using "powerpoint" to make your ad

Hey everyone

So many of you have started to explore what Google Docs can do and maybe you've started to scratch the surface of producing your advertisement. If you want, you can make your ad using a Google "Presentation" (what they call a PowerPoint) to make your ad. At first I didn't want you to use this tool because I thought it would be better to build up to it. I change my mind.

Using "Presentation" to make your ad might even be easier than using "Document."

Just go to: "Open New"

Then go to: "Presentation"

Now use it like you would Power Point!

This will allow you to put text in front of a picture, which Document doesn't let you do...

Last thing: use any programs that we have on our Library computers to give your advertisement an edge.

PLEASE NOTE: the deadline for your assignment is the last week of January, except if your Library period is on Day 3, in which case yours is due the first week of February.

Creating a Google Doc

Welcome back!

Today you are going to partner up with one other person that sits at your table (if there are odd numbers, then you can make a group of 3, or the "odd one out" can partner with another "odd one out"), and you will create a Google doc. You will get a chance to collaborate with your partner on a specific task.

First you need to know how to do the basics. The following link shows you (better and faster than I can) how to setup a Google doc.

Right click this link and open in a new tab:

http://docs.google.com/support/bin/static.py?hl=en&page=guide.cs&guide=21008

In order to complete this activity, you must do the following:

1. Right click this link and open in a new tab: www.docs.google.com

1.One person MUST CREATE a Google Doc, and then...

2. You MUST share it with your partner(s)

Here is the scenario that your partner and you will be working with:

Your a small team of advertisers and you have been assigned a huge task: you must create an advertisement for ONE of the following:

a) a major tour for a singer or group (a real group or singer is perfectly fine - Justin Beiber has to be a last option!) ;)

b) selling tickets for a major sports team or sports event (a real sports team or event are fine; for example, the Superbowl or the Toronto Marlies, etc.)

c) a book tour for a popular author (for example, Stephenie Myer doing a book promo at Indigo Books or at Fairview Mall)

d) a celebrity appearance on a major television show (for example, Nick Cannon or Drake making a special appearance on Much Music)

The requirements are simple:

1. The ad must be only one page long.
2. The ad must have an image.
3. The ad must have a catchy title that draws in the audience. Something catchy is great.
4. The ad must be appropriate for all viewing audiences.
5. The ad must have text that explains the "who, what, when, where, why" of the event.
6. The ad must be easy to read and understand and must give clear directions what is going on.

The point of this activity is for you and your partner(s) to get familiar with doing the stuff you do on Microsoft Word (or any other document software) on Google Docs.

You are encouraged to work on this at home, and at the same time, so you can see what it's like to collaborate on something in real time (you can even chat with each other in Google Docs as you work!).

You can view more on the Google Docs Youtube channel, here:

http://www.youtube.com/docs

Setting up a Google account for Cloud Computing

Welcome JBT

In order for you to be successful in the Web 2.0 world, you will need to work virtually with other people to accomplish a common goal. Learning this skill - this career and life skill - needs to be learned now. If it's learned in high school or after, it might be too late.

What you will get is a new way to be creative, to get stuff done faster, easier, and have some fun while you're at it.

This blog post will show you how to quickly set up a google account (if you don't have one already). It will take you no more than 5 minutes. With a google account, we will be able to set up websites, blogs, and create class groups. Best of all, you'll be able to collaborate on powerpoint presentations and documents with others, in real time. Imagine beng able to work on the same document, without having to be in the same room with your group members. Plus, no more forgetting your assignment on the kitchen counter: Google Docs will be able to store your files for you. This is called Cloud Computing:


Here's how to do it:


1. Follow this link: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?continue=http://www.google.ca/&hl=en


2. Once there, fill in the information as shown below. Uncheck any default boxes (there's no need for google to save your web history, etc.). Your password should be 8-10 characters and MUST NOT BE SHARED WITH ANY SINGLE BODY!

3. If you have a google account, click on "Sign in here." Otherwise, fill in the required information. If you don't, then use your current email address. Type out the security word (it might take a few tries) and agree to the terms of service (don't worry they're okay).

(My wife already told me my printing is ugly. You don't have to do the same. Thanks.) ;)

5. The last page will state that a confirmation email has been sent to the email you provided. Log into your email and click on the link. Now you will be able to start cloud computing.

IF you are having trouble setting it up this way (for example, it's not sending you a confirmation email and instead is telling you that it's going to send you a text message), then set up a gmail account instead.

Welcome to the 21st century. Now someone show me how to print neatly with a mouse, please.