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Table of Contents - Vol. 21 No. 1 - October 2004

  1. Pearls of URLs
    This monthly item will highlight Internet sites which are considered "gems" by educators.
  2. Notes and Quotes
    This regular column provides information on a potpourri of technological "tidbits".
  3. Looking backward through "Bits and Bytes": 1984 - 2004
    As a way of celebrating that "Bits and Bytes" has passed the 20 year milestone, Brian Metcalfe created a SWiSH flip-book entitled "Headlines and Highlights". On-line viewers will have the opportunity to "take a trip down memory lane" and review one distinct event per year which contributed to the integration of technology into classrooms. This flip-book is dedicated to all the committed educators and individuals who have shared their time and talents so that others may more easily utilize technology.
  4. Food for Thought: Looking forward asking ourselves ... "What's really important?"
    Although "Bits and Bytes" has shared information and resources with readers over the 20 year span of 1984 - 2004, Linda Ellis' poem entitled "The Dash" puts everything into perspective.
  5. Best Sites for Early Years Teachers
    Marg Stimson  (Educational Resources/Library Consultant for Pembina Trails) shares, through her SCHLIB listserv, a number of web sites which will be of particular interest to Early Years educators.
  6. "Wacky Words" - A SWiSH classroom activity which measures up
    Mike Rennick, of Meadows West School, shares an innovative project that he introduced to his middle years' students last year. Although this project could be modified to showcase students' creativity using HyperStudio, Mike shares ten different "wacky words" puzzles that his students designed using the multi-media SWiSH software. On-line readers are encouraged to click on the "wacky words" image to view the complexity and innovation that Mike's students demonstrate in this practical, classroom-based educational activity.
  7. Internet Safety - "Keeping one safe on the Information Highway"
    This article identifies the contents of an "Internet Safety" web page that was created as a resource to supplement a Divisional workshop held on October 1st.  Five sections including "Web Resources", "Brochures", "Interactive Learning", "PowerPoint Presentations" and "Posters" are identified as resources for educators and parents to help protect students and children as they utilize the Internet.

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Pearls of URLs

   Quick! Get the (Digital) Camera! at: http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech148.shtml
   Resources for Teaching Thematic Units at: http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/index.shtml
    North District's Clip Art Resources at: http://www.wsd1.org/north/clip_art.htm
    Ancient Egypt Webquest at: http://www.iwebquest.com/egypt/ancientegypt.htm
    Confederation for Kids at: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/confederation/kids/index-e.html

"Bits and Bytes" is an educational publication for the students and staff of the Winnipeg School Division.
Brian Metcalfe - Editor: bitsandbytes@wsd1.org                                                   Copyright © 2004 (ISSN 1195-5864)
Last revision date: October20, 2004                                                                       Information has been shared with 420
 

Notes and Quotes

by Brian Metcalfe  - Technology Education

The Canadian National Marsville Program - Important Dates
In the May, 2004 issue I described the Marsville project as a thematic unit for staff and students with "the right stuff". This year, Canadian students will begin their mission on January 24, 2005 and reach their destination on Link-Up Day on April 22, 2005 at Maples Collegiate. Check out this web site for details at: http://marsville.enoreo.on.ca/ for additional details.

Web Messaging TimeOut Explained
In past educators have complained that often when they use "Web Messaging" e-mail, they lose all their work in the midst of typing in a longer message. One may lose a message (in progress)  if the person takes more than 20 minutes to start, enter and send the e-mail. Our mail server has a 20 minute timeout setting that is activated once a person logons on. Although one may be engaged in typing, the timer is running and is not re-started until the person actually clicks a button or link on the web messaging screen. If  you or your students type slowly or are planning to send a lengthy message, please type the message in a word processor and copy and paste it into the web messaging "composing" window.

ManACE SEED Grant Program 2004/05 - Application Deadline - November 1st
The Manitoba Association for Computing Educators (ManACE) is proud to announce a SEED grant. Teams of two or more educators can apply for a grant for up to $1000.00. Check out the ManACE web site at: http://www.manace.ca for more details.

Employee Purchase Plan & Virus Protection Software
Negotiations are currently underway to provide employees with an opportunity to purchase a home computer and/or virus protection software. Details will be announced in November.

Google Search Engine Trick
Marg Stimson recently suggested that educators who are searching for resources on the world wide web should search for any keywords plus the word "teacher". Whenever I want to learn a new software application, I enter the software keywords followed by the word "tutorial".

