCorrect, AutoCalculate, chart.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

MIDTERM - January 2011

2011-01-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

1. Computer Concepts: (STUDY YOUR COMPUTER CONCEPTS’ NOTES)

What is a computer? What is hardware (name the four types of hardware)? What are Input Devices (name four and define)? What are Output Devices (name four and define)? What is the Central Processing Unit? What are storage devices (name four and define)? What is software (name the two types of software)? What is RAM? What is a Digital System? What are binary numbers? What is a bit? What are byte? Kilobytes? Megabytes? Gigabytes? What are computer languages (give four examples)? What is a network? What is a server? What is the Internet? What is connectivity? What are telecommunications? What are modems? What is the World Wide Web? What is a Web Site? What is a Web Page? What is a Web Browser? What is a URL (give one example)? What is “http”? What is a “domain”? What are URL identifiers (give four examples)?

2. What are Copyrights? Why are they important?

3. Ergonomics:

4. KEYBOARDING & MICROSOFT WORD:

a. Home Row Keys: Which are the letters of the Home Row? Which fingers do you use to type the Home Row keys? What is the first goal in Keyboarding?

b. Which letters does each finger type (mention both left and right hand fingers)? What fingers do you use to key the Space Bar?

c. Who invented the “Type Writer”? When? What is the official name of the present keyboard? Why was the first typewriter designed to slow down the typist?

d. What are Toggle Keys? When do you use the Caps Lock Key? Which are the three basic ways to correct errors in Microsoft Word? When do you use the Tab Key? (Check the Handout on Lessons 1 - 20, page 6 has this information).

e. How do you insert a Table in Word?

5. EXCEL:

We will start learning Excel this month. You will have to study whatever we cover during the week before the exams (January 18 – 21). There will be a small Excel exercise (similar to the ones practiced in class) in the Keyboarding Midterm.

a. What is Excel? What is a Spreadsheet? What is a Workbook? What are Worksheets? What is the Worksheet Area? What are rows? What are columns? What are “cells” in Excel?

b. Mention at least six elements or parts of an Excel Worksheet and explain what these are.

c. What is the “cell reference”? What is an “active cell”?

d. What is the AutoFill Fill Handle?

e. What are the five Automatic Features of the Excel Program? Understand what these are.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Christmas Project & January 2011

2010-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

In December 2010 you were working on the SBA Christmas Project ("Creating a Business" - Stocking Stuffers, Inc. or other). You created Logos, Business Cards, Letterheads, Coloring Pages, Wrapping Papers, Flyers, and Photo Cards. When you come back from your Christmas Vacation (January 2011) you'll work on the "Newsletter." You can create this Newsletter together in your group (you don't have to work individually). Make sure you discuss your ideas together and decide "together" how your newsletter will look and which information will be included. I hope you had a great time during the Holiday Season and New Year! I hope the year 2011 brings you happy memories and all the best!

This newsletter must be in one page only. Please delete the extra pages in Publisher - all you have to do is right-click with your mouse and select "Delete Page" (YOU MUST DELETE PAGES 2 & 3 AND 4). You can use one of the templates in Publisher > under Publications for Print > Newsletters if you wish, and customize it to your liking. Check the instructions for more information on how to create your newsletter.

A newsletter is informative and is a good way for small businesses to keep in touch with loyal customers. A newsletter is a document, periodically published, that informs, announces, reminds, advises, instructs, advertises, and communicates. Your logo should be inserted in your newsletter. You can also add pictures of the products you sell, items for sale, and/or a picture of Santa with children that visit your shop, or other pictures (like employees of the month, Christmas contests, etc.) - check the Internet for samples of newsletters to get better ideas on how to create yours.

The month of January 2011 you will continue working on your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Remember: you must first complete all these lessons with Focus: Accuracy, and then repeat all of them Focus: Speed. You must work efficiently and take the lessons seriously in order to improve your typing skills - don't forget to use the ergonomic tips learned and to use "good posture." Your Second Quarter grade will reflect your work and dedication. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld. We will also start learning Excel and work on some Excel exercises, creating tables and graphs, and learning simple formulas.

Week of November 29th - December 3rd

2010-11-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's the end of November already and the beginning of December. Time is flying! Soon we'll be on our Christmas Vacation (hurray!). I reviewed everyone's PowerPoints ("Better Burger" and "Stress") and all of you did very well - all B+'s, A-'s and A's. If you didn't get an A it was because you either forgot to add "transitions," "sources," or there wasn't enough information in the presentation. Some of you didn't add the last slide I asked you to add at the end of your PowerPoint with your own input (information found online about how to create a better burger - or a healthier burger). Some of you forgot to add sources. Some of you didn't read the instructions properly and/or the tips on how to create good PowerPoint presentations.

This week you will work on another PowerPoint, besides the Keyboarding Lessons ("Improving Your Study Habits"). You can find the instructions in the Server (Keyboarding 10 under 3 and 9 PowerPoint. Don't open the file, just drag it on your desktop; then you can copy and paste the information in your PowerPoint, making sure that you don't put too much information on each slide and that you follow the guidelines on the previous entry on how to create good PowerPoints. You should save your presentation, with your name on it, in the "Study Habits" Folder in the Server (3 & 9 PowerPoint). Save as SH-your name. Thanks!

I will be away from Tuesday 11/30 (after 6th Period) - Friday 12/3. I was invited to participate in the Middle States Evaluation of Nazareth Academy. When I come back Monday, December 6th, we will officially start our "Christmas Project." I'll give you the instructions then (this is a fun project for the Holidays - we will use Microsoft Publisher and Word and create a Logo, Business Cards, Letterhead, Fliers, Advertisements, Wrapping Paper, Holiday/Christmas cards and a Newsletter about a business called "Stocking Stuffers, Inc." or other name of your choice - a fictional business that provides products and/or services during the Christmas Holidays). This is a group project.

I was also reviewing your keyboarding lessons and noticed that some of you are doing the Skill Builder lessons with Focus: Speed instead of Accuracy, like I asked you. Please check to make sure you are doing the right lessons with the right "emphasis." When you click the "Keyboarding Skill Builder" on the main Menu (from MicroType 4) please check the bottom, where you see "Focus: Accuracy" or "Focus: Speed" - all you have to do is click it to go to the other option. Make sure you see "Focus: Accuracy" before working on these lessons. First you will complete all these Skill Builder lessons on Accuracy and then you will do the lessons with Speed as emphasis. Now, if you feel that you must redo (repeat) some or all of the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons - please do so - because you are still having difficulties finding the right keys on your keyboard, you are making too many mistakes and/or using the Backspace Key too many times. If you did and are doing these lessons correctly, you shouldn't have to think too much when typing. You must be able to automatically reach for the right keys (what is called "Touch Typing" - using "muscle memory"). If you are not using Touch Typing techniques, you'll have more difficulties in the future. Don't feel bad repeating lessons!

Challenge yourself! Your goal must be (for right now) at least 35 gwam with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces. If you are a lot faster, then raise your goal by at least five words (e.g. if you are typing 45 gwam already your goal should be 50 - 55 gwam, etc.) If you are backspacing too much, SLOW DOWN. I also noticed that some of you are getting very distracted, maybe talking too much. Some of the students who should already be in at least Lesson J of the Skill Builder Lessons (due to ability) are only starting these lessons (why?) - distractions!

Your Second Quarter grade will reflect your work and dedication. Review your Summary Reports and Timed Writings Reports. You may want to repeat some of these lessons and Writings (timings). By the end of this week I'm expecting you to have completed at least six Timed Writings (1 - 6). These timings will help you decide whether you should repeat some lessons or not. I will ask you to print your Timed Writings report on Monday (12/6).

I also want to receive on Monday the following report: each student will type at least two double-spaced paragraphs (long paragraphs!) explaining to me how you feel you are doing in "Keyboarding." What grade do you think you deserve (honestly), taking in consideration your work, your dedication, your abilities, your typing techniques, etc. Ask yourself the following questions and try to answer them truthfully: what is my average timing? How many words per minute am I typing? How can I improve? Do I get too distracted? Should I sit some place else? Do I talk too much in class? Am I backspacing too many times (more than 10 times)? Am I making too many mistakes? What should my goal be? (Set a realistic goal for yourself). And also write a "Commitment Statement" (e.g. I will take Keyboarding Class more seriously, since typing and computer skills are necessary skills to have. I will try my best not to get too distracted or talk too much. I will concentrate on the assignments and work hard to achieve my following goals... mentioning here your goals). I need to know that you are committed to improving your typing and computer skills. Thank You!

"The skills you practice as a child and pre-teen become much sharper in the teenage years; and those practiced reluctantly (unwillingly), if at all, will diminish on your brain's hard-disk drive. These are the years to set good work habits in place, so that you can become the person you'll ultimately be." Basically, you decide whether you want to be successful or not with your commitment and dedication to learning.

Keyboarding Assignments while @ KAIROS

2010-11-07T17:02:00.001-08:00

Dear Students: This week (November 9th - 12th) I'll be in the Kairos Retreat. I will leave you two PowerPoint Assignments to complete, please see below. I will also leave photocopies of these exercises with the Subs. You will also continue with your Keyboarding Lessons, check previous entry. Also work on some Timed Writings.

Challenge yourself! GOAL: at least 35 gwam, less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces.

PowerPoint No. 1 - "Better Burgers"

Find the PowerPoint Presentation “Better Burger” in the Server, under FELD-ASSIGNMENTS in Keyboarding 10. Select and drag onto your desktop. You must have a copy of this presentation on your desktop, do not open it from the Server. This presentation already has text. You will add a background and some clip art to it. You can also change the font to your liking (same font throughout). Select the same background or slide design for the whole presentation.

1. Add a template for all the slides. You may also simply add color (same color) to it. Pick your favorite template, background or color.

2. Add a picture of a burger on the first slide. Place it somewhere on your slide (should look nice).

3. Format the text “Building a Better Burger” as bold on your Title Slide. (Check No. 5 first)

4. Format the text “Making our best selling burger… choice” as bold and italic. (Check No. 5)

5. An easy way of changing the font and format of all the slides in a presentation is to open the “Master Slide.” Go to View > Master > Slide Master and make the changes you want. Then Close the Master View. That quickly the font on all your slides changes.

6. Your font for all slides must be the same (e.g. all Times New Roman).

7. Add an extra slide, adding information (found online) about building a “Better Burger” or a “Healthier Burger.” Add the same TRANSITION throughout. Preview your presentation.

8. Save your “Better Burger” PowerPoint in the Server, under 3 PowerPoint (3^rd Period) or under 9 PowerPoint (9^th Period) in Keyboarding 10 under Classes 10-11 in the Server. When you save it, make sure your name is on it.

A few tips about creating a PowerPoint Presentation:

If you select a Slide Design (Format > Slide Design) for your presentation, the font throughout your presentation will be the same. If you want to change the font in all the slides to a different one, for example: instead of all being “Arial” you want “Times New Roman” – follow the instructions on using the “Master Slide.”

Maintain a consistent layout: A consistent layout and color scheme for slides in a presentation will create continuity and cohesiveness. Do not get carried away by using too many colors and too many pictures or other graphic elements.

Show one idea per slide: Each slide in a presentation should convey only one main idea. Too many thoughts or ideas on a slide may confuse the audience and cause you to stray from the purpose of the slide.

Keep slides easy to read and uncluttered: Keep slides simple and easy for the audience to read.

PowerPoint No. 2 - "Stress"

Create a PowerPoint Presentation with at least 6 slides about “Stress.”

1. First Slide: Title “Stress.” Add your name on this first slide too.

2. Find a definition of “What is Stress?” And place on your second slide. You may continue on slide three with the definition or another definition.

3. Add more information about how to manage stress or how to deal with stress and place in your presentation (slides 3, 4, 5 and 6 or more). Keep it simple and do not add too much information on each slide.

4. Add some clip art throughout your presentation. Review your presentation.

5. Add a transition (same transition throughout your whole presentation). Preview your slideshow.

6. Add sources on your last slide.

7. When completed, please save in the Server with your name on it.

8. Remember: professional presentations use the same template (background or slide design throughout). Review the Tips mentioned on page one.

9. These two presentations must be completed by Friday, November 12, 2010.

10. Print handouts of the Stress Presentation – 6 per slide and Grayscale, please!

Keyboarding Lessons 11 - 20 & More

2010-11-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

During the week of November 2nd most of you will be working on Lessons 11 - 20. In fact, by now most of you are around Lesson 15, and some of you already completed all the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons and are working on the Skill Builder Lessons. I'm hoping that by the end of the week all these 20 Lessons are completed, printed and in your binders.

