Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Distance Learning... How is it going?

Special Instructions or Announcements:
Check out the earlier blog post for today or yesterday... It's some tips and thoughts I was having.

I have  page I'm going to put some links to where to get some good information...
https://sites.google.com/view/steam-clown-mechatronics/resources/covid-19-update-and-information

Flip Grid
Please checking and say "Hi" and submit a Flipgrid video with some words of encouragement to your classmates. click https://flipgrid.com/9f88bc23

Python
I'll be getting us back on track to learning python, with lessons posted, for now please make sure you have the repl.it account setup. Take a look at these python code review and concepts.  https://repl.it/talk/learn/Python-Advanced-Concepts-Explanation/7382 In the future I'll be reviewing specific concepts and making some coding assignments... But for today, get your repl.it account working and play with it.
  • Lecture/Presentation - Duration: 15 Min
  • Instructions & Expectations: Please set up your account and then start reviewing basic Python constructs... like the IF/Else, For loops and While loops.  Write your own code examples.  
# Run this code and tell me what it's doing.  I want you to explain how the print() function works, 
# how the Random() function works, how the While loop works and the Forloop
import math
import random
import time


x = random.randint(-100,100)
print('Printing the first random number',x)

print('Does the while loop run? Why?')
while x > 0 :
x = random.randint(-50,100)
print('Why did this number print or not print? ',x)

print('Did the While Loop run?')
print('If the While loop runs, Why did the While loop stop?')

for i in range(x,0):
print(i)

print('What is the range of this for loop?')
print('Why is it counting up from a negative number?')
8 Bit Computer
Randy and I will start posting specific information and videos to watch, so stay tuned, but if you feel like you know where to start or what you are doing, keep working. I hope there is a quiet place in your house where you can setup the 8 bit computer and leave it out.  If not, please try to keep everything together, it's easy to lose all the small parts.
You can always play with the logicly tool and work to understand AND, OR gate logic.

Helpful Links

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

FAQ on School closing, maybe opening, and your grade

Metropolitan Education District Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

How long will our schools in MetroED be closed?

At this point in time, we will be closed from March 16 – April 3. Our spring break has been moved to the week of April 6. The District is monitoring information and coordinating with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and all other school districts in the County of Santa Clara and is following the Orders of local and state health authorities. Currently, all schools are scheduled to open April 13, 2020.

Is there a possibility that schools would remain closed longer than April 13?

Yes. We will follow the guidelines of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in conjunction with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and all 31 school districts in Santa Clara County. All school districts in Santa Clara County have pledged to work together on school closures and the reopening of schools. <-- My guess is that we will be closed for at least 6-9 weeks... so maybe not back till next year (Mr Burnham)

How will the closures impact the school year? Will we have to make up lost days at the end of the school?

No. The Governor’s Executive Order N-26-20 allows school districts to continue to receive uninterrupted funding from the state and the closures will not impact the 175-day requirement of the instructional calendar if the District’s Superintendent certifies that the closure occurred to address COVID-19. Our school year will end on June 4, 2020.

Will the closures impact the total credits earned for my spring coursework?

No. The second semester will be shortened. You will earn all the credits that you are enrolled in if you pass all your classes. (i.e., if you are enrolled in six classes and you pass all six classes, you will earn 30 credits)

Will my transcript be impacted in any way?

No. Your transcript will not be affected in any way. It will show all courses taken this semester and full credits earned with each course that has been passed.

What can I do if I do not have access to a computing device?
Students can contact Alecia Myers-Kelley amkelley@metroed.net or Marleen Dinis mdinis@metroed.net to request the use of a Chromebook. Students should send an email to the two names listed above with the request and provide the following information: Student Name - Student ID# - Expected Graduation Year - Your principal will follow up with a time to pick up the Chromebook. 
Understand that this is a loan of a Chromebook that you will return when we return to school to the principal you borrowed it from.

