March 8, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

(What did you think about the conclusion of "The Veldt?" How real is too real?)

1. Print a paper copy of the introduction to your "Technology: Friend or Foe" essay and join the circle. If you have the copy on your personal laptop, you may bring it to  the circle instead of a paper copy.

• This is a readers' circle. When it is your turn, read your introduction to the class.
• As a listener in the circle, you need to determine the strategy or strategies used in the introduction.
• You also need to share if you would or would not want to read the rest of the essay and explain why or why not. Provide specifics reasons and give suggestions. What made you want to read on? Or, what would the writer need to do to interest you?

2. Get ready to write the body of the essay. Here are some tips!
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/argument.htm

3. Develop your essay with claims, reasons, and evidence. (Refer to the chart on the board and refer to the chart.

Claim: (Claim that your chosen technology is a friend or a foe of modern society.)

Why? (This is the question readers will ask. You, the author will answer.)

Because:

Provide at least three reasons.

Reason:

Reason:

Reason:

Facts and Proof!

(Prove that your reasons are valid.   Find experts to support your point of view and cite your sources.)

1.                        Source:	1.                       Source:	1.                       Source:
2.                     Source:	2.                     Source:	2.                     Source:

 4. Look at "Cry Wolf," the sample essay at the link. We will work on this in class on Thursday. Find the claim, reasons, and evidence/proof. Use the paper chart to write your notes. We will begin in class. Finish reading the example and filling in the chart for homework.  Due: Tuesday, March 15, 2016

5. Continue with your research and fill in your own claim/reasons/evidence chart. Post your chart in CANVAS. Due: Thursday, March 10, 2016.

March 3, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Write your name and your topic on a post-it and post in the pro or con section of the board.
2. Meet in assigned like-groups to discuss what evidence you found to support your point of view. Share sources.
3. Meet with the opposition to explain your point of view. LISTEN to each other then respond.

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4. Learn how to write effective introductions.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/intro_conclusions.html
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

Visual examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl3O6DMsJgI

Homework:
Select a strategy for writing your introduction and write! Post the introduction in CANVAS. This does not mean that you can't change the introduction once you have finished.

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Let's begin "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. How real is too real in video games?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erkL_IqlupE

Homework:
Finish "The Veldt". Write a one-page response to the following:

Video games are/are not dangerous. Pick a side. Support your thoughts with evidence from the video and from life experiences.

March 1, 1016 - Tuesday

Class Work
The Art Gallery is open!
1. Open your slide show on your computer.
2. Half of the room will present while the other half watches, listens, and takes notes. We will switch off speaking/listening parts several times while the gallery is open.
3. When you are speaking, you should be addressing:
Looking at Art

· What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?

· How does this work relate to your topic? Discuss.

· What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?

· Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.

· Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?

· How do the lines and angles impact your eye as you study the work?

· Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.

· How does the work relate to us in 21st century America?

4. While you are listening, you need to take notes. (Sheet provided.)

5. Submit your notes at the conclusion of the activity.

 

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Preview of coming attractions!

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video games, etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that they either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from at least four of the following:

                                                               i.      At least three experts/sources. You may use the articles studied in class and articles that specifically relate to your chosen technology.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

                                                             v.      Lines from literature – poem, short story, or novel. “There Will Come Soft Rains”  and “The Veldt” were studied in class. You may use other SciFi literature.

                                                           vi.      A work of art

                                                          vii.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society

f.        Ethical concerns

 

Homework

By Thursday, you need to determine your topic and decide if you are for or against the use of the gizmo or gadget.

You also need to locate at least 3 articles related to your topic. Feel free to use the information available in our own EMCC library either on-line or in person. http://www.estrellamountain.edu/library Other Internet or paper sources are also acceptable.

