Friday, September 28, 2007

RIF Day

Monday, October 1 and Tuesday, October 2 will be RIF day. Although we will be doing a number of class activities related to the Fear Module, you will have the opportunity to read for 25 to 30 minutes. Please make sure to bring your RIF material.

9-28 Happenings

Today we voted for the Packer Contest and discussed the Minnesota Vikings Entrance Exam for Prospective Players. We checked supplies, extra credit, the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip, the Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet and Outline. I handed out the LRT Calendar for October and I checked every student's Netvibes page to make sure they had correctly added the Valley Viewer feed. We discussed the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment and I answered questions regarding presenting the speech this weekend. We then switched gears and began the Fear Module. I shared stories about my fear of Guy Smiley and snakes. Students then completed a journal about their own personal fears. I handed out the Fear packet and students completed the Fear Inventory. Students began reading and answering questions from the Fear Case Studies.

Assignment
  1. Present your Parent Persuasive Speech. Have your parent/guardian fill out the evaluation form and sign it. Turn in at the beginning of next class. (DUE Tuesday)
  2. Read all three Fear Case Studies and answer all case study questions. They are labeled Analysis of Story 1, Analysis of Story 2 and Analysis of Story 3. (DUE Tuesday)
  3. Read and respond to the blog entry Fewer Male Teachers in the Classroom. (DUE Tuesday)
  4. Read and respond to the blog entry 3-2-1 Discussion of the Communication Module. (DUE Tuesday)
  5. Answer the poll question, What did you think of the communication module?
  6. If you have not yet done so, return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian. (DUE Tuesday)
  7. Check the LRT blog daily through Netvibes or at www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com.
  8. Bring all supplies including RIF materials.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Thank You Parents for Attending Open House

A big THANK YOU to all parents who were able to attend Open House this evening. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing a little bit of information about LRT as well as visiting briefly with some of you. I hope you have a great Friday and a nice weekend!

Weekly Update (10-1-2007)

  • Fear Case Studies & Examination of Fear
  • RIF Day
  • Dead Poets' Society

Note to Parents about the Parent Persuasive Speech

Your child has been preparing their Parent Persuasive Speech. He/she must present this speech to you this weekend. After listening to the speech, please fill out the Parent Persuasive Speech Evaluation and sign the bottom indicating that your child has completed the activity. The signed evaluation form serves as the completion of the speech and is worth 25 points if turned in at the beginning of class on Monday or Tuesday (depending on what day they have LRT). Please note that the evaluation form has no impact on your child's grade; it provides your child with helpful feedback. Thank you for actively participating in this activity.

3-2-1 Discussion of Communication Module

Now that the Communication Module is over, please take a few moments to complete a 3-2-1 discussion.
  • Give 3 putups--let me know what you found interesting, enjoyable, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Make 2 suggestions--let me know what I could do differently to make the module more interesting, fun, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Ask 1 question--share one question relating to communication that you did not have answered.
Your comments help me understand what is good about the Communication Module and what I can do to make it better in the future. Thanks for your time and input.

9-27 Happenings

Today we voted for the Packer Contest and discussed the Minnesota Vikings Entrance Exam for Prospective Players. We checked supplies, extra credit, the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip, the Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet and Outline. I handed out the LRT Calendar for October and I checked every student's Netvibes page to make sure they had correctly added the Valley Viewer feed. We discussed the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment and I answered questions regarding presenting the speech this weekend. We then switched gears and began the Fear Module. I shared stories about Guy Smiley and snakes. Students then completed a journal about their own personal fears. I handed out the Fear packet and students completed the Fear Inventory. Students then began reading and answering questions from the Fear Case Studies.

Assignment
  1. Present your Parent Persuasive Speech. Have your parent/guardian fill out the evaluation form and sign it. Turn in at the beginning of next class. (DUE Monday)
  2. Read all three Fear Case Studies and answer all case study questions. They are labeled Analysis of Story 1, Analysis of Story 2 and Analysis of Story 3. (DUE Monday)
  3. Read and respond to the blog entry Fewer Male Teachers in the Classroom. (DUE Monday)
  4. Read and respond to the blog entry 3-2-1 Discussion of the Communication Module. (DUE Monday)
  5. Answer the poll question, What did you think of the communication module?
  6. If you have not yet done so, return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian. (DUE Monday)
  7. Check the LRT blog daily through Netvibes or at www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com.
  8. Bring all supplies including RIF materials.