What can I do if I do not have internet access at home? If you do not have a cell phone with a data plan and you cannot use an existing network, a good option might be Spectrum/Charter, which offers free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll call 1-844-488- 8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

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What Does Shelter In Place Mean?

Here's what shelter in place means: Stay home and only leave for "essential activities" or "essential travel." The counties' health order describes the items below as essential travel, essential activities:
  • Tasks essential to your family's health and safety, including your pets
  • Getting necessary services and supplies, including groceries, prescriptions
  • Delivering such goods to family members or other
  • Going to appointments or obtaining services at any healthcare facility, including veterinary care (but not gyms)
  • Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons. Including pets
  • Travel to educational institutions to receive materials for distance learning or meals and other related services
  • Travel related to providing or accessing services exempted in the order
Note, it is OK and healthy to go outside to engage in outdoor activities like walking or running, as long as you and your family can avoid coming into close contact with others.

Other important points:
  • All gatherings of any number are prohibited except as needed to carry out essential activities, maintain operation of essential businesses, or for essential governmental functions.
  • All first responders, law enforcement personnel and those performing essential governmental functions are exempt from the Order.
  • This Order does not apply to the operations of federal and state agencies, including airports.
  • Public transit remains open to allow people to engage in "essential travel."
  • Each local governmental entity shall identify which employees are needed to continue providing essential governmental functions.

Exemptions in the Health Order

Essential businesses include:
  • Healthcare operations  
  • Grocery stores (including stores like Target that sell both grocery and non-grocery items)
  • Pharmacies and healthcare supply stores
  • Gas stations, auto supply and repair
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other services to maintain safety and sanitation and essential operations of homes and businesses
  • Educational institutions for purposes of facilitating distance learning
  • Laundromats and dry cleaners
  • Restaurants and prepared food facilities, but only for delivery or carry out (no table service)
  • Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers for essential activities
Businesses that supply other businesses providing products or services exempted in the Health Order

  • Shipping and mailing services including PO boxes
  • Businesses that deliver goods and services directly to residences
  • Childcare facilities to enable employees exempted in the Order to work
  • Home-based care and residential facilities for seniors, adults, children
  • Essential governmental functions and essential infrastructure
  • Newspapers, TV, and other media
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - Python replit setup, 8 Bit computer

Special Instructions or Announcements:
Check out the earlier blog post for today... It's some tips and thoughts I was having.


Python
I'll be getting us back on track to learning python, with lessons posted, for now please make sure you have the repl.it account setup. Take a look at these python code review and concepts.  https://repl.it/talk/learn/Python-Advanced-Concepts-Explanation/7382 In the future I'll be reviewing specific concepts and making some coding assignments... But for today, get your repl.it account working and play with it.
  • Lecture/Presentation - Duration: 15 Min
  • Instructions & Expectations: Please set up your account and then start reviewing basic Python constructs... like the IF/Else, For loops and While loops.  Write your own code examples.  
  • Dig Deeper: Look here to learn more or review.  Try building some of these code examples: https://repl.it/talk/learn/Python-Advanced-Concepts-Explanation/7382 
8 Bit Computer
Randy and I will start posting specific information and videos to watch, so stay tuned, but if you feel like you know where to start or what you are doing, keep working. I hope there is a quiet place in your house where you can setup the 8 bit computer and leave it out.  If not, please try to keep everything together, it's easy to lose all the small parts.
You can always play with the logicly tool and work to understand AND, OR gate logic.

Helpful Links

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Non School update for March 17, 2020 - Hope you are doing OK... Let me know what I can do.

