Saturday 31 December 2016

FIRST Day of School (3 January 2017)

Dear Students,


Welcome back to SST in 2017!


1. Gentle reminder for all students to be appropriately groomed when you report for school on 3 Jan 2017:
  • Male Students
    • Hair must be short and neatly combed
    • Clean-shaven (not allowed to keep facial hair such as beards, long side-burns or moustaches)
  • Female Students – Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied up
    • Simple hair accessories such as hand bands, hair clips may be worn
    • Long fringe should be clipped up
  • Fingernails must be kept clean, short and unvarnished
  • Attire worn must be clean and neatly pressed with no holes, tears or frayed areas.

  • Click here for more guidelines
2. Please remember to bring a rag to clean your desk and your classroom as well.

3. First Day of school schedule

Note: Table last updated on 2 January 2017, 1730h

Tuesday 27 December 2016

2017 S1 Classes & Class blog invite

Dear Students

You may click HERE to find out which class you have been assigned to.
For the ease of checking, the names are sorted in alphabetical order.


In addition, you would be receiving an invitation to be the author of the Blog, via the sst.edu.sg account.

To facilitate smooth operations (e.g. entry of comments, posting and opening files shared via the school account), please accept the invitation with the official SST account.
If you accept it using your personal account - it will be rejected and you will be asked to re-enrol to the blog again.




The Class Blog URLs:




Bi-annual Information Verification Exercise at the SDM

Dear Parents and Students

We notice that a number of you have started making attempts to login to the Student Management System (SDM) during the holidays.

As mentioned in the Parents' Letter (December 2016: S1, S2-S4), please login to the SDM only in Term 1 Week 1 (i.e. from next Tuesday) to verify the information.

The team is currently configuring the system. You would encounter login issue during this period. We will put up the announcement in the Students Blog when it is ready for access.

Next week, your child will bring home an acknowledgement form (hardcopy). Please sign to acknowledge that you have completed the verification exercise. The form is to be returned through the Form Teacher.

We thank you for your patience.

With regards
The Knowledge Management Team

Monday 26 December 2016

Y2017 (S2 to S4) Invitation to Class Blogs

Dear Students

The 2017 Class Blogs are set-up and you will be receiving an invitation to be the author of the Blog, via the sst.edu.sg account.

To facilitate smooth operations (e.g. entry of comments, posting and opening files shared via the school account), please accept the invitation with the official SST account.
If you accept it using your personal account - it will be rejected and you will be asked to re-enrol to the blog again.






Sunday 25 December 2016

2017 Sec 3 Class Allocation

Dear Sec 3s (2017), 

The result of Sec 3 class allocation (along with the new Sec 3 class list) is now out on the Sec 3 Googlesite.

Pls make sure you have a look and are aware of your allocated class (and subjects) before the start of school. 

Thank you for your attention. 

Merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance!



Wednesday 21 December 2016

Secondary One Students using Primary School's School Smart Card

Dear 2017 Secondary 1 Students,

Welcome to SST!

Please be informed that you will be issued with a new Secondary level School Smart Card (SSC) in due course.  We will inform you when the new Smart Card is available.  

While waiting for the Secondary level SSC to be ready, you may continue to use your Primary level SSC for concessionary travel till end April 2017. You can still purchase the Bus Concession Pass (BCP) using your Primary level SSCs but you would need to purchase the BCP for Secondary School students.

For clarification or assistance, you may contact SST General Office at Tel: 65717200.  Thank you.

Thursday 15 December 2016

2017 Pre-school Engagement Programme - Session 4


Dear 2017 Sec 1 students,

Welcome back to another session of online tutorial!


ONLINE NOTE-TAKING


In this session, we are going to explore the use of online note-taking platforms. In particular, we will look at online stickies and mindmaps.


The two platforms that I will be introducing are Padlet (https://padlet.com) and Lucidchart (https://lucidchart.com).


INTRODUCTION TO PADLET

Padlet is a virtual wall that allows people to express their thoughts on a common topic easily. It works like an online sheet of paper where people can put any content (e.g. images, videos, documents, text) anywhere on the page, together with anyone, from any device.

