No Powerpoint? ...No Problem

Because almost none of you have Microsoft Office on your computers, you are going to have to use Presentation Software other than PowerPoint. I'll show you alternatives which let you create presentations as good or better than PowerPoint and are, of course, free.

1.  Open Office Presentation:  Most of you have this free collection of programs (called a suite) on your computer and the presentation software is actually a very good one. However, it is much slower than PowerPoint, and there aren't that many templates and clip art.


2.  Sliderocket is a web-based program, meaning there is nothing to download. You use the program on the web. There is a free version, you just have to register. It is slick, professional looking and there are many templates, photos, and other clip art to choose from.  Here is a screenshot of sliderocket:

3.  Prezi:  Another web-based program, Prezi is different than Powerpoint and all the other presentation programs listed. An example of Prezi is shown below. Press the start button to begin.

4.  GoogleDocs: I mentioned this yesterday, and it is a site everyone should become used to. Free with a gmail account (required for this class), the presentation program is just like using PowerPoint and has many options available.

5.  Finally, there is 280slides.  It's listed last, but 280slides is every bit as good as the other programs shown. There are many options so you can create interesting and creative presentations. It is worth checking out.

Update:  As of yet, nobody has identified the latest landmark for our free computer time. Try using TinEye, I bet you'll get it.

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Re Posting Circles; Videos & Handouts

This is a repost from March 24th. I encourage everyone to view the videos--multiple times. Practice the examples with the tutor. Also, I encourage everyone to download the handouts and work on them while the informattion from the video is fresh.  More videos and a 3rd quarter final exam review guide to come soon.


After our test on Tuesday, we will begin a unit on circles. This unit includes finding the radius, diameter, circumference and area of a circle. There are two videos which will help you understand these topics.

Instead of putting the videos in this post, the links will allow you to download the videos to your hard drive so you can view them at anytime even if you do not have internet access.

1.  Circles:  Radius, Circumference, & Diameter

2.  Circles:  Area of a Circle

Also, our first two handouts are available here and here. They will download automatically.

Please let me know if any of the links do not work
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More Free Computer Time? That's Insane!!

 I'm giving away even more time tdo your own thing for an hour. Of course, you're stilll responsible for completing the work. Let's stay with World landmarks theme again: The First three people to email me the correct identity of this famous landmark will benefit with one hour of computer time when they choose. See fine print for details:  Offer not good on quiz and test days.

 P.S. Matt, if you're trolling the depths, lemme know if this one's too easy as well.

Google Docs & More

After getting your Gmail account, you should head over to Google Docs.  Here's a screenshot of the home page.

The blue Documents tab will open a program just like Microsoft Word and the Presentation tab will open a program just like PowerPoint. You can save your document on your hard drive, and it is also saved on the internet, so you can get it from anywhere and from any computer.  Of course, it's all free and a must have since you don't have Microsoft Office on your computers.

Also, if you need pictures of Saipan for a report or anything else, this site has one of the best collections in one place on the internet. You can always bookmark the site in case you need it later.

Finally, I said Email me with the correct answer. Comments left don't count because everyone can see them. As for Matt, lurker from the abyss; your request has been accepted, look for it shortly.

Tuesdy's Teaser & More

Congratulations first to Kai for correctly identifying last week's famous structure as the Golden Gate Bridge. For that, Kai gets an hour of computer time in class whenever she wants.. And to Joshua for identifying the Google Earth picture as the Marianas Resort in Marpi.  Notice the Go Kart track on the left?  Joshua earned 10 extra credit points on his test today--like he needs the extra points.

Today's Teaser is another shot from space using Google Earth. The first three who email me correct name of the country highlighted in yellow get an hour of free computer time, whether finished with the work or not. Here it is:

Links to Earlier Posts

Here's some quick links to help you find your way around the site.

For Avast! Antivirus, and the media players VLC and KLM, click here.

For the Browsers Firefox and Google Chrome, and the background changer Oceanis, click here.

To get a Gmail account, click here. To see some of the features and things you can do with a Gmail account, click here.

To get Xtra Credit on Tomorrow's Test, click here.