Could you have passed the 8th grade in 1895?
Visit this web site at: http://www.barefootsworld.net/1895finalexam.html to see how well you might have scored on the 8th grade final exam from Salina, Kansas.

Quote of the Month
"The web is more a social creation than a technical one. I designed it for social effect to help people work together - and not as a technical toy. The ultimate goal of the web is to support and improve our web like existence in the world ...... We have to ensure that the society we build with the web is the sort we intend."                                      -- Tim Berners-Lee Weaving the Web 1999

[Table of Contents]

Looking backward through "Bits and Bytes": 1984 - 2004

by Brian Metcalfe - Technology Education

 

 

Let me begin by assuring you that the twenty year spread in the title of this article is not intended as an epitaph for "Bits and Bytes". Rather it is a celebration and an opportunity to become somewhat introspective and to review, through various "Bits and Bytes" articles, how technology has been integrated into teaching over the past 20 years.

With last June's issue marking the 20th year milestone, I guess one could say that "Bits and Bytes" finally got on the "score" board. Doug Illsey, former Inner City District Computer Support Teacher, was fond of saying ... one needs to "celebrate" educational accomplishments. I, too, believe at this time it is important to recognize and acknowledge all the contributors to "Bits and Bytes" and how these individuals have helped both students and staff utilize technology effectively. For the past few months I have struggled with how we might celebrate and recognize such dedication.  

To begin this celebration process, I had to go back and review all the issues of our newsletter from October, 1984 to June, 2004. Many Internet users are aware that all the "Bits and Bytes" issues from October, 1995 can be located on our Divisional web site at: http://www.wsd1.org/bitsbytes/ However, I spent considerable time leafing through my "pre-world wide web" issues in their more  traditional "hard copy" format. Last April, in preparation for the June, 2004 issue, I began thinking of a way to showcase the wealth of ideas and resources that have been shared through our newsletter.

Coincidentally, at this time I was also learning how to utilize our SWiSH multi-media software. I happened to download Jerry Turner's (aka Hoosier_Daddy or ~Jer~) "brag book" from the Swish-Tutorials web site at:  http://files.swish-tutorials.com/files.php?act=file&id=427  I was so impressed with the way his flip book operated that I thought it would be the perfect vehicle for showcasing and celebrating various highlights that have been described in past issues of "Bits and Bytes".
 
Thanks to Jerry, SWiSH individuals can download his flip book creation and investigate the SWiSH code which makes things work behind the scenes. At first glance I thought I would certainly be able to incorporate his code and simply modify his 12 page structure for my longer book. Unfortunately, the task was not quite as simple as I had hoped and I was unable to complete the flip book for our June issue. Rather, I spent time learning from Jerry's code and it was over the summer that I started to make progress on my own "Headlines and Highlights" flip book. Readers are encouraged to "take a trip down memory lane" by double-clicking on the title page at the left. One will then be able to navigate through the 20 year highlights by clicking "Forward" and "Backward" buttons and visit relevant "Bits and Bytes" articles by clicking on the optional links.

Set one's screen resolution to 800 x 600 for optimal viewing and click on the image

As you explore my "Headlines and Highlights" flip book, I want you to realize that the success and longevity of "Bits and Bytes" is, in large part, due to many dedicated educators and individuals who so willingly gave of their time and talents to help others embrace and use technology. Obviously, I cannot name them all, and any attempt to do so, would be folly. However, you know who you are and how you have helped me share your talents with others. To you I say THANK YOU for your dedication, support, and friendship.

[Table of Contents]

Food for Thought: Looking forward asking ourselves ...
                                "What's really important?"

by Brian Metcalfe  - Technology Education

Many readers over the years have contacted me to express how much they have appreciated the various "Food for Thought" articles that I have included in past issues. Criticism of this newsletter could be that it has always focused on technology and its impact on education. Therefore as early as the September, '87 issue of "Bits and Bytes", I included my first "Food for Thought" article. For me, the inclusion of such thought-provoking messages provided an important balance between the technology and the users. Initially, I relied on family and friends to pass along motivational and inspirational stories that caused one to focus more on "humanware" rather than the hardware. As the world wide web matured, it was much easier to find such inspiring messages as many were sharing them through e-mail and I, too, became the lucky recipient.