Padlet allows Google App users to log in using their Gmail credentials.
As of January 2015, Padlet has premium versions that require subscriptions to use. In logging in, if you are prompted to upgrade to the paid version, just click of the "skip" link in the top-right hand corner.











KEY FEATURES OF PADLET






  • Easy

    Drag and drop. Auto save. It's software you already know how to use.
  • Instant collaboration

    You can see everyone's activity on the padlet instantly. Bye bye page reloads.
  • Multimedia
    Paste link to a youtube video? Check! Drag a word document from your computer? Check! Take a picture from your iPad camera? Check! A file in your drawer? Erm .. someday .. someday.












































  • To find out more about Padlet, follow its Google+ Page.



    ACTIVITY 1 - GENERATING IDEAS WITH PADLET

    1. Login to Padlet and fill up the information as shown below:
    • Enter the title "Digital Citizenship"
    • Add the description: Let's put down, in each sticky, word/ phrases that crosses your mind when we talk about "Digital Citizenship"
    • Choose an image as your portrait icon. Alternatively, you may upload your own image.





    2. To post on the wall, place the mouse pointer at the space and double click.
    A sticky will appear. You may start posting your thoughts. Generate as many as you could and attempt to organise them into broad categories (as shown).



    3. Click "Share" (on the right) and copy the HTML codes under "EMBED".



    4. Login to your blog. Create a new post entitled "Digital Citizenship - Random Thoughts"
    Switch the posting mode to "HTML" and paste the HTML codes there.


    5. Switch back to "Compose" mode and the blog post should look like this:


    6. Submit the link to the blog post Google Classroom.




    INTRODUCTION TO LUCIDCHART

    Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming software which allows users to collaborate and work together in real time to create flowcharts, organisational charts, website wireframes, UML designs, mind maps, software prototypes, and many other diagram types. 

    Refer to https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/beginners-guide-to-lucidchart for a quick guide to the key features of lucidchart. 

    Spend at least 10 minutes to pick up the basics.







    Lucidchart can be upgraded to allow collaborative editing of a diagram, which is a feature only for the paid version. You will be glad that SST has already upgraded your account.

    If for some reason, you are still not able to share your diagrams, follow the instructions for the free upgrade.  Otherwise, go straight to Activity 2.

    Visit https://goo.gl/mufr8Y and follow the 3-steps instructions.
    Click at the big blue button that says "REQUEST MY UPGRADE".






    ACTIVITY 2 - MIND MAPPING WITH LUCIDCHART

    1. Watch the following tutorial video to learn the basics of mind-mapping using Lucidchart:



    2. Using the basic mind-mapping skills, generate a to-do list for the first day of school. Make sure the items are classified into at least 3 main categories.

    3. Embed your mindmap in Google Doc template in Google Classroom. Use the Lucidchart addon that I have enabled for all students. The following video might be useful:




    4. Turn in the work in Google Classroom.

    Saturday 10 December 2016

    2017 Pre-school Engagement Programme - Session 3

    INTRODUCTION TO GOOGLE FORMS AND SHEETS


    Dear 2017 Sec 1 students,

    In the Pre-School Engagement Activities - Session 2, we have seen Google docs and slides at work. 
    In this session, we will see how Google Forms and Sheets can work hand in hand. 
    • Google Sheets App handles data and make meaning out of them using functions and formulas.
    • Like Docs and Slides, Sheets are cloud-based and facilitates collaborative editing 
    • and commenting.

    Furthermore, it is tightly integrated with Google Forms App and data collected from a form can go 
    straight to a sheet.

    Here are some quick starts reference material and the cheat sheets for Google Sheets and 
    Google Forms


    QUICK STARTS 

    SHEETS, err, CHEAT SHEET



    Video introduction to the latest change in Google Sheets.




    FORMS CHEAT SHEETS 




    Let do a simple activity in Forms to collate information on the participation of 2017 
    Sec 1 students on the Pre-School Engagement Activities:


    Activity 1 - Using Forms to design a quiz
    (See https://goo.gl/3hc9OZ)
    1. Choose your favourite Science topic, design a quiz with at least 3 questions.
    2. There must be at least 1 image and 1 video embedded in the questions.
    3. Share and send the quiz to collect at least 5 responses.
    4. Turn in your work in Google Classroom.
    See a sample quiz here.

    That's it for session 3. In the next session, we will learn some Online Virtual Note and 
    Mind Mapping Apps. The learning material will be posted on Wednesday 16 Dec 2016.

    Wednesday 7 December 2016

    2017 Pre-school Engagement Programme - Session 2


    Dear 2017 Sec 1 Students,


    Those who have NOT completed session 1 of the 2017 Pre-school Engagement Programme are encouraged to revisit the session before continuing this one. Do be informed that the learning material and quizzes are available in Google Classroom.


    For those who have, welcome back! It is encouraging to see the number of submissions in this period of the year. I understand that many may be going overseas for a holiday and might not be able to keep to the schedule spelled out in the overview post. Do try to catch up the missed sessions before school reopens.


    Today, we will introduce the SST account, which is a Google Suite account that allows you access to a wide range of online services.




    Essentially, your SST account gives you access to services shown below:




    Among these apps, Google Drive is the home for Docs, Sheets, Slides and more. Watch the video below to get a better understanding on Google Drive.

    For resources on Google Drive, a good site to start with is http://learn.googleapps.com/products/drive/get-started/ (Recommended time - 10-15 mins)

    After reading the guide, you should be able to:
    • Set up Google Drive 
    • Organize, find, and share files 
    • Open and preview files 


    INTRODUCING THE MEMBERS OF GOOGLE DRIVE

    Here's a quick rundown of the basic Google apps available in Google Drive.

    DOCS


    • Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time. Here's what you can do with Google Docs: 
    • Upload a Word document and convert it to a Google document 
    • Add flair and formatting to your documents by adjusting margins, spacing, fonts, and colours — all that fun stuff 
    • Invite other people to collaborate on a document with you, giving them edit, comment or view access 
    • Collaborate online in real time and chat with other collaborators — right from inside the document 
    • View your document's revision history and roll back to any previous version 
    • Download a Google document to your desktop as a Word, OpenOffice, RTF, PDF, HTML or zip file 
    • Translate a document to a different language 
    • Email your documents to other people as attachments 


    SHEETS

    • Google Sheets is an online spreadsheet app that lets you create and format spreadsheets and simultaneously work with other people. Here's what you can do with Google Sheets: 
    • Import and convert Excel, .csv, .txt and .ods formatted data to a Google spreadsheet 
    • Export Excel, .csv, .txt and .ods formatted data, as well as PDF and HTML files 
    • Use formula editing to perform calculations on your data, and use formatting make it look the way you'd like 
    • Chat in real time with others who are editing your spreadsheet 
    • Create charts with your data 
    • Embed a spreadsheet — or individual sheets of your spreadsheet — on your blog or website 


    SLIDES

    • Google Slides is an online presentations app that allows you to show off your work in a visual way. Here's what you can do with Google Slides: 
    • Create and edit presentations 
    • Edit a presentation with friends or co-workers, and share it with others effortlessly 
    • Import .pptx and .pps files and convert them to Google presentations 
    • Download your presentations as a PDF, a PPT, or a .txt file 
    • Insert images and videos into your presentation 
    • Publish and embed your presentations in a website 


     FORMS 

    • Create a Google form 
    • Add and edit questions, headers, and page breaks 
    • Add a theme to a form 
    • Control your form's page-to-page navigation 
    • Share your form with collaborators 
    • Send your form to respondents 
    • Choose a form response destination 
    • View and manage form responses 
    • Edit form responses after submitting 
    • Deleting a form or form responses 
    • Pre-populate form answers 
    • Additional forms options for Google Apps users 

    Use the Google Apps Document and Support site for learning resources on Google Apps.

    Specifically, learn the basics of Docs, Slides, and Spreadsheet by following these links:

    QUICK STARTS 

    Activity 1 - Google Drive and My Learning in SST 

    With the basic familiarity with Google Drive operations, complete Drive Task 1:

    1. Create a folder named 00 School Work your Drive folder.
    2. Create the following 12 folders in the folder created in step 1. 
    (Hint: To facilitate sorting in Google Drive, you might want to use the 2-digits numbering system, i.e. 01 English, 02 Maths, 03 Science, etc.google).


         3. Screen-capture the 12 folders in Google Drive and submit to Session 2 - Activity 1 in Google Classroom.



    Activity 2 - About Myself and My Learning Style

    1. From Google Classroom Assignment, open a copy of the file 20176 About myself and my learning style.gdoc.
    2. Replace at least 2 original images to the Google doc.
    3. Complete the rest of the cells with the titles: 
    • My proudest achievement in 2016 
    • My strength in learning 
    • My resolution in 2017 
    • Area of weakness I will improve on 
       4. Invite a new schoolmate to add at least 1 comment on the doc. 
           Refer to this spreadsheet for the email list of your new schoolmates.

       5. Turn in your work in Google Classroom.


    Activity 3 - A Ho Ho Ho Holiday and season greetings

    1.  Open the Classroom assignment titled Session 2 - Activity 3. A slide like the one below will be created.
       



    2. Insert a new slide. Add your name prominently using the text box feature. 

    3. Insert a non-copyrighted image as background. The theme of the slide is "Season's Greetings!". 

    4. Add a comment to another slide created by someone else.
        Rules - No trolling nor spamming! Watch what you say online, and be nice!



    5. Add other design elements on your slide using any feature of Google slide. 


    Bonus: Embed your slide in a blog post from the blog you have created in Session 1.

    6. Turn in your work in Google Classroom.

    That's all for Session 2. 


    Next up: 2017 Pre-School Engagement Programme - Session 3
    (Postponed to Monday 14 Dec)
    Title: My SST Account, Introduction to Google Suites (Part 2)








    Monday 5 December 2016

    Closure of General Office on 7 December 2016

    Dear Students, 
    Please note that the General Office will be closed on 7 December 2016, Wednesday for our Staff Retreat. Thank you. 

    Sunday 4 December 2016

    2017 Pre-school Engagement Programme - Overview

    Dear 2017 Sec 1 Students

    A warm welcome and congratulation to making it to the SST family!  

    In December 2017, the ICT Department will be rolling out a series of web-based activities to prepare you for the ICT-enabled activities that you will go through in the new academic year.

    The activities will be carried out primarily in two modes:
    1. Online instructions or tutorials on SST Student Blog
    2. Activities submission through Google Classroom
    Look out for a personalised email from me in the next few days.

    Starting from 5 December 2016, instructions on these activities will be posted up in the Students blog. If you miss anyone of the activities, simply refer to the left panel and filter the blog posts that come with the label "2017 Pre-School Engagement Programme". The related posts will be displayed. 

    You may also visit Google Classroom to your enrolled course "2017 Pre-School Engagement Programme" to catch up the missed information. The class code to join the class is mst6njo.








    The schedule for the activities are as follows:
    • Session 1 : 5 December 2016 (Monday) 
      • Blogger.com / Google Classroom
    • Session 2: 7 December 2016 (Wednesday) 
      • My SST Account, Introduction to GSuites (Part 1)
    • Session 3:  9 December 2016 (Friday)
      • My SST Account, Introduction to  GSuites (Part 2)
    • Session 4: 14 December 2016 (Wednesday)
      • Online Virtual Note and Mind Mapping Apps


    I look forward to seeing you during registration day on 22 December 2016. 
    Meanwhile, have a great time learning and exploring!

    regards,
    Mr Dean Ang Ngee Keng æ´ªä»ªåº†
    Head of Department
    Information and Communication Technology,
    Google Certified Teacher
    Google for Education Qualified-Chrome
    Apple Foundation Trainer
    School of Science and Technology, Singapore
    1 Technology Drive, Singapore 138572
    T: (65) 6571 7419 | F: (65) 6872 0856