I insist though, if you feel that you MUST repeat some of the Lessons, you're still not using all the right fingers, have difficulty finding keys, are not using "muscle memory" (Touch Typing Technique), feel free to do so. Practice makes perfect, like they say, and you must practice a lot to become a good accurate typist. Pay attention to your backspacing habits. The goal for timings is: at least 35 gwam with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces. Those of you who already mastered this can set a higher goal for yourselves.

When you move on to the Skill Builder Lessons, please remember that you MUST complete all these lessons (Lessons A - T: 20 lessons) first with Focus: Accuracy and then with Focus: Speed. Check the bottom (window showing all the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons) and click Focus: Speed if you don't see "Focus: Accuracy." These Lessons also have 5 two-minute Assessments (Timings) that you NEED to print. Repeat them if you make too many mistakes. Don't feel bad repeating exercises or timings.

I also need you to work on your Timed Writings (and repeat them as well) to improve your technique and accuracy. If after completing the 20 Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons you still have difficulties doing these "Timed Writings" (Writings 1 - 13) you must certainly repeat some of the keyboarding lessons and practice at home. There are many free Keyboarding Programs online. You can also go to the site mentioned in my previous entry for Typing Tutorials.

Timed Writings: There are 13 Timed Writings (Timings) - you can practice these selecting 1, 2 and 3 minutes. Depending on your typing skills you can challenge yourselves to the higher timings up to 5 minutes. You may also try the 20 or 30 seconds options. I like these Timed Writings because it shows me how many times you're backspacing. All these 13 timings must be completed by December 21st (I must find them in your binders). I prefer to see that you repeated them several times using different times. By this date (12/21/10) you will print for me the Timed Writings Report (go to Reports in MicroType's Menu Bar and select "Timed Writings."

On Fridays you may play some of the Keyboarding Games, besides catching up with Keyboarding Lessons and Timed Writings. I will leave you several assignments while I'm at KAIROS XX (November 9 - 12); but I also need you to cooperate with my Substitute and continue with your Lessons. Challenge yourself!

Depending on how everyone is doing with their lessons we may have the "Small Business Adventurers -SBA- Project" during the month of December. Thanks for your cooperation and consideration!

Keyboarding Games

2010-10-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! Time flies and I haven't had the chance to write in our Blog. My apologies... The good news is: I found some great websites with Typing Games. I would like to start trying these websites with my Keyboarding Classes on Fridays. For starters, please go to http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/ and select "Typing Games." There you can start with the "Chameleon Game" - check it out; it's a lot of fun and will help you type better. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

You can also try the other games and find your favorite one!

At this time you're still working on the "About Me" PowerPoint. My goal with this exercise is to remind you and teach you how to use the PowerPoint Program and also to help you think about who you are, which things you like and don't like, your goals and dreams, and hopefully help you a little bit to be more in touch with yourself. I feel that in this day and age (our digital world), many times we lose track of who we really are. We lose touch with our passions and desires, we get too distracted and even lose "ourselves." Try to remember how important it is to be in touch with your feelings, and also to try your best to be positive and remain positive no matter what. Our actions, attitudes, intentions and thoughts are VERY IMPORTANT! I personally feel that we ultimately are the creators of our life (with God's help). Of course we need the support of others, parents, relatives, friends, teachers, guardian angels, etc. But at the end, it is our life, and we must create the best possible life for us and learn our lessons. There are tons of great books, websites and information out there; so, try to find time to explore new horizons, read a lot, write in a journal or blog, keep an open mind and follow Jiminy Cricket's advice: "When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme," and "Always let your conscience be your guide." Don't ever become your worst enemy (with negative thoughts and attitudes).

I'm hoping that this project is completed the week of October 18th. This will help your First Quarter Grade. We also had a Quiz on October 14th covering Lessons 1 - 10; I will give you these quizzes next week. I will also give you a grade for your Binders (make sure your lessons are in order) and Participation/Dedication/Technique. My goal is that most of you get B's, B-'s, B+'s, A-'s and A's.

You can also continue working on Lessons 11 - 20. Remember: if you need to repeat Lessons, it's okay! I need you to develop good typing skills. The more you practice, the better you'll get at it. It's essential that you concentrate on ACCURACY during the First and Second Quarters; then, later on, you can start concentrating on SPEED. Check your Performance Graphs and Summary Reports often, to see how you're doing - I check these to grade you and see your improvement. Also, don't forget good posture and good technique; these will help you type better and more comfortably.

Welcome Keyboarding Class!

2010-09-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class! It is up to you to have a successful and interesting class...

First will review some important "Computer Concepts": What is Digital? What are Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes? What is a Computer? What is Hardware? What is Software? What are Input Devices? What are Output Devices? What are Integrated Circuits? What are Processing Devices? What are Storage Devices? What are Networks? What is the Internet? What is Connectivity? What are Telecommunications? What are Copyrights?

We will also cover the "Home Row Keys" and which is the correct "fingering" - which fingers type which keys. I will show you an easy way to remember this. You can also check the fingering chart on your tables.

We will also start with the first MicroType Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) - "Alphabetic Keyboarding". Initially, you will enter these lessons as a "Guest"; until the system allows us to connect to the Labserver properly and you can then be able to enter the program as a "User". Take these lessons seriously; they will teach you to type the proper way and use the right fingers. You will use the "keyboard mask" at all times. Also, please read the instructions and techniques shown on each lesson carefully! At first, you will concentrate in "accuracy" (not speed). It essential for you to learn the right fingering and the right techniques. As you become better at typing, you will start working on "speed". Remember: the first goal in Keyboarding Class is to learn the Home Row Keys and to learn to type accurately.

If you need to, please repeat the lessons until you feel more confident.

Later on (some time this month), you will learn about "Ergonomics," and "Ergonomists" and their importance. Make sure you understand what these terms mean (you will also have homework - finding three good definitions of what is ergonomics). You will learn a little bit of history about the keyboard. Who invented the "Type Writer" and the "QWERTY" Keyboard? Why is the layout of the keyboard the way it is? Also the importance of "Good Posture."

Test: Thursday, September 23, 2010 (will include what you have learned in class up to this date).

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Communication is important!

Vocabulary:
Digital, Digital System, Digitize, Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, Computer, Hardware, Input Devices, Memory, Integrated Circuits, Processing Devices, Central Processing Unit, Output Devices, Software, Data Bus, Storage Devices, Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, RAM, ROM, Network, Server, The Internet, Connectivity, Telecommunications, The World Wide Web (WWW), Web Site, Web Page, Web Browser, Domain, URL, Copyrights.

Review for Final Exam

2010-05-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Please review the following:

EXCEL:

What is Excel? What is a cell? What is an “active” cell?
When can you use Excel?
How do you enter a formula in excel? Which sign should you enter first?
What is a workbook? What is a worksheet?
How many default worksheets are in a workbook?
What is the Auto Fill Handle?
Which are four automatic features in Excel? Explain all of them. Know the difference between these features.
How are columns in Excel labeled?
What is a cell reference or cell address?
How should you read numbers in order to type them faster?
We will have an Excel Exercise. Study your Excel Test.
Study the Excel Review Paper Mrs. Feld gave you, and practice the exercise.

FORMATTING DOCUMENTS USING MICROSOFT WORD:

What are Tab Stops? Mention four types of Tab Stops.
What are Indents? Indent Markers? What is a Hanging Indent? First Line Indent?
What are the default Tabs in Microsoft Word? How do you set Tab Stops more precisely?
How do you remove a Tab Stop from the ruler?
How do you select a different Tab Stop? (Where do you go?)
What are Margins? How can you change the Margins? (Mention two ways)
What are Indents? How can you change the indentation of individual paragraphs in a Word document?
How do you insert a Page Break in a document? (Mention two ways)
How can you change the line spacing in a Word document? (Mention two ways)
How do you insert a Header and Footer in a Word Document? When do you insert a Header and/or Footer?
Study your last test on “Formatting Documents and Tabs & Indents,” and your notes.

BUSINESS LETTERS:

What are Business Letters? When do you use them?
What is a “personal” Business Letter? What is a “regular” Business Letter?
Mention the 10 Basic Parts of a Business Letter. Describe each of them. (You should know well what each part is)
What are the three styles of Business Letters? Which is the most popular one? Describe them. (Know the difference between the different styles)
How should you type the date in a Business Letter?
What is another name for the “Greeting”? It normally begins with the word …
The “Closing” is also called…
When do you add the word “Enclosure(s)” in a Business Letter?
Can you add “Post Scripts” in a Business Letter?
Can you use “lined paper” when typing a Business Letter?
Study your notes (taken from Mrs. Feld’s PowerPoint Presentation).

More on "Formatting Documents"...

2010-04-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

On April 25th you will work on the Exercise "U.S. PRESIDENTS." You will find the word document in Keyboarding M under Word Data Files. Please do not open the document, just drag it onto your desktop. Follow the instructions carefully. You will add the following information: On Number 43. George W. Bush add 2009 (2001-2009 under Years in Office). Then, you will add 44. (under Number) and Barack H. Obama (under President) and 2009- (under Years in Office).

Please read the top of page 151 "Creating an HTML File" and copy that information in your notes ("Formatting Documents"). You need to save the U.S. PRESIDENTS document as a Web page (Web format) and preview the document in a Web browser. Save the Web page in the Server in your "Formatting Docs" Folder. DO NOT PRINT IT.

When you complete this exercise you may continue with your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons or start Exercise "Hawaiian Islands." Follow the instructions carefully. Save the exercise in the Server as Hawaiian Islands. TIP (to save time): You created a similar exercise when you learned to create Tables in Word (Table Exercise No.1). If you don't want to type this whole exercise, find the exercise and save it as "Hawaiian Islands," then do the following: Highlight your table > then Go to Table > Convert > Table to Text. After this you can change the tabs to the ones mentioned in page 162. Follow the instructions carefully.

After Hawaiian Islands you will move on to Exercise "Science Review." Please read the instructions carefully as well. Notice that the names newton and pascal begin with lowercase letters. This is fine when we are referring to Units of Measurement (in Science) - they should always begin with lowercase letters except where any word would be capitalized, such as at the beginning of a sentence or in capitalized material such as a title. So I don't want to see these names beginning with capital letters. Also notice that the formulas for water and potassium sulfate have "Os" and not zeros ("0s"). When completed please print it and hand it in.

By the end of the week these three exercises must be in the Server. In May we will learn the basics about "Business Letters;" the three main styles, and the different parts and rules we must follow when creating business letters. Hopefully by the end of May you will have completed all your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons (both as Accuracy and Speed). If time permits you will work on the Numeric Keypad Lessons after the Skill Builder Lessons. Time is running out.... I wish you all the best during this quarter. Your efforts will pay off if you persevere.

The exercises you must have in the Server for me to grade are: Katrina (Katrina Sewing Supplies), Kennel Log, Training, Welcome (or Marrelli's Gym - Quiz), Vitamins, Menu (New England Pizza), Hawaiian Islands, Science Review and U.S. Presidents (9 in total).

Make sure your notes are in order. You must answer the questions on "Formatting Documents" found below. Also know what is "Subscript" and "Superscript" and where do you go to subscript or superscript a number. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld.

Tab Leaders and Text Styles

2010-04-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Please remember that on May 12 you will have a Test on the Formatting Documents Material. You must study the hand-out on Tabs, your notes on Indents, Margins and Tabs, and the 23 questions from the Keyboarding Blog.

Today we will learn how to insert Tab Leaders (characters that are repeated to fill the space spanned by tabs. Examples of Tab Leaders are ...., ----, ___. The dotted pattern is often used in a table of contents or index. You can also find these on Menus. The solid line is used to represent a blank on a form or a test. To select Tab Leaders go to the Tabs dialog box (Format > Tabs) and go to the Leader section.

We will work on Exercise No. 5, page 160. For this exercise you need to subscript the number 12 in B12. All you have to do is highlight that number, go to Format > Font and select Subscript. Subscript is a text style that reduces the size of the text and lowers it to the bottom of the current line, e.g. H₂O.

On Exercise No. 9 you need to superscript the number 2 in km². You use the same procedure as above but select Superscript instead of Subscript.

Tomorrow we will create a Menu using Tab Leaders.

Please make sure your notes are complete and that you answered all the questions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Fourth Quarter

2010-04-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

This Fourth Quarter, starting April 7, 2010, we will continue with the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Some of you already completed all the lessons (Focus/Emphasis: Accuracy or Speed). If you completed all the "Accuracy" Lessons, please start doing this Skill Builder Lessons with Focus/Emphasis on "Speed" (or the other way around). The whole idea is to continue practicing and improving your skills. I really need you to concentrate on following proper keyboarding technique and correct fingering. Try not to concentrate on speed but on improving your "keyboarding flaws." If you're still looking at the keyboard, work on typing without looking down, just looking at the monitor (USE THE MASK). If you're still using the wrong fingers, work on using the right fingers. If you're too slow, try to work on speed. If you backspace too many times, work on backspacing less (even if you have to slow down). If you make too many mistakes, work on slowing down and being more accurate, etc.

