Villain vs. Hero Ning Profile

Social Networking

I think that there are several ways to use social networking.  The first way is to have a group research project about a different culture.  This method would allow the students to find out about various peoples from around the world by interacting with the people that live in that culture.  First hand experience is always a better way to learn than through the use of books or other second hand methods.  Subtle nuances can be found and explored that may not be seen as important by a researcher.  The students can also be exposed to a variety of cultures in just a few minutes through social networking.  The use of narrative voice can be explored as it was in the activity that was done in class.  One of the biggest drawbacks is the potential of unwanted persons being involved.  There is no way to screen the people that respond to verify their identities.  This allows for the students to be involved with potential predators and all around bad guys.  Another issue with this type of media is that students can be playing games or chatting with friends that have nothing to do with the project assigned.  The only way to avoid this seems to be joining a specific site that is geared for the classroom.  This may not seem like a big deal, but rarely are these sites free as are the larger ones such as Facebook and MySpace.  The idea of social networking is a good one, but it needs to be thought out well in advance of its implementation in order for the site fees to be present when the class is ready for the project.

What is your family's cultural heritage?

Using Google Documents is a great way to encourage collaboration in the High School classroom.  As the instructor I will be able to set up tables that will allow me to verify the contributions of each student.  Each group can discuss the changes or ideas they have for a project and even how to edit writings.  Proofreading one another's work is a perfect way to use this application.  Each student would have to contribute in order to receive points and pass the assignment.  It would allow a multi-person analysis of the written work without having to print multiple copies.  This particular tool would also allow different people outside the classroom to review the work without having to open it to the public.  Each person would be invited to view the particular document through their gmail account.  This would necessitate setting up a gmail account for each student.  Knowing that certain districts prefer to limit this kind of computer access, I would first get clearance from my Principal.  I would also send home a letter explaining what the class is doing and how a gmail account will help the student in the course of the class.

fast facts!

This Day in History

What's in my bag

The idea of using visual teaching tools such as voicethread.com is new to me. I have certainly seen powerpoint presentations that allow video feeds and even still pictures with sounds attached to the slide. This type of presentation would be useful in an English or Language and Literature class in a variety of ways. Each picture could be researched by an individual or a group to develop historical relevance to add to each slide. All of the groups would have the opportunity to record their own thoughts and research materials to a final presentation that would then be used to enhance the content that is being taught. The area that immediately comes to mind for this kind of project is "Romeo and Juliette" by William Shakespeare. There are many lessons as to the Globe Theatre where most of his works were produced. Pictures of the theatre as it has been restored and prior to its restoration could be presented. Material could be used that shows why it was significant and desirable to reproduce a medieval theatre in London and whether or not the reproduction enhances the play itself. I chose "Romeo and Juliette" due to the fact that women were not actors at this time. Using a type of visual learning tool on the internet would allow the students to see what a boy might have looked like in the role. It would also allow them to comment on why it was appropriate for the time period, but how it is seen as weird and undesirable now. It would also give the opportunity to expand the lesson into social changes and how it affects all parts of the world and not just one small part.