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to start providing a non school update every few days before I post the actual class room work blog... I'll try to update the actual class blog for the day of learning by about 10 AM every day.
It’s been a stressful few weeks for everyone. Many people, myself included, are trying to juggle many shifting priorities—preparing to teach remotely, stocking up on necessary supplies, keeping students and family members calm.  I have found that some of my favorite bans played loud (for just a little while) is cathartic and therapeutic.  Right now I'm play Paramore... Loud...
This last weekend I even did a super fast 1800 mile trip to go snatch my son from college in Utah, where they closed, wend remote and asked students to go home if possible.  I did not want to put him on a plan, so Friday right after the bell at 3:30, my wife and I drove out and grabbed him... and were back Sunday night.. Crazy.
What has helped me stay focused is considering the people my actions can affect most—my family, my students, Friends, and those in need. It gives me a clear sense of purpose and something to focus on. 
I thought I would share a few resources that have been helpful to me and others during this time, including the two sites I have found most helpful for the most accurate up to date global data:
The Stay-Home School Work
The spread of COVID-19 is changing our daily behavior and creating rapid changes in our school and learning environment, as we all do our part to help flatten the curve of the virus’ spread. There will be both short-term and long-term impact as we are entering a new reality: the stay-home school. I really hope that you, as my students, are well positioned to thrive in this new normal.  
Learning from Home
Millions of students have already been instructed to learn from home, and while there are great benefits to remote learning, it’s definitely an adjustment. 
Keeping Busy
First for my students, Here are my thoughts:
  • Keep busy.  Create a routine that works for you and your household.  Try to get up at the same time and go to bed at the same time.  Routine helps keep you focused.
  • Plan to do some school every day.  The also works best if you try to do it at the same time every day.  Check the class blog.  I'll try to update it by about 10 AM every day.  So if you are up before that, just work on yesterdays assignments... it's OK to be a day or so behind, just try to keep up on the assignments.  Most stuff I post will be due at the end of the week...
  • If you are looking for other stuff  to keep you busy the ​Khan Academy is a valuable educational resource that has daily schedules and educational livestreams for kids who are off school.  This might help you keep up in some of your other classes, or even just catch up on some of that math that might have been hard to get the first time.
  • You might even keep a written or video journal of how you are feeling and what is going on... it will definitely be interesting to look back on after we are on the other side of this. 
  • ​Ideas for Social Distancing: This list is for both you and your parents or guardian... If you’re looking for ideas of how to pass the time, this is a great crowd-sourced list.
While many people face high risk from the virus, a majority of us will only have to deal with major disruptions to our lives. At times like this, extending our help to those who really need it is crucial. Each of us has an opportunity to lead others by being clear, honest and empathetic in helping others adjust to this crisis.
Stay calm, stay safe, communicate well.
Mr Burnham
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Monday, March 16, 2020

Monday. March 16, 2020 - Lets do some Learning

Dear Student and Parent or Guardian,

2nd EDIT If you picked up your 8 it computer kit on Friday in class... then you are good and there is not anything for you to pick up.

EDIT: Please be safe, and if you want to get the Mechatronics Kits, Please get them TODAY... Things are evolving fast, and you may not be allowed to come to school tomorrow... I would also recommend to get any additional groceries today. Please be safe. If you are out and about, you should be pretending that you and every one else has the virus, and you should be wearing gloves and a mask... But If you wash your hands before and after, and don't touch your face, that is almost as good.

I know that the last few days has been surreal. The one thing I want you to know is that we are going to get through this, but we need to make sure we are smart and safe.

I think the most important this we can do is STAY HOME, Limit our contact with everyone, wash your hands before and after you leave your house... But Really, Seriously, we need to socially distance ourselves from everyone... Don't think this is a time to hangout with your friends and go out... So after you pick up your classroom stuff, Please stay home.

We are attempting to keep the learning going while the SVCTE campus is closed.  To this end, we are allowing students to take home some class equipment and lab components. 
We will also be holding class on-line, through Blogs and video conferences.  The details are still being worked out, but the following is how I will be communicating with the students. I will be posting a blog post for Monday, and giving you information on how to keep learning.  My plan is that we are not “off school” for a while. I will be holding class in an online environment. This could be a mix of live instruction, and posting videos of me lecturing about a lab or lesson.

I will be providing students with opportunities to learn EVERY day.  Students should check the class blog EVERY day. They also should check their @metroed.net email EVERY day.

