October 13, 2016 - Thursday

Notice: We will NOT be meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2016. I was called out of town to help with a family emergency.

Please use the time to work on the rest of the technology paper. If you have misplaced the directions, look at Tuesday's blog post.

If you have questions, feel free to contact me on CANVAS.

October 11, 2016

Class Work

1. Continue with the presentations.

• Take notes and submit after the last presentation.

2. Share what you discovered during the interviews.

• Interview a fellow classmate. Use the same questions. Add to your notes. Remember to ask permission to use the classmate's name and answers in your paper if you decide to use any statements in the essay.

3. You are now ready to write your draft. Let's review the guidelines for the essay again.

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, television, apps, photography 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! –

d.      Use claims, reasons, and evidence to build your 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

 

4. Claims, reasons, and evidence -

• What is your claim? Is your selected technology a friend or foe? Pick a side - one side only.
• Why is this true? (Develop three reasons.)
• What proof do you have that these reasons are correct? (This is where you prove your point with evidence.

5. Focus on your introduction:

• http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english-center/writing/guide-to-writing-introductions-and-conclusions.html (Samples)
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm (How to)

6. Homework: Submit your introduction on CANVAS by Thursday. In addition to the introduction, submit at least one strong reason why your claim is true and include evidence from two or more sources. We will share these on Thursday. Have a paper copy handy or plan to print one in class when you arrive.

 

Happy Writing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 6, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work - Presentations Today!

Homework

1. Continue working on your annotated bibliography. (See Tuesday's blog post for links to guidelines if you have forgotten how to annotate your bibliography.) By Tuesday, post at least 6 annotated entries in CANVAS. One must be an interview. One or more must be related to the art. One must relate to the history of your item. The others must be from reliable sources. (50 points) Remember to use MLA formatting.
 2. Conduct an interview in person, by phone, or by e-mail.

• Create at least 5 questions to ask. The questions must relate to your technology topic.
• Post your questions and the answers in CANVAS by Tuesday. (50 points)

How to conduct an interview:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Interview-Essay
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/oral-history/

3. Research the history of your chosen tech item. Summarize your findings in 1-3 paragraphs and post in CANVAS by Tuesday. (25 Points)

Presentations!
1. Take notes. List the name of the presenter and the technology under study. Jot down three key points from each presentation.
2. These were the guidelines:

• Identify the technology
• Identify the work of art by name and artist
• Share information about the life and times of the artist.
• Identify the time period when the art was created
• Share what you see. Are the colors important? Explain. Is the positioning of the object(s) powerful? What about the shading or shadows, if any. Presence of absence of shadowing enhances the message.
• Explain the message from the artist. Art, like essays, shares a message
• Tell how that message supports or refutes your stance on the topic
• Be ready to share on Thursday. Post in CAVAS. Also, save your work on a jump drive. (5 points will be deducted from your grade if there is down-time because you did not save/share properly and caused a delay longer than two minutes.) Earn 75 points for the visual and 25 points for the presentation.

October 4, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. On the card/paper provided, write the following:

• Identify the technology you selected for this project.
• Tell if it is a "friend or foe."
• Give three reasons why.
• Put your name on the card/paper.
• (Class activity/discussion to follow)

2. Writing an annotated bibliography:

• http://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography (How to . . )
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/1/  (How to . . .)
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/02/ (Samples)
• www.easybib.com (Keeping track)
• Homework: Continue your research on your selected technological item. Create an annotated bibliography of at least five entries. Post in CANVAS next Tuesday. (25 points)

3. Locate a work of art that features your chosen technology. Create a PowerPoint or Word or Prezi visual to share with the class. You need to share the following information with the class.

• Identify the technology
• Identify the work of art by name and artist
• Share information about the life and times of the artist.
• Identify the time period when the art was created
• Share what you see. Are the colors important? Explain. Is the positioning of the object(s) powerful? What about the shading or shadows, if any. Presence of absence of shadowing enhances the message.
• Explain the message from the artist. Art, like essays, shares a message
• Tell how that message supports or refutes your stance on the topic
• Be ready to share on Thursday. Post in CAVAS. Also, save your work on a jump drive. (5 points will be deducted from your grade if there is down-time because you did not save/share properly and caused a delay longer than two minutes.) Earn 75 points for the visual and 25 points for the presentation.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=melting+clocks&fr=yhs-mozilla-100&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-100&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paintinghere.com%2FUploadPic%2FSalvador%2520Dali%2Fbig%2Fclock%2520melting%2520clocks.jpg#id=1&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paintinghere.com%2FUploadPic%2FSalvador%2520Dali%2Fbig%2Fclock%2520melting%2520clocks.jpg&action=click

and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Persistence_of_Memory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Disintegration_of_the_Persistence_of_Memory

September 29, 2016 - Thurdsay

Class Work

1. Discuss "When the Patient is a Googler".  What do you think; should patients use the Internet to research their doctors and symptoms? If so, when? If not, why not? How much information about doctor and/or illness is too much information?
2. Political ads - what did you find? Who does it best? What sort of advertising techniques would convince you to cast your vote for a particular candidate?


