Final Blog 1010: Self Reflection

“The day that you consider that you know everything…you can do anything without any practice, I think you are closing the doors to improvement” (Sadeed, Raz: HISD teacher).

This applies to everyone. I especially want to (& have) learn from my students, schools, & classes, every year (or semester). 

You will likely be my last college students, or at least for a good while. Bittersweet! :(  I have enjoyed hearing/reading your ideas upon modern issues. Hopefully you can see the legitimacy of being literate, researching ongoing worldwide issues, speaking up for issues you believe in, and even self responsibility under time crunches/stressors. 

I would love to keep up with your lives (goals/dreams). I love seeing people make history, show passion for their logical ideas, & build others up! Feel free to find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even just email me occasionally. Whatever your dreams are, don't quit! You will fall or fail sometimes, though. 

For this, your final IN CLASS blog A) Tell me what you learned either in this specific class, from me, fellow students, or even a new found understanding you have of yourself after beginning college. B) Discuss new ideas or life goals you may have. (If you want to share something personal [not with the whole class], you may email me at j.d.hanson@hotmail.com; however, you still need to comment on other student's blog posts)!

Remember, it takes integrity & hard-work to TRULY accomplish goals. Anyone can be GIVEN a trust-fund or the easy route with everything; it is what you earn & strive for that mean something. 

Never compare yourself/compete with others; push yourself; no one else can force you to strive, work, & achieve goals in real life, but, luckily you have a choice, everyday! 

I will miss teaching college, but am ready for my next adventure! I hope you're ready for yours. + I'll be your biggest cheerleader, if you need one, & feel like no one believes in you. 

"Killings" blog #3

After tonight's presentation of topics aloud, you should have chosen an interesting topic someone else is researching; I don't expect YOU to research it. You can a tiny bit, if you wish; just say what struck you as interesting about their murderer/case. (1-3 sentences). If you were absent, look at the list & choose another case to look into.

For the 2nd half of In the Bedroom you were supposed to be watching for DETAILS. You should have found something subtle that you noticed they added to the film vs. the short story, or changed. Or, note if you interpreted it differently when you read it vs. how something was adapted for the screen.

Again, I gave the example of last week (1st half's viewing) when the lawyer could not understand their case since he did not have children; therefore, Matt & Ruth focused on the framed images of he & his wife's dogs; try to think of differences (additions/ subtractions) from the 2nd half of the film or details of how something was done on screen vs. or similarly to how you thought it would be done after having read the short story.

Keep researching for your paper!

Obviously, this will still be due 11:59 pm central time Sunday, April 12th & you are to comment on one fellow student's post!

Ms. Hanson

"Killings" Blog #2

A)You should have picked a murderer or a victim from the list of 60 choices I gave you [on D2L] by next Wednesday; I would pick at least two, as NO ONE will be allowed to have the same choice. For this reason, do not do any hard-core research (yet) on the murder case. I will allow much time in class for this, for several class meetings! Save yourself some time. I will ask everyone in class to tell why they picked the two choices. So have something typed out (~2-5 full sentences). DO NOT just say, "Oh I choose...whatever" that day, & think that will suffice.

B)For the blog, you will discuss in 7-10 succinct sentences why (if) your opinion about a character you selected changed during the film adaptation viewing. This is why I said to take notes during the screening. If your opinion did not change, perhaps it further solidified your opinion. Discuss that from the viewing of the first half; either way, do it in 7-10 succinct sentences here on the blog.  If your opinion is TOTALLY the same as when you read the short story, then you should discuss aspects that were added/ subtracted in the film adaptation & how they might have affected your interpretation--since you only had the short story to go on, prior!

C) Then, you will comment on one other student's stance/ chosen character, regarding the 1st half of the film. Both your comment & one for a fellow student's post is due Sunday, April 5th by 11:59 PM.

Ms. Hanson

"Killings" Blog #1

After you complete the last 5-10 pages of the short story "Killings" (we began in class tonight), you will choose a murderer or a victim; you can relate to them or you can adamantly disagree with their stance/ motives. I printed these short stories for everyone present in class; however, I have also attached the PDF of it on D2L's News-feed. 