I don't want you to worry too much about your GWAM this quarter, go back to ACCURACY and correcting flaws. I will be very vigilant and check your technique and fingering. It is better to type less words a minute with accuracy and correct technique!

We will also learn how to format documents in Microsoft Word (Indentation, the Task Pane, Tabs, Footnotes, etc.) We will follow some textbook exercises and will cover Chapter 5: "A Guide to Microsoft Office 2003". We will also learn how to type proper Business Letters and the basic letter styles. If time permits, we will follow the Numeric Keypad Lessons and other.

Formatting Word Documents:

WHAT ARE MARGINS?

Margins are blank areas around the top, bottom and sides of a page. Remember at least three ways of changing margins in Word.

WHAT ARE INDENTS?

Rather than tabbing in the first line or every line of a paragraph, you can create an indent, which is the amount of space between the text and the page margin. You can adjust the indent for an individual paragraph, the indent for a group of paragraphs, or the margins for the entire document.

Types of indent markers: (recognize which one is which!)
–First-line indent marker (upside-down triangle)
–Left indent marker (square under hanging indent)
–Hanging indent marker (triangle on top of square)
–Right indent marker (triangle on the right-side of the ruler)

WHAT IS LINE SPACING?

Amount of space between lines of text.

WHAT ARE TABS?

Tabs are used to position text within a line. Tabs mark the place where the insertion point will stop when the Tab Key is pressed. Tabs are particularly helpful when creating documents with small columns of text. By default, Word has tab stops at 1/2-inch intervals across the width of the page. You can modify the location of tab stops and control the way text aligns at a tab stop by placing Tab Stops on your Ruler (if you don't see the ruler when opening a Word Document, please go to View > Ruler).

To delete a Tab Stop, just drag its marker downward, off the ruler and into the document.

There are four basic types of Tab Stops (besides the first line indent and the hanging indent tabs), and each aligns text differently:

Left-aligned (Left Tab Stop): The left edge of text aligns at the tab stop. Word's default tab stops are left-aligned.
Right-aligned (Right Tab Stop): The right edge of text aligns at the tab stop.
Center-aligned (Center Tab Stop): The text is centered at the tab stop.
Decimal-aligned (Decimal Tab Stop): The decimal point (period) is aligned at the tab stop. You use this type of tab for aligning columns of numbers.

Check your notes on Tabs and Indents or check Chapter 5 (in the Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook) and complete the following review questions.

REVIEW:

What are margins? What are three ways of changing margins in Microsoft Word? What are the default margins in Word?
What is pagination? How is pagination changed? Mention two ways to insert a page break.
Can you delete a page break? How?
What is a Header? What is a Footer? How can you add a Header and Footer?
What are indents? Name four types of indent markers. What is a normal indent? Hanging indent? First line indent?
What is line spacing. What are three ways to change the line spacing in a document (e.g. to double-space your text)?
What are tabs? What are tabs used for?
What are the default tabs in Microsoft Word?
What’s the first thing you should do when you need to work with tabs?
Which are the different types of tab stops? Mention the basic four tab stops.
How can you set tabs more precisely? Where do you go?
How do you change the tabs for an entire document?
Which is the most used tab (most popular)?
How do you remove tab stops from your ruler?
How do you set a tab stop?
What are tab leaders? How do you create them?
What are first line indents? What are hanging indents?
What are the first line indent and the hanging indent markers?
Mention two ways to indent a paragraph in Microsoft Word?
When do you move the left indent square?
How do you create a hanging indent? Mention two ways.
What are footnotes used for? How can you create a footnote in your Word document?
What are endnotes?
How can you insert clip art in a document?

ATTENTION: The next Test is scheduled for May 12, 2010.

Check the top of this blog entry, the Chapter Summary on pages 152 and 153 and the Vocabulary on pages 154 and 155 in the Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook to answer some of these questions. Also, check your notes and Chapter 5.

Third Quarter - EOFC Project

2010-03-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
~ Walt Disney

“Be courageous! Dare to explore what you love and what is most important to you. Don’t waste time assessing yourself as you are now. Dream and plan for who you want to be in the future.”
~ Betty Jo Matzinger Lash, Associate Director, Georgetown University Career Center

“When looking for any position, I look for people who have a grasp of computers and good communication skills. I also look for people who can work well with others, adapt easily to change, and be creative when looking for new ways to do things.”
~ Debbie Bornholdt, Human Resource Manager QVC, Electronic Retailer West Chester, PA

This quarter (on the first week of March) we will start with the "Exploring Our Future Careers" Project, also known as EOFC Project. Please read the instructions carefully and spend a good amount of time researching the type of careers you think you'll be interested in pursuing in your future.

Goal: to do some research about possible future careers. Students should select at least six “possible” future careers (even if it’s different careers in just one field, e.g. Healthcare). Each field of interest has many different possibilities.

You will work individually for this project (it is not a “group project” – but you can help each other while you’re working on it).

The websites to check are: http://www.bls.gov/. From this site you can also go to: www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm, www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm, http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm (Check the Occupational Outlook Handbook, OOH 2010-2011). You can also check: http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_alph.htm for an alphabetical list of careers.

Other good sites are:
http://www.usnews.com, http://www.princetonreview.com/careers-after-college.aspx www.jobbankinfo.org/ (Explore Careers, Browse Occupations, Salary Information) www.careerbuilder.com/ careerpath.com/defaultb.asp www.monster.com/.

The Word Document - with a brief description of your careers and with information on the Average Annual Salary and an Estimate on the number of jobs available for that profession in the United States (or locally, if you prefer to select a particular city or state) - is due: March 10, 2010. Please: no more than three pages long.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Third Quarter - EXCEL

2010-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

This quarter we will concentrate on EXCEL, the spreadsheet application. We will create several exercises and learn some new terms. You must save a copy of the document "Introduction to Excel - Creating a Worksheet" in your Documents Folder under Excel (create a folder with this name where you can put your notes, this document and your Excel exercises). You had a quiz on February 5th and you will have a Test at the end of the month (see below). We will also continue with the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons and do some timings. Every Friday you will do a Timed Writing, that you will print for Mrs. Feld (2 minute and 3 minute).

You must know how to create simple formulas in Excel: sum, average, subtraction and division.

Vocabulary: workbook, worksheet, active cell, cell, title bar, menu bar, standard toolbar, formatting toolbar, name box, formula bar, scroll bars, sheet tabs, worksheet area, status bar, column, column identifiers, row, row identifiers and the AutoFill Fill Handle. Also the "automatic features" in Excel: AutoSum, AutoFill, AutoComplete, AutoCorrect and AutoCalculate.

We will also learn how to create charts in Excel. You will first create several charts for exercises BSC No. 1 and BSC No. 2. You must become very familiar with creating column, bar and pie charts. You can also practice creating line charts and other. On February 9th we will also start reading Chapter 9 in the Microsoft Office 2003 textbook, page 301 and doing the exercises mentioned below.

Vocabulary: chart, chart wizard, pie chart, bar charts, chart title, legend, category labels, data series, data labels, series name, plot area, chart area, y-axis and x-axis.

A chart is a visual representation of worksheet data. A chart can enhance and simplify the understanding of numerical data in a worksheet because the relationship between data is illustrated (page 301).

You will create a pie chart like the one shown on page 301 in Sheet 1 and save it as Pie Charts. Rename the Sheet Tab as Chart 1. Read page 301 carefully. Then you will read page 302. Create the pie chart at the bottom of this page in Sheet 2 and rename as Chart 2. Practice entering your name, period no. and date in the Footer of your charts - to do this your charts must be selected (you should see the black handles around the chart area).

Pie charts are best for charting data that is a percentage of a whole. A pie chart can only include one data series (one series of data).

Move to page 303 and also read carefully. You must do the Practice Exercise "CONTINENTS." Start with part 1 of 2. You can create this chart in the third sheet tab, call it Chart 3. Follow the directions well and slowly; don't move too fast. You need to understand how to create charts really well! Learn how to print a chart on page 307 (you don't have to print your charts but learn how to do it). Then move on to part 2 of 2 on this page and complete the exercise (page 308). Once completed, you will copy these three charts and paste them in a Word Document (one page) with your Name, Period No. and Date on the Footer. Print and give to Mrs. Feld. Print preview your work before you print it and save your work (both Word Document and Excel Workbook "Pie Charts" in the Server, under your name in your Period Folder, under Public.

Once your pie charts are completed you will move on to page 310 "Creating Bar and Line Charts." Read pages 310 and 311 carefully! Create an Excel Workbook called Temperature and on Sheet 1 type the information on page 311. Format it like you see it on the textbook, with borders and color and continue with the Practice: "TEMPERATURE" - Part 1 of 2. Follow the instructions carefully until you complete it. You must have a Line Chart on a separate Sheet called Chart 1 (your Line Chart should look like the one on page 314). Continue reading pages 314 - 320. After this you will continue to read up to page 325.

[Attention: to create the column chart on page 315, you only select the information shown on page 314 (the months of February and March ONLY!) Also, read the instructions on page 316 carefully, so that you can learn how to add the cities on your X-Axis. Skip the bottom of page 317 and in a Word Document type the information on the top of page 318 "Travel Destination." Copy your Excel column chart and paste under the typed lines. Save! You must have all your Excel work including the Word Documents used in Chapter 9 in an Excel Folder in the Server.

When you complete your Column Chart with Average Temperatures, copy this chart and paste another one underneath - the same chart. You will change this second chart following the instructions on how to modify a chart, page 318, and convert it into a 3-D Column Chart, like the one on page 319. Change the color of the columns. Save and continue with Part 2 of 2.]

Follow the instructions on pages 320 and 321 carefully! Learn to use the Format Painter button. Add the third Data Series (Los Angeles) in both Column Charts. Once you complete up to page 324, and have the two Column Charts I asked you to create, print only the 3-D Chart with your Name, Period No. and Date in the Footer. Hand-in to Mrs. Feld.

TYPE THE CHAPTER SUMMARY ON PAGE 325.

Check the Vocabulary on page 326 (you don't have to memorize this information for the test, but you must be able to recognize these items in your charts and tables). Mrs. Feld will let you know which other exercises you must complete later.

Test: you will have a test on February 25th. (Study your Excel notes, last Excel Quiz, the "Introduction to Excel - Creating a Worksheet document, and the vocabulary included in this blog). You will also have an Excel exercise and will have to create some charts.

KEYBOARDING MIDTERM

2010-01-10T17:00:00.001-08:00

On the week of January 18th you will have your Midterm Exams. For the Keyboarding Midterm

please study from your notes (from the PowerPoint Presentations I showed you in class and any handouts I gave you. Also study from your Tests and Quizzes. There will be two timings for this exam: a 3-minute timing and a 2-minute timing – I’ll let you know which ones you’ll do the day of the exam. You may want to practice 3-minute timings (from the Timed Writings) and the Measurement Writings (2-minute timings) of the Skill Builder Lessons.

1. Computer Concepts: (STUDY YOUR NOTES)

What is a computer? What is hardware (name the four types of hardware)? What are Input Devices (name four and define)? What are Output Devices (name four and define)? What is the Central Processing Unit? What are storage devices (name four and define)? What is software (name the two types of software)? What is Digital? What is RAM? What is ROM? What are binary numbers? What is a bit? What are byte? Kilobytes? Megabytes? Gigabytes? What is a network? What is a server? What is the Internet? What are telecommunications? What are modems? What is the World Wide Web? What is a Web Site? What is a Web Page? What is a Web Browser? What is a URL (give one example)? What is “http”? What is a “domain”? What are URL identifiers (give four examples)?

2. What are Copyrights? Why are they important?

3. Ergonomics:

4. KEYBOARDING

a. Home Row Keys: Which are the letters of the Home Row? Which fingers do you use to type the Home Row keys? What is the first goal in Keyboarding?

b. What is Touch-Typing?

c. Which letters does each finger type (mention both left and right hand fingers)? What fingers do you use to key the Space Bar?

d. Who invented the “Type Writer”? When? What is the official name of the present keyboard? Why was the first typewriter designed to slow down the typist?

5. MICROSOFT WORD:

a. How do you insert a Table in Word? Practice inserting a table and reviewing a couple of the exercises we did in class (like Exercises No.1 and No. 2).

Check the "keyboardingm" folder in the Server (Labserver). There you can find some PDF and Word documents that you can check to review your material. You can print the puzzles or other Review documents and solve or Review them.

January 2010

2010-01-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's hard to believe it's the year 2010... I wish you all the best!