For video tutorials and the handouts you'll need on our next unit, click here.

For different Websites you may be interested in, click here and here.

For other categories and items on this site, check the 'Page' lists on the right side of the page, or scroll down and see each post individually.

                                                               Test Tomorrow!!!!
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Multimedia Software

Two nice software programs that just came out and are pretty cool.  The first one is for creative music people. Called Virtual DJ, (get it here) it's like having your own music studio. You can mix, edit, scratch, add sound effects, vocals, and crossfade in and out of songs like a professional. Create your playlist of customized songs. Get your DJ on and try it out.

The next program just out is another video player, like VLC or Windows Media Player, except that Splash Pro is designed for HD movies and videos. The picture is much sharper for HD videos than the other players. For regular, non HD movies, the other players work just as well. If you have something in HD to watch, download Splash Pro, and see for yourself.

..As Seen From Space

Today's Bonus Question comes from space and Google Earth. If you don't have Google Earth, you can get it here. Somewhere on Saipan. Where am I? First three correct emailers receive 10 Xtra Points on the test Tuesday. (No more new cars to give away) Give the name of the place, not just a description.

Wednesday Websites & Friday Freeware

Because of the holiday, Wednesday's and Friday's posts will be combined. In this post I'll share some interesting websites to check out and some programs you can download, all free of course.

First up, create a font out of your own handwriting. What is a font you say? The style of lettering that shows when you type. One cool way to personalize your typing is to have your own printing or cursive as the font.  It's easy to do and you can get started here. You have to print the first page out, put your writing on it, then let your webcam capture the page so the program can create your font.

Another cool font related site for the artistic types is Fontstruct. Create any font you want from grunge, grafitti, stylish or crazy. You can be as creative as you want.

vozMe is a website and a program you can download. It is a text to speech program which can read your emails, documents or any other written text. Tired of reading? Let vozMe read it for you.

Create your own radio station and stream it over the internet for all to hear. Play your favorite songs, take requests from your friends, whatever you want, it's your radio station. See the short video on setting up.

Finally, play thousands of Nintendo Games while you surf the net, for free. Check this video for the super easy way to do this.

Have a good weekend, download the math videos and worksheets and get a head start.

Math Tutorials & Handouts to Download

After our test on Tuesday, we will begin a unit on circles. This unit includes finding the radius, diameter, circumference and area of a circle. There are two videos which will help you understand these topics.

Instead of putting the videos in this post, the links will allow you to download the videos to your hard drive so you can view them at anytime even if you do not have internet access.

1.  Circles:  Radius, Circumference, & Diameter

2.  Circles:  Area of a Circle

Also, our first two handouts are available here and here.

Please let me know if any of the links do not work

Schedule for March 28-April 1

Monday, March 28: Test Review Handout--Make sure you can do all problems on
                                          handout

Tuesday, March 29:  Test on Equations, Proportions, Indirect Measurement, Rates,
                                          Perimeter

Wednesday, March 30:  Begin unit on Circumference and Area of Circles

Thursday, March 31:  Using Pi to determine circumference of Circle

Friday, April 1:     Final Exam, Includes problems from 1st, 2nd & 3rd Quarters.
                                    100 problems total

Test Review Document for Download

If you want to get started reviewing for Tuesday's Test, you can download the document here. It is saved as a PDF document so everyone should be able to open it.

Test Update

As you probably figured out by now:

Tuesday's Teaser & Why Gmail

First, Today's Teaser: Name this world famous landmark. The first three people to email me the correct answer receive a period of free computer time whenever they wish (test and quiz days not included). See the 'contact me' link on the right side.

Next, Why Gmail?
As I mentioned, you will be taking a few online exams. To do this, the site requires you have a gmail account.  But!! There's much more to gmail than this.  For example, there is Google Sites, where you can create your own website for free. It's very easy to use, and there are many design examples to choose from. You can create your site a bit at a time, until it becomes the masterpiece you want.

Also, Google Docs is a great free resource. Google Docs has online word processor, power point and drawing programs that you use for free. You can also store your documents online so you can get them no matter what computer you are using. Lastly, with Google Docs, if you have a group project, everyone in the group can access the document and work on and add to it no matter where they are. While you're at it, check out Google Labs for more, all free....with a Gmail account. Get one today!!