Be able to discuss it one way or the other; use at least one quote to back up your argument, thus far. You will ONLY choose ONE stance concerning the "Killings" short story [murderer vs. victim] for your final paper; however, I want you to be comfortable choosing either one, in case when you get the murder case list, you want to choose another perspective than you originally selected. 

Then, you will comment on one other student's stance/ chosen character. 

Both your comment & one for a fellow student's post is due Sunday by 11:59 PM. 

Ms. Hanson 

#faceyourfears

Blogging About Acts III & IV + Essay #2/ Weather Issues...DUE Sunday, March 7th by 11:59 PM

I am totally aware how ridiculous it is the class has been canceled 3 times & next week we will not meet (W-March 11th) due to Spring Break.

Therefore, we MUST all get caught up; luckily, you all already did your first paper & project; I just never got to GET THEM in hard-copy.

Next, I tried to "lecture" online through YouTube, but I know some people still have questions (understandably).

Your 2nd essay's rough draft WILL be due for work-shopping (FULL ROUGH DRAFT- WITH COMPLETED RESEARCH) the W after SB, March 18th, STILL--sticking with the course calendar.

For the purposes of THIS blog, you will...

1. Discuss Acts III/ IV of The Crucible & THEN transition with how it or Miller's allegorical telling of it has affected your choice of a modern day witch-hunting topic...
2. Discuss the topic BRIEFLY (2-5 sentences) you are considering or doing your paper on. You must stick with this; don't get further behind on research.
3. I expect  you to be working on your slogan/ sign & chant to accompany, which is NOT due until the FINAL DRAFT of essay #2 (March 25th).  
4. You should have gotten a call/ email, or text from me regarding getting totally caught up or will be later today; I expect everyone to have taken the 2 quizzes & blogged upon Acts I/II of The Crucible + MLA materials assigned BEFORE beginning this blog/ assignment. You will have an opportunity to ask questions when we correspond. 

--Ms. Hanson 

Blogging About MLA Formatting, Acts I & II + Chapter 10 St. Martin's Analyzing Stories...Due 3/2/15' @ 1 PM

Last week when class was canceled for the snow day, I did not want to overwhelm anyone with further assignments beyond completing your first paper & getting it turned in entirely; however, now we MUST move forward.

In the first YouTube video (posted earlier), I introduced you to The Crucible information for Acts I/II,  & what you needed to know before attempting that quiz in D2L.

In the 2nd YouTube video, here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T5eNmUsnD4&feature=youtu.be] I am discussing MLA formatting, which will be required for your final two papers this semester.

The final (3rd video) will be about analyzing literature in your research paper;  I posted it to D2L; you have begun reading The Crucible and should complete that first quiz before you attempt to begin anything further (D2L 2nd paper/presentation assignment); I don't want you getting further behind. That reading should have been DONE before now (since you would have quizzed on it 6-9 pm 2-25-15, normally).

Your 2nd paper Assignment sheet, topic options, and sample speech outline, along with the MLA formatting PPT,  are all attached on D2L's Newsfeed.

For this blog, you will discuss first

A) Your thoughts regarding Acts I/II of The Crucible after having watched my YouTube Video regarding it, as well as the three YouTube videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maO-fGhAOmE ;  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_A4X_Q0XJ4 ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHzsQgbQdAc (discussing the Red Scare allegorical connection Miller was alluding to in his play).

B) You should also read Chapter 10 in your St. Martin's textbook, regarding Analyzing Stories.

C)Lastly, I would like you to list any concerns or comments you might have about MLA formatting & expectations you might not be 100% sure upon after having watched my video & reviewing the PPT (attached to D2L).

Again, I apologize profusely for your having to do so much work at home; however, we are extremely behind now after the weather caused us to cancel two Wednesdays in a row.

QUIZ UP (1 am) Through Sunday (Really 1 am Monday)

Quiz will be up at 1 am! I decided since there are 22 questions for the two acts (all multiple choice) to give you an hour; it will cut you off though! So... BE SURE to pace yourself, save each question, & SUBMIT at end or it will not count. It will be 1 hour from whenever you start it Thur-Sun. 