I want to make sure every one has access to computers and technology, I think I know who has access or not.  I will be reaching out to some of you to make sure, if you need to borrow a lap top or tablet.  If you don't have access to a computer, please reach out to your home district of contact me directly.
You can always contact me at jburnham@metroed.net or call me at 408-603-0925 (text is best)

Mr. Burnham

Pickup Stuff Today: This Week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (EDIT: PLEASE Come TODAY)
We are attempting to keep the learning going while the SVCTE campus is closed.  To this end, we are allowing students to take home some class equipment and lab components.  Each student can pick up about $350 worth of material. While we know that accidents happen, we are expecting to have all material and equipment returned in good working order. If by the end of the school year, all the material has not been returned or replaced, we will not be able to issue a final grade.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

Come pick up your 8 bit computer kits at the SVCTE HUB between 1 pm -3 pm.  I have 2 bins with your name on them.  Please sign them out. 


What to Do Monday March 16
  • Pickup your 8 Bit Computer project - All students continue to work on the 8 Bit Computer project (all students will have access to pick up the kits)
  • Python - We will be getting back to learning Python.  
    • Please access this site and create an account.  You probably should use a personal email, because you will want access to this account long after my class... but you could use your @metroed account too.  https://repl.it/~   Check google classroom to answer if you can access this site and create an account.  When you do, please play with it for 15+ min.  Write a "hello world" program in python. (I'll have a lesson soon on using this)


Class Blog: 
I will be posting EVERY DAY on the class blog.  This is where ALL instructions will be posted for work we are doing
Silicon Valley CTE Mechatronics Class - 2019-2020
We will also be using the following tools.
Google Class Room
FlipGrid

Python Development Tools
https://repl.it/~  (I'll have a lesson soon on using this)

Slack Channel
Stay safe, and stay tuned. -- Mr. Burnham
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Friday, March 13, 2020

Friday, March 13, 2020 - Plan For While We Are Home For The Next Few Weeks

Dear Student and Parent or Guardian,
The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools and all county district superintendents have decided to close schools for three weeks from Monday, March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020. This closure is to plan for the implementation of guidance from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health

 We are attempting to keep the learning going while the SVCTE campus is closed.  To this end, we are allowing students to take home some class equipment and lab components. 
We will also be holding class on-line, through Blogs and video conferences.  The details are still being worked out, but the following is how I will be communicating with the students. I will be posting a blog post for Monday, and giving you information on how to keep learning.  My plan is that we are not “off school” for a while. I will be holding class in an online environment. This could be a mix of live instruction, and posting videos of me lecturing about a lab or lesson.

 I will be providing students with class work EVERY day.  Students should check the class blog EVERY day. They also should check their @metroed.net email EVERY day. For any materials you you need to pick up, I will set up a location and time for students to pick up.  Please stay tuned.  I hope to have more information on rolling this out on Monday.

 I want to make sure every one has access to computers and technology, I think I know who has access or not.  I will be reaching out to some of you to make sure, if you need to borrow a lap top or tablet.  If you don't have access to a computer, please reach out to your home district of contact me directly.

 My plan:
  • 8 Bit Computer project - All students continue to work on the 8 Bit Computer project (all students will have access to pick up the kits)
  • Python - We will be getting back to learning Python.  We will be doing much of this work on a web platform found on https://repl.it/~  (I'll have a lesson soon on using this)
  • Professional Learning found  on our Job Ready Skills site.  All students should be able to log in to this.  hint it's your metroed id... 
You can always contact me at jburnham@metroed.net or call me at 408-603-0925 (text is best)

Mr. Burnham

 Class Blog: 
I will be posting EVERY DAY on the class blog.  This is where ALL instructions will be posted for work we are doing
Silicon Valley CTE Mechatronics Class - 2019-2020
We will also be using the following tools.
Google Class Room
FlipGrid
Python Development Tools
https://repl.it/~  (I'll have a lesson soon on using this)

 Slack Channel
Stay safe, and stay tuned. -- Mr. Burnham
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