Session I in B203

In B203, Elizabeth and Cristina guided half of the juniors in creating and/or updating their portfolios. Although they were behind schedule and cut into the student's break, after the students came back, they went right to work.

Though many of the students lacked the memory how to work with Dreamweaver, when they got through the initial creation of a new site, they became much more independent.

As Maya looked through old folders, she found the first Vegas video that she made. As she reminisced with Eileen, she lost herself in laughter. Maya's laughter and discoveries of the videos ignited a mass viewing of all of their videos (they especially loved seeing Pacal) but when the students finished, they each got back to their individual computers and started working on their portfolios. Looking at their old content seems to be getting the students on track, unlike past years, where they have always focused on the layout. It's a step towards success for ITA.

Meanwhile, Ivan had trouble with an embeded Vegas video that Youtube hosted. Unfortunately, IE (which is what most of the students used) failed to show the video.

Because Adrianne did not remember what applications were taught in the past, Elizabeth brought up PANDA which in turn brought forth A.J.'s excitement about the Walls feature. The students then virtually chatted with each other and found out that they could chat with students in OTHER rooms! The wonders of the internet. Thanks to Drew for showing such an exciting feature to the students!

"It's surprising that we get so many breaks!" stated Thuy Dan when Elizabeth introduced the new break session where no computers can be involved.

After the explanation of the break, Adrianne questioned, "Isn't that what I do anyways?" and walked out the door to socialize with friends. The noise level rose and the students successfully interacted with each other. They may not know this yet, but this small, close-knit community at ITA will support them when they graduate. These breaks ensure and encourage the relationships they build to keep growing.

When the break ended, the students found out that they have blogs! Although some students may not like blogging, it is going to benefit them in the future. Blogging gives the students a chance to reflect on their time at ITA.

The complications with Blogger held up the class and illustrated that the students may not finish their portfolios at the end of the session... which happens to be the only goal today. Although they may not finish today, they have learned many new and important skills that will hopefully carry them through the rest of their high school and college careers.

Good luck, juniors and welcome back to ITA!