Create an annotated bibliography of your sources. Remember, EasyBib is your friend! Of course, other citation helps are also "friendly." (MLA Style)

Here are some tips:

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/02/

http://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography

Examples:

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-006&ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-tyc&p=annotated%20bibliography%20example%20mla&type=

 

 

 

 

 

February 25, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. What do you think - are people healthier because of the Internet or is the Internet causing trouble? In one or two sentences, write your reaction on a post it and post on the board in the appropriate spot.  (Pick a side! You can't go for both on this activity.)
"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury - as we read this, keep track of the futuristic inventions that are just the norm today. (Chart provided)
2. We will finish "There Will Come Soft Rains." Continue with your prediction/reality chart.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzbtlcAsIeTnTlNmSnhOV010bHM/edit?pli=1 (Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc Story read by Leonard Nimoy

3. Technology through the eyes of an artist -

A. Think of a technical object. This might be the gadget of gizmo you researched for a homework assignment - something from home.  Or, you might want t select something else.

 

Looking at Art

· What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?

· How does this work relate to your topic? Discuss.

· What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?

· Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.

· Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?

· How do the lines and angles impact your eye as you study the work?

· Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.

· How does the work relate to us in 21st century America?

 

Assignment: Create a 3-5 slide PowerPoint or Prezi presentation. Think of yourself as the guide at a 21st century art gallery and share the art with the class on Tuesday.

Reminders:

A. The art must appear on the first slide.

B. No more than six bullets per slide.

C. No more than six words per bullet.

(50 points - 30 for the slides/20 for the presentation)

 

Homework
Read "OMG! We've Been Here B4" by Clive Thompson http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/texting-isnt-first-new-technology-thought-impair-social-skills-180958091/ (Links to an external site.)
Answer the following:

1. What does the author claim? In other words, what is the point of the article?
2. What reasons does the author provide for believing that claim?
3. What proof or evidence does the author provide to convince the reader that the reasons are valid?
4. Was the author convincing? If so, what did the author do to convince you of the claim? If not, what was weak about the argument?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starry Night: Meaning of the Vincent Van Gogh Landscape Painting

FILED UNDER:

art

 

Exmple:

Assignment: Prepare a 3 slice or bubble PowerPoint or Prezi show to share wth the class on Tuesday. Your task is to explain the work of art to the class.

Remiders:

No more than six bullets per slide

No ore that six words per bullet

One slide must show the work of art.

Post in CANVAS. (50 points - 30 for the slides and 20 for the presentation)

 

 

Homework

Read "OMG! We've Been Here B4" by Clive Thompson http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/texting-isnt-first-new-technology-thought-impair-social-skills-180958091/

Answer the following:

1. What does the author claim? In other words, what is the point of the article?

2. What reasons does the author provide for believing that claim?

3. What proof or evidence does the author provide to convince the reader that the reasons are valid?

4. Was the author convincing? If so, what did the author do to convince you of the claim? If not, what was weak about the argument?

February 23, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

#1 Quick Write

On Thursday, we looked at the article "I Can't Think" by  Sharon Begley. You were to review the article and be ready for a Quick Write.  For homework, you also read "The Whole World Is Watching by Thomas L. Friedman.

Select one of the following prompts and respond in writing. You have 15 minutes. This is a personal opinion response, but you need to back up your opinion with examples from the article and life. Post in CANVAS.

Topic #1:

 "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas L. Friedman http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0

“The persistence of memory in electronic form makes second chances harder to come by,” writes Seidman. “In the information age, life has no chapters or closets; you can leave nothing behind, and you have nowhere to hide your skeletons. Your past is your present.” So the only way to get ahead in life will be by getting your “hows” right.

 Is Friedman correct? Is your privacy invaded?

Topic #2
“I Can’t Think” by  Sharon Begley’s February 27, 2011, in Newsweek.http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions )

What do you think, or can you?. Is our culture Twitterized? Are our brains frozen? Do we have trouble making decisions? Support what you think with examples from life and from this article.

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 #2  "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury - as we read this, keep track of the futuristic inventions that are just the norm today. (Chart provided)

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzbtlcAsIeTnTlNmSnhOV010bHM/edit?pli=1 (Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc Story read by Leonard Nimoy

Homework

What about your health? Is technology helpful or invasive? Read one person's opinion.
"When the Patient Is a Googler" by Scott Haighttp://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1681838,00.html
Questions:
1. What reasons does Haig give to explain why he does not want googlers as patients?

