File Extensions; New Keys - Q and comma

To start off this week I am going to explain to you the value of a File extension (this is one of the vocab words for this week so it has value for what we do in class as well as for the vocab quiz on Friday).  The importance of the file extension is that it tells the computer what program a file is created in; therefore when you go to open the file the computer will know which program to open your file in.  We will cover, in Microsoft Word, how to make sure that you always have a file extension when you save a document.  However, what we talk about in Word is easily transferable to other software programs as well.

What programs are these file extensions opened in?
.doc (or .docx)
.xls (or xlsx)
.ppt (or pptx)
.jpg
.gif
.html
.key

This week is the 4th list of vocab words - SOFTWARE.  Leaders need to make sure that all of the people in their group know what words they are to define.  When you need to post your definitions to the web, my suggestion is that you go to the Vocabulary page on the blog, click on your hour above the spreadsheet that lists what weeks you have to define words, then log into Wikispaces.  Some of you seem to be having trouble logging into Wikispaces - make sure that you are using the correct username and password.  I can give you your username, but I do not have your password (BUT....you should have your information saved in a Google Doc so that you don't forget what it is).  If you forget your password you'll have to go through the password reset process (there is a link on the sign up page for you to do this).

Edmodo - we signed up for this website a couple of weeks ago, but have not done anything with this yet....until today!  Your assignment in Edmodo is to post an original response to this prompt:  Write a post about the best assignment you've had to complete so far in 7th grade in any class (either 1st semester or 2nd semester).  Give at least 2 details to help others understand why it was a great assignment in your mind.  

Any time we have an assignment in Edmodo, you will have 2 responsibilities - 1) enter an original response to the writing prompt and post it for everyone to see (after creating your response, choose your class in the box next to "Send"; and 2) respond thoughtfully to at least 2 of your classmates.  Thoughtfully means that you should make a conversation out of the discussion - find a way to get them to respond to your response.  An easy way to do this is to ask them a question, although that may not be the only way to accomplish this part.

Your Edmodo assignments will always be worth 10 points - 5 points will be for entering your original response to the writing prompt, and the other 5 points will be for thoughtfully responding to at least 2 of your classmates.  Your Edmodo assignments are generally to be finished outside of class; however there are times when you will be given permission by me to complete your Edmodo assignment in class.  If you are not given permission in class then you are not to be chatting in Edmodo.

The last part of today we will be learning the Q (L4) and the Comma (R2).