Reminder:

Did You See the Supermoon?

This weekend's moon was the largest in almost 20 years because of it's passing so close to Earth.  Here's a couple of pics in case you missed it.

                                                             The Supermoon Cometh

       

                                                       Supermoons: Much Larger and Brighter

..........JC

Many of you have seen my son JC around school on Friday afternoons. When he was born, I made a video of his first moments here on earth. Take a look.

Back in the Day....

...And more free computer time.  Below is a  short slideshow of some old pics. You can do the same type of things with pictures of you and your friends, or of anything.  Anyway, one of the pics is of the old Dr. Torres Hospital.  The first three people who email telling me what those old hospital buildings are used for now will get a period of their own computer time--does not include Wednesday, quiz day.  Check it out, it's short:

Schedule for March 21-23

Monday:  Similar Triangles & Polygons
Tuesday:  Review for Quiz; Proportions, Unit Rates, Similar Triangles and Polygons
Wednesday: Quiz

To Do: Get Firefox, Chrome & Gmail

I have noticed that many of you are visiting this site while using Internet Explorer.  DUMP THE EXPLORER!! There are links to Firefox and Chrome in the "Lots of Links" post. Download one or both of them, try using them both, then decide which one you like better. Either way, each are WAY faster and better than Explorer.

Also, everyone should have a Gmail account.  Even if you have an email account at  Hotmail, MSN, Yahoo, Youhoo, or Boohoo, trust me, you'll want a Gmail account.  Sign up here. It takes like 2 minutes, so get your Gmail account this weekend before they're all gone.

As always, let me know if any of the links don't work.

P.S. One more free computer hour to give away for solving the Tuesday's Teaser.

Math Video: Indirect Measurement

I asked my brother if he would do a lesson on Indirect Measurement; you know, one of the concepts we're working on now.  He said he'd do it. The video is posted on YouTube, and you can see it here.

Another Similar Triangle video

http://www.spike.com/video-clips/7c3jmv/similar-triangles

Friday's Freeware

For a computer user, there is no better word than freeware. What is freeware?  It's software (programs), that is, well, free. You really don't have to spend any money at all to have a computer full of great programs that do just about everything you want to.  You might find some or all of these useful depending on your needs and wants.

1.  xbmc media center: Organize all your pictures, movies, music, and other media in one place.  Looks great, is skinnable, add custom backgrounds, and most of all, keep track of all your media files in one place. Since its free, it's always worth taking a look at; you can always uninstall it later if you don't use it.

2. PhotoStory3: Great program for turning photos into slideshows with dozens of special effects, animations, and text options.  add your own background music and you have a professional looking slideshow for free.

3.  Kiran's Typing Tutor:  I gave you an on-line program Wednesday, but this program you download and use right off your computer.  Lots of options and typing games. Just 10 minutes a day practicing keyboarding will save you so much time later when you have to type reports and assignments. Really worth the time.  Everyone should have this program on their computer.

Free Computer Time Still Available

On Tuesday I posted the first of our weekly Tuesday's Teasers. The first three people to email me the correct answer receive a free period of computer time, work done or not. (Does not include test or quiz days). There are still two hours to be awarded and the teaser is a basic proportion problem--everyone can do it. The email address is on the right side, click on contact me for the address.  Two minutes of solving for an hour of free time.

And if you think Math is hard, just remember.....

Watch & Learn: Similar Triangles

It would be a great idea to take 9 minutes out of your life to watch this video on similar triangles. We will be covering this topic for the next week or so.

Learn about Similar triangles

Wednesday's Websites

Into taking pictures? Check out Photofunia here. Upload a picture and create many different effects and backgrounds.

Are you a gamer?  Looking to lose a little, or a lot, of time online? Check out Friv here. Friv has over 250 games in one place. Sports, shooters, races, board games, all types of games are here.

Do you like to draw? Possibly into animation?  Give Pencil a try. Create your own cartoon series, comic book, or something!!!

