Going Digital

Yes, I will be organizing my classes differently this year. I'm going digital, and so are you. I realize that technology is not universal yet. Some have iPads and tablets, some don't. Some have smart phones, some don't. But, the technology you are required to use in this class is free and available in multiple formats, including using a basic computer (which are available for free use in both the school and public libraries). The world is going digital, so we have to keep up. I wish I could give you each a tablet and a laptop to help you in school, but I haven't made my fortune - yet. In the meantime, we'll figure it out.

A few deadlines for setting up the digital accounts (all free) that you will need for this class:

Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 8:00am

Google/Gmail - www.google.com 

Each of you needs to create a "professional" Google/Gmail account to be used only for academic purposes (classes, scholarships, college applications, etc.), including Gmail, Google Drive (formerly Google Docs), Google Calendar, and YouTube.


At no time should you link your academic address to any of your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, etc.). 

Why? Once you use an email address at school (or in the future at work, on a college computer, etc.) you are giving that institution the right to monitor all communication through that email address.

What does that mean? If you use an email account at school, any administrator, teacher, or lab monitor has permission to "look over your shoulder" and even go through your emails, and any links within the emails.

Who gave them permission? You did, by accessing that account using a school computer. Yes, it's true.

Seriously? That's not right. Actually, it's quite right. WWW stands for the WorldWide Web. It's public, folks. Once you transmit information over the internet, you have surrendered most expectations of privacy on that information.

Want more information on internet privacy at school? Here is a link to a great article directed at students by the ACLU on using computers at school: http://aclu-wa.org/student-rights-and-responsibilities-digital-age-guide-public-school-students-washington-state  If you scroll down, not only will you find information on opening emails at school, but also on issues regarding cell phones in school.

Edmodo - www.edmodo.com

Create a free student account (using your academic Gmail address).

Edmodo is a site designed for teachers and students. Here, I can share assignments, ask survey questions, monitor group discussions, communicate important information, etc. In other words, this will be like my website. In fact, I can even give online quizzes using Edmodo.

Using Edmodo will be new for me, so please understand I will be learning it as we go.

Edmodo also has a mobile format, for Android and Apple users.

Once you have created your free account, you should join your class. Use the codes below to join the class.

English 2 - xxv5u7

Journalism 1 - 54js62

Journalism 2 - c9px2l

Speech - pgmpg9

Advanced Speech/Debate - e3uqsk

These codes will expire and the class will be locked Friday, August 23, 2013, but I will begin using Edmodo for classroom purpose on Wednesday, August 21.

In addition to Google and Edmodo, I will also be using this Blogger feed (also available in mobile version), and Remind 101 (a text message/email announcement service). 

Deadlines and assignment information will also be posted in the classroom and communicated verbally during class (unless not possible). 

It is up to you, the student, to stay informed, involved, organized and connected.