Fewer Male Teachers in the Classroom

Today's Star Tribune did a story on the declining number of male teachers in the classroom.

Mr. Teacher? Fewer men in front of the the class Star Tribune Article

Please read the article and respond to the following questions:
  1. Think of your teachers this year. How many male teachers and female teachers do you have?
  2. Do you think it's important that some of your teachers are males? Why or why not?
  3. The article states that many people think that teaching is a "female profession." Do you agree? Why or why not?

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

9-26 Happenings

Today the entire 8th grade took the EXPLORE test. 1/2 B had the privilege of spending most of the day in my classroom. Due to the EXPLORE test, there was no LRT class. Complete the assignment from 9-24 Happenings for Friday.

Star Tribune Article Says Minnesota Students Are Above Average

Today's Star Tribune had a story about how Minnesota students compare to the rest of the nation in reading and math.

Minnesota's kids are really above average Star Tribune Article

This test was given to a small set of kids but it is supposed to represent our entire state. Assuming the results are accurate, comment on the following questions:
  1. How does this make you feel about what you are being taught? Does it make it seem worthwhile?
  2. Do you think we can do better as a state? Do you have any ideas about what might help us improve reading and math skills?
  3. Do you think you are better prepared, worse prepared or about the same as other schools in Minnesota? Why?
This is an optional post. Post a comment and print it out. Turn it in to me during class on Thursday or Friday this week and you will earn two bonus points.

Grades & ZEROS

I've posted your most recent academic progress to Edline. This includes the 50 point Communication Test.

Please note that if you did not take the Communication Test, a ZERO is recorded which will negatively impact your grade. As soon as you make up the test, I'll update your grade. There is no penalty for making up the Communication Test.

Remember: I don't give you a grade; you earn it.

7/8 B Clarification of Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment

I've received a few questions regarding the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment from 7/8 B. Please let me try to clarify.

You will complete the top half of the Parent Persuasive Speech and a typed draft of the outline. I will check that in class on Thursday. On Thursday, you will practice your speech in small groups in class. You will then present your speech to your family over the weekend and turn in the evaluation form on Monday for 25 points. If you hand in the signed evaluation form on Monday, you automatically earn 25 points regardless of the rating your parent gives you. Let me know if you have more questions.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Parent Persuasive Speech Reminder

I've been reading your comments to the blog entry What Do You Want? You've all done a great job of listing what you would like to get or do. Remember that it's very important to come up with three solid, logical reasons to support your argument. When dealing with a persuasive issue, there oftentimes are very good reasons to oppose your viewpoint. Therefore, it's even more important to make sure that your reasons for your viewpoint are solid.

Special Note to 7/8 B

Today you received the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment. Please make sure to read the 9-25 Happenings blog entry so that you know exactly what the assignment is. Since I was unable to attend class today you may have some additional questions. Please post them here and I will answer them.

9-25 Happenings

We updated standings in the Packer Contest (Green Bay is now 3-0!), checked supplies and the Communication Review Sheet. I handed out the DPS Permission Slip and talked about the upcoming Fear Module. We paired-and-shared about the Communication Review Sheet and then I answered any pertinent questions before the test. We took the Communication Test. We completed a journal and then I handed out the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment. We discussed the Parent Persuasive Speech and started working on our homework.

Assignment
  • Add Valley Viewer feed to Netvibes (See blog entry titled Valley Viewer RSS Feed Address).
  • Respond to the blog entry titled What Do You Want?
  • Fill out top portion of Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet.
  • Complete a typed draft of an outline for your Parent Persuasive Speech.
  • Return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Parent Persuasive Speech Outline Template

I've created a template for the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline. If you go to Edline, you can open the template, enter your own personalized information, save and print. You've got your outline!

Please remember that your outline must be typed when I check it on Friday or Monday.