Finally, EVERYONE needs to practice their typing skills. I'm talking about touch typing; you know, fingers on the correct keys, looking straight ahead, and using all your fingers. Go to Typingweb, create a free account and track your progress. Since keyboarding is a major part of your 8th great computer course, you might as well get started now.

If you have not completed the handout on Proportions, Ratios, Perimeter & Area, finish it tonight. No more time tomorrow. Moving on to something new.

buonanotte,
mr. f

Classes in V6 Again

Must go to doctors to get note in morning, but classes in V6 3rd-last period today.

Tuesday's Teaser....

...few will enter, fewer will win.

Remember, the first three to email me the correct answer (address on the right side), will earn a period of computer time whenever you want.  Here's the teaser:

You are downloading your new favorite movie, Dora's Ballet Adventure (movie trailer
can be found here,  the Sticker Coloring Activity Book here). After 11 minutes, you have downloaded 32mb. The whole movie is 704 mb. At this rate, how many hours will it take to download the entire movie. That's it. Do it, get a free hour of computer time.


Apologies for being absent today. Got hit by some bug, got up at 4:30 pm. Anyway, tomorrow is Wednesday's Websites. A bunch of links to web sites that are less schoolish and more funish or useful. 


Got a question? Leave a comment.

A Comment on Comments

The comments section is much easier to use now. You don't have to sign in or have an email address or anything. If you do leave a comment, just use the drop-down box below the section and select 'anonymous'. If you have a question, comment, problem with downloads,
or anything else, feel free to leave a comment.  My email address is also listed on the right side; you can always email me also. Please vote in our poll as well.

Monday's Music
Each day of the week a part of the blog will focus on a particular theme.  Monday's are for music. This may include an audio selection, a music video, a link to a website dealing with music, or a download of the same topic.
Today's music related selection is a website listing hundred's and hundred's of internet radio stations which you can select and listen to while you use your computer.

Tired of your same old playlist?  The site is called Streema, and the link (right click, open in new tab) is here.
Select the station by type of music, or choose from the world's 20 most popular internet radio stations.  Super easy to do. If you like the website, or any website you visit, don't 
forget to bookmark it.

Tomorrow, you'll be introduced to Tuesday's Teaser; a not too hard teaser or problem to solve. Awards to the first three to email me the correct answer. Some math links to follow later..Gotta walk the dog now.

P.S. Tomorrow is our free extra lunch day. Lunch from 11:00-12:30

More 'Must Have' Software

Sometimes when you download movies, music, or programs,  the folder will look like this:

This is called a 'zipped' folder. It compresses or squeezes the data so the download size is smaller. But to use the data, you must 'unzip' it first. The first link is to a free program which lets you unzip these types of folders. It's called 7zip and is found here. Click on the word download, to the left of .exe file.

After the installer downloads, you can install by double clicking. You will need to unzip folders which have Math videos, worksheets, and other assignments. When you have downloaded one of the folders with your assignments, this is what you do:  Right click the folder, select 7-zip, then select 'Extract to.....'

When you are finished, you will have both the zipped and unzipped folder. Since there is no need for both, you can then delete the zipped folder like this:

Now you can open the unzipped folder and use the documents inside.
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The next program you will be using for some of your assignments is called Print Screen. It is used to 'take a picture' of websites, or anything on your desktop. In fact, I used print screen for the pictures you see above. Download the program here.

After you install and open the program, make these two changes to the program:
1. Right click the Print Screen icon in the taskbar, and select 'properties'.
2. On the left side, select source.
3. Click the 'Rectangular Area' button.  This lets you choose the size of the area you want to copy.
4. Just below source, you will see 'Destination'.
5. Click here and find the Capture Directory section.
6. Click on the little box with the three dots to the right.
7. In the new window, find the 'Desktop' folder and select it.
8. Click 'OK' and you're done.

Now, practice using it. Find the 'fn' key on your keyboard. Hold this key down while pressing the 'insert' key once. (This key should be in the upper right)  Now press and hold the left select on the touch pad and drag to  select an area to copy.  You can practice without saving the selection. Practice using this program, as you will need to for class. If you need help, get help. You've got a tool you must know how to use.

