Assignment

=UPDATES:= = = =Welcome to the Yahoo Project launchpad.=
 * Check out the Tools link on the right for some pretty interesting ways to convert Powerpoints to embeddable Flash presentations, ways to save and edit YouTube videos, and more.
 * MY MISTAKE: Page labels on Wikispaces won't accept a colon, so label your page: "First name(s)--Project Title." Example: Clay--Blind Following
 * I added one more reflection question (number 5) below. I want you to simply discuss what you notice when you compare your first "Yahoo Project" writing, where you wrote without having to use any figurative language, with your second effort, where you had to include it. My hope is that by making you think about the differences, you will remember the difference these things make in your writing.

Whether you are working as an individual or in a group, you should make a link on either "B Period" or "G Period" (linked on the left) to your project. Specifics:
 * Instructions:**
 * Your group grade is 80% for your project. Your individual grade is 20% for your script and images (follow directions below for that).
 * Label your page: "(First Names): Project Title".
 * Upload or embed your Powerpoint or other presentation on your project page.
 * UNLESS you have made your own website, wiki, blog, YouTube video, etc, to host your project. If you've done this, make a link to that site instead.
 * For each team member on a page, __link__ to your blog post that has your script and images for your original idea (if you don't do this, you get no credit) (5 points for link, max 20 points for script)
 * On your page, go to the "Discussions" tab and write a self-assessment (each one of you in any group) in which you answer these questions: (10 points)
 * 1) What specific purpose or "change for the better" are you hoping to accomplish with this product?
 * 2) What do you think is/are the most effective detail(s) for achieving your purpose?
 * 3) What do you think is the weakest aspect of your project?
 * 4) What 21st century tools (yes, we're talking "web 2.0"--wikis, blogs, YouTube, etc) do you think could help you to spread your message or idea to the world? How would you picture using these to increase your power to make a difference?
 * 5) Discuss what you see when you compare your first draft (solo), which did not require figurative language (analogies, metaphors, etc), with your second one. Be specific. Tell yourself, and us, what you want to remember the next time you write something you want to have an effect on your reader.
 * Have this uploaded before the final exam on Friday morning, 8.00 a.m.

=Why is this wiki called a "launchpad"?=

Glad you asked! After taking our 25-minute exam, we'll look at the presentations and decide which ones have the quality to be launched into "the real world." I/we can work on enhancing, publishing, and promoting the ones we choose (if their creators want to try this) over the summer. It will give us something interesting to do :).