Tech Talk Newsletter
From CurriculumWiki
Contents |
Introduction
Technology is an important part of our everyday lives. We are surrounded by it and it is constantly changing. Think of the internet and all of the information and resources that we have at our fingertips. You will identify individuals that have made a considerable impact on technology and computers, examine ways in which technology has been abused and whether or not new technologies always lead to progress. You will develop an understanding of the importance of technology, reflect on the changes it has made in our lives, and question the direction of its growth. Understanding how technology impacts our lives and who is encouraging those changes in technology is important. As a group, you will create a newsletter publication using Microsoft Publisher.
Task
Your group has been hired to write articles for a newsletter geared toward High School students interested in technology and the Internet. Each student in the group should choose one of the following sections of the newsletter. (If there are more sections than students, additional sections should be shared by all.)
- Who’s who among tech people-an article about someone who has made an impact on technology
- Interesting website-a summary of a new or interesting website on the Internet
- Technology in society-an article about a technology topic that impacts our society
- Technology in school-an article about a technology topic that impacts our schools
- Technology puzzle-a wordsearch, crossword, scramble, or jumble puzzle based on technology vocabulary.
Each student in the group should research their topic and write an article to be included in the group publication.
Process
Step One
Check the assignment calendar so that you stay on track. Divide the tasks to be completed. Each group member should have an individual section to work on, and all extra sections may be shared.
Step Two
Use the following links to search for information on your topic:
- Google-search engine
- Alta Vista-search engine
- Puzzlemaker-Make word and math puzzles with this free online software.
- Yahoo News-search engine for current news reports and issues
- eSchool News-online educational technology and internet newspaper
Step Three
Choose one of the Microsoft Publisher newsletter templates to create the group newsletter. The group should take this opportunity to create a title for the newsletter. Save this draft in your group folder.
Step Four
Each member should create a new document and write their article based on the research they find. Save the document in your folder. Be sure that your article is long enough to fit into the designated section in the newsletter template.
Step Five
Members should collaborate on the technology puzzle and decide which words to use. Go to Puzzle Maker or another chosen site to create a puzzle for the newsletter. Add the puzzle to the newsletter. Save this draft in your group folder.
Step Six
Each member should open their article document saved in their folder. Click and drag to select the article information. Right-click and copy the information. Open the newsletter document saved in your group folder. Right-click and paste the article information into the appropriate section of the newsletter. Be sure to use spell check. Save the newsletter again.
Step Seven
Add graphics where necessary, and change design colors. Save final draft in the group folder. Email it to the teacher.
Evaluation
| Category | Exceeds | Meets | Below | Warning
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Graphics included in the newsletter explain and reinforce the content | Graphics relate to text content | Graphics included don’t relate well to content | On graphics included |
| Content | All four topics are represented in the newsletter. The articles are each 100 or more words and presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow | All four topics are represented in the newsletter. The articles are less than 100 words and presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow | Less than four topics are represented in the newsletter. The articles are less than 100 words and presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow | Less than four topics are represented in the newsletter. The articles are less than 100 words and presents information in an illogical way that is difficult to follow |
| Puzzle | Puzzle is interesting and relates to the overall topic | Puzzle relates somewhat to the overall topic | Puzzle does not relate to the overall topic | No puzzle present |
| Writing | Writing follows conventions of grammar. There are no errors in spelling or grammar. | Writing follows conventions of grammar. There are few errors in spelling or grammar. | Writing follows conventions of grammar. There are some errors in spelling or grammar. | Writing follows conventions of grammar. There are many errors in spelling or grammar. |
Conclusion
You have successfully completed your first newsletter. Congratulations!
Standards
Technology Foundation Standards for Students
Component 1-Basic operations and concepts
- Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
- Students are proficient in the use of technology.
Component 2-Social, ethical, and human issues
- Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
- Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
- Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
Component 3-Technology productivity tools
- Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
Illinois Learning Standards for Reading
- 1.C.4a Use questions and predictions to guide reading.
- 1.C.4c Interpret, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources to other situations (e.g., academic, vocational, technical, personal).
- 1.C.4d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.
Illinois Learning Standards for Research
- 5.A.4a Demonstrate a knowledge of strategies needed to prepare a credible research report (e.g., notes, planning sheets).
- 5.A.4b Design and present a project (e.g., research report, scientific study, career/higher education opportunities) using various formats from multiple sources.
- 5.B.4a Choose and evaluate primary and secondary sources (print and nonprint) for a variety of purposes
Credits
Authors
This unit was created by Paulette Grissett, Manley Career Academy, Chicago Public Schools.
Sources
ENIAC photograph retrieved from http://ftp.arl.mil/ftp/historic-computers/ on March 27, 2007. "U.S. Army Photo" from the archives of the ARL Technical Library.
ENIAC. (2007, March 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:09, March 28, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ENIAC&oldid=117003703
All images were retrieved from Microsoft Publisher clipart.
