You have to read this discussion....

After the pod discussions were underway, SLsent out a notice that they were going down unexpectedly, so the class logged out and held a whole group discussion.

Ms. Ivey posted discussion questions again today that were quite engaging! At one point she sent out a group notice that read: "Don't forget to make connections to the real world. Think about what is happening in the world today...recent news events, ect. There is much to talk about when it comes to good and evil."

Before they logged out, I grabbed a copy of the chat from the Snow Crash group --


This is an unedited, unabridged log of the discussion held today by the student group who are reading Snow Crash: (Please remember these are 8th grade students!) The remarkable thing that Ms. Ivey observed is that in a typical RL classroom setting, these kids would never be able to get to the level of thought and focus as they do in SL!
Here is the log:

[10:02] Platform-Two whispers: Platform-Two now ascending.
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: yes!
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: =-/
[10:02] Tenore Hillburn: we are here
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: no we're not
[10:02] You: ok guys lets begin our discussion
[10:02] Tenore Hillburn: is the capacity for good learned or innate?
[10:02] You: tenore why dont you start
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: about hiro
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: well
[10:02] Liu Hillburn: the main topic is about evil and good
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: is it learned or innate?
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: i think he would say...
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: it can be innate, but also learned
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: it's' just one, its both
[10:03] Tenore Hillburn: i think he would say both, too
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: its not just one
[10:03] Liu Hillburn: clifford?
[10:03] Tenore Hillburn: people naturally have a capacity for good, but it can grow over time
[10:04] You: I think the capacity for good is learned, because a person may be disposed to things, yet it is their descions which decide their fate
[10:04] Tenore Hillburn: but we have to answer from hiro's pov
[10:04] Liu Hillburn: well, human nature is influenced
[10:04] Liu Hillburn: the basic human nature is arrogance and selfish
[10:04] Liu Hillburn: ness
[10:05] You: well hiro, seems rather trusting and believing in the capacity for people (yt) to become more than they are already
[10:05] Liu Hillburn: but as a child, being surrounded by altruism affects them
[10:05] Liu Hillburn: i know hiro wants y.t. to be good
[10:05] Liu Hillburn: he believves that she can be "good"
[10:06] Tenore Hillburn: hiro also leads a somewhat unethical life.....he worked for the mafia..he apparently has done drugs...
[10:06] Liu Hillburn: somewhat unethical?
[10:06] You: Yes but "good" is a matter of opinion
[10:06] Liu Hillburn: thats what i just asked
[10:06] Liu Hillburn: how would you, personally , define good and evil?
[10:06] You: True he has been unethical in the past
[10:07] Liu Hillburn: anyone wanna answer my question?
[10:07] Liu Hillburn: how do you guys, personally, define good and e vil?
[10:08] Tenore Hillburn: if u want to go there, u must give ur opinion as to the truth being relative
[10:08] Liu Hillburn: it is...
[10:08] Tenore Hillburn: u can't define good and evil if good is relative
[10:08] Tenore Hillburn: *they are relative
[10:08] You: I would see good as the balance within a soceity wheirein people perform deeds good for others
[10:08] You: however evil implys greed
[10:08] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:08] You: and selfishness
[10:08] Liu Hillburn: =-D
[10:09] You: you agree liu
[10:09] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:09] You: well tenore, what do you think?
[10:09] You: if its a matter of relativity, well how do you feel
[10:09] Liu Hillburn: altruism, good, is i believe trying to help other people who have no ties to you, strangers. doing it for the sake of helping someone else