When I first thought of the previous article's title, I knew that the following poem had to be included with this article as "Food for Thought". My first exposure to the poem entitled "The Dash" was at a funeral for a friend when I had heard it as part of a eulogy. I utilized the Google search tool and found Linda Ellis' poem on several inspirational and motivational web sites. Before reprinting her "Food for Thought" poem, I located her actual web site entitled "Linda's Lyrics" at: http://www.lindaellis.net  Linda's web site subtitle, "Uncomplicated Poetry ... in a Complicated World!", spoke to me personally about always trying to provide balance between technology and teaching. Noting that Linda's poem "The Dash" was copyrighted, I again used the Internet and e-mailed to ask permission to quote this poem in my newsletter as a way of symbolically bridging the 20 years from 1984 - 2004. Within four hours, Linda, who lives in Georgia, had responded and graciously granted me permission to reprint and share this with you, our readers:

The Dash
copyright 1996 by Linda Ellis


I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
You could be at dash mid-range.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

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Best Sites for New Early Years Teachers

by Marg Stimson - Educational Resources/Library Consultant for Pembina Trails

In the April 2004 issue I wrote an article entitled "SCHLIB - Subscribe to receive timely educational resources". It was here that I described the SCHLIB listserv created by Marg Stimson, the Educational Resources/Library Consultant for the Pembina Trails School Division. I encourage our readers to review the April article and follow the steps to subscribe and be kept up-to-date with educational resources and links that Marg and her on-line community share in a timely fashion. The following e-mail was sent to me on September ,30 and illustrates the wealth and quality of sites that Marg shares:

What do you think are the best sites for Early Years teachers? What sites do your Early Years teachers use most frequently?

The dilemma is that we've been asked to stick to just three good web site recommendations so that we don't overwhelm the group of new Early Years staff at their meeting next week. That's a tough assignment. Help!

These are some that are on the list so far.....

ABC Teach at: http://www.abcteach.com/
5000 free printables (flash cards, puzzles, clip art) ...that might help a new teacher

AOL Primary School at: http://www.aolatschool.com/primary/index.adp
Click on subject to find piles of activities that teach and entertain. Who wouldn't want to know about a site like this?

BBC Schools at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/
Definitely in the overwhelming category but so much fun in one place. Lessons, activities, interactive options

NCTM Illuminations at: http://illuminations.nctm.org/
Lessons, tools, web resources, interactive options. Math super site. Very popular in our school division.

Read Write Think at: http://www.readwritethink.org/
Formed by a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation. Exceptional collection of teacher resources

Curriculum Navigator at: http://www3.edu.gov.mb.ca/cn/index.jsp
This might fall into the overwhelming category in some minds, but it's worth it. Every (Early Years) teacher in Manitoba should know about this MB resource. Science, Math, ELA strategy banks, editable blackline masters, curriculum-matched web sites, integrated technology activities. Registration required.

Compact for Reading at: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CompactforReading/index.html
Four hundred activities for strengthening K- Gr 3 children's reading and writing skills, from the US Dept. of Education

FSL Activities with M Renaud at: http://fslactivities.sd61.bc.ca/
What about something for those in French environments? Something like this site with printouts, activities, and more FSL links at: http://fslactivities.sd61.bc.ca/langarts.html#fsl

Arts Edge at: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/
This is a site that can give a teacher goosebumps (the good kind). It has something for all students of all ages and their teachers. Printables, interactive web sites, video and audio clips. Searchable. Huge.

Marco Polo at: http://www.marcopolo-education.org/
Powerful site. Some users might require a training session to harness the power. The advantage here is that this is a directory that leads people to sites like Illuminations, Arts Edge, and Read, Write, Think.

Have we missed the obvious? Your suggestions will be shared. Cheers, Marg S
_______________________________________________
Schlib mailing list
Schlib@listserv.pembinatrails.ca
http://listserv.pembinatrails.ca/mailman/listinfo/schlib

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"Wacky Words" - A SWiSH classroom activity which measures up

by Brian Metcalfe  - Technology Education

As an educator, I think teachers should be challenged to draw out the creativity that lies within each, and every, student. Similarly, I believe that one of the greatest skills that we can teach our students is how to problem solve. These two concepts can fostered by those educators who introduce the SWiSH multimedia software to their students and challenge them to create inventive "wacky word" puzzles like the following:
 

(1)

 (2) (3)

Last year, Mike Rennick, a middle years teacher from Meadows West School, challenged his students to demonstrate their creativity using SWiSH to create "wacky word" puzzles. If one was to search the Internet for "wacky words" or "whacky words" (depending on the spelling), one would find a series of different web sites which may, or may not, provide puzzles similar to the ones shown. Readers are challenged to examine the letter/word arrangements in each square and see if the pattern suggests a word or phrase. See if you can decipher the previous three "static" samples before looking an the "Answer Key" at the end of the newsletter.  