Keep looking for updates about other responsibilities for the weekend. 

Ms. Hanson 

CURSED WEATHER! CLASS CANCELLED AGAIN (ALL AFTER 4 PM Wed. 2-25-15) SEE VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE.

Motlow College

46 mins · 

Wednesday, Feb. 25: All Motlow College campuses will close at 4 p.m. All classes scheduled for 4 p.m. and later are cancelled.

I had planned

Good-Bye P&R :/

minute by minute every way to catch us up from missing last week for tonight, but plans have changed, obviously. However, that does NOT exempt everyone from the quiz. I had already planned to have the quiz done through D2L tonight (in the lab); it will be open for 20 minutes (timed) from the time you open. Since the weather is crazy, I will accommodate by leaving this available throughout the weekend in case some do not see this post, D2L, or respond to my phone call. 

We will STILL have a quiz next Wednesday (during class-time-regardless of if the weather cancels us again or NOT). 

Also, we cannot change the course calendar date wise on ANYTHING now. You will simply have to do more work at home than I had planned. 

I will post the assignment sheet for essay #2, the speech outline that goes with it for the presentation, & a YOUTUBEVIDEO explaining what I want you to do! I know. Crazy; however, I have to improvise with this weather. So you'll still "get" to see me ;) Pretend we're online; not my choice. I apologize for the inconvenience. 

ENGL 1010- Bonus Follow-Up!

I mentioned the two bonus opportunities this weekend! 

• NOTE--if you do the UNPLUG event with the library this week: "Each qualified reading session (15 minutes or longer) enters the participant into the Prize Drawings to be held on Monday, March 2nd.  ALL Students, Staff, and Faculty are invited to participate!"
• The 2nd event is TOMORROW (11 am-2 pm)>>>

Reading works by people from ALL walks of life is so pertinent to a well-rounded & open minded society! Join the Diversity Club Tuesday (11 am-2pm) at Motlow State Community College's Smyrna Center' s Student Success Center Tuesday February 24th (TOMORROW) to learn about phenomenal black writers! I'll be reading poetry by our previous (2012-14) U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey & discussing why her work matters to ME! Who is your favorite black author?!?! Speak up below on the blog!‪#‎BlackLivesMatter‬ ‪#‎participate‬ ‪#‎ReadtoSucceed‬‪#‎whyjustduringblackhistorymonth‬ ? 

Crucible Note #KeepCalm

I did not assign a blog yet or give out the assignment sheet; I wanted to go over in class since we missed last week due to the weather; I am going to try to build in an extra meeting somehow to give extra time for the 2nd paper. 

Students emailed and blogged asking about the blog though, so I wanted to ease minds!

All you need to focus on is getting the Crucible (Acts I/II) read for the quiz Wednesday; again, here is the FREE link AGAIN to the play (in case you could not get to the bookstore/ library during weather or haven't bought for other reasons yet): http://www.hatboro-horsham.org/cms/lib2/PA01000027/Centricity/Domain/339/The%20Crucible%20-%20Arthur%20Miller%20.pdf  

Plus, of course, have your final paper folder (with all items I discussed to be included--on your self reflection sheet & D2L's Newsfeed), and your corresponding imagery. 

--Ms. Hanson 

Imagery/ Paper #1 Reminder! SEE ASAP!

FYI: I only got 13/23 students' images when they were due (emailed to j.d.hanson@hotmail.com) as I instructed Wednesday! The actual one should be brought to class Wednesday, February 25th.

Also, you MUST bring in your folder with the form I provided everyone with, final hard-copy, rough draft, & any materials (notes, etc...) taken down during the rough draft(s) workshop [even hand-written]. Bring all your rough drafts in as well.

Ms. Hanson

1) See Feb. 16th D2L Newsfeed Post 2)Bonus Opportunities: African American Read-In, Tuesday, February 24th & UNPLUG & Read Motlow Library!

