This is your final required blog for your 2008-2009 school year.  I have hopes that some of you will continue to write in your blog.  You have made connection with other bloggers and hopefully are inspired to continue writing.  This quarter your self-reflection will take the form of a blog.  Please answer the following questions, one per paragraph:

1.  In your opinion, what was the purpose of this blogging activity? (Why did I choose to do blogging instead of more traditional writing activities?)

2.  What have you accomplished during your blogging?

3.  What key concepts have you learned while blogging? (This can be about writing, research or technology etc.)

4. Based on the skills you learned while blogging, how will this benefit you in the future? This maybe inside or outside of school.

I have been asked by several of you if people memorized these lines for movies and my answer is, “Of course.”  Now, how old do you have to be to act in Shakespeare’s plays?  Anyone can memorize with taking little bites and truly taking time to understand his words.  Here is an example of just a situation

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

You guys have spent the past 3 months using wikis and now it is time to use another form of Web 2.0, blog.  Now, you may be asking yourself, What is a blog? You have taken the time to look at links from my previous class in Costa Rica.  What did you notice about Diana, Richard, Ariela or Daisuke’s blog?  What made them different from each other?  What made them unique? You will use blogging to share your personal “news” or ideas to a global community.  Watch the two videos and complete this document.  This will allow you to compare and contrast the two.

Blogging in Plain English

Wikis in Plain English

Once you have seen the videos and set up your blog, complete the sheet, Web 2.0: Blogs_and wikis

Your blogs are taking flight and mother goose Rumford is impressed with her ducklings. You have waddled into the global community and your authentic voice is beginning to develop.  It is time to ask yourself, “What can  I do to expand my networks?”  Let’s be honest, you love getting red dots on your cluster map.  The jubilant squeals can be heard outside the frigidly cooled MMC when you realize another dot has graced your cluster map.  What does it take for your blog to get noticed?    In simple terms, you want to showcase your writing.  To do so you need to find your voice and make your writing come alive by using precise language.    You create voice buy selecting words that hook your reader.  Use vibrant, accurate, and engaging words that reflect your commitment to the topic.   You want your readers to feel connected; therefore, what you say and how you say it creates a personal identity.  Here are several questions to keep in mind as you write:

1. What is my purpose?
2. What do I want my readers to feel?
3. Is my writing expressive and honest? 
4. Does my topic come alive?
5. Does my writing encourage others to analyze and respond?

The global community is waiting to hear what you have to say. Get those fingers clicking on the keyboard, because the world is waiting to hear what you have to say. 

2008 PLAYA MANUEL ANTONIO FASHION SHOW

Greetings young Costa Rican designers, it is that time of the year when the Spring clothing line will hit Playa Manuel Antonio runways. So, grab your needle, thread, and scissors and start designing.

You will design and model a t-shirt that represents various examples of symbolism in the novel, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Get your creative energy going and use art and clothing as a form of expression. Quotes and pictures are needed to support your innovative design.

Minimum T-shirt Requirements: Title and author of the novel, 8 quotes and pictures, drawings or designs cover 95% of the white t-shirt

Materials due April 21: white t-shirt, iron-on transfer paper, and decorative items such as ribbons, shells, sand, buttons, permanent markers, glitter glue, buttons, leaves, paint, etc.

Entry Deadline:* May 2

Get your creative energy flowing and you might be the next…………

CDS TOP FASHION DESIGNER

*no late entries accepted.

Congrats Rumford Writers, we are entering our 3rd week of blogging. Last week you defined freedom and evaluated how freedom of speech relates to you as a blogger. Are we ever really free? Ben has an interesting perspective on this small but powerful word. Richard would like to know where do people draw the line? After evaluating famous quotes, Nicole decided that, “freedom to me means the ability to have power over your own actions, to have the ability to control yourself.” Marian has some powerful words about freedom of speech, “As more and more ideas are expressed, more and more people listen to them and have no other choice but to respect them. People’s minds therefore are being opened, by choice or not, because of a fast-growing generation of people who realize their right and actually use it. It is also that generation that is not afraid of breaking society’s rules that cut open or minds and make room for their crazy, modern ideas..” Also stated in her post, “Freedom of speech is breaking all stereotypes created by closed-minded, old fashioned people by simply giving the people a chance to do whatever they want.” See how Santiago relates freedom of speech to music, art, language, and clothing. Emanuel made an interesting connection about freedom and trust going hand-in-hand.