Take a break from killing each other in Halo, and practice using your computer.

Adios

One More Tsunami Video

Video streaming by Ustream
If that ever happens here (it could), there would be no more San Roque, Tanapag, Garapan, Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, Hopwood, or San Antonio. All of it..gone.

Weekend Break: My Favorite Songs

I bet this is one of your favorites too.

Before the Tsunami

First an Earthquake, then......

Japan, March 11, 2011
View in full screen for best effect.

Video Tutorial: Solving Equations

Video Tutor: Converting Units

Ahhh, Now I understand.

Need a free Word Processor?

Many of you have said you don't like Open Office.  Here's a free program called AbiWord. It's easy to learn, yet does everything you want a word processor to do.  So, if you're looking for
a program to type your reports, AbiWord should help.

In the last post, two video players were linked. I said that they both could play just about
any type of file you download. However, they won't play FLV files like you
download from youtube and other sites. However, FLV Player will do that.
The download link is here.

Enjoy.

More Links... (And a Test Tomorrow)

First up today, is Avast! Antivirus. I like this program because it takes up less of your computing resources and allows the computer to run faster.  The link is here. Click on the blue download button on the left of the three blue buttons.

Important!  Before installing, disconnect from the internet ( so you won't get any viruses while changing programs), and first uninstall Norton. Once you have uninstalled Norton, install Avast. You will need to register one time only, this is just your name and email address. Updates are done automatically. As with all of these links, the program is free.

Next up is a program everyone should have.  It's called Advanced System Care. The purpose of this program is to keep your computer running its fastest and smoothest at all times. After installing, you should run once a week or so.  All you have to do is click on the buttons, the program will do the rest.  The download is here.

These next two programs are audio & video players.  They are both better than Window Media because they play just about any type of file you may want to listen to or watch.  This first one is KM Player. The download is here.  The second player is called VideoLAN or VLC for short. They both work fine and the files are not that large, so you may want to download both and see which one you like better.  Click on the installer package on the VLC website here.

Be back later with some math links including on-line exercises and videos.  Again, if a link does not work, let me know by leaving a comment.

Lots of Links

Now that you've got your laptops, let's make 'em even better,  I'll give you a few links at a time, so you have a chance to download everything.  The best way to do it is to right click on the link and open in a new tab so you don't have to keep clicking the back button to return to this page. Opening a new tab is a habit you should get used to when using the internet; it saves time and allows you to have multiple windows open at the same time.

Lastly, be careful when installing the new programs.  Some will install other programs like different toolbars and search engines if you do not uncheck the boxes.  So when installing, be sure to uncheck any boxes for other programs you are asked if you also want to install.

First, the browsers.  Both Google Chrome and Firefox are faster and have better features than Explorer.  You can get the Chrome installer here, and download Firefox here.  By the way, let me know if any of the links do not work for some reason.

Next: The version of Windows 7 you have is called the starter version.  It does not allow you to change the desktop picture.  However, there is a program called Oceanis which allows you to do so. You can get it here by scrolling part way down and clicking on the download button on the left side. You should also bookmark this page ( called Favorites in Explorer) so you can read how it works.

Finally for today, a great program for you digital pics is Paint.Net.  Like all the programs here, it is free and can be downloaded here. Use it to resize and fix up your photos, add a different background, get rid of unwanted text, red eyes, lighten or darken and fix your pic exactly as you want to.

Leave a comment if you have a question.

Welcome to the V6 Math Blog

Finally!!! The laptops are here. To make sure you get the most out of them, I'm going to be posting all kinds of information to help you learn and pass your Pre-Algebra Class. You will be updated on our current topics, the classwork and homework assignments, and links to sites on the web that will help you review and learn what we are working on.

Also, I will be posting links to sites that have on-line tests and quizzes. You will be taking these in class, they are part of your grade, and you will need to pass the first test in order to move on to the next. I will be explaining this more in class so listen up!

If you are absent, please check this blog to see what assignments you missed and what topics we are currently working on.

Finally, if you have any questions about anything, you can ask me by leaving a comment in the comment section below. Enjoy your laptops. I will make sure they help you learn math even more!
Mr. Ferrari