• Please ensure you see the D2L Newsfeed post from Feb. 16th. It has directions about your reading & if you couldn't get to the bookstore/ library/ order one, it is there in an online link for you to read, FOR FREE; and...here it is AGAIN: http://gnauss.hrsbteachers.ednet.ns.ca/sites/gnauss.hrsbteachers.ednet.ns.ca/files/documents/The%20Crucible%20full%20text.pdf . You only have to read Acts I/II by Tuesday's quiz. 
• Teachers & some students will be doing readings by influential black leaders/ authors & telling why they are important to them, personally, in honor of black history month. 
• For possible bonus points, try to attend one of the 15 minute readings; they will be going on 11 am-2 pm Tuesday, February 24th (in the student success room). If you go, you MUST take a selfie of yourself at the event & do a video of the speaker you were present for. I realize time wise this may not be efficient for many; however, I will offer several opportunities throughout the semester (such as below). I do not assign a specific point value, so do not ask. I add in points needed to your ACTUAL final grade at the end of the semester or onto specific grades where you were lacking. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

• There is also an opportunity for bonus through the UNPLUG & READ event hosted by the library next week (Monday, February 23rd through Saturday, February 28th); however, again, if you participate, you must get a form signed by a librarian saying you were there. After you are done with your reading (not during-since you are to UNPLUG) take an image of the book/work you unplugged to read. I encourage you to hashtag #Motlow #Unplug&Read on your social media pages if you use them (next week).
• If you open the jpg...
  
  and click the print button, it is the same size as a piece of paper! Print in the library & get signed before you leave (after doing the activity-with NO technology on/ near you) :) 
• Reading is so important! And sometimes putting down our technologies can be freeing. 

     ----Ms. Hanson

ENGL 1010- New Assignment & Next Week!

I didn't want to confuse anyone by posting anything tonight before the final 1st paper was turned in completely; make sure you still bring your hard copies, rough draft(s), form I gave you last week, & workshop comments (all in folder) next week from your narrative, as well as your actual imagery (you should have turned in through email: j.d.hanson@hotmail.com! 

I'll be posting info tomorrow or THIS WEEKEND about the new assignment we did not get to go over tonight (as scheduled on the course calendar before all this weather nonsense); for now, just read ahead on that play I posted the link to or the actual book if you already bought it! There will be a quiz! See course calendar.

Thanks! 

Final Reminder 8 PM: D2L DROPBOX Narrative Submissions & Email Imagery...‏

You MAY turn in your papers later tonight; however, DO pay attention to the LAST deadline (9 PM CST). I got 17/23 submissions (paper through D2L) & 8/23 emailed imagery submissions. 

I realize class was "canceled" today for weather; however, I let you all know that does NOT stop your deadlines for my classes, on the syllabi & in person early on in the course. 

I would rather you get a "late" grade, than a ZERO! 

Ms. Hanson 

D2L DROPBOX Narrative Submissions & Imagery...

Remember everyone, your paper is STILL due by 6 PM (CST) tonight through D2L's dropbox. 12/ 23 ~53% THERE! ;) Also, I let everyone know to turn in their imagery through email (j.d.hanson@hotmail.com) (including one I accepted attached to D2L)! I have gotten 4/23 of those... ~17% THERE. :/ Not as good percentage wise. However, 3.5 hours left, so I am hopeful you will ALL come through. 

Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 1010- MOTLOW CLOSED: Wednesday February 18th; See Note Below...

Everyone, we will NOT have class tonight. Motlow had said just early classes cancelled last night 6 pm-midnight, but they updated through RAVE at 6:15 am: "All Motlow day & evening classes cancelled Wednesday Feb 18; all campuses closed." 

However, do still turn in your papers through D2L's dropbox by 6 PM & take a CLEAR picture and email  your imagery to j.d.hanson@hotmail.com; I have only gotten one email from a student with a broken laptop. Therefore, please be aware everyone else should STILL turn in their paper, as all you need is access to type & internet to submit. 

If there are any further extenuating circumstances, related to weather: [IG: can't get to a wifi area, to type, etc...] understandable; however, you MUST email me to let me know, or I will just assume all was fine and yours was LATE. 

I expect ALL OTHERS to turn in their papers, through D2L's dropbox.com as instructed--like normal, along with the picture (as noted above). 