Important Update for 1/2 A

Please note that your homework from 9-24 is due on Friday. You will spend the entire day in my classroom taking the EXPLORE Test on Wednesday. Make sure to bring a #2 pencil, a snack, RIF material and homework.

Due to the EXPLORE Test, everything is moved back to Friday, September 28. Let me know if you have any questions.

What Do You Want?

Now that you've had a chance to think about what you would like to ask your parents for, take a moment to share:
  1. What are you planning to ask for?
  2. What are some reasons (at least 3) to support your argument?
  3. What are some reasons (at least 2) that may prevent you from getting what you want?

9-24 Happenings

We updated standings in the Packer Contest (Green Bay is now 3-0!), checked supplies and the Communication Review Sheet. I handed out the DPS Permission Slip and talked about the upcoming Fear Module. We paired-and-shared about the Communication Review Sheet and then I answered any pertinent questions before the test. We took the Communication Test. We completed a journal and then I handed out the Parent Persuasive Speech assignment. We discussed the Parent Persuasive Speech and started working on our homework.

Assignment (DUE FRIDAY)
  • Add Valley Viewer feed to Netvibes (See blog entry titled Valley Viewer RSS Feed Address).
  • Respond to the blog entry titled What Do You Want?
  • Fill out top portion of Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet.
  • Complete a typed draft of an outline for your Parent Persuasive Speech.
  • Return Dead Poets Society Permission Slip signed by your parent/guardian.

Valley Viewer RSS Feed Address

I would like you to add the Valley Viewer to your netvibes page. The RSS feed address is:

www.valleyviewer.com/rss.xml

Copy that feed, click Add a feed and then paste it in. You're all set!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Packers Beat Chargers

Brett Favre is now tied with Dan Marino for the most touchdown passes by any player. And the Pack had an exciting come-from-behind drive to beat San Diego and improve to 3-0! GO PACK!!!

By the way, how did the Vikings do?

Saturday, September 22, 2007

How Big Are Blogs?

On Friday night's WCCO local newscast, the Good Question series did a story on blogs called How Big Are Blogs? If you'd like to watch the video, click here. And of course, you're welcome to share reactions if you want.

There is also another technology related Good Question story on the same page titled Why Is Printer Ink So Expensive?

Friday, September 21, 2007

New Poll

Make sure to respond to the new poll! GO PACK!!!

9-21 Happenings

Today we voted for the Packer Contest, checked supplies and the Verbal, Vocal and Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment. We arranged blogs on Netvibes and posted a comment regarding the television assignment on the LRT blog. We also watched It's Not What You Say, took notes on the video and discussed some of the concepts. We also talked about the Communication Test which will be administered during the next class and worked to complete a review sheet in preparation for the test.

Assignment
  • Complete the blog entry It's Not What You Say Video Reaction.
  • Complete the Communication Review Sheet (Mr. Buckley will check this at the beginning of class for 5 points).
  • Study for the Communication Test (You may NOT use your Communication Review Sheet on the test).
  • Bring a #2 pencil for the Communication Test.
  • Check your grade on Edline.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials to class.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Weekly Update (9-24-2007)

  • Communication Module Test
  • Parent Persuasive Speech
  • Introduction to Fear Module

9-20 Happenings

Today we voted for the Packer Contest, checked supplies and the Verbal, Vocal and Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment. We arranged blogs on Netvibes and posted a comment regarding the television assignment on the LRT blog. We also watched It's Not What You Say, took notes on the video and discussed some of the concepts. We also talked about the Communication Test which will be administered during the next class and worked to complete a review sheet in preparation for the test.

Assignment
  • Complete the blog entry It's Not What You Say Video Reaction.
  • Complete the Communication Review Sheet (Mr. Buckley will check this at the beginning of class for 5 points).
  • Study for the Communication Test (You may NOT use your Communication Review Sheet on the test).
  • Bring a #2 pencil for the Communication Test.
  • Check your grade on Edline.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials to class.

Communication Questions

The communication test is scheduled for September 24 (A Day) and September 25 (B Day). If you have any questions about the test, please post a comment here and I'll respond.