2. I a paragraph or two, agree or disagree with Haig. Should patients research their symptoms on the Internet before seeking medical advice? What are the dangers? What are the advantages?

3. Make a list of all of the health related technology you can think of or that you use. For example, do you wear a "FitBit" or other health-tracking device? Do you or does someone you know regularly check blood pressure at home? Do you own a treadmill or other fitness equipment?

4. Does technology make us healthier? Explain in a brief paragraph. (30 points)

 

 

February 18, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Quick discussion . . . How "wired" are we as a society?
This was the homework -
Look around your home. Take an inventory of the technology there. Pick one item to study.

• Who invented the item?
• What caused a need for the item?
• What did it look like originally?
• What does it look like now?
• How much does it cost?
• How has the item changed/evolved in your life time?
• Are there any dangers associated with the item?
• Have some fun, what do you think the item will be like in the future? Think about size, cost, and function.
• If you do not see a future for your item, what will replace it? Why won't it be needed? (Think about land-line phones.)
• In 20 years, will you still own/need one? Explain.(20 points)

2. "I Can't Think" activity- listen for the instructions.
"I Can't Think" by Sharon Begley

http://www.sharonlbegley.com/the-science-of-making-decisions

Read the entire article over the weekend. Be ready for a Quick-Write activity on Tuesday.

 

HOMEWORK

Topic: Favorite App! (30 points)

1. What is your favorite app?
2. How much time do you spend using it?
3. What makes it so wonderful?
4. What do you have to do to use it? In other words, what are the instructions?
5. How does this app improve your life, or does it?
6. Finally, convince readers that they should download the app and start using it!

AND

 Read the article and post your answers in CANVAS. "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas L. Friedman http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0

Questions:

1. How does Friedman choose to begin his article? Is the introduction effective?

2. Is our world more transparent than the world of our great grandparents? Explain.

3. What is a "digital fingerprint"? Is a digital fingerprint a blessing or a curse in your life?

4. Google yourself. Who are you in cyberspace? How much information is "out there" about you? What might a future employer think about the information?

5. Has your privacy been invaded or are you safer because of technology?

(25 points)

 

 

 

February 16, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

Let's get rid of those pesky run-on sentences. Here's how! http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/powerpoint.htm

This information is also great for avoiding comma splices!

Solution #1: 

 Let's meet the FANBOYS! They are a wonderful group of words designed to connect words and independent clauses (sentences). However, since sentences are usually bigger than words, they must call for help! Also, meet the powerful comma, a multifaceted punctuation mark!

Solution #2: Semicolons alone

Solution #3: Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs/(Snob words), and commas

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/conjunctiveadverb.htm

Solution #4: Write two sentences instead of one on-and-on sentence.

 

Let's practice: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/runons_quiz.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/nova/nova4.htm

 

Handout: Help is on the way! Work with a partner to improve these pesky run-on sentences. Some may be sentences with comma splices. Either way, help is needed!

 

1. Homework

 

Make corrections to your Body Art essay.

A. Staple the corrected essay to the essay that needs corrections.

B. Turn it in by hand on Thursday.

C. Earn up to three extra points on your score.

 

 

Something new . . .

2. Look around your home. Take an inventory of the technology there. Pick one item to study.

• Who invented the item?
• What caused a need for the item?
• What did it look like originally?
• What does it look like now?
• How much does it cost?
• How has the item changed/evolved in your life time?
• Are there any dangers associated with the item?
• Have some fun, what do you think the item will be like in the future? Think about size, cost, and function.
• If you do not see a future for your item, what will replace it? Why won't it be needed? (Think about land-line phones.)
• In 20 years, will you still own/need one? Explain.(20 points)

Write this in paragraph form. The "history" part needs to be researched. Credit your sources with the URLs.

Also post the inventory. (5 points)