STAY WARM & SAFE, PLEASE!

After you get those papers done/ submitted or have emailed me, please enjoy your families, get caught up on other things, & possibly WALK outside in warm gloves, jackets, scarves, to enjoy some of the frozen nature wonderland. #stopandappreciate 

--Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 1010- Snow Day & Current Message for Wednesday: See Immediately...

In case you do not have RAVE alerts, Tuesday, February 17th ALL (day/ evening) Motlow classes are canceled, tomorrow. 

Though I sincerely want you all to be safe & avoid roads this week, if weather is not any better by Wednesday night...MAKE SURE you still at least turn your paper in through D2L on time (6 PM) Wednesday, February 18th. That will not be excused. I'll post a blog if that is the case about your next assignment so we can stay on track. No excuse then to not have AMAZING neat printed papers & posters the following week, if our class does get canceled this Wednesday. + + + + + >>

FOR NOW...
http://gnauss.hrsbteachers.ednet.ns.ca/sites/gnauss.hrsbteachers.ednet.ns.ca/files/documents/The%20Crucible%20full%20text.pdf

^^(Odd formatting; however, if you want to read it for free... ;) I found you something to start on SNOW DAY!) At least you will most likely be in PJs! I will post something further in case classes are canceled Wednesday too about your next assignment we were going to go over after your presentations. 

P.S. My dad would make fun of all of us. Lol, he is from Michigan. 

Ms. Hanson 

ENGL 1010- Real Life Punctuation!

ENGL 1010: Important Notes in Case You do not Check D2L's Newsfeed Regularly (As You Should)!

• Everyone, there is NO BLOG due before next week! I want you to focus on the final draft of your paper & corresponding imagery. No blog was noted on your course calendar either! Remember to email if you have any questions (for relatively immediate responses- j.d.hanson@hotmail.com).  I have created the dropbox (here through D2L). You must turn your final draft in there & in hard-copy format on time (BY 6 PM CST) or you will not receive credit for your paper! To access this dropbox: login to D2L like normal, select our class in the dropdown menu, select the "Assessment" tab, & select "Dropbox." There you will see the folder "ENGL 1010 Narrative Final Draft." Upload your paper; it MUST be the final version; it needs to be in a doc or docx format (WORD). If you have a Mac, there are programs to swap it over to a word file; however, you must figure that out yourself, or with the assistance of the library.

• Please make a writing center appointment (register & look for open times Fri, Mon, or Tues if you still feel you need revision/ editing help! There are e-tutoring ones too, but only with Debbie/ Paige. I want everyone's papers to be creative masterpieces/ successful! :) This is the website (as shown last night): http://mscc.edu/writingcenter/index.aspx

•  Additionally, remember you must turn in the form I gave everyone last night, your final draft, your rough draft(s), any notes, feedback, suggestions other students gave you in workshop groups last night. These HAVE to be in the brad folders I provided everyone the first night of class. If you were absent the first night, get one at DT or Wal-Mart; they are as cheap as 25 cents- $1; put your name on a sticker on the front too! 

• Also, as it says on the course calendar that you should have gotten your supplemental text (The Crucible- by Arthur Miller) by next Wednesday; they have these in the bookstore; you probably could have gotten them cheaper on Amazon or check out at the library; however, I know a lot of people procrastinate. The first reading quiz will be the following week (Feb. 25th). Do NOT get behind or put off the readings; the quizzes cannot be made up if absent either, & you need to read/ analyze this text for your 2nd essay/ presentation, & blog personally about it. We will be going over the 2nd essay/presentation assignment after the imagery/ summaries of your narratives next week (Feb. 18th). 

• Please ensure you are ON TIME...Not 2-15 minutes late; respect everyone's time/ presentations. Also, attendance/participation is worth a grade in my class(as noted on the syllabi). We don't have horrible attendance in our class; however, I know people will dwindle off or sporadically show up. Not a good habit (in any class). 

              Have a great weekend!

             ---Ms. Hanson 

No BLOG DUE!

Focus on your final draft & corresponding imagery. Don't forget to set up WC appointments (in person or e-tutoring) if you feel you need extra assistance! 