3.. Argumentative Writing: Claims - "because" - Reasons - Evidence. (Take notes from the board.)
How to: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/argument.htm (Follow along - ask questions!)
Homework
4. Reality TV ... are you watching? Should you?
"Why Reality TV is Good for Us" by James Poniewozik  http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,421047,00.html
A. What did the author say to convince the reader that reality television is "good?" List three points.
B. According to the author, why do some object to reality TV? Are there additional objections that could have been mentioned?
C. What do you think? Using examples from your own life with television, either defend or object to reality television. (2-3 paragraphs) (Post in CANVAS -by Tuesday - 25 points)

5. "When Reality TV Gets Too Real" by Jeremy W. Peters
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/08/business/media/08reality.html?_r=0
A. Study the introduction and the conclusion of this essay. What does the author do to capture your attention and to leave you with a message?
B. In a well developed paragraph or two explain to what extent does reality television encourage the public to make dangerous decisions? Use examples from the article and from life. (Post in CANVAS by Tuesday - 25 points)

6. Select your techno topic. Locate two resources that you might use in your essay. Begin an annotated bibliography.

September 27, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

1."The Veldt" - 10 minute Quick Write - two paragraphs - post in CANVAS.

• What happened?
• Why?

2. A day without a techno gizmo or gadget . . . using your paper notes, discuss at your table! Select one person to report to the class.
3. Persuasive/argumentative writing techniques - how convincing are these?
Review persuasive techniques from ads
http://managementstudyguide.com/advertising-techniques.htm

 

1. Bandwagon
2. Glittering Generalities
3. Statistics
4. Testimonial
5. Star Struck
6. Plain Folks
7. Youth appeal
8. Patriotic approach
9. Sympathy
10. Beautiful Place - ahhh - how relaxing!
11. Health appeal
B. Look at one or two Super Bowl 49 ads:
http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/features/super-bowl-xlixs-best-and-worst-commercials-20150202
C. Of course, what campaign would be complete without some television ads? Watch the trailer from The Candidate and then view some old political ads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RTIQWXzexU (Trailer)

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2016/09/25/The-best-political-ads-through-the-ages/stories/201609180009 Old ads


Homework: Watch or listen to or view a political ad for Trump and a political ad for Clinton. If you don't have the time to watch TV and wait for the Clinton/Trump ads, you may watch two of the older ads from previous candidates. (30 points) http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2016/09/25/The-best-political-ads-through-the-ages/stories/201609180009

• Describe each ad.
• Identify the techniques used
• Note your opinion about the overall effectiveness of each ad. Is the ad likely to persuade voters? Why or why not?

In class - work with a partner and find two magazine ads to study. (Magazines provided.)

• Identify the techniques used.
• Note the effectiveness of the ad. In other words, does the ad convince you to trade your money for the product?

Read this article for homework. Be prepared to discuss it on Thursday. "When the Patient is a Googler: http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1681838,00.html

 

September 22, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

"There Will Come Soft Rains" - what technology do we have now that was only a dream in 1950?

Can you think with all of the wonderful technology that we use daily?

• You will become an expert on one topic from an essay by Sharon Begley.
• Read the entire article. Highlight the information about your topic.
• Share your knowledge with others in the class.
• Your task is to talk to as many as possible to find out what technology may be doing to our brains!

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

Article: "The Whole World Is Watching" by Thomas Friedman (Save for Tuesday)
 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/opinion/27friedman.html?_r=0
Questions to answer:

• How does Friedman open the essay? How would you respond in that situation?
• What are the positives and negatives of our "whole world is watching" society?
• What "digital fingerprints" are you leaving? In what ways might that impact your future?
• Do you agree or disagree that blogs, forums, etc., enhance communication?

Video games . . . how real is too real. Watch and discuss "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. The house you read about for homework is here. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erkL_IqlupE (If we do not finish in class, finish watching for homework.)

Homework: Do you have any rights to privacy on-line? Read this article for homework. Respond to the following on CANVAS. Due Tuesday.

Illusion of Twitter Privacy

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/02/uncle-sam-and-the-illusion-of-privacy-online/385332/

A. What are three key points of the article? (15 points)

B. In a well developed paragraph or two, share your thoughts. Are people entitled to privacy on-line? Why or why not? (25 points)

 Homework challenge: Go 24 hours without your favorite techno item. Keep a journal of the experience - on paper, of course!  ( 25 points) You may use the weekend for this. The assignment is  dueTuesday.  Bring your journal with you to class.