Katie has some final words about freedom of speech and the Internet, “I encourage you all to keep on blogging and now that you know about freedom of speech use it to your advantage. Always be careful because the internet is a very public place.”

I challenge you to continue incorporating other classes into your postings.  Mr. Katz will be impressed with your level of understanding the Bill of Rights.  Happy blogging!

Blogging opens you up to a global audience.  Please remember these precautions:

1.  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give personal information (address, phone number, IM screen name, ect.) on your blog.  Never give your full name.
2. You are writing to a global audience and everyone has the option to read your writing.
3. You are writing for your local community.
4. Never meet anyone you correspond with on-line.
5. Don’t assume everything is true.  People lie about their identity or adjust their pictures.  
6. Do not plagiarizing on your blog.  Give credit when credit is due. 
7. Don’t link anything before reading it yourself.  Make sure it is appropriate.  
8. Use language that is acceptable in the classroom.  Remember, you are writing to a global audiance.

The following information was used from blogging 101.

What is freedom of speech? In the United States Constitution under the First Amendment:Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. What does this mean to you as a blogger? This does not mean that you have the right to say anything without consequences. Evaluate your thoughts before you make them global. The Internet is not something you can hide behind and flippantly cock your head and shrug you shoulder in a sign of arrogance. You must take precautions and put the appropriate time needed before posting. First, we need to break down what freedom means.

• The condition of being free of restraints.
• Liberty of the person from slavery, detention, or oppression.
• Political independence.
• Exemption from the arbitrary exercise of authority in the performance of a specific action; civil liberty: freedom of assembly.
• The right to unrestricted use; full access: was given the freedom of their research facilities.
• The capacity to exercise choice; free will: We have the freedom to do as we please all afternoon.

Definitions were used from dictionary.com

So, what does freedom mean to you?  How does this relate to you as a blogger?  Take the time to evaluate your definition of freedom and how it relates to you and the Internet.  Post your answer on your blog. However, personal comments are welcome.

I am thrilled to observe that many of you have started blogging about your passions. Use this site to research, evaluate, and question what is important to you based on your values. Be open to other person’s perspective and challenge your own. Be willing to ask yourself where the root of your values are seeded. Once you are turned upside down and turned around, congratulations, you are on the path to discovery.Use blogging to connect with students around the world. One site you should use is Students 2.0. See what they have to say and hopefully you will become members of that site.If you are interested in the arts, you should check out Michael and Natalie’s blogs on music. Read what Diana thinks about the importance of playing an instrument. I am impressed with the Nicole’s header and she believes photography is “… a way to attempt to put forth thought and emotion through one single photograph.” Andrea understands what it takes to be a good dancer. If fashion is up your alley, Priscilla has the blog for you.Learn more about the leisure things in life. Brady, for example, has mastered how to flip a skateboard and Diego U has included a video on basketball tricks. Eva documented her trip to Salvador with the soccer team for the AASCA tournament. Jimena has attached a photo of her from her recent competition.Antonio and Daisuke enjoy technology and David has attached a Voki to his blog.Remember you are using this site to self-reflect, evaluate your opinions, and communicate to a global audience. Have fun and happy blogging.

Welcome 8th graders! I am happy to announce that you are entering the world of blogging. This site’s main purpose is to provide you with the technology to showcase your passion and to give you a venue for your voice. You have used Wikispaces for The Hobbit and A Separate Peace, now it is time to set you free. What is your passion?

Take time to research, process your thought, and use this blog as a platform to communicate your ideas.