2 Kewl 4 Skewl?

We are moving into our third week together and I am please with your progress. However, there is something that I want to discuss with you. . .our comments at the end of each entry. My goal in using the comments is to build community and allow us to get to know each other in an informal manner. When you respond to prompts in writing, all you have to represent yourself are your words. . .No one can see your face to see if you are kidding, angry, etc., so it becomes very important that you represent your best self in your comments. I'm not necessarily talking about grammar, as the blog is informal, but I do mean the comments that are off topic, mean-spirited, or simply inappropriate for our forum. This is our chance to grow as a group and have fun at the same time. . .Please go back and review your past comments to see if you might want to revise them ;-)

This week: we will discuss how to evaluate our video game and do the research on the issue underlying the game. For example, if you are reviewing the game, Darfur is Dying, it clearly about the genocide that is currently taking place in Africa. We can look to the information in the game for the issue, or discuss with our peers what we think is going on. I also hope to get everyone a del.icio.us account to save the websites you find in your research!

This Week's Question: What is the best book that you have ever read and why? If you can't think of a book, you could choose your favorite poem or meaningful song (as it is a form of poetry).
For me, my favorite book would have to be Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The main character, Holden Caulfield, represented the difficulties of being a teenager in such a real way that I find myself relating to him even as an adult. . .It is also the best book I have ever read with a class!!

R U Getting Your Tech On?

As we begin our third session @ the Monarch HS Summer of Techno Fun, let's recap what you have accomplished. . .or are in process:

1. You created Gmail accounts that have a professional/student name that we can use for employment or scholarship applications.

2. You have created an iGoogle page that you can use for school. We discussed appropriate content for the page.

3. You were able to access this blog (and saved it in your Favorites) to receive information, find cool links, and leave comments. Remember: when you leave a comment it should be about the topic . . .it can be funny, but it should be appropriate.

4. You played a few of the 26 learning games for change. . .to have fun, but also to be able to review the game and the topic for which the game was created.

5. You were able to use Google Docs to take notes on your game. . .

This week, we are going to continue to play some of the learning games for change, discuss parameters for reviewing the games and the issues, we will discuss social bookmarking and; hopefully, create your own del.icio.us accounts.

This week's question: If you could change one thing about school, what would it be? Remember to answer the question asked and always be appropriate. You can criticize if you use the correct tone and language, but you should never use specific names as it can lead to anger or hurt feelings!

Our New Adventure

Welcome to the JCCS HOPE region technoblog!! While this blog is designed to keep everyone updated on technology and showcase the work of HOPE students and staff, I will also use this to direct some instruction to various classes throughout the region.

After each entry, I will leave a question for anyone to respond. You only have to click on the comments link and you can type in your response. Remember to always be sincere and respectful!
peace,
jeff

Question: Who is your favorite musician/band/singer and why?