Using Laptops in School

Now that you know you'll be using laptops in school this year, think about the ways using a laptop will help you with your learning. Think of some of the challenges you might face.

Assignment: In a thoughtful, typed paragraph write one way using the laptop will help you in school this year and one challenge you might face.

Go the Extra Mile: Write about how you will face that challenge.

Digital Etiquette Language

After reading the Digital Etiquette Language article what do you think about texting language? Do you think it has an influence on a students learning? Have you ever used texting language in an inappropriate setting (on a written exam, assignment)? Use details from the article to support your comments.

Comparing Books to Movies

Read the Wimpy Kid Hits the Big Screen article from Time for Kids. Then post a comment to the blog. Your comments must answer the following questions. Your response should be written in paragraph format.

How are the elements/features of a book and movie the same? Think about a time when you read a book and then saw a movie based upon that book. What kinds of things did you think about as you watched the movie? Was the movie exactly the same as the book? Why do you think movie makers change things for a movie? Do you think it’s important for movies to remain identical to the novels on which they are based?

To support your blog posting please use a specific example of a book that you read that was turned into a movie.

Does This Mouse Come with an Eraser? Students Taking Tests on Computers

1) What is the main idea of the “Taking Assessment Tests on Computers Offers More ‘Student Friendly’ Option” article?

2) What is the main idea of the “A D-Minus for Computer Exams”?

Using details from the article answer questions 3 & 4
3) What are the advantages of taking tests online?

4) What are the disadvantages of taking tests online?

Your Opinion
5) What are some of your concerns about taking tests on the computer? What do you like about it?

Comic Books in the Classroom

Read the Comic Books in the Classroom editorial. Then post a comment to the blog. Your comment must answer the following questions. Your response should be written in paragraph format.

- What is the source of this article?

- What is an editorial? Why do you think it is important that newspapers include editorials in their papers?

- What is the Comic Book Project? Why do you think Mr. Bitz created this program?

- Why do you think using comic books and graphic novels helps students develop their reading and writing skills?

Is Texting 2 Much Bad 4 U?

Read the Is Texting 2 Much Bad 4 U? article from Junior Scholastic, September 7, 2009. Then post a comment to the blog. Your comments must answer the following questions. Your response should be written in paragraph format.

-Why did you choose this article to read?

-What concerns do you think the author might have about texting?

-What are the benefits of texting?

-Are you in charge of texting, or is texting in charge of you (take the quiz on page 7 to find out).

-Share an important detail that you found in the article that you think every Middle School Student should know about. Explain why you think this detail is important.

Destination Mars

Read the Destination Mars article from Junior Scholastic, November 23, 2009. Then post a comment to the blog. Your comments must answer the following questions. Your response should be written in paragraph format.

-Why did you choose this article to read?

-What is NASA? What significant/important events have they been involved with in History.

-Do you think there will be travel to Mars in your lifetime? Why or why not?

-Share an important detail that you found in the article that you think every Middle School Student should know about. Explain why you think this detail is important.