FINAL BLOG!!!!!

Blog 9

Final Project Presentation Outline

I. Introduction of project & Team
- Team members
- Explanation of final project
- How you decided on your topic

II. Project preparation
- How much research was required
- Where did the information come from?
- Who did what?
- Were there any problems?

SHOW PROJECT HERE

III. Making the final project
- How was it created?
- Detailed descriptions of steps
- Who did what?
- Problems?

IV. Summary
- Was it a good group experience?
- Are you satisfied with your project?
- Do you believe in your project?
- What was learned?
- Rate overall experience 1- 10 1 being the lowest 10 being the highest.




The presentation should not only cover the final project but the entire process of creating the project from the very beginning. At the beginning of the presentation the presenter should introduce his team members and describe the project much like in the proposal. Then an explanation of how the topic was decided upon would be very useful information. Next, the presenter should describe the preparation that was made by the group in order to ready themselves to complete the final project such as library research, web based research, and physical research done in town. In describing the preparation also an explanation of individual work done if there was any should be described. At this point the presenter should stop speaking and show the final project. After showing the project he should describe all the details of how it was made. The end should be a summary of the entire experience.

Modern Day Slavery

Blog 8

Born and raised in the deep South the topic of slavery was never unfamiliar to me. Although I feel no personal guiltiness for the wrongs of my ancestors it remains a sensitive subject among many people. However there are more people in the bonds of slavery today than ever before in history. Modern day slavery is an issue that is ignored by governments all over the world. Because of the economic gains that slavery brings governments pretend not to see the human injustices that are occurring. Perhaps the most trafficked area of slaves in the world today is South East Asia. Millions of people are trafficked through the countries after being tricked, kidnapped, or forced to move from their homes. The most easily exploited are the weakest, children. Child slaves are used as workers in sweat shops, cocoa fields, brick factories and forced prostitutes. Many of these slaves work for nothing, All hours of the day without any comforts. They are treated like animals herded from place to place until they are in an unknown land where they are separated from everything that is familiar. There is no escape because they have nowhere to run to.
In the aftermath of World War II we found out the truth about the Holocaust and the millions of jews that were exploited and massacred. If we could have done something sooner to stop the millions of death I pray that we would have. Today we are at that point; millions are exploited, starved, beaten, and murdered every year. It is our responsibility to not allow this to be tolerated any longer. We have arguably the most influential government in the world. By making it known that we will not tolerate this injustice our government will have to react to the voice of the people. Speak out for those who can’t! Contact the international justice mission to find out how you can give a voice to the voiceless.

http://www.ijm.org/

I wrote this particular editorial for many reasons. This is a modern day issue that is ignored by many people. However I believe that our generation is at a point where we have the convictions and means to make big changes in the world. If the issues are not known how can they be fought against.This is a timely issue because it is happening right now and there are groups and organizations who are stirring up publicity so that change can occur. The editorial I hope would appear in a context such as a college newspaper, or website. The way it was written does not specifically say college students however its focus is on young adults. I hope that after reading this article that young adults will feel compelled to support this cause. For some I hope they will visit the International Justice Mission website and support the organization. Some may simply tell others about what they have heard and help spread awareness. Some however may be very convicted to make a difference and join an organization that is fighting this injustice

collaborative writing update

Blog 6 Collaborative Project Update
Introduction
This report discusses the progress of a collaborative writing group attempting to begin and seek approval for a proposed project. The workings within the group as well as the problems and successes thus far will also be discussed. The work of this project thus far has only consisted of a few weeks worth of meetings and actual discussion and progress.
Facts and Discussion
Thus far our group has met to discuss our topic as well as begin drafting the proposal and completing the proposal. The first of our meetings were very successful in that we were able to work as a group to create many ideas for our project. After we narrowed down our topics to one specific topic we were able to begin discussing the final project. After weighing many options we decided that the best product for our specific project would be a short commercial. This commercial will consist of different glimpses as well as interviews supporting our chosen topic. As our schedule thus far has not been very time consuming or tedious we are well on schedule. However, in the coming weeks our project pace will speed up and require much more work that may cause our schedule to need re-drafting. In our project so far the only problem that we have encountered is from outside elements. For example, as this project is one of many that are due not only for this class but for some team members who have up to five other classes it has been hard to meet and focus.
Conclusions
As of right now our projects stands as on schedule. Our group dynamic works well because of the variety of personalities represented in our group. We are confident that despite finals and other projects we will be able to turn in a complete and well made final product.
Recommendations
My only reccommendation refers mostly to myself. I will in the next portion of the project attempt to manage my time more effectively so that we can meet and work together on the remainder of the project.

Jobs!!!

Blog assignment 5
Teaching positions in Mississippi
This job entails teaching English at the Secondary level at various locations throughout the state of Mississippi.
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/mtc/vacancy.htm
USM English Graduate School
This graduate program is designed for English major graduates seeking to further their education by doing graduate studies focused on literature or creative writing.
http://www.usm.edu/english/grad-applicationguidelines_assets/Application%20Checklist.pdf
ESL teaching In the Middle East
This position is for an English as a second language teacher in Saudi Arabia. The position specifically asks for young women teachers.
http://www.oxfordseminars.com/esl-schools-directory/Middle_East/Saudi_Arabia/4023_Makkah
Reading Editor for McGraw-Hill
This position is for an English major of the sophomore or higher level. It entails proofreading and editing texts for the McGraw-Hill textbook publishing company.
https://mh.taleo.net/careersection/3/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=100000000R&src=JB-11560
The four jobs that I am applying for are very different in nature however many of the skills that they require are the same. The jobs consist of an editor position, Mississippi teacher, USM graduate school, and ESL teaching in the Middle East. Of these four positions a B.A. in English is required for all. Other Qualifications similar to all the job positions include: creative writing skills, leadership skills, collaborative work skills, verbal communication skills, technology skills, positive people skills, adaptive skills, English content knowledge skills, administrative skills, organizational skills, and teaching skills.
Of the skills listed above I have experience with many. I have held many positions of leadership in the past and present time. For example, I am Vice President of an International Outreach team at my university. I also have extensive skills in collaborative working because of my role on the leadership team at the Baptist Student Union on campus. I have been chosen as a speaker on several different occasions and have spoken to crowds of up to three hundred and fifty people demonstrating my skills in verbal communication. I have taught English overseas in Southern Thailand for two months. This experience has fine-tuned my teaching skills as well as my adaptive skills. Also, my degree in English from USM proves my knowledge of English subject content.
The position that I feel most qualified and best suited for is the Mississippi High School English teaching position. I want this specific position for many reasons. First, it is my passion to teach students in Mississippi specifically the important role of English education in their lives. I desire to inspire them to move from average English students to excellent English students who have every opportunity to excel in higher level education. I also want this job because of its location. I want to live in or near this city because of its strong sense of community and commitment to education. I want the experience of working in a school with positive hardworking administrators who team with the teachers in order to create an enriching educational experience that is equally available to all students.
In order to translate my desire to receive this specific position I will do many things to my resume that will ensure my receiving the job. First, I would make it look and read as professional as possible. I will create a document that is clearly stated and formal. I will also use words such as passion, desire, and work ethic to build my reputation through my resume. I would also make my resume eye-catching. By designing my own format creatively I will set myself apart from the other applicants. I will do this by implementing color and modern graphic design rather than traditional black and white.

email revision

To: T. Leoni, Manager, Personnel Department
From: Donald Pryzblo, Manager, Data Processing Department
Subject: INCORRECT PAYROLL CHECKS

I have been reviewing the current errors in hopes to collaborate and solve the issues at hand.

After, reviewing the computer errors I discovered that while some of the mistakes were the fault of my workers the majority were not. The position that my employees occupy only requires that they copy the information received from your clerks; because of this a large amount of mistakes points not to the copiers but to the originators of the work. If we can quit pointing fingers and get to the root of the problem both of our jobs would be much easier.

My employees do not have a sufficient amount of time to review that files and continue their daily work and it is unreasonable that I hire someone else; therefore by keeping a close eye on our employees and the documents that leave their hands we should be able to solve our problem.

I recommend that you tell your clerks to review their work carefully before giving it to the computer operators.

I changed many things from the original email in order to make it more reader friendly to T. Leoni. I changed the first sentence in order to create a sense of collaboration and team work rather than a competition. By changing “Computer errors” to “current errors” I was able to take more of the blame off of Pryzblo’s employees without looking sarcastic or aggressive. I began the next paragraph by admitting that Pryzblo’s workers did in fact make a few mistakes however, not the majority. Admitting and taking the blame for faults or failures creates a more open relationship and is more likely to result in Leoni taking blame as well. Next I explained how hard it would be for Pryzblo’s employees to make a mistake causing a shift in blame to fall on Leoni. Also instead of speaking in “you” or “I” terms I used we in order to create a sense of team between the two bosses. Last, I offered a solution to the problem instead of leaving thewhat now question unanswered.

Through this revision I hoped to create a sense of one-sidedness between the author and recipient. In the original copy the author wrote in an attacking way that immediately offended the recipient. By taking a less aggressive approach I hoped to gain the recipients trust first. By gaining his trust I was then able to have more freedom in suggesting that he look at his own employees as the problem. I hoped to not only get the point across that Pryzblo’s employees were not at fault but also make Leoni see that it was his employees that needed to be corrected and he was the one that needed to do the correcting. I also hoped to give this email a more professional field so that it would be read with respect and taken seriously. Overall, I think that by considering the audience the email was easily revised into an effective piece of writing.

Blog 3
http://www.english.ufl.edu/
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/English/
The University of Florida and Mississippi State University are both large universities in the South. The web links above go directly to their English Department Websites. The University of Florida’s website is a good representation of an engaging and effective website for anyone interested in the English field at U of Florida. For example, the opening page is eye-catching in its use of a book collage as the backdrop. This element is very appealing to those interested in English and literature. Also the format is very organized and easy to navigate. The home page also offers a list of events that the English department will be participating. These events inform the site visitor that the English Department is very active and exciting. The main fault of this website is its “wordiness” the explanations of the events and programs are very lengthy and could easily urge the site visitor to skip important information. Mississippi State’s page is quite opposite of the previously discussed page. The opening page is overwhelming with its deep red color and oversized, under pixelated book background. The organization of the information is hard to locate and the information is minimal. The site visitors are generally looking for interesting easy to locate information on the universities English Department. This particular website is not welcoming or persuasive its tone is that of an exclusive club that is not interested in new members. This site fulfills only the minimal requirements of its purpose.
Overall purpose
The purpose of this project is to create a brochure that effectively promotes and explains the English Department at Southern Miss. Many students with undecided majors or browsing for graduate programs visit department websites that they are interests then. This fact combined with my own interests prompts me to write a brochure. My goal for the brochure will be too create something that will intrigue their interests further than most materials they are viewing. I believe that the are looking for a program that is organized, active, informative and passionate about the same things that they are or hope to be passionate about themselves.
Reader profile
The primary reader of my brochure is a young adult ages 18-24 who is interested in the English department at USM for personal future professional reasons. My relationship to my readers is a peer to peer relationship. We are on the same level and I am a source of insider information into the department. I will take into account the level of interests of my readers first. For example, most readers will be in a decision making mode as they read the brochure therefore I will write it in a more persuasive tone. However, they will be somewhat familiar with the field and its opportunities. I will add internet resources into my brochure keeping in mind that most research is now done online. Other readers may include faculty and peers of the English Department.
Situational analysis
The events and circumstances that affect the way that I write are the very nature of the department. Because it is the English department a publication sponsored by it will need to be top notch in its grammar, tone and word usage. Although this is a nerve wracking feat a small mistake could damage the departments credibility.
Usability objectives
The reader will most likely be asking questions such as what is this department all about? Do I agree with its claims? And what opportunities does it offer me? In searching to the answer to these questions most readers will use the selective reading route, by scanning and only reading the information that pertains to their interests. Key terms my reader will be looking for are “opportunities, You, success, writing, assistance and renowned.” The reader will use the given information to compare to other university departments. Important points of comparison are number of programs/opportunities, staff involvement, and credibility. The information should persuade them that USM’s English department has all the elements that they are looking for.
Persuasive objectives
The reader’s attitude toward my subject is very open and searching they are usually hungry for information that is truthful. Their attitude toward me is similar to their attitude toward the information however, in me they are looking for a fellow searcher who has found the way.
Stakeholders
Other than myself the main stakeholders in this project are the professors and teachers. Their jobs rely on student’s joining in the program if the brochure fails to represent them and the English department in a positive way it could lead to the decline of the department.
Constraints
The constraints are the same as the situational analysis. Outside factors that affect the way I write is the department’s professionalism and critical eye itself.

Blog assignment 2

Blog assignment 2

In the article “Making Community Connections: What does academe Have to Do with the Real World” Dr. Xae Alicia Reyes describes the important role that teacher participation in extracurricular activities plays in a teacher overall effectiveness. Reyes is the Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction of Puerto Rican and Latino studies. She has strong convictions about students’ education not being hindered by the culture they live in. By describing the effect –out of school life- plays in –in school life- Reyes calls for teacher to overcome the challenges by getting involved in the local community and bridging the gap between school life and the real world.

Dr. Reyes seems to be writing in a teaching context; this article’s purpose being to teach teachers. As a Secondary Education major I am aware of the many facets that make up my profession. One important element is the ability to become part of the school community that Reyes discusses. While I was aware that this was necessary, my previous knowledge did not contain the specific information needed to execute this task. This article was written in order to prevent the issue of uninvolved unsuccessful teachers from progressing. It clearly states that the school system has an issue with teachers of that nature and as a result students are failing to realize the value of their education in the real world. Therefore the future of society is at stake.

The article is part of a compilation of articles written specifically for the instruction of secondary teachers. Therefore the author assumes that her readers will have some knowledge of the field as well as convictions about the topic that are similar to her own. Her view may be biased by her obvious Latin background however; all of her points and topics are valid for all ethnic groups.

The call to write is an invitation that all people receive at some point. Sometimes it comes in the form of a school assignment, grocery list, job requirement or a response to an injustice. All of those instances call for writing to take place. In her article Reyes is responding to what she believes is an injustice to students. As, a result she writes to teachers to adopt a new philosophy into their teaching style. Her writing calls for an urgent and immediate change of teachers’ involvement everywhere.

Reyes’ purpose in writing this article is clear. She is persuading future teachers to realize the importance of involvement in their student’s lives beyond the classroom. This is evident by the nature of the title being posed as a question as well as straightforward word choices she chooses in writing the article.

The intended audience of this article are teachers in training. While that group can contain broad and diverse minds; their overall goal is similar. Through her article Reyes attempts to build a mentor-mentee relationship with her readers. She does this by giving facts as well as personal examples of success. Reyes assumes that her audience has the desire not only to teach but to build relationships with students in order to educate them more effectively.

The language she uses is semi- formal. She stays away from the use of common street slang however she uses a teacher specialized vocabulary as well as the informal “you” to relate to her audience. Her word choice reflects that she assumes her readers are well educated in the field of teaching.

Overall, Reyes’ article seemed to accomplish the purpose for which it was written. It is available specifically to her intended audience, it raises awareness about the issue of teacher involvement, and it instructs on how to fix the issue at hand.