[10:10] Tenore Hillburn: how do u possibly define good and evil as a matter of opinion? don't u believe that there must be an absolute boundary for it?
[10:10] Liu Hillburn: selflessness
[10:10] You: Yes, however that boundry cannot be universal
[10:10] Liu Hillburn: an example of pure altruism, may be like sacrificing yourself for a stranger
[10:10] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:10] Liu Hillburn: its personal definition
[10:10] Liu Hillburn: ...tenore...
[10:10] You: you look at it from a hyper-religious perspective where i see it as a matter of men
[10:11] Liu Hillburn: it is true...
[10:11] You: you see, it is impossible for a person to be truely good, or evil if noone sees what they do
[10:12] Tenore Hillburn: but what if therre is someone who sees everything they do? u know what i'm implying
[10:12] Liu Hillburn: now, what do you think hiro would say
[10:12] You: like a god
[10:12] Tenore Hillburn: exactly
[10:12] Liu Hillburn: dont get offtopic
[10:12] Liu Hillburn: !!!
[10:12] Tenore Hillburn: but we're getting off topic
[10:12] Liu Hillburn: ok
[10:12] Liu Hillburn: back to the main question
[10:13] Liu Hillburn: how do you think hiro would respond?
[10:13] Liu Hillburn: is evil/good learned or innate
[10:13] You: well the idea of a god, I am not an atheist btw, maks the concept of good and evil obselete because god creates every individual
[10:13] Liu Hillburn: omg...
[10:13] Liu Hillburn: off topic!!!!!
[10:13] You: sorry but this is on topic
[10:13] Tenore Hillburn: hold on li
[10:13] Tenore Hillburn: liu....
[10:13] You: its about good and evil
[10:13] You: now tenore as u wer sayiong
[10:13] Liu Hillburn: .....
[10:14] Tenore Hillburn: well if God creates every individual of person then they each have their own personal boundaries as to where they c
[10:14] Tenore Hillburn: can be led into evil....however the boundary itself is absolute
[10:14] You: in accordance to each individual as youve said
[10:15] Liu Hillburn: religion.
[10:15] Liu Hillburn: it affects humanitarian decision?
[10:15] You: true
[10:15] You: i mean look at the crusades
[10:16] Liu Hillburn: that was completely influenced by religion
[10:16] Liu Hillburn: or by an impression of a religion
[10:16] Ivey Zeami: How is it going?
[10:16] You: but if hiro believes in a god, then his opinion is influenced by religion
[10:16] Liu Hillburn: but he doesnt
[10:16] Liu Hillburn: remember in the begining of the book?
[10:17] Tenore Hillburn: it's good ms ivey
[10:17] Liu Hillburn: its obvious hes an athiest
[10:17] You: so until we know specifically than the question can remain unanswered
[10:17] Tenore Hillburn: we went into religion
[10:17] You: hiro?
[10:17] Ivey Zeami: interesting
[10:17] Ivey Zeami: why religion?
[10:17] Liu Hillburn: he goes into religion
[10:17] Tenore Hillburn: because religion has always set boundaries for good and evil
[10:17] Liu Hillburn: we believe that religion affects one's altruism, or impression of altruism
[10:17] You: religiono affects the decisions of a person in this type of question
[10:17] You: religion
[10:17] Liu Hillburn: it defines is
[10:17] Liu Hillburn: *it
[10:18] Ivey Zeami: good point tenore
[10:18] You: its the ultimate creator of boundary for man
[10:18] Ivey Zeami: and who sets that for us?
[10:18] Liu Hillburn: we do
[10:18] Tenore Hillburn: well some belive we do...some belive a god
[10:18] Liu Hillburn: we set it for ourselves, basically
[10:18] Tenore Hillburn: *believe
[10:18] You: and if we allow our opinions to be influenced by it, we become succeptable to both good and evil
[10:18] Ivey Zeami: it's all up to the believer
[10:18] Ivey Zeami: i suppose
[10:18] You: For example tenore, the crusades
[10:19] Liu Hillburn: the crusades were right in the name of religion
[10:19] You: well so was 9/11 but that doesnt make it ok
[10:19] Liu Hillburn: all the many wars fought over that same region were for religion
[10:19] Liu Hillburn: *they THOUGHT it was right
[10:20] You: its as weve said a matter of opinin
[10:20] Tenore Hillburn: many wars were fought for the freedom of setting your own boundaries
[10:20] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:20] Tenore Hillburn: the revolution
[10:20] