technology

The times they are a'changing. And it's up to us to change with'm. We know you know texting, facebook, probably Myspace, and more, right? In your RISE classes we want to use and apply that technological knowledge! You'll also be trained in -- and then expected to be familiar with -- gmail (including g-chat, buzz, and goole docs), movie-maker/i-movie, wikis, blogs, Shelfari and more.

Here are some basic technology expectations:

**Gmail Accounts**

 * Every student will create a gmail account to be used for various projects throughout the year.
 * //**Students are expected to check their email nightly, Sun-Thurs.**//
 * We will make use of various features of gmail: teachers will hold evening "office hours" throughout the year, as needed; students will also use the google docs feature when working on group projects; after field trips and projects, we'll also use "Buzz."
 * Need gmail help? Check out this Ultimate Guide for Gmail

**Email Etiquette**
Because you're online, you may find yourself starting an email that looks like this: "OMG, Gerbs. IDK what i'm doin with this paper. HELPPPPPPPPPPPP!" But, tempted as you may be to use texting- like language, we're going to ask you to be a bit more aware of your writing //voice.//
 * Begin emails with some introductory, proper address like "Dear Mr Han," "Hi Mrs. T," or "Hey, Mrs. Gerber --"
 * Sign your emails! And preferably, add a closing regard before your signature. "Thanks" goes a long way.
 * Write in complete sentences, and use paragraphs if you're asking or discussing more than one idea.
 * If you have more than one paragraph, hit "enter" between them to create a more readable script.
 * Reread your email before you hit send. Make sure you know what you've sent.

**Shelfari**
To keep track of the books you're reading independently, we'd like you to create an account on shelfari. Here, you'll be able to keep track of books you've read, books you want to read, and books your friends have read. You'll also get to share and read recommendations from your peers.''