ENGL 1010 -Personal Writing Tip; See While Writing Narrative Draft(s)...

Since your narrative will be personal, or at least needs to have your unique voice, I wanted to share this image with more PERSONAL/ EMOTIONAL words to use, vs. fluffy intellectual words. I will NOT count off if you don't use any of these or if you use some of the "intellectual" ones. 

Just wanted to leave the tip! Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Remember to post to your blog by the deadline & comment on at least one other student's post, soon after!

--Ms. Hanson 

English Composition Blog #3

• I hope everyone has clarity about the assignments and what is due next week (Feb. 11th) & the following (Feb. 18th). 
• Be sure to skim the readings (LBH- pgs on course calendar) & the attached (ON D2L) essay about getting away from the 5 paragraph essay method we went over in class tonight. 
• You will write one succinct (5 sentence) paragraph about items or an item you found helpful from those readings &/or the 5 paragraph reading we read in class tonight. 
• Your 2nd (5 sentence) paragraph will discuss plans or ideas you are cultivating or have already formulated for your story! Do NOT tell your story, a summary, etc...This paragraph should be more about your process in writing it (coming up with ideas, interviewing [if necessary], writing style, audience/tonal attentions, etc... Everyone's will be unique, obviously. 
• This blog will be due by 6 pm Sunday (Feb. 8th). Make sure you have commented on at least one fellow student's comment as well (but I will allow this part until Mon night/ Tue morning (12 pm). 
• Remember, your remembered event narrative can be a "Shitty Rough Draft," (though I doubt they will be shitty--it is allowed) and it will be due for work-shopping in class next Wednesday (Feb. 11th); JUST bring in a printed hard-copy or a copy on a USB that can be printed in the lab/ library. 
• The final draft & imagery (one image drawn/ collaged or even comic strip) are due (Feb. 18th). The final draft will be due in hard-copy and through D2L's drop-box, which I will set up. 

           --Ms. Hanson

English Composition Blog #2

In one concise paragraph (5 sentences minimum), tell me which portion of the writing/ drafting process is most difficult to you: revising or editing. Make sure you show evidence that you read the text (perhaps with a quote from your readings) discussing these topics. See course calendar for (LBH) reading requirements.

Write one additional paragraph (5 sentences minimum) analyzing (not summarizing) your thoughts about the "Shitty First Drafts" reading (attached on D2L's News Feed). Again, use quotes to help develop your thoughts; but do not use them as "filler;" only use as convincing support; remember the excellent standards of writing we went over tonight! 

Due by 6 pm Sun. Feb. 1st.

Also, if you hover over a classmate's comment, you will see "reply" pop up; reply to AT LEAST one fellow classmate's post. You could say that you agree and WHY, or vice versa.

Ms. Hanson

Doodlers Unite (#1) in 2015! ENGL 1010

I think the idea of doodling is very interesting. I have a ton of friends who doodled in college (and prior) while listening to lectures; I too incorrectly believed it was about their not being able to focus. 

I have been enlightened and wanted to share this with my students as a daily introduction, along with English grammar practice (to engage several different learning styles). If interested in this concept, check out this (Ted Talks) Video encouraging creativity, for ALL ages, times, careers, etc...! I am also using their thoughts about what they watched/ read this past week (their first class meeting) to do my survey project for my Ed.S. I'll be applying quantitative techniques to create a spreadsheet & bar graph about my findings! Last class: graduation May 9th, here I come!

So, without further adieu, these are my ENGL 1010 students' first doodles for Spring 2015! 

Ryan Conn

Cody Willis

Jake Thompson

Carlie Saint Louis

Russell Cederburg

Eli Harrell

Kristopher Maddox

Destiny Owens

 

Scott Anderson

  

Anthony Stewart

Unknown Doodler!--Possibly Carlos Gonzalez

Benjamin Williams

Der Lor

Kenneth O'Brien

Corey Edwards

Kalila Loukili

Jack Newstead

Neisha Wilkerson

   

Savannah Holley

Peggy Kelley

Tyler Litton

Sam Gillenwater

  

Heather Allen