It's Not What You Say Video Reaction

Although very cheesy, this video served as a good wrap up to the first module of the Communication Unit. Whether or not you liked it, please share one thing that you already knew and one thing that you learned from this video.

Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment

Part of your assignment was to watch a television show and identify verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages of characters in the show.
  1. What show did you watch?
  2. Provide a brief (2-3 sentence summary) of the show.
  3. Share one example of a character from the show and which messages they used?
  4. Explain what you think you learned/realized from this activity.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Grades are Posted on Edline

I have posted grades on Edline. Please keep the following things in mind:
  • Login to Edline and check your grade.
  • If you have a question about your grade report, contact me directly via email (jonbuckley@edina.k12.mn.us) or visit with me at school. Do not post your question on the blog. It's important that these issues are dealt with in a one-to-one manner.
  • Take ownership for your grade. I don't give you a grade; you earn it. If you're doing well, great job! If not, take control and decide what you can do to improve your grade. You can do it!
  • You are always welcome to discuss your progress with me. I am here to help you.
  • I will periodically update Edline with your grade so that you can easily track your progress in LRT.

9-19 Happenings

Today we checked supplies, the Communication Model activity homework and the printout of the posted comment to Mr. Buckley's blog. We also watched The Machine is Us/ing Us and posted a comment regarding the video. We discussed verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages and completed the Television Assignment in class.

  • Complete Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication packet.
  • Post a response to a comment from the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video a link is available on the blog.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials to class.

Explore Test Info

Here's some information from the school office about the EXPLORE test. You will be taking this test on September 26.

  • Explore Testing for Valley View 8th grade Students
  • On September 26, Valley View 8th grade students will be taking the EXPLORE test. The EXPLORE is a paper and pencil multiple-choice format test that was developed for 8th graders to measure educational achievement in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. An interest inventory, which is part of the test, provides information to students so they can begin to consider future career paths and educational goals. The content of the EXPLORE is closely tied to the ACT Assessment, which is broadly used for college entrance and placement. It is designed to measure curriculum related knowledge and complex cognitive skills. The intention of the exam is to give students an opportunity to experience this ACT Preparatory Assessment in a low-stakes environment, as well as to provide valuable information to students, parents and counselors that can aid in guiding future goals.
  • This test will be administered during blocks 1/2, 5/6, and 7/8 on Wednesday, September 26. Students will stay with their 1/2 block teacher during the testing. Students will need #2 pencils and a calculator. They may bring a bottle of water.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Netvibes--Phy Ed. Blog Address

The Phy. Ed. teachers have created a blog that will provide weekly updates about their class. If you are currently enrolled in a Phy. Ed. class, please add this feed to your Netvibes page:

http://pe8weeklyupdate.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

9-18 Happenings

Today we checked supplies, the Communication Model activity homework and the printout of the posted comment to Mr. Buckley's blog. We also watched The Machine is Us/ing Us and posted a comment regarding the video. We discussed verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages and completed the Television Assignment in class.
  • Complete Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication packet.
  • Post a response to a comment from the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video a link is available on the blog.
  • Bring all supplies including RIF materials to class.

The Machine is Us/ing Us

Today we watched a short video called The Machine is Us/ing Us. What do you think that means? Explain.

If you'd like to watch the video again, click here.

I'd like you to read the student comments at a later time and respond to at least one comment.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Blogging--What do you Think?

Blogging is a new part of LRT this year.

One of the reasons we use blogs is to prepare you to succeed in the 21st century real world. In the book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, Will Richardson states that "blogs can teach students the new literacies they will need to function in an ever expanding information society." It's nice to know that an "expert" thinks the same way I do about blogs.

But what you think is very important too! What do you think about using blogging as part of our class? Is it fun? Is it educational? Should we continue to use blogs? Give me some feedback.

9-17 Assignment

  • Complete the Model Communication Activity in the blue Communication packet (Due Wednesday)
  • Post a comment for the blog entry: Drawing Activity (Print a copy of your posted comment)
  • Add Fitness Fun feed to your Netvibes Reader (if you are currently taking Fitness Fun)
  • Remember to bring all supplies including RIF material

Friday, September 14, 2007

Weekly Update (9-17-2007)

Communication Review
Communication Test
Begin Parent Persuasive Speech

Netvibes--Fitness Fun Blog Address

Mr. Burhans has created a blog that will provide weekly updates about his class. If you are currently enrolled in Fitness Fun, please add this feed to your Netvibes page:

http://fitnessfun-burhans.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

9-12 Communication Presentation

Today Mr. Buckley gave a presentation about basic communication theory. What did you think of Mr. Buckley's presentation? Was it helpful? Was it interesting or boring? What was one thing that Mr. Buckley made more clear by talking about it?

9-12 Assignment

  • Complete the Model Communication Activity (Due Tuesday)
  • Post a comment for the blog entry: Drawing Activity
  • Remember to bring all supplies including RIF material

9-13 B Day Class--SCHEDULE CHANGE

As I mentioned the other day, I will be attending a reading conference in Rochester on Thursday and Friday and will not be in class. With this in mind, I've changed the schedule of events for Thursday, September 13 (B Day). You will tour the media center and complete a reading activity. You will then spend 45 minutes reading for RIF day. Make sure to bring your RIF material.

The schedule of events for Friday, September 14 (A Day) will remain the same.

If you'd like a copy of the updated September calendar go to Edline.

Drawing Activity

Today you had an opportunity to experience what it's like when the communication process (Sender-Message-Receiver-Feedback-Noise) was broken.
  1. Did you like the activity? Why or why not?
  2. What did the activity teach you? Or what did it teach you (show you) that reinforced what we have been studying?

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

We're Cleared for Blogging!

Yesterday Blogger blocked publishing on our class blog because a robot program incorrectly identified our blog as a spam blog. After contacting Blogger, a real, live person confirmed that our blog was not a spam blog and unblocked our site.

Although an inconvenience, we should appreciate that Blogger has systems in place to help identify and disable spam blogs.

Monday, September 10, 2007

RSS in Plain English

This is the video that we watched today that explains RSS readers. Show this to your parents and then show them your Netvibes page.

RSS in Plain English

By the way, we will be adding other cool features to your Netvibes page in the next few weeks.

Communication

After reading the Communication Chapter, post a comment that lists three things you learned from the reading. For example:
  1. Communication is not a one-way process.
  2. When communicating a sender can send any combination of verbal, vocal or nonverbal messages.
  3. Intrapersonal communication can be out loud or in your mind.
After you post your comment, be sure to print out your post. That's worth 5 points.

9-10 & 9-11 Assignment

  • Read and take notes on Communication Chapter.
  • Complete vocab.
  • Answer review questions 1-10.
  • Respond to the Communication entry on Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (Print your comment and bring to class-5 points).
  • Add all teacher blogs to your Netvibes page (Refer to Mr. Buckley's Blog for directions and feeds).

Blog Addresses for Netvibes

After setting up your Netvibes account, add all your class blogs by using the RSS/Atom blog address. Click on "Add a feed" and just copy and paste the URL's below into the box that says "Add a feed or a module to your page." You're all set!

VVMS 8th Grade Blogs 2007-2008

Von Eschen Team

Algebra & Geometry (Hoffman)

http://mrhoffmanmath.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Language Arts & Enriched Language Arts (Degener)

http://msdegenerlanguagearts.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Science (Von Eschen)

http://msvoneschenscience.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Social Studies (Weller)

http://mrswellersocialstudies.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Anderson Team

Algebra (Anderson)

http://mrandersonalgebra.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Algebra & Geometry (Hanson)

http://mrhansonmath.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Language Arts (Smith)

http://smithlanguagearts8.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Social Studies (Bangasser)

http://mrsbangasserss8.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Science (Anderson)

http://msandersonscience.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Extended French Social Studies & Language Arts (Farah)

http://mmefarahfrenchimmersion.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

http://mmefarah.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Specials

Academic Support (Voelker)

http://mrsvoelkeracademicsupport.com/feeds/posts/default

Alternative Math (Graft)

http://mrsgraftalternativemath.com/feeds/posts/default

Applied Science (Hemmesch)

http://mrshemmesch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Art Design (Kresa)

http://mskresaart.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Fitness Fun

http://fitnessfun-burhans.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

German (Schoenecker)

http://frauschoenecker.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Literacy Skills (Engelkes)

http://mrsengelkeslsfol.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

LRT (Buckley)

http://mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

LRT (Forster)
http://forsterlrtblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Phy Ed (Bender, Schwartz, Westrum)

http://pe8weeklyupdate.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Spanish 2A (Henke)

http://srahenkespanish.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Teen Topics (Waters)

http://mswatersteentopics.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Valley Viewer
www.valleyviewer.com/rss.xml

Friday, September 7, 2007

A Great First Week!

