THS Lit 10

In one short week, you will begin participating in an online blogging challenge, providing you the opportunity to connect with students from around the world. More details can be found here.

I thought I’d write a quick post about my technology adventures this weekend in Portland. I have spent three days learning about emerging technologies, exciting tools that will allow us to create digital stories, movies, podcasts… the list goes on. I have also listened to leading educators, technology professionals, and other leaders in the world of instructional technology speak about the endless possibilities available at the touch of our fingertips.

Discovering the photo editing power of iPhoto during a workshop with an amazing teacher from the Los Angelos area, Marco Torres.

Sir Ken Robinson presented the keynote Sunday night, sharing his thoughts on creativity and innovation in realm of education…

Several students created interesting and unique posts for the slice of life writing blog assignment. A few jumped out as being especially original, creative, and worth reading. Remember, students whose blog entries are mentioned here receive five bonus points for their writing.

Micah
Johnathan
JB
Devon
Brittany
Jackson
Christiana
Makaya
Rhiauna
Brittany
Andrew
Devon
Tara
Alina
Brandi
Heather
Ulises

Listening to the memoirs in class a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming positive response students received as they read about important moments in their lives. A few stood out, sometimes unleashing a flood of laughter, a nod of recognition, an uneasy shiver, and, in some cases, a stream of tears.

Please take a few moments to delve deeper into just a few of these noteworthy memoirs and consider leaving a comment; the students listed here will receive five bonus points for sharing their exceptional writing with the rest of us.

Rebecca
Tim
Brittany
Cole
Rachelle
Nicole
Shelley
Johnathan
Bre
Alayna
Rhiauna
Colton
Devon
Mistie
Micah
Ulises
Sarah

After reading through many interesting blog posts, I kept finding myself drawn back to a handful of entries that really grabbed my interest, gave me reason to think about the impacts of this current economic downturn on our local community and inspired hope in the optimism and ideas of the young people I am lucky enough to teach.

Below a few of these notable blog entries are mentioned, definitely worth reading, each of these students receives 5 bonus points for their exceptional work:

Brittany
Cole
Alina
Rebecca
Cassandra
Jamie
Angela
Dustin
Rebecca
Ulises
Sarah
Rhiauna
Mistie
Makaya

The booktalk podcasts created by students during first trimester were both interesting and unique.  The blend of student voices, background music, and special effects made for some very intriguing booktalk podcasts.  I’d like to highlight a few that stood out as especially thought provoking, definitely worth a listen.

Nora, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

James, 1984 by George Orwell

Britney, The Other Side of Dark by Joan Lowery Nixon

Jordyn, The Memory Keep’s Daughter by Kim Williams

Andrew, World War Z by Max Brooks

Ashtin, Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Miranda, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Elise, I am David by Anne Holm

Michael, The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore

Anna, All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

Kelsie, No Finish Line by Marla Runyan and Sally Jenkins

Camron, Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian

Alicia, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

Jennie, Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Jazlyn, The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

Holly, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

After watching student after student fall into the pages of Stephanie Meyer’s popular series of young adult books, I decided to read the books myself. I devoured the first in the series, Twilight one evening after dinner, woke up the next morning and promptly began reading the next book, New Moon. Hooked after the first few pages, I now understand how easily my students disappear into the pages of the vampire tale.

Borders in Eugene will be hosting a Twilight Pre-release Party this Saturday

November 15 from 7:00-8:30 PM come to Borders to meet and hang out with fellow Twilight fans. Get sneak-peeks of the movie, show off your deep knowledge of the series, enter to win free movie passes, sample treats from Seattle’s Best Cafe, and lots more. Costumes welcome!

More details available at the Borders website.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Twilight series, check out the author’s website.

I wanted to mention a few of the blogs about blogging, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of undertaking such a task and challenging readers to think differently about the whole blogging concept.

Jennie

Camron

Alec

Cristina

Mikayla

In all honesty, your blogs about texting were both interesting and insightful, making it difficult to select just a few.  However, I whittled down the list and came up with the following blogs about texting that make for interesting reading:

Wyman

Alicia

James

Britney

Haley

Jordyn

Lyndi

Miranda

Malachi

David

Rachel

Claire

You obviously spent some time listening to the podcasts on YA!Cast and reflecting on what you heard.  I was impressed by the quality and depth of your reviews.  Below I’ve provided links to those student podcast reviews that stood out, worth a definite read (and perhaps a listen, too):

Alec

Riley

Connie

Cristina

James

Jazlyn

John

Rachel

Elise

Erica

Anna