November 28, 2012

Hello, friends.  I hope that you enjoyed your holiday break.  Now, let's get back to work!

Today's Tasks:

1- A few comments about your book chat: I was pretty pleased with the direction of your comments; however, let me provide some more structure that may be of use to you in the future.

     a. Use actual words and not slang or texting lingo.  (You're in an advanced class!)
     b. When you make a comment about the text, refer to a page number.  Every time.  All the time.
     c. (Per above comment) Start writing three discussion questions with corresponding page numbers
          where one may reference the material being discussed. 
     d. The leader of the discussion should do that- lead.  Keep discussion on track and involve all
         members by pulling in those who are not participating (in a polite, kind fashion, of course).

Refer to the homework portion of this blog below for the next book chat.

2- Let's talk about your debate.  How is going?  What are some items/ troubleshooting with which I can help?  Your outlines looked pretty decent; citation pages, also.  My guess is if you feel your outline/ citations were not up to par, I thought that as well. 

Tonight, look through the items you have already completed (outline, citation page) and make those changes you know you need to make so that you are in good shape to make your cards.

3- Movie Star time!  Now, instead of just recording your voice, I want you to actually tape yourself giving the speech.  Video recording your speech will help you address any gestures or body language you need to alter for the real deal presentation.  Do not forget to pay attention to the actual speech; you will be able to note any fixes that need to be made.

You have several options when it comes to video recording yourself.  I would enlist the help of a steady-handed friend to old your digital camera or iPad.  If you want to set up a laptop, netbook, or webcam, that is fine, too.  Just make sure you read what type and how large of a file that technology can save and send.

Here is a video of an actual debate prefaced with some helpful tips and information.  You may view this video and search others to help you with taping your debate.


If you find some other helpful videos, post the link to this blog.

4- WEEBLY! Most of you have created the foundation for your Weebly.  Hopefully, you used the tutorial video in the resource section of this blog.  Since we are in the computer lab today (D-104), you will have the chance to maneuver the site with me present to help.

Today, I want you to add two pages: a resource page and a reflection page.  The resource page will be videos and hyperlinks to Internet sources you found to be helpful in your debate journey.  You may steal a few from my blog if you wish, but take this chance to explore resources on your own.  The reflection page is for your discussion questions and connections to the text.  In this page I would add a hyperlink to the book chat site we are using for this class.

If you have a few free minutes, add a hyperlink to this blog on your home page as well as the homework/ assignment submission widget.

5- NEW TOOL: SCRIBD  This tool allows you to turn your Word documents into URL addresses that you may add as hyperlinks to your Weebly.  In addition to easy access to these documents from anywhere, it puts them in read-only format.

Register for the site and practice adding a word document URL to your Weebly.


HOMEWORK FOR DECEMBER 5, 2012:
1-  Book Chat for Chapters 4 and 5.  We need to pick a leader and the time for this chat.  Practice posting your discussion questions on your Weebly. Click to access Book Chat.
2- Complete the cards for your debate.
3- Video tape your debate.  Email it to me.