journal topics august 25-30

I blame England.  And the precious few corporations that control our access to the Internet.  For the past two days I have tried to post journal topics, and-- after finally thinking I'd succeeded-- I learned that the posts didn't publish.

So, here in all their glory are the journal topics for this week.  Hope you're all getting caught up.  Thanks for treating the sub kindly.  See you Monday.

JOURNAL TOPICS

(Tuesday, August 26)
Reflect for a moment on your study of Beowulf. Summarize the knowledge you have acquired, summarize your research/thought processes and experience, and list any questions you have.

(Wednesday, August 27)
Given what you've learned about the first heroic epic known to be composed in English, and how it reflects the culture/values of its times, nominate an epic story from our times that will be remembered as an emblem of this culture in two thousand years. Explain your choice.

(Thursday, August 28)
Those of you in the on-the-ground course have all seen the sign: "There is glory in the attempt." Describe how this idea applies in your life.  Season your answer by reflecting on the evolution/remix of English and the stories we tell.  How does your understanding of the same idea change as you age/mature/gain more experience?

(Friday, August 29)
Does language merely describe reality or does it create a sense of reality? Do speakers of different languages just use different words to describe the same things, or do they actually think and see the world differently because of the language they use? Explain your answer.

hack to school night

(my t-shirt from OSCON)
 
To be clear: the word hack has been associated with definitions ("sharp cough, "cut with unskillful blows," & "illegal/unauthorized computer access," e.g.) that do not describe what we do.

We make connections and facilitate conversations that help people learn.   We build, evaluate and modify things to make them work better.

You know how they say, "[So'n'so] just can't hack it?" Well, we can.

So, at Back-- er, Hack to School night, we are at it again. Get here whenever you can. Bring whoever you want. Offer them the benefit of what you know and find a way to learn from them too. Share new ideas about technology and how you can use it to get ahead in life.

Here is the program:
1. Learner-led conference (see below)
2. Periodic "Intro to Digital Life" presentations
3. Sign-ups for "friend of the course" events and "digital drop-in" nights

Here is the process:
1. Think about these questions and your answers to them;
2. Bring an interested adult to Hack to School Night;
3. Have them ask you these questions, be suitably brilliant in your replies, and demand that they take notes so that you know they're paying attention;
4. Turn in their notes to me, get your extra credit, listen to me brag about you briefly;
5. Go home and finish your homework.

Here are the questions:

student led conference script

zip code extension

Mellany's résumé just reminded me of something important.  Including the four-digit zip code extension will ensure that: a) your mail will arrive faster; and b) whoever reads your résumé will see your attention to detail.  You can look up your extension at usps.com (the zip code lookup tool is here).  Thanks Mellany!

fox in sox curve-breaker

Thanks also to Imanie for this gem.  Rachael Garner (RHS '14) can beat box and you can find her at the Far Western-- any takers on Imanie's dare?  (I hereby double it.)

emoney... anemone... IMANIE

The email was a thunderous dunk on an asphalt court with chain nets.

"WHAT'S MY NAME?"

Last week I stumbled and called Imanie "Melanie" (or something).  She graciously forgave my mistake, and later sent me an equally gracious email with links to her course blog and a personal blog she's maintained for some time.  She sent me these links as a way to help me get to know her, get to know her name, and help her get where she wants to go.  I read every word.

She'll never have to tell me her name again.

august 25-30

Thanks to everyone for your feedback Friday!  Per our conversations, this will be the agenda for each day this week.  I will post a new journal topic for each day.  If I've forgotten anything in #2 please comment to this post.  Have a great week!  Next agenda post will be from "across the pond."

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Does language merely describe reality or does it create a sense of reality? Do speakers of different languages just use different words to describe the same things, or do they actually think and see the world differently because of the language they use? Explain your answer.

AGENDA:
1. Journal (If you're feeling particularly collaborative you can hum something in concert as a class-- but don't get distracted from the topic or your half-page.  *Bonus if anyone captures the moment on video & posts.)
2. Break into groups and work on what you find most valuable: the art of hosting good conversations online; the elements of heroism, storytelling, and language in Beowulf; literature analysis #1; Fox in Sox and "This Life is Your Life" videos; your blogs; or [what am I forgetting? please comment].
3. Please do a quickie audit by period and make sure everyone's commented to the literature analysis posts (I think we're close; if we're still missing a few, please help 'em so you can go over questions together in class on Tuesday.)

HW:
1. Tie up loose ends.
2. Post to your blog about your day in independent learning.  Title: MY UNIVERSITY

thanks for feedback on "learning networks"

Thanks to everyone for your observations and questions yesterday-- I'm grateful to be in your network!  Below is the Prezi, please feel free to peruse and add any comments.  Mark's contact information is included, so if you're interested in Cal Poly, architecture, or in collaborating with his students this coming winter & spring, please feel free to drop him a line.  I'll be online all week, see you in person a week from Monday!