Thanks for a great first week! Each student did a tremendous job of listening attentively, following directions, actively participating in class activities and cooperatively helping others with setting up their blogs. Have a nice weekend and enjoy the Packer game!

Dividers for Binder

Just a quick reminder that you should make sure to include and label dividers for your three-ring binder before your next LRT class. The following divisions should be included:
  • Journal
  • Communication
  • Hurricanes
  • RIF/Tech
  • MCA's
FYI--You don't have to get formal dividers. You can use Post-It notes or blank pages of paper. Choose what works for you.

This will be part of the supply check that I conduct at the beginning of your next class.

Weekly Update (9-10-2007)

The Weekly Update is designed to provide students and parents a brief overview of what we will be doing for the upcoming week.

Introduction to Communication Module
Introduction to RSS Readers
Discussion of Communication
Drawing Communication Activity
Symbolism Activity
RIF

Internet Safety

As we discussed during class, SAFETY is one of the important Blogging Basics. The VVMS Media Center has provided a great link to Internet Safety sites. Be sure to let your parents know about this link:

Internet Safety Sites

If you'd like, take a look at some of the sites and then provide a comment about which sites are good ones so others don't have to look at all of them.

As always, a comment to this entry meets your homework requirement.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Blogging Basics

9-6 & 9-7 classes were given handouts regarding the basics of blogging. It's important that we are safe, respectful and responsible when using blogs.

If you'd like to see the Blogging Basics handout or the Confirmation of Blog Expectations, go to Edline.

9-6 & 9-7 Assignment

  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com).
  • Post at least one comment from any one blog entry. Be sure to follow the Blogging Basics guidelines; be respectful and appropriate.

That's A Lot of Blogs!

Check out this stat:

Technorati is now tracking over 70 million weblogs, and we're seeing about 120,000 new weblogs being created worldwide each day. That's about 1.4 blogs created every second of every day.

That's a lot of blogs!

I found this stat at http://technorati.com/weblog/blogosphere/

*Remember that it's important to give credit when using information obtained from other sources.

Your Computer Experience

Today you had the opportunity to set up a blog account in Mr. Buckley's class. How did it go? Did you have any problems?

State of Our Computer Lab

You had the opportunity to use a desktop computer or laptop during today's class to set up your blog account. On a scale of 1-10 (1=Bad, 5=OK, 10=Outstanding), how would you rate the computers in Mr. Buckley's classroom? Be sure to justify (give the why) your rating.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Did You Know? 2.0

If you'd like you can watch the Did You Know video again (or show it to your parents or friends).

Did You Know? Video

Feel free to share your thoughts here.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

9-6 & 9-7 RIF Day

If you looked at your calendar, you should have noticed that Thursday (9-6) and Friday (9-7) is RIF (Reading Is Fun) day. Part of class will be dedicated to reading for fun! We still have other activities planned, but it is very important that you bring RIF material with you. Remember that RIF material should be:
  1. Appropriate--offensive material is not permitted.
  2. Personally Interesting--find something that you want to read.
If you have questions, please contact me. Thanks.

9-4 & 9-5 Assignment

Here's your assignment:
  1. Be ready for a supply check--binder, writing utensil, planner, RIF material (5 points)
  2. Return Student Information Sheet and Parent/Guardian Sheet (5 points)
  3. If you don't have one, get an email address and bring the address with you to class. If you have trouble with this or are unable to get one, let me know and I'll help you out
  4. Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog at mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
  5. Bring Kleenex (if you haven't already)
Let me know if you have any questions. Hope you had a great day!