Week ten and eleven (Oct. 22 - Nov. 1)

We are cruising right along with our CD cover project and should be done by early next week. (Be on the lookout for the slide show of numerous covers soon). Here's a sample of one, created by Braxton. To create this, he started with a square transparent canvas and then used a gradient fill to paint the background. The text was made at flamingtext.com and then imported into Photoshop. He used the transform tool to adjust the size, as well as rotate the words. The image of the fist was found through a Google SafeSearch using advanced search filters specifying the size and usage rights ("free to use and share").

I've also started to add video tutorials to my Youtube website. (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrgVyHo2H3Nf7IfjIPuxeQ) These will be used to flip the classroom, review for quizzes, or for reference during class in case a student has forgotten a certain technique.

Exploring gradient fills

Week nine and ten (Oct. 15 - 26)

Last week we finished up the quarter by completing a Google form survey on the Mo Ranch trip. The overwhelming favorite for the students was the Big Gulp (as evidenced by the poll to the right too). We also spent some class time working on SSR projects for advisory.

Quarter number two starts this week and with that comes keyboarding. We'll be using a free Google app called Typing Club that will be linked to the students' school email account. It's a great program that feeds off of the Angry Birds frenzy by using a similar level/scoring system. Students earn points and 1, 2, or 3 stars for each level.  They can go back and do any level over and over again to improve their number of stars or score.  I am requiring students to get at least two stars to move on, but I am encouraging them to get three before going forward. We will be doing this every class period for the first 10-15 minutes all quarter long.  The focus: use the correct finger positioning repetitively to facilitate muscle memory.

We will also be starting our CD cover project. This will take use back to Photoshop to build on the introduction we had at the beginning of the year.  This go around we'll be learning about gradient fills, marquee tools, transformation techniques, filters, and more. After we have completed our cover art, we'll then add a QR code that will link to the songs the students have made.

Keyboarding starts today!

"YOMO" created by Evelyn with GarageBand

This song was created using GarageBand by Evelyn for Mrs. Murphy's advisory.  Their team name is #YOMOSWAG - You Only Murph Once. I love the clever way she used effects and repetition on her voice, and the string section compliments the backing beat perfectly. Click on the play button on the bar below to listen to "YOMO."

Week eight and nine (Oct. 7 - Oct. 18)

We're back! What an incredible trip to Mo Ranch we shared with the students. I, for one, am so thankful that I work for a school that values the importance of trips like this to strengthen relationships and challenge students to step outside of their comfort zones. I know it must have been hard not being there, but I was able to take a fair amount of photos and would like to share them with you. (I apologize if most are of my advisory, but I was with them the majority of the time.)

By clicking on the following link you will be able to view them at your convenience.Mo Ranch Pictures

Week seven and eight (Sept. 30 - Oct. 11)

We have finished up our songs and are ready to head for Mo Ranch. When we return we'll be creating CD covers for our singles using Photoshop. Below is a sample. If you click on the audio bar below the CD you can hear the "unofficial" Mo Ranch song featuring Ms. Sutherland.