I'm sure this month will go as fast as the previous month of December - you will be having your Midterms from January 19th - 22nd, and yes, there's a Keyboarding Midterm (and a Keyboarding Final Exam)! We will review for this test on the second week of the month.

You will also continue with your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Remember that you must complete these lessons both as Emphasis (or Focus) Accuracy and Speed. You must print the Assessments (Windows MicroType Program) and the Lesson Reports and put them in your binders. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

You may want to review a few lessons from the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons, especially if you feel that you need reinforcement and are typing less than 35 words per minute (GWAM). It is ery important to repeat lessons if you're still using the WRONG FINGERS! You should have mastered ACCURACY by now; if not, you have some reviewing to do. I suggest to try to practice on your free time as well. Remember to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Continue challenging yourself!

We will also start with Excel - the Spreadsheet Application, andyou will start learning how to enter some simple basic formulas in a spreadsheet and how to create some simple tables and charts. I will give you the "Introduction to Excel" Handout. Please keep it in your Keyboarding Folder. If your folder is too full or falling apart, please buy another one to keep your Keyboarding papers.

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application which allows one to enter numerical values or data into the rows or columns of a spreadsheet, and to use these numerical entries for such things as calculations, graphs (charts), and statistical analysis.

You can use an Excel spreadsheet to create financial statements, prepare budgets, manage inventory, and analyze cash flow. Numbers and values can be easily manipulated in an Excel spreadsheet to answer "what if" questions and by inserting formulas to perform calculations (to add, subtract, multiply and/or divide values).

A document created in Excel is called a workbook. A workbook consists of individual worksheets (check the tabs at the bottom of the Excel window). The intersection of columns and rows in a worksheet is referred to as a cell.

COPY THE ABOVE THREE PARAGRAPHS -AND THE VOCABULARY BELOW- AND PASTE THIS INFORMATION IN A WORD DOCUMENT ("EXCEL NOTES").

Vocabulary: (you must study and understand the meaning of the following words)

Excel
Workbook
Worksheets
Cell (Active Cell)
Title Bar
Menu Bar
Standard Toolbar
Formatting Toolbar
Name Box
Formula Bar
Sheet Tabs
Worksheet Area
Columns (Column Identifiers)
Rows (Row Identifiers)
Scroll Bars
Gridlines
Cell Reference (Cell Address)
Status Bar
Cell Pointer
Automatic Features (AutoFill, Auto Complete, AutoSum, AutoCorrect, AutoCalculate
AutoFill Fill Handle (or AutoFill Handle)

Second Quarter - Month of November

2009-11-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

This month you will start working on your Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Make sure that you follow the instructions in the MicroType program carefully. Work on your weaknesses, so you can improve your typing skills - use the right fingers, remember to maintain good posture so you don't strain your body, be consistent, and try your best not to use the Backspace key. Keep working on ACCURACY and start working on acquiring SPEED. Don't sacrifice accuracy for speed though. I don't want to see more than 6 errors and more than 6 backspaces on your timings. Your goal in a 2 minute timing must be at least 45 gwam with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces. Those of you who type faster than that may want to slow down, in order to keep the number of errors down, as well as the number of times you use the Backspace key.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Try to do better and better each time. If you feel you must repeat some of the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) for reinforcement and to become a better typist, please do so!

On Friday we created the first table "My Favorite Things." If you didn't complete this assignment, please do so and save it in the Server, in your Class Folder (where you saved the PowerPoint "About Me"). The week of 11/09 - 11/13, you will continue with other table exercises (Microsoft Word). Please check the following site to learn how to work with tables: http://getit.rutgers.edu/tutorials/word_tables/media/word_tables.pdf. Read it carefully; especially if you don't understand how to do the exercises Mrs. Feld will give you on Monday (11/9) as assignments for the week and while she's at KAIROS. It is your responsibility to complete the assignments and save them in the Server, in your Keyboarding Class folder under your name > in the Public Folder (so Mrs. Feld can grade them). You may also continue with your Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons (those students who didn't complete the 20 lessons yet) and with the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons (if you completed the 20 lessons).

HOW TO SAVE IN THE SERVER:

Keyboarding Periods 6 & 8 - go to File > Save As... > My Network Places > Entire Network > Microsoft Windows Network > SBA > Labserver > Keyboarding (6 or 8) > find the folder with your name > open the Public Folder and Save. (NOTE: DO NOT SAVE IN THE DROP BOX, ONLY SAVE IN THE PUBLIC FOLDER, NEXT TO YOUR POWERPOINT PRESENTATION "ABOUT ME").

Keyboarding Period 9: in the Mac Lab you save in the server differently. Save your work on your Desktop or in your Documents Folder first. Then, go to "Go" on the Menu Bar > Connect to Server > find the Keyboarding 9m and double-click. Now you can drag your document in the Public Folder under your name, where you have your PowerPoint Presentation "About Me." If you saved your work on your desktop is easier to drag it into your name folder in Keyboarding 9m (inside the Public Folder); if you save it in your Documents, you must have two windows open. First, open your documents folder, then open the Keyboarding 9m icon on your desktop and then drag from one window to the next (under your name in the Public Folder).

POWER POINT ASSIGNMENT “ABOUT ME”

2009-10-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

You will create a PowerPoint Presentation with at least 7 slides and at least 5 entries per slide (I hope you enter a lot more!) You can list things or enter paragraphs explaining your goals and dreams, likes and dislikes, and other things about yourself. If you have any questions regarding this program and how to use it, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld:

1. Select a background of your choice. You can go to Format > Background and select a color of your choice (go to More Colors for more options) or go to Fill Effects and change the texture and/or pattern of your slides or select a picture (you can put pictures of yourself and/or family and friends this way). You can also create a "collage" of pictures in a PowerPoint Slide.

In professional presentations you must use consistency and select the same background throughout. Since this is a “fun project” you can get creative and select different backgrounds. Add animation of your choice and slide transitions (without overdoing it!)

2. You can use Pictures and ClipArt throughout your presentation. If you choose, you can bring pictures from home and download them to your computer and insert them throughout your presentation (or put these pictures as backgrounds or create a "collage" like mentioned above).

3. You need the following slides (add more if you wish):

Slide No. 1 (Title Slide) “About Me” (or a title of your choice) – Make sure you enter your name on this slide.
Slide No. 2 “I Am” – Mention here anything you want about yourself. Who are you? Which talents and qualities do you have? (don’t tell me you don’t have talents!) Are you an athlete, a dancer, a singer, an artist, a good friend? Are you a good listener, quiet, extroverted (sociable), good at math (or any other subject)?
Slide No. 3 “I love” – Mention here people, pets or things YOU LOVE or love to do. Any sports, music, arts and crafts, travel, etc. Favorite things...
Slide No. 4 “I Want” – What do you want? What are your dreams? Your goals? Think about things you want or would like to do or have.
Slide No. 5 “I don’t like” – What don’t you like? Spiders? Bugs? Dishonest people? What really bothers you? Mention a few things that drive you crazy.
Slide No. 6 “Someday I will” – Mention things you want to do in the future; things you want to do with your life. More dreams! A positive statement about things you will do or have one day – affirmations!
Slide No. 7 “Favorite Quote(s)” – Enter one (or more) of your favorite quotes here. You can search online for quotes and pick one or more that you like.

4. GET CREATIVE! Put transitions throughout your presentation. Some animation (not extreme – do not overdo it) so that your titles move and catch the attention of the viewers.

5. You can help each other while working quietly. This is an individual assignment. I know you can do a great job!

When completed, you will print your presentation as "handouts" - 6 per page. When you go to File > Print you must select "handouts" under "Print what:" and "Grayscale" under "Color/grayscale:" . You will also save your presentation in the server under the Keyboarding Folder for your Period. Ask Mrs. Feld if you have any questions. Thanks! Enjoy!

MicroType 4 & MicroType Mac

2009-09-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Periods 6 and 8 classes started their Keyboarding Lessons "officially" on Friday, September 25th. The 9th Period class started on Wednesday, September 23rd. When you complete each Lesson you will print the Lesson Report and place it in your binder. Please try to keep these binders is numerical order. I encourage you to repeat the exercises in each lesson, and even repeat entire lessons if needed; it is up to you to know how you're doing; if you have any difficulties finding the letters with the mask on, that means you must repeat the exercises several times. You will concentrate on the following: ACCURACY, CONSISTENCY and CORRECT FINGERING.

Each of you will work at your own pace, first concentrating on proper technique and accuracy. Review the Fingering Chart and follow the program's instructions carefully. By following the program correctly you will learn "Touch Typing." I also cannot stress enough the importance of the first 20 lessons in the Alphabetic Keyboarding section of your program. If you don't progress at your own (and right) pace, follow the instructions and repeat the exercises as many times as needed, you will not have good timing grades in the future; and you will have a harder time doing the Skill Builder Lessons and Timed Writings.

"Touch typing" is typing without using the sense of sight to find the keys. Specifically, a touch typist will know their location through muscle memory. Touch typing involves placing the eight fingers in a horizontal row along the middle of the keyboard (the Home Row) and having the students reach for other keys. Most computer keyboards have a raised dot or bar on the F/J keys (on QWERTY keyboards) so that touch-typists can feel them when their fingertips are correctly over the home row.

Touch typing can efficiently bring an average speed typist to 60 words per minute (WPM) -or GWAM in the MicroType Program- fairly quickly and at the same time increase accuracy. Upon learning to touch type, comfortable typing speed is expected to be achieved within a month. The typing speed can be increased gradually with regular practice and speeds around 60 wpm could be achieved within a year or so. Consistency is essential!

Speed and accuracy are all built around good technique; so please be aware of your posture and technique, and follow the ergonomic rules mentioned in the program. Read the instructions carefully and copy the techniques mentioned. The whole idea is to understand what you are reading, so please pay attention and focus. Remember to always return your fingers back to the Home Row after you have reached for a key.

A good rule about speed and accuracy: "The more accurate you are now, the faster you'll be later!" There really is no "magic" or secret about good typing ability. It just takes time and lots and lots of PRACTICE. However there are some important things that will help you in the process. NOTE: It is also important to strike the keys with a short quick stroke. Some general rules are: Do not look at your hands while typing; use the correct finger to strike each key; sit up straight with feet flat on the floor; keep Home Row fingers touching the Home Row keys even in a difficult reach.

Typically your biggest challenge is learning where all the keys are located and learning which fingers hit which keys. However some people find that keeping fingers on the Home Row is the hardest thing to learn. Also, keep in mind that your goal at first should be to learn the keys and the Home Row before you begin to build speed. ACCURACY is much more important to a beginning typist.

On Monday, September 28th we reviewed your homework on Copyrights: What are Copyrights? Why are Copyrights important? (Sources used should have been mentioned). Try to really understand what Copyrights are. Mrs. Feld already showed you a presentation on Monday, September 28th and you typed some notes, review these notes and your homework for your next test. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Test: October 13, 2009 - study your notes on copyrights and your homework, the Computer Concepts 2 handout Mrs. Feld will give you on Monday, October 5, 2009 and the information above on "What is Touch Typing?" If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld. You can also do a little research online, especially if you don't understand some of the following computer concepts in the handout: computer memory - RAM & ROM, digital (what is digital?), binary, bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, networks, server, network software, the internet, telecommunications, world wide web, web site, web page, web browser, URL and domain. Understand what these terms mean.

Since the link to the movie "What is Digital" is not available at the present moment (link on the right side), I want to summarize what digital is by saying that ALL INFORMATION, numbers, text, sound, pictures and videos, can be translated into a string of 1's and 0's (binary numbers) - a lot of ones and zeros!

Almost everything we touch today has little digital computer chips in them. These chips are integrated circuits with digital code (the language of the computer). Digital code consists of ones and zeros. To "digitize" means to break things down into ones and zeros. We digitize documents, pictures, books, sound, video, etc. so that we can store them in CD's, DVD's or other digital storage devices.

Keyboarding Classes 2009-2010

2009-09-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class! It is up to you to have a successful and interesting class... First you will learn about "Ergonomics" and "Ergonomists" and their importance. Make sure you understand what these terms mean (you will also have homework - finding three good definitions of what is ergonomics). You will also a little bit of history about the keyboard. Who invented the "Type Writer" and the "QWERTY" Keyboard? Why is the layout of the keyboard the way it is?

We will also cover the "Home Row Keys" and which is the correct "fingering" - which fingers type which keys. I will show you an easy way to remember this. You can also check the fingering chart on your tables.

We will review some important "Computer Concepts": What is a Computer? What is Hardware? What is Software? What are Input Devices? What are Output Devices? What are Processing Devices? What are Storage Devices? What is Digital? Units of Measurement (Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes). What are Networks? What is the Internet? What are Telecommunications? What are Copyrights?

We will also start with the first MicroType Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) - "Alphabetic Keyboarding". Initially, you will enter these lessons as a "Guest"; until the system allows us to connect to the Labserver properly and you can then be able to enter the program as a "User". Take these lessons seriously; they will teach you to type the proper way and use the right fingers. You will use the "keyboard mask" at all times. Also, please read the instructions and techniques shown on each lesson carefully (and copy them)! At first, you will concentrate in "accuracy" (not speed). As you become better at typing, you will start working on "speed". Remember: the first goal in Keyboarding Class is to learn the Home Row Keys and to learn to type accurately.

If you need to, repeat the lessons until you feel confident that you learned the right fingering.

Test: Thursday, September 24, 2009 (will include what you have learned in class up to Wednesday, September 23, 2009)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Communication is important!

FINAL EXAM REVIEW

2009-05-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

You must review the following for the "Keyboarding Final Exam":

EXCEL

1.What is Excel? What is a cell? What is an “active” cell?
2.When can you use Excel?
3.How do you enter a formula in excel? Which sign should you enter first?
4.What is a workbook? What is a worksheet?
5.How many default worksheets are in a workbook?
6.What is the Auto Fill Handle?
7.Which are four automatic features in Excel? Explain all of them.
8.How are columns in Excel labeled?
9.What is a cell reference or cell address?
10.How should you read numbers in order to type them faster?

NUMERIC KEYPAD

1.What is the Numeric Keypad? Why is it called the 10-Key Numeric Keypad?
2.Which is the Home Row in the Keypad?
3.What is the Num-Lock Key?
4.Why is it easier to use the Keypad when typing numbers?
5.How many keys are in the Keypad?
6.Which fingers do you use to type the numbers in the Keypad? For 1, 4 and 7 you use…; for 2, 5 and 8 you use…; for 3, 6 and 9 you use…; for 0 (zero) you use…
7.How do you type these numbers?
8.Which finger do you use to press the Enter Key in the Keypad?
9.Where should your fingers rest when typing numbers using the Keypad?
10.Which key should you press to move from cell to cell when typing numbers in Excel using the Keypad? Which finger do you use?

FORMATTING DOCUMENTS USING MICROSOFT WORD

1.What are Tab Stops? Mention four types of Tab Stops.
2.What are Indent Markers? What is a Hanging Indent?
3.What are the default Tabs in Microsoft Word?
4.How do you remove a Tab Stop from the ruler?
5.How do you select a different Tab Stop? (Where do you go?)
6.What are Margins? How can you change the Margins? (Mention two ways)
7.What are Indents? How can you change the indentation of individual paragraphs in a Word document?
8.How do you insert a Page Break in a document? (Mention two ways)
9.How can you change the line spacing in a Word document? (Mention two ways)
10.How do you insert a Header and Footer in a Word Document? When do you insert a Header and/or Footer?

BUSINESS LETTERS

1.What are Business Letters? When do you use them?
2.What is a “personal” Business Letter? What is a “regular” Business Letter?
3.Mention the 10 Basic Parts of a Business Letter. Describe each of them. (You should know well what each part is)
4.What are the three styles of Business Letters? Which is the most popular one? Describe them. (Know the difference between the different styles)
5.How should you type the date in a Business Letter?
6.What is another name for the “Greeting”? It normally begins with the word …
7.The “Closing” is also called…
8.When do you add the word “Enclosure(s)” in a Business Letter?
9.Can you add “Postcripts” in a Business Letter?
10.Can you use “lined paper” when typing a Business Letter?

Check the Final Exams' Schedule and make sure you're on time for the Keyboarding Exam. Bring two sharp pencils (or mechanical pencils) with erasers. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Formatting Word Documents

2009-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE MARGINS?

Margins are blank areas around the top, bottom and sides of a page. Remember at least three ways of changing margins in Word.

WHAT ARE INDENTS?

Rather than tabbing in the first line or every line of a paragraph, you can create an indent, which is the amount of space between the text and the page margin. You can adjust the indent for an individual paragraph, the indent for a group of paragraphs, or the margins for the entire document.

Types of indent markers: (recognize which one is which!)
–First-line indent marker (upside-down triangle)
–Left indent marker (square under hanging indent)
–Hanging indent marker (triangle on top of square)
–Right indent marker (triangle on the right-side of the ruler)

WHAT IS LINE SPACING?

Amount of space between lines of text.

WHAT ARE TABS?

Tabs are used to position text within a line. Tabs mark the place where the insertion point will stop when the Tab Key is pressed. Tabs are particularly helpful when creating documents with small columns of text. By default, Word has tab stops at 1/2-inch intervals across the width of the page. You can modify the location of tab stops and control the way text aligns at a tab stop by placing Tab Stops on your Ruler (if you don't see the ruler when opening a Word Document, please go to View > Ruler).

To delete a Tab Stop, just drag its marker downward, off the ruler and into the document.

There are four basic types of Tab Stops (besides the first line indent and the hanging indent tabs), and each aligns text differently:

· Left-aligned (Left Tab Stop): The left edge of text aligns at the tab stop. Word's default tab stops are left-aligned.
· Right-aligned (Right Tab Stop): The right edge of text aligns at the tab stop.
· Center-aligned (Center Tab Stop): The text is centered at the tab stop.
· Decimal-aligned (Decimal Tab Stop): The decimal point (period) is aligned at the tab stop. You use this type of tab for aligning columns of numbers.

Check your notes on Tabs and Indents or check Chapter 5 (in the Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook) and complete the following review questions.

REVIEW:

What are margins? What are three ways of changing margins in Microsoft Word? What are the default margins in Word?
What is pagination? How is pagination changed? Mention two ways to insert a page break.
Can you delete a page break? How?
What is a Header? What is a Footer? How can you add a Header and Footer?
What are indents? Name four types of indent markers. What is a normal indent? Hanging indent? First line indent?
What is line spacing. What are three ways to change the line spacing in a document (e.g. to double-space your text)?
What are tabs? What are tabs used for?
What are the default tabs in Microsoft Word?
What’s the first thing you should do when you need to work with tabs?
Which are the different types of tab stops? Mention the basic four tab stops.
How can you set tabs more precisely? Where do you go?
How do you change the tabs for an entire document?
Which is the most used tab (most popular)?
How do you remove tab stops from your ruler?
How do you set a tab stop?
What are tab leaders? How do you create them?
What are first line indents? What are hanging indents?
What are the first line indent and the hanging indent markers?
Mention two ways to indent a paragraph in Microsoft Word?
When do you move the left indent square?
How do you create a hanging indent? Mention two ways.
What are footnotes used for? How can you create a footnote in your Word document?
What are endnotes?
How can you insert clip art in a document?

Next Test Scheduled for May 12.

Check the top of this blog entry, the Chapter Summary on pages 152 and 153 and the Vocabulary on pages 154 and 155 in the Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook to answer some of these questions. Also, check your notes and Chapter 5.

Fourth Quarter

2009-04-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

On March 30th we started our Fourth Quarter. By now I'm hoping that most of you have already completed the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons of the MicroType 4 Program. If not, please try to finish them PRONTO! This Quarter we are learning how to create charts in PowerPoint. Also, we will start with the Numeric Keypad Lessons - officially. I know that those of you who are more advanced are already working on these lessons (or already completed them) - but I will add some extra timings and will let you know when to complete these ones.

I will show you a presentation on the Numeric Keypad and we will have a quiz on April 6 (Monday) covering what you learned this week (March 30th - April 3rd).

We will also cover Chapter 5 (Textbook: "A Guide to Microsoft Office 2003") and you will learn how to format documents, and how to add tabs and indents in Microsoft Word. You will also learn how to create Business Letters. If time permits, you will also complete the Numeric Keyboarding lessons.

If you have any questions, or need me to explain some of the covered material, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

"Exploring Our Future Careers" Project (EOFC)

2009-02-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 27, we will start with the "Exploring Our Future Careers" Project, also known as EOFC Project. Please read the instructions carefully and spend a good amount of time researching the type of careers you think you'll be interested in one day.

Goal: to do some research about possible future careers. Students should select at least six “possible” future careers (even if it’s different careers in just one field.) Each field of interest has many different possibilities.

You will work individually for this project (it is not a “group project” – but you can help each other while you’re working on it).

The websites to check are:

www.bls.gov (the US Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Website) and check the other websites (in the EOFC Links Handout) – you can also look in “Google” or another “search engine”; and start analyzing different possibilities. Especially check the “Kid’s Page from the www.bls.gov. From this site you can also go to: www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm, www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm, www.bls.gov/oes/home.htm and www.bls.gov/oco/ (Check the Occupational Outlook Handbook, OOH 2008-2009).

Other good sites are:

www.princetonreview.com/careers-after-college.aspx (browse career profiles, take the career quiz, find your major)

Take the Personality Type Quiz at: www.personalitytype.com/quiz.html
www.jobbankinfo.org/ (Explore Careers, Browse Occupations, Salary Information)
www.careerbuilder.com/
careerpath.com/defaultb.asp
www.monster.com/

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Third Quarter

2009-02-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

On February 26, Thursday, you will have a Test on Excel. Please check the hand-out (“Introduction to Excel”), the Excel Summary Mrs. Feld gave you on February 23, and also remember what was taught in class.

What is a spreadsheet?

What is a spreadsheet document called in Excel?

How many worksheets does a new workbook contain? What is a worksheet?

What is a cell? What is an “active” cell?

What is a cell address?

Which are the column identifiers (labels)? Which are the row identifiers (labels)?

When does a cell display ####?

How can you quickly add numbers in and Excel Worksheet?

How can you copy a formula to other cells quickly?

How can you add a Header and Footer in an Excel Worksheet?

What is a chart, what is its purpose?

How do you add a chart in Excel? Mention two ways.

How is an entire column selected? How is an entire row selected?

Why would you use Conditional Formatting in Excel?

What is a formula in Excel?

True/False Practice:

1. A cell reference consists of a column letter only.

2. Selected cell and active cell mean the same thing.

3. The contents of the active cell are displayed in the Name Box.

4. A cell’s alignment can be changed.

5. A cell address is also called a cell reference.

6. The “AutoComplete” Feature in Excel will automatically insert data in a cell that begins the same as a previous entry.

7. The “AutoCorrect” Feature automatically formats your data to your liking.

8. The “AutoFill fill handle” is the white cross (pointer) in an Excel workbook.

9. The “AutoSum” feature in Excel allows you to add and calculate the sum of a list of numbers in your worksheet.

10. The multiplication symbol in an Excel formula is an “x.”

11. The division symbol in an Excel formula is represented by a slash (“/”).

12. All formulas must start with an equal sign (=).

13. Any expression in a formula that is enclosed within a parentheses is calculated first.

14.Certain formulas can be entered in Excel without entering an equal sign.

15.To enter “today’s date” in Excel you enter =TODAY().

16.The “AutoCalculate” feature in Excel is a shortcut that allows you to view a calculation for a selected range of cells without placing a function in a cell.

Which is the Excel Formula that adds the numbers in cells A1 through A6?
Which is the Excel Formula that multiplies the numbers in cells B3 and C3?
Which is the Excel Formula to calculate the average of the numbers in cells B3 through B8?

Third Quarter

2009-02-01T18:55:00.001-08:00

This quarter we will continue working with Excel - the Spreadsheet Program. By now, you should have completed up to page 223 of Chapter 7 (Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook). You may continue the "Grades" Exercise (Part 4 of 5) on page 224. You will find the "DEPT MEMO" in the Server under Keyboarding M (1) in a folder named Word Data Files. Please make a copy of this document and save it on your desktop or your documents in your computer.

Read the instructions carefully! In this exercise you will learn to copy part of the Excel Table you already created ("Grades") and paste it in the DEPT MEMO document. Make sure you select the "Match Destination Table Style" in the Paste Options Button (as mentioned in "d." under Paste Data). Enter your name under FROM and enter today's date under DATE.

Save this document in your respective Keyboarding Folder (4, 6 or 9) in the Server under your name (in My Documents). You will also print a copy for Mrs. Feld, but PRINT PREVIEW your document first to make sure that it looks good.

After completing Part 4 of 5 you can continue on page 230 (you may skip pages 225 - 229) and work on Part 5 of 5, after reading page 230 Cell Borders, Patterns, and Color and Conditional Formatting. End on page 232.

You also will continue working on your Skill Builder Lessons in MicroType 4. Remember: use the mask and challenge yourself! You know your weaknesses. Do you need to repeat some lessons? Do you need to use correct fingering? Do you need to type at a more consistent pace? Are you still backspacing too many times? Are you still making more than 6 mistakes in a 2 minute timing? Set a good goal for yourself and work hard at achieving it!

Thank you for all your good work and interest! I really appreciate it!

MIDTERM REVIEW

2008-12-11T11:30:00.001-08:00

For the Midterm, please study from your notes (from the following PowerPoint Presentations I showed and explained in class: Computer Concepts and Ergonomics). Also study from your Tests and Quizzes and this Keyboarding Blog. There will be two timings for this exam: a 3-minute timing and a 2-minute timing – I’ll let you know which ones you’ll do the day of the exam. You may want to practice 3-minute timings (from the Timed Writings) and the Measurement Writings (2-minute timings) of the Skill Builder Lessons.

1. Computer Concepts: (STUDY YOUR COMPUTER CONCEPTS’ NOTES)
What is a computer? What is hardware (name the four types of hardware)? What are Input Devices (name four and define)? What are Output Devices (name four and define)? What is the Central Processing Unit? What are storage devices (name four and define)? What is software (name the two types of software)? What is RAM? What are binary numbers? What is a bit? What are bytes? Kilobytes? Megabytes? Gigabytes? What are computer languages (give four examples)? What is a network? What is a server? What is the Internet? What are telecommunications? What are modems? What is the World Wide Web? What is a Web Site? What is a Web Page? What is a Web Browser? What is a URL (give one example)? What is “http”? What is a “domain”? What are URL identifiers (give four examples)?

2. What are Copyrights? Why are they important?

3. Ergonomics:
What is ergonomics? Why is it important to follow ergonomic rules? Name four ergonomic rules (or tips). What are ergonomists? What is the right ergonomic position you should use when typing (mention four rules)? Why is good posture important?

4. KEYBOARDING:
a. Home Row Keys: Which are the letters of the Home Row? Which fingers do you use to type the Home Row keys? What is the first goal in Keyboarding?
b. Review the hand-out on the MicroType 4 Keyboarding Program (Lessons 1 - 20) - including techniques and fingering.
c. Which letters does each finger type (mention both left and right hand fingers)? What fingers do you use to key the Space Bar?
d. Who invented the “Type Writer”? When? What is the official name of the present keyboard? Why was the first typewriter designed to slow down the typist?
e. What are Toggle Keys? When do you use the Caps Lock Key? Which are the three basic ways to correct errors in Microsoft Word? When do you use the Tab Key? What is Word Wrap? (Check this Blog to review these questions - previous entry).
f. How do you insert a Table in Word?

5. From the "Creating a Business Project":
a. What is a Logo? Why is it important for a company to have a Logo?
b. What is a Newsletter?

6. EXCEL:
We will start learning Excel in January. You will have to study whatever we cover during the week and a half before the exams (January 7 – 16). There will be a small Excel exercise (similar to the ones we'll practice in class) in the Keyboarding Midterm.
a. What is Excel? What is a Spreadsheet? What is a Workbook? What are Worksheets? What is the Worksheet Area? What are rows? What are columns? What are “cells” in Excel?
b. Mention at least six elements or parts of an Excel Worksheet and explain what these are.
c. What is the “cell reference”? What is an “active cell”?
d. What is the AutoFill Fill Handle?
e. What are the five Automatic Features of the Excel Program? Understand what these are.

Remember: Your Keyboarding Midterm is important - so make the time to study. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Creating a Business Project

2008-12-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

This month of December we will be working on a Group Project: "Creating a Business" also known as "SBA Project" (SMALL BUSINESS ADVENTURERS). We will create a small business called "Stocking Stuffers, Inc." This is a fictional business that provides products and services around the Christmas holiday. They have a small shop that sells ornaments, stockings, various stocking stuffers, gift wrap, Christmas cards and other assorted Christmas goodies and gifts. The week before Christmas, they have a coloring contest for children, cookies with Santa on location, Christmas contests, and sleigh rides. The business is located in Crown Center at 2450 Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, MO 64108. The phone number is 816-555-2000 (you can come up with your own address and phone number, and create a website name and e-mail address). You will create the following:

o Logo (to be used on all projects)
o Business Cards/Letterhead/Envelopes
o Coloring Book Page
o Wrapping Paper Sample
o Last Minute Christmas Special Flyer
o Christmas Photo Card and Christmas Cards (assortment – at least three)
o Newsletter

You will work in groups of two. Please read the project document very carefully (you can find it in Keyboarding M under Stocking Stuffers, Inc. We will work mostly using the Microsoft Publisher Program. Microsoft Word and Paint can also be used. You will start creating a logo for your company. Check the websites listed on Page 5 to see samples of logos. Think of ideas and come up with your own design (which should incorporate an AutoShape, Text, a "slogan" and ClipArt). Get creative!

You will have a Pocket Folder, where you will keep all your work. Please keep the papers in order and return the folder to Mrs. Feld at the end of class. You will work quietly and efficiently. The whole project should be completed by December 19, 2008 - before our Christmas Vacation. Mrs. Feld will give you instructions at the beginning of each class period.

Thanks for your cooperation and for working in an efficient manner. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Keyboarding Assignments for 11/11 - 11/14/08

2008-11-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

While I'm at Kairos I need you to continue with your Keyboarding Lessons. If you haven't completed the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons yet, please work diligently so that you can finish them soon. But please feel free to repeat them if you feel that you need reinforcement; especially, if you're not typing at least 30 words a minute (gwam) with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces!

For the Skill Builder Lessons your goal is: 40 words a minute with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces. If you're typing 60 gwam but backspacing more than six times, it means that you need to slow down! The important thing is to be consistent - not to type some words really fast and others really slow. Your goal is to type at a similar speed throughout your work - a timed writing or a group of words (like in a paragraph).

Continue with your Keyboarding Lessons and do at least two Timed Writings daily (2 minutes). You should complete up to Timed Writing 06 by Friday, November 14, 2008. Please put these in your binders. If you complete all these Timed Writings (up to 06), repeat or work on all the "Assessments" (5 in total) from the Skillbuilder Lessons - these are excellent practice. If you are a fast typist and have done pretty much everything - repeat the "Measurement Writings" in the Skill Builder Lessons.

You may also complete your PowerPoint Presentation "I AM." By Monday, November 17, 2008 I should have all your Outlines and Handouts of that presentation.

Wherever you are: CHALLENGE YOURSELF! ...and don't forget to use THE MASK!

Good Luck!

"Other Keyboarding Terms"

2008-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

A Toggle Key is a key on the keyboard that toggles between two modes – like a switch that has two positions, ON and OFF. The most common is the CAPS LOCK key which causes all letters to appear as capitals when it is activated. Other common toggle keys include NUM LOCK (alternates between the numeric keypad used for numeric entry and using it for cursor movement) and SCROLL LOCK (When the scroll lock mode was on, the arrow keys would scroll the contents of a text window instead of moving the cursor, which is not a common problem with modern interfaces). In Excel when Scroll Lock is on, the selection doesn’t move.

Correcting Errors:

There are three basic ways to correct keying errors (errors you make while typing):

1. Backspace - deletes characters as you backspace over them. When you backspace over a character on the screen, the character to the left of the insertion point position is deleted.

2. Overtype - replaces text letter by letter at the insertion point position. This function allows you to replace, or type over, existing text. To use Overtype, press the Insert key. The Overtype mode stays in effect until you press the Insert Key (a toggle key) again. You press the Insert key to turn it on and off. By default, Overtype is off. This means that anything you key is inserted in the text rather than keyed over existing text. If you want to insert or add text, leave Overtype off. If, however, you want to key over something, turn Overtype on by pressing the Insert key. Overtype stays in effect until you press the Insert key again.

3. Delete - deletes characters at the insertion point position. Press the Delete key to erase the character immediately to the right of the insertion point position. When correcting with the Delete key, simply position the insertion point on our just to the left of the character to be deleted. Press the Delete key to remove the character, then key the correct letter.

Another way of deleting or substituting text in a document is to highlight the letter (s), word (s), or paragraph (s) and typing over them - as long as the option "Typing replaces selection" is chosen on the Editing Options of the Options Window under Tools (to check: Go to Tools > Select Options > Edit > Go to Editing Options and make sure that "Typing replaces selection" is checked). You can also press the Backspace key or the Delete key after highlighting.

Tab Key

The first line of a paragraph is usually indented approximately one-half inch. In Microsoft Word there are default tabs every half inch. Later on we'll learn more about Tabs and Indents.

Tabs are particularly helpful for documents containing small columns of text. You could set Tab Stops to your liking (or as needed) or use the Default Tabs (every half inch). Press the Tab key with your Left Little Finger.

Word Wrap

When you key paragraphs of text (for example, in a letter), you do not need to press Enter at the end of each line. Word Wrap is a feature that automatically wraps a word to the next line once that word exceeds the right margin. With Word Wrap, you need to press Enter only to end a paragraph, create a blank line, or end a short line (for example, a person's name in an envelope address).

Test - On October 20 "B Schedule" Day we'll have our next Test. This test will cover the following: Lessons 1 - 10 (study the hand-out that Mrs. Feld gave you on the Keyboarding MicroType 4 Program - with techniques and lessons learned). Also study page 6 of the hand-out and this blog on Toggle keys, Three Ways of Correcting Errors, Tab Key and Word Wrap; as well as the article on the importance of good posture - "Stand Up Straight!"- given to you on October 8, 2008. There will be a timing on this test. If you have any questions or are missing any of these papers, please contact Mrs. Feld.

Keyboarding Test - October 1st, 2008

2008-09-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Please open your MicroType 4 Program and go to your Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons. Go to Lesson 13 - "Review" and click the Tab "Timed Practice" on the right side - select ONE MINUTE and do the timing with the MASK ON. Press the Enter key at the end of each line and do not press Enter twice at the end of the first paragraph, just type the same paragraph again (without double-spacing between the paragraphs). You may repeat these timing two more times and give me your best one. You may print each Timed Practice separately, when you complete one, go to the Lesson Report and print it; then repeat the timing and print the Lesson Report a second time, etc. Give Mrs. Feld your best timing.

Remember: at this point I prefer ACCURACY than SPEED! Don't get in the habit of "backspacing"...

Thank You.

September 25, 2008

2008-09-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

To date we've covered the following in class:

1) Ergonomics and the importance of ergonomics in our world. Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing safe, comfortable and efficient machines, environments and things (in general - like furniture, equipment and facilities) for humans. Following ergonomic rules will increase your speed and accuracy at the computer as well as helping your body cope with long sessions at the keyboard. Ergonomists attempt to make work and its environment better.

2) History of the Typewriter. Who invented the typewriter? When was it invented? Who invented it?

3) Computer Concepts - we learned some important things about computers, like: What is a computer? What is software? What are the two main types of software? What is hardware? What are input devices and some examples? What are output devices and some examples? What are processing devices and some examples? What are storage devices and some examples? What is computer memory? What are the two main types of memory? What are bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes? What are binary numbers? What are computer languages and some examples? What are networks? What is the Internet? What is the World Wide Web? What is telecommunications? What is a Web Site? What is a Web Page? What is a Web Browser? What is the URL? What is a domain name? What is http? What are URL identifiers and some examples? What are copyrights and why are they important?

Please study your notes on Ergonomics and Computer Concepts for the Test on October 1st, 2008.

You are also working on your Keyboarding Lessons (MicroType 4 Program). Please continue doing so concentrating on ACCURACY! If you feel that you must repeat some of the lessons or exercises, please do so. It is essential that you complete these lessons only after having mastered the exercises. Don't forget to read the techniques and instructions carefully! Also, try to be consistent - consistency is very important. If you find yourself typing certain combinations of letters very slow and others very fast, you must repeat some of the exercises (or lessons). Once the keyboarding lessons start including more words in the exercises, typing will start becoming easier - as long as you follow the directions carefully and uses consistency. Persevere and be patient, typing will become easier and soon you'll find yourself typing words and combinations of words a lot faster. The important thing at the beginning is, I repeat, ACCURACY!

You should be able to Map to the K Drive by now. If you are still having problems doing so, please let Mrs. Feld know. Thanks for your patience and cooperation, I appreciate you good work!

Keyboarding Classes 2008-2009

2008-09-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class! First you will learn about "Ergonomics" and "Ergonomists" and their importance. Make sure you understand what these terms mean. Also a little bit of history about the keyboard. Who invented the "Type Writer" and the "QWERTY" Keyboard? Why is the layout of the keyboard the way it is?

You will also learn about the Home Row Keys and which is the correct "fingering" - which fingers type which keys.

We will review some important "Computer Concepts": What is a Computer? What is Hardware? What is Software? What are Input Devices? What are Output Devices? What are Processing Devices? What are Storage Devices?

We will also start with the first MicroType Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) - "Alphabetic Keyboarding". Initially, you will enter these lessons as a "Guest"; until the system allows us to connect to the Labserver properly and you can then be able to enter the program as a "User". Take these lessons seriously; they will teach you to type the proper way and use the right fingers. You will use the "keyboard mask" at all times. Also, please read the instructions and techniques shown on each lesson carefully! At first, you will concentrate in "accuracy" (not speed). As you become better at typing, you will start working on "speed". Remember: the first goal in Keyboarding Class is to learn the Home Row Keys and to learn to type accurately.

If you need to, repeat the lessons until you feel confident that you learned the right fingering.

QUIZ: Thursday, September 18, 2008 (will include what you have learned in class up to Wednesday, September 17, 2008)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Communication is important!

Mission Statement Project and Final Exam

2008-05-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

This week of May 26th you'll be working the project: "My Personal Mission Statement", creating a PowerPoint Presentation.

“A mission statement represents your belief system—the priorities, values and principles that measure your decisions. It provides overall direction and clarifies your purpose and meaning. When you clearly know what you want to be and to do in your life, you feel strong in your sense of mission. You’re no longer driven by everything that happens to you. Rather, you feel a deep and complete commitment to following your innermost values." ~Dawn Angier

So, what is your personal mission statement? What are your goals and dreams? Your success begins with identifying what you want and then planning how to get it; so defining a mission statement is your first step towards success. A Mission Statement provides the foundation for getting what you want out of life. With careful planning, and by focusing your energy on what's truly important, you vastly improve your odds of success.

For this project you may want to review your PowerPoint Presentation “About Me”, that you already created at the beginning of this school year. You are to create your “personal mission statement” for your life. Please read carefully the documents: "Mission Statement Project" and “Guidelines to Create Your Personal Mission Statement” (in Keyboarding (1) under "Mission Statement Project"). You should take this project seriously. It is your life and you should take time to think about your future and about what you really want to do and accomplish (your goals and dreams). Determine what is important to you. Besides, it will count as 10% of your 4^th Quarter Grade.

A personal mission statement can be a very important addition in your resume and college application. Employers and college admission directors take notice and your chances of being hired or accepted are much greater.

This is an individual project. It should be completed by Monday, June 1st, 2008. You can help each other; but you will create your own PowerPoint Presentation about your “Personal Mission Statement.” Your presentation will have at least the following six slides:

First Slide: A Title Slide which should be a “Collage” creation (with pictures of things you like, enjoy, dream). This slide will include the title: “My Personal Mission Statement or “Mary’s Mission Statement” (replace Mary with your name).
Second Slide: Slide for “My Successes”.
Third Slide: “My Most Important Values” (underline the most important one for you).
Fourth Slide: “My Contributions”.
Fifth Slide: “My Goals and Dreams”.
Sixth Slide: “My Personal Mission Statement”.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2008 you can start your presentation, first creating all the above-mentioned slides. Then working on your Title Slide, where you can create a collage of meaningful things (like a "vision collage"), downloading pictures from the Internet or selecting pictures that you already have in your computer. Your title should be "(Your Name)'s Mission Statement". You can also decide which template (templates or backgrounds) you'll use. Save it as: Mission Statement or My Mission Statement.

FINAL EXAM:

For the Final Exam you should review the following:

Excel - Review February's Test and a couple of exercises. If you want Mrs. Feld to give you an Excel Practice exercise, do not hesitate to ask. You can find this exercise in Keyboarding (1) in the Server under "Final Exam Practice". Review your notes.
Numeric Keypad - Review April's Numeric Keypad Test and your notes.
Formatting Documents & Tabs and Indents - Review May's Quiz and Test, and your notes.
Business Letters - Review May's Test and your notes.

If you have any questions, please ask Mrs. Feld

Test May 22, 2008

2008-05-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

This quarter we've been working on "Formatting Documents" and "Business Letters". We practiced how to enter Tab Stops to create small column documents, how to insert Tab Leaders (like in a Menu), how to change the Indentation in a Word document using the Indent Markers; as well as how to change Margins, create a Header and a Footer, change the Line Spacing, insert a Footnote, insert a Page Break, create Bullets and Numbering, and Insert a Picture. You should be able to clearly understand how to use these formatting features in Microsoft Word.

We worked on and completed the "Training" document (Chapter 5 in the Microsoft Word 2003 Textbook) which taught us many of these formatting options and learned to use the "Formatting Task Pane." We also worked on some of the Textbook Exercises (Exercises Nos. 3, 5 and 9). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld.

We also covered "Business Letters." You should understand what business letters are; what are personal business letters? What are regular business letters? What are the main parts in a business letter? How do you define these? What are the three main styles of business letters?

For Thursday's Test please review and study the following:

The previous post of April 19, 2008. Review all the questions and see if you can answer all of them. If not, find the answers in your notes and hand-outs or ask Mrs. Feld.
The following questions (add these to the ones on the 4/19/08 post):

What is a database? When can you use a database when working with letters?
What are personal business letters? What are regular business letters?
What are the main parts of a business letter?
What are the three main styles of business letters? Describe them.
What is superscript? What is subscript?
How do you insert a footnote in Microsoft Word?
How do you insert a picture in Microsoft Word?
How do you enter bullets or numbering on text in Microsoft Word? Mention two ways. When do you enter bullets or numbering?

Study April's Quiz on Formatting Documents and Tabs.
Study the hand-outs and your notes on "Tabs and Indents" and Chapter 5.
Study your notes on "Business Letters."
Add the following to your notes: Another text style, besides bold, italic, and underline, is Superscript; which reduces the size of the text and raises it to the top of the current line. Subscript is a text style that reduces the size of the text and lowers it to the bottom of the current line. Example:
In 5^th Avenue the "th" is a superscript (to type "exponents" you use this style). In H₂O the "2" is a subscript. To format the characters you first select the text and then go to Format > Font and select either Superscript or Subscript. You can also select other options to format your text.

If you had difficulties using Tab Stops, Indent Markers, Tab Leaders, or the Superscript and Subscript styles, please practice before the test.

FOURTH QUARTER

2008-04-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe we're already in the "Fourth Quarter," isn't it? Time is flying! Soon we'll be on our Summer Vacation.

By now, you should have completed all of the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Most of you are typing more than 50 words per minute with less than 3 errors. You also worked on the Numeric Keypad Lessons at the beginning of this quarter and some of you are already entering at least 150 digits per minute. If you are not there yet, I suggest that you repeat these lessons - they are short and with practice you can become more proficient at typing numbers. You should have completed all of the Keypad Timed Writings, as well. You had the Numeric Keypad Test on April 10, 2008.

At this present time we are working on "Formatting Documents." We are reviewing Chapter 5 of the Microsoft Office 2003 Textbook. We learned about the Formatting Task Pane and how to use it, what are Margins, how to insert a Page Break, what are Tabs and Indents, how to insert Tabs using the Tab Selection Box, how to use the Header and Footer, and how to change the Line Spacing in a document. We will continue with the "Training" Exercise and will have a Quiz on April 22, 2008.

WHAT ARE TABS?

Tabs provide a way for you to control the indentation and vertical alignment of text in your document. When you press the Tab key, Word inserts a tab in the document; this moves the cursor—and any text to the right of it—to the next tab stop. By default, Word has tab stops at 1/2-inch intervals across the width of the page. You can modify the location of tab stops and control the way text aligns at a tab stop.

There are four basic types of tab stops (besides the first line indent and the hanging indent tabs), and each aligns text differently:

- Left-aligned The left edge of text aligns at the tab stop. Word's default tab stops are left-aligned.

- Right-aligned The right edge of text aligns at the tab stop.

- Center-aligned The text is centered at the tab stop.

- Decimal-aligned The decimal point (period) is aligned at the tab stop. You use this type of tab for aligning columns of numbers.

Check your notes and the hand-outs on Tabs and Indents that I gave you and complete the following review questions. If you don't find the answers on these, please check the Microsoft Word Textbook. The Quiz will NOT include "Indents" - just what we did in class to date (up to page 139) - Questions 1 - 12, not the last five.

REVIEW:

What are margins? What are Word's "default margins"? How do you change the margins? (three ways)
What is pagination? How do you insert a page-break in Word?
What is a header? What is a footer? How do you insert them? Why are they used?
How can you enter page numbers in Word? (two main ways)
What is line spacing? How do you change the line spacing in Word?
What are tabs? What are default tabs?
When do you use tabs in Microsoft Word? What are tab stops? Mention the different types of tab stops.
What’s the first thing you should do when you need to work with tabs?
Which are the different types of tab stops? Which tab is the most used?
How can you set tabs more precisely? Where do you go?
How do you change the tabs for an entire document?
How do you set a tab stop? How do you remove tab stops from your ruler?
What are tab leaders? How do you create them?
What are first line indents? What are hanging indents?
Mention two ways to indent a paragraph in Microsoft Word?
When do you move the left indent square?
How do you create a hanging indent? Mention two ways.

This review will help you study for Tuesday’s Quiz (4/22/08). This information will also be included in your Final Exam.

Third Quarter Continues...

2008-02-28T17:52:00.000-08:00

February 29 will be the last day we work on Excel. Monday, March 3rd, 2008 we will start working on our Project "Exploring Our Future Careers". I will give you detailed instructions. The goal of this project is to help you investigate different careers that you may want to consider for your future. You will do some research in the Internet (US Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics' Website http://www.bls.gov/). You will choose at least six possible careers for you and create a Microsoft Word Document, a PowerPoint Presentation, Excel Tables and Excel Charts.

By now you should understand the basic principles of the Excel Program very well. You should know how to create tables, entering basic formulas (calculating the sum, subtraction, multiplication and division of numbers; calculating averages and percentages) and how to format them. You should also know how to create charts in Excel and how to format them. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld.

On March 6 we will have an Excel Test. You will create a table, enter formulas and create a chart. I need to know that you understand what we have covered in class so far.

The "Exploring Our Future Careers" Project is due Friday, March 14, 2008. By the end of the Third Quarter you should have completed all of the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. You should have also completed all of the Timed Writings.

In April we will work on the Numeric Keypad Lessons and the Numeric Keyboarding Lessons. In May we will learn how to create Business Letters.

More on Excel

2008-02-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

Review: Excel is the Microsoft Office spreadsheet application for storing and analyzing data. It is used in many different ways, for payroll and inventory, for data collection, and for personal budgets and cost calculations. An Excel spreadsheet document is referred to as a “workbook”. An Excel workbook consists of individual worksheets (or sheets).

The Elements of an Excel Worksheet are: the Title Bar, the Menu Bar, the Standard Toolbar, the Formatting Toolbar, the Name Box, the Formula Bar, Sheet Tabs, Scroll Bars, Status Bar, and Worksheet Area. You should know what these elements are and where they are located.

Excel's Automatic Features are: AutoComplete, AutoCorrect, AutoFill, AutoCalculate, and AutoSum. You should also know and understand what these are.

Vocabulary: workbook, worksheet, cell, active cell, column, row, AutoFill handle, cell address or cell reference, cell pointer, absolute cell reference, relative cell reference.

You should be comfortable using the AutoSum function, and entering common formulas - like Addition (Sum), Subtraction, Average, Multiplication, Division, Percentage, and Today's Date. Remember: All formulas must start with an equal sign (=). If you type an equal sign into a cell, Excel assumes that you are about to enter a formula. Any expression in a formula that is enclosed within a parentheses is calculated first.

Third Quarter

2008-02-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

On January 28th we began our Third Quarter. This month of February we will be learning Excel (the Spreadsheet Program of Microsoft Office). You will practice several Excel exercises until you can become proficient in creating Excel Tables and Charts, and in using basic formulas and formulas with relative, absolute and mixed references.

February 12: Excel Test

For this test, please review the notes you typed in class "Introduction to Excel" and the papers I gave you: 1) Excel's Automatic Features (AutoComplete, AutoCorrect, AutoCalculate, AutoSum, AutoFill and the AutoFill Handle) and 2) "Spreadsheets and Excel" - with general information (skip "Using the Function Wizard" and "Creating a Chart"). You should clearly understand what each Automatic Feature does in Excel and how to use them. You will also do an Excel Exercise using what we learned in class. Please review the Sum, Multiplication and Average Formulas.

Midterm - January 2008

2008-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mid-Term Information:

Keyboarding (Period 2): January 25th at 11:15 am - 12:25 pm
Keyboarding (Period 8): January 25th at 10:00 am - 11:10 am
Keyboarding (Period 9): January 22nd at 8:45 am - 9:55 am

It's hard to believe it's almost the end of the Second Quarter. Yes, the mid-terms are approaching. This week of January 14th we'll be reviewing for next week's exams. Please review your quizz of 9/20/07 and tests of 10/18/07 and 11/15/07; and the following information covered this quarter:

Computer Concepts - What is a computer? What is software? Two basic types of software. What is hardware? What are input devices? Give some examples. What are output devices? Give some examples. What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)? What are storage devices? Give some examples. What is magnetic tape?

Other Things to Remember - What is ergonomics? Study the ergonomic tips from Lessons 1 - 20. What are toggle keys? Three ways of correcting errors. How to create a PowerPoint presentation (basic guidelines and basic steps). How to insert a table in Microsoft Word. How to create columns in Microsoft Word.
You can review all this material from the papers that I handed out this quarter and your notes. Highlight this information and study it.

Timing - You will also have a two-minute timing during the exam.
Remember: if you study and read this material carefully, you'll have a greater chance of getting an A. Read your exam and follow the instructions carefully... Good luck!

Second Quarter Work and Grades

2008-01-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

I need you to go to MicroType 4 and check your "Summary Reports". Go to Reports on the Menu Bar > Summary Reports.

To date you should have at least 6 (six) "Timed Writings" for the months of November and December. If you don't have these, please do some more timings. Some 1-minute and some 2-minute. If you are still making more than 6 errors, please repeat some of these timings. GOAL: 40 gwam with less than 3 errors and less than 6 backspaces.

Also check your Skill Builder Lessons and Assessments. You should have completed at least three Assessments (1 - 3) for this Second Quarter, and up to Lesson L. If you were repeating the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons you have an excuse, if not, you don't (tell Mrs. Feld if you've been repeating these lessons and I'll check your Summary Reports). Please work on these Skill Builder Lessons consistently this month; especially those of you who hardly have any completed. I also need one "Skill Analysis" (when you open your program go to Edit > Skill Analysis) - this is a one minute timing. Please print it and give it to me. Check the timings on your Assessments, if you want to improve them, just repeat them.

Your SBA Project (Christmas Project) will count as two Test Grades. I will be grading all your work from November 5th - January 25th, which includes the Word Exercises we did in class and your PowerPoint Presentations. Your Test of 11/15/07 included.

We will review for the Mid-Term Exams during the middle of this month. After the exams we will start learning Excel (and reviewing).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld.

Creating a Business Project

2007-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

This month of December we will be working on a Group Project: "Creating a Business" also known as "SBA Project" (SMALL BUSINESS ADVENTURERS). We will create a small business called "Stocking Stuffers, Inc." This is a fictional business that provides products and services around the Christmas holiday. They have a small shop that sells ornaments, stockings, various stocking stuffers, gift wrap, Christmas cards and other assorted Christmas goodies and gifts. The week before Christmas, they have a coloring contest for children, cookies with Santa on location, Christmas contests, and sleigh rides. The business is located in Crown Center at 2450 Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, MO 64108. The phone number is 816-555-2000 (you can come up with your own address and phone number, and create a website name also).

You will create the following:

o Logo (to be used on all projects)
o Business Cards/Letterhead/Envelopes
o Coloring Book Page
o Wrapping Paper Sample
o Last Minute Christmas Special Flyer
o Christmas Photo Card
o Christmas Cards (assortment – at least three)
o Newsletter
o Advertisements (half and quarter page)

You will work in groups of three and four students. Please read the project hand-out very carefully. We will work mostly using the Microsoft Publisher Program. Microsoft Word can also be used. You will start creating a logo for your company. Check the websites listed on the last page of your hand-out to see samples of logos. Think of ideas and come up with your own design (which should incorporate an AutoShape, Text and ClipArt). You can also check some samples that Mrs. Feld created in the Labserver under Keyboarding (1) - in a folder called Stocking Stuffers, Inc. Get creative!

You will receive a Pocket Folder, where you will keep the hand-out and all your work. Please keep the papers in order and return the folder to Mrs. Feld at the end of class. You will work quietly and efficiently. The whole project should be completed by December 20, 2007 - before our Christmas Vacation. Mrs. Feld will give you instructions at the beginning of each class period.

Thanks for your cooperation and for working in an efficient manner. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.

Second Quarter

2007-11-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

On November 5, 2007 we started our Second Quarter. By now, you should be typing at least 20 words per minute (if you never had Keyboarding Lessons before your Sophomore Year) or at least 40 words per minute (if you already had some Keyboarding Lessons before your Sophomore Year). If you're not there yet, I need you to go back to the Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons and repeat at least ten of these. The more you practice the better you'll type.

If you're already doing the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons, I expect you to type at least 35 words per minute with less than 6 errors. If not, you also have to repeat some Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons until you acquire this speed. We have been concentrating on Accuracy - but I need you to start acquiring a faster speed.

Goals for this Quarter: To continue working with emphasis on Accuracy while starting to concentrate on Speed as well. You should envision 40 words per minute with less than 6 errors and less than 6 backspaces. By the end of this quarter those who never took Keyboarding Lessons before should be typing at least 30 words per minute, and those who took lessons previously at least 40 words per minute.

If you're still making too many mistakes (more than 6) and backspacing too many times (more than 6), you should try to slow down. Repeat the lessons several times - this is not a COMPETITION! Challenge yourself! You know where you are and it's up to you to get better!

Test: Remember that on November 19, 2007 we will have our PowerPoint Test. There will also be a timing on that test. Please study the papers I gave you on PowerPoint ("Creating a PowerPoint Presentation", "PowerPoint" (describing the elements of the PowerPoint Window)and "The PowerPoint Views". Also review the instructions on how to create a PowerPoint Presentation using the Outline Pane.

I will check your PowerPoint Assignments (that you did while I was at Kairos) - "Planning Presentation" (changed to "Planning Pres with Transitions")and "Networking" (Outline).

Keyboarding Assignment: Do the "Measurement Writings" of Lessons A through E with Focus: Accuracy. This is a good practice for the Test.

Other Keyboarding Terms

2007-10-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

"Mapping to the K Drive"

2007-09-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

You can now map to the K (network) drive. Please remember the following steps:

1. Open the Labserver icon on your desktop
2. Go to Tools > Map Network Drive
3. Select "K" from the list of letters (on the window that pops up)
4. Go to Browse and find the Microsoft Network Drive > Sba > Labserver > Keyboarding (1)
5. Once Keyboarding (1) is highlighted > click OK
6. Click finish on the window showing the K drive.
7. Close all open windows
8. Open your MicroType 4 Program
9. You should see a list of names on the left and "All Classes" on the right, select your period number (second, eighth or ninth)
10. Find your name and double-click on it. Instead of your regular password we are temporarily entering the word "password". I will let you know when you'll be able to enter your log-in password.

Please remember to copy (type or write) the ergonomic tips and techniques mentioned in the lessons of your Keyboarding Program. It is your responsibility to copy these notes. These material will be included in quizzes and tests.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

Keyboarding Classes 2007-2008

2007-09-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class! First you will learn about "Ergonomics" and "Ergonomists" and their importance. Make sure you understand what these terms mean. Also a little bit of history about the keyboard. Who invented the "Type Writer" and the "QWERTY" Keyboard? Why is the layout of the keyboard the way it is?

You will also learn about the Home Row Keys and which is the correct "fingering" - which fingers type which keys.

We will review some important "Computer Concepts": What is a Computer? What is Hardware? What is Software? What are Input Devices? What are Output Devices? What are Processing Devices? What are Storage Devices?

We will start with the first MicroType Keyboarding Lessons (Lessons 1 - 20) - "Alphabetic Keyboarding". Initially, you will enter these lessons as a "Guest"; until the system allows us to connect to the Labserver properly and you can then be able to enter the program as a "User". Take these lessons seriously; they will teach you to type the proper way and use the right fingers. At first, you will concentrate in "accuracy" (not speed). As you become better at typing, you will start working on "speed". Remember: the first goal in Keyboarding Class is to learn the Home Row Keys and to learn to type accurately.

QUIZ: Thursday, September 20, 2007 (will include what you have learned in class up to Wednesday, September 19, 2007)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Communication is important!

Mid-Term Information

2007-01-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's almost the end of the Second Quarter. Yes, the mid-terms are approaching. This week of January 8th we'll be reviewing for next week's exams. Please review your quizzes of 9/21/06, 10/11/06 and the test of 11/29/06; and the following information covered this quarter:
Computer Concepts - What is a computer? What is software? Two basic types of software. What is hardware? What are input devices? Give some examples. What are output devices? Give some examples. What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)? What are storage devices? Give some examples. What is magnetic tape?
Other Things to Remember - What is ergonomics? Study the ergonomic tips from Lessons 1 - 20. What are toggle keys? Three ways of correcting errors. How to create a PowerPoint presentation (basic guidelines and basic steps). How to insert a table in Microsoft Word.
You can review all this material from the papers that I handed out this quarter. Highlight this information and study it.
Timing - You will also have a two-minute timing during the exam.
Remember: if you study and read this material carefully, you'll have a great chance of getting an A. Read your mid-term and follow the instructions carefully... Good luck!

Second Quarter

2006-11-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

On November 6 we started our Second Quarter, let's all try to make it as interesting and rewarding as possible! I know at times working on so many Keyboarding Lessons may seem a bit overwhelming; but take it one day at a time and remember that you are learning to type faster and better - which will help you immensely when you go to College; it will certainly make your life easier in many ways.

Announcement: We will have a Test on Friday, December 1st (this Test was moved due to changes in class schedules). This test will include the techniques learned on Lessons 10 - 20 (from the 6 page hand-out: pages 3 - 6); the paper "Preparing a Presentation on Outline View"; the PowerPoint paper on "Creating a PowerPoint Presentation" (reviewing the six basic guidelines on how to create a presentation and the six basic steps) and a one minute timing.

In December we will be working on a group project: "Creating a Business" and continue with the Keyboarding Skill Builder Lessons. Those who finished those lessons can move on to the Numeric Keypad Lessons and the Numeric Keyboarding Lessons.

In January we will start learning Excel, the spreadsheet program and create some interesting exercises with tables and charts.

All the best!

First Quarter

2006-10-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2006

By now you should have completed all of the "Alphabetic Keyboarding" Lessons in your MicroType Program. All the Quick Review Lessons (except Numeric Keys), the Timed Writings 1 through 8 - for Periods 1 and 8. The PowerPoint Presentation "About Me", with printed Outlines and Hand-Outs. You should start concentrating more on speed, without disregarding ACCURACY! Goal: 45 wam, less than 3 errors, less than 3 backspaces.

October 13, 2006

If you work in the Windows Lab and are able to "Map to the K Drive", you can start doing the "Timed Writings" in your MicroType Keyboarding Program (Except for 9th Period - the MicroType Program in the Mac Lab doesn't have these timings). You are to complete all these timings (13 in total) - up to No. 5 in October and all completed by November 21st. I will review your progress and may ask you to repeat some of these timings. Goal: 45 words a minute and less than 3 errors, if you type more than 45 wam but make more than 3 errors, please concentrate in accuracy and try to slow down. Also, do not use the Backspace key more than 3 times; some students are using this key TOO MANY TIMES to correct errors; this is not acceptable!

October 12, 2006

Go to the "Quick Review" on your MicroType Program and complete the following: Easy Lines, Enter Key, Space Bar and Shift Keys. If you didn't do the "Alphabetic Keys" earlier, please do so too. After this, you can continue working on your Power Point Project and continue with your regular Keyboarding Lessons.

Individual Project:

We are presently working on the "About Me" Power Point presentation. This exercise is due: October 17, 2006. Follow the instructions carefully, adding backgrounds, animation and transitions to your slides. To grade this project I need print-outs of the "Outline" and the "Hand-Outs"; and you have to show me your presentation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Feld.

To date, you should have completed the following:

1. Alphabetic Keyboarding: You should be -at least- in Lesson 15 by now. If not, please make the time to catch up and complete the lessons needed to reach this goal. Our goal at this point is to type accurately, making less than 6 mistakes and typing at least 35 words per minute, without looking at the keyboard.

2. Exercises completed:
* Create a Table - Learn to insert a table in Microsoft Word. Table with at least 5 colums and 5 rows. Title: "My Favorite Things". Enter your favorite things in each column (Favorite Foods, Favorite Movies, Favorite Restaurants, Favorite Actors/Actresses, Favorite Places, etc.) Your name should be on this paper (use the "Footer" to insert it).
* Two Columns in Microsoft Word - Exercise No. 1: Type the document "Patience". Learn to create two columns, centering your title (Go to Format > Column > Click on the one column preset) and inserting a line in the middle (Go to Format > Columns > Click "Line between").
* Two Columns in Microsoft Word - Exercise No. 2: Go to Google or other search engine and select an article or text of your choice. Copy the document and paste in Microsoft Word. Center your Title, create two columns and insert a line in the middle.
* Several Timings: three Skill Analysis (go to Edit > Skill Analysis), two timed writings (or two measurement writings from the Keyboarding Skill Builder - if your program doesnt' have the "timed writings")
* Quick Review: Alphabetic Keys

If you haven't completed one or more of these, please do so as soon as possible and give to Mrs. Feld.

3. Test: October 11, 2006 (covered Lessons 1 - 10, Alphabetic Keyboarding and Techniques)