Mike demonstrated to his class how one might design a "wacky word" puzzle using SWiSH. Initially a "splash" screen (with optional directions) may be displayed. Next  the puzzle is presented and the viewer can then check the answer by clicking on a hyperlink. Some students may even allow the viewer to return to examine the puzzle once s/he has read the answer. This mechanism allows the viewer an opportunity to decipher the puzzle by comparing it with the actual answer. Obviously Mike challenged his students to demonstrate what additional SWiSH features could be incorporated into each "wacky word" puzzle. Students are quick to learn ways to enhance their SWiSH creations from their classmates and such "leveraged learning" challenges each class member  to create innovative displays and improved designs.

Those wishing to capitalize on this innovative activity should first have their students select a "wacky word" puzzle. Two web sites that are good starting points include the following:

   - Wacky Words at Just Riddles and More at:
       http://www.justriddlesandmore.com/wackywords.html
       Scroll down to the bottom of the initial page to see the solutions and four additional pages
   - IQ Test (in PDF format) at: http://www.gphillymath.org/ResourceDisks/IQTest.pdf
   - IQ Test Answer Key (in PDF Format) at:
       http://www.gphillymath.org/ResourceDisks/IQTestANS.pdf

However, on-line viewers should visit the "Wacky Words" activity off our SWiSH Resources web site at: http://www.wsd1.org/swish/ or click on the above "Wacky Words" image. Here, one can view how an innovative teacher together with talented and creative students can demonstrate and showcase their talents.

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Internet Safety - "Keeping one safe on the Information Highway"

by Brian Metcalfe - Technology Education

 

On Friday, October 1st approximately 50 educators attended a Division-wide workshop on "Internet Safety". Our Technology Education Support Sub-committee (TESS), which has representatives from each district and Technology Education staff, has been discussing issues relating to child safety in and outside the school environment. The success of this afternoon workshop was in large part due to the informative presenters which included:

  •  Signy Arnason, Director of Cybertip!ca

  • Noni Classen, Director of Education for Child Find

  • Olga Wyshnowsky, Pupil Services Consultant with the Winnipeg School Division

  • Jay Willman, a teacher at R. B. Russell School; and

  • Constable Denis Courteau – Winnipeg Police Service, Community Relations

In May 2001, Child Find Manitoba (CFM) was mandated by the Manitoba Department of Justice to run a tipline to safeguard Manitoba’s children from being sexually exploited on the Internet. Signy Arnason,  provided the audience with a very enlightening presentation which included both current statistics and personal accounts of how children can, and are being exploited on the Internet.

Noni Classen followed up by providing information about Child Find Manitoba. Together with Olga  Wyshnowsky, they provided details about a Divisional initiative entitled "Kids in the Know” which is intended to help facilitate the way we teach children about their own personal safety, including Internet Safety. Educators were encouraged to seek out this binder of resources which was distributed to all schools last June through Pupil Services.

Those in attendance were then broken into two groups and each of the two presenters repeated their 25 minute presentation. While Constable Denis Courteau provided information to half the audience about Internet Safety from the police point of view, Jay Willman provided a hands-on opportunity for participants to learn the basics of the Chat process in order to help keep children safe on the Information Highway.

The intention of the organizing committee was to provide resources that educators and parents could use with their students or children. As a result an "Internet Safety" web page, which includes the following resources was created. This resource can be located off our Divisional web page by navigating as follows:

1. Enter our Divisional web site address into your browser at: http://www.wsd1.org
2. Click on the "Staff Resources" link in the top right corner.
3. Click on the "Internet Safety" link from the alphabetical index along the left hand side to arrive at: http://www.wsd1.org/internetsafety/

Internet Safety Resources

The following resources have been compiled to help educators and parents teach children how to use the Internet safely. The five sections below include:  Web Resources, Brochures, Interactive Learning, PowerPoint Presentations, and Posters.

A. WEB RESOURCES

bullet Be WWW Safe - an extensive wealth of resources on our Central District IT web site. Educators will find references by grade level to our Divisional "Kids in the Know" initiative.
bullet Child Find Manitoba's "Kids in the Know"
bullet Cybertip!ca - handles tips from individuals reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
bullet CyberSmart! and its CyberSmart! K-8 Curriculum - empowers students and educators to use the Internet efficiently, responsibly and securely
bullet Dangers children face online - Dateline NBC (Sept. 25, 2004)
A Dateline hidden camera investigation turns spotlight on Internet predators.
bullet How to Keep Safe in Chat Rooms - available outside of the Winnipeg School Division
bullet NetSmartz - provides a wealth resources to teach safe and appropriate Internet behavior
bullet Parents Online Internet Safety Advice
bullet "Safe and Appropriate Use of The Internet" - Greenway School

B. BROCHURES   

bullet Internet Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging
This 8.5" x 11" Divisional brochure, which is shared in PDF format, recommends the following web sites:
bullet GetNetWise - OnLine Safety Resources
bullet Safe Passage: Teaching Kids to be Safe and Responsible Online
bullet Wired Kids - Online Safety for Kids and Teens
bullet NetSmartz
bullet Child Find Manitoba Safety Tips
bullet FBI Library: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
bullet Child Safety on the Information Highway
bullet Family Contract for Online Safety
bullet Teen Safety on the Information Highway
bullet Be Safe Online Using Chat and Instant Messaging
bullet Disney Characters Teach Internet Safety
bullet Media Awareness Network - Young Canadians in a Wired World
bullet How Instant Messaging Works
bullet Cybersafety for Kids Online: A Parents' Guide

C. INTERACTIVE LEARNING

This section includes online interactive opportunities as well as software which can be downloaded as a further resource on Internet Safety.

bullet Child Find Manitoba On-line Safety Challenge
bullet PBS - Get your "Rules of the Road" web license
bullet Privacy Playground: The First Adventure of the Three Little CyberPigs
This downloadable resource (in Macintosh and Windows formats) is accompanied by a Teacher's Guide to help children, ages 7-9, "spot and avoid online marketing ploys, as well as threats to their personal safety".
bullet CyberSense and Nonsense: The Second Adventure of the Three CyberPigs
In this sequel to Privacy Playground, for ages 9-11, the three CyberPigs take part in an on-line chat room and learn important lessons about authenticating online information and observing rules of netiquette. This resource, with Teacher's Guide, can be downloaded in either Macintosh or Windows format.
bullet Jo Cool or Jo Fool
This interactive online module takes students in Grades 6-8 through a CyberTour of twelve mock web sites to test their savvy surfing skills. In addition to the Teacher's Guide, it includes a 20-question online quiz that provides additional food for thought.
bullet CyberNetiquette Comix
Three entertaining interactive stories with Disney characters will provide a tool for educators and parents to discuss these fables with their younger children to learn valuable lessons about online safety.
bullet Surf Swell Island
"The Surf Swell Island site is a quiz-driven adventure game. Internet safety material is presented in a series of three games, each featuring a classic Disney character and focusing on an area of concern: privacy, viruses, or netiquette (guidelines for behavior on the Internet)."
bullet The Missing Kit
The Missing kit, developed by LiveWires Design Ltd, teaches children how to surf the Internet safely. It includes a CD-ROM game for children, a parent/teacher guide, a video and a poster. This web site has information on Internet safety issues for parents, teachers and librarians

D. POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

Although these slide presentations may not be quite
up-to-date, the information contained within them
will still be quite informative.

bullet DotSafe's "Internet Safety" - (for parents)
bullet DotSafe's "Internet Safety" - (for teachers)
bullet DotSafe's "Internet Safety For Teachers" (Word format)
bullet "Getting your head around Internet Safety"
bullet "Child Safety on the Internet" - Child Find Manitoba
bullet "Safety on the Information Highway" - Joyce Wong
bullet "Parent's Guide to Child Safety on the Internet" - Brian Metcalfe

E. INTERNET SAFETY POSTERS

bullet Internet Safety Tips for Elementary School Students
bullet Top Ten Cyber Security Tips (for Teens, Their Teachers and Families)
bullet Internet Safety Pledge for Grades K-2
bullet Internet Safety Pledge for Grades 3-6
bullet Internet Safety Pledge for Middle & High School
bullet "A Computer virus ate my homework"
bullet "Welcome to my web site"
bullet "On the Internet, nobody knows your a dog."
bullet LiveWires Design Posters: #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5

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