Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Technology

In the world of Teaching, articles about new ways to use technology in the classroom are everywhere. Every teaching blog, newsletter, magazine and seminar covers new uses of technology. Teachers are constantly told that you, students of the 21st century, use technology every day, are tech-saavy, and need to be taught WITH technology because that is how you learn best. We are also told that, in order to prepare you for the modern workforce, we need to teach you HOW to use new technology effectively.

Respond to that idea. What do you think about it? Do you think that teachers could be more effective if they used technology tools (think podcasts, web videos, online discussion forums, electronic assignment submission, tech-related project assignments)? Are modern students technologically inclined? What about being a student in Utah? Do you think that being in Utah keeps you a little behind-the-times as far as technology learning is concerned? Would YOU do better if more multi-media was used in your classrooms to teach and present, and for you to demonstrate your learning and communicate?

Monday, February 8, 2010

NBTT- Teachers you get along with

Since we're reading Nothing But The Truth, which involves a boy who doesn't get along with a teacher, I want you to consider teacher-student relationships you've had in the past. Have you had teachers that you just got along with whether or not you did well in their class? Have you had teachers whose personality just didn't mesh with yours? Without naming names, expound upon these ideas and thoughtfully consider how personality differences or similarities have affected you in your classes.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Love is in the Air

Think Fast! What's your favorite thing? Write an impromptu love letter or poem to your favorite thing. (You should write for the whole 10 minutes...)

Ode to Jimmy Choo Shoes

Your pointy toes, your spiky heels,
your beautiful shine just makes me squeal,
...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Honesty

How important is honesty to you? Is it more important than kindness? Share a story of a time you or someone you know was not honest and it caused problems or was 'too honest' and it caused problems.

Monday, January 25, 2010

It's the End of the World As We Know It.

The world is ending. There are natural disasters happening everywhere. You know that soon you will be stranded in your house with only the food left in your cupboards. You make a mad dash to the grocery store but everyone there is in such chaos that you know you'll only have time to grab one item before escaping with your life. What item of food do you grab?

Describe what the food is, how long you'll wait to eat it, what it will feel like to know you're eating it for the last time. Will you share with your family? Will you hide it away until there's nothing else left? Will you eat it a little at a time or gobble it all at once? Describe every aspect of enjoying this last savory morsel of food.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Super Power

Imagine that you have a superpower. The Power of Persuasion. You can convince anyone of anything. How would you use that power? What would you try to get, do, change? Would you use it for good? Or evil? Describe what the Power of Persuasion is.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Book Review

Write a review of the last good book you've read. You should include:

1 paragraph summary- what's the story about?

1 paragraph review- what did you like about the book? What could have been better?

Your review: how many stars would you give it?

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Create a Character

Pick three letters from the alphabet. For example, A, J, and L. Then, for each letter, pick a name, a location, and a job. This is your new character. Write a couple paragraphs about them.

For example: Arthur is a Lycanthropologist in Jamaica. He is 15. His parents are vampires vacationing in Jamaica (because it has a great nightlife). He is secretly fascinating with werewolves, who are supposed to be his sworn enemies. While in Jamaica he uncovers a.... and so on.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Ultimate Winter Break

Describe your ideal Winter Break. Where would you go? What would you do? Money is not an obstacle. If you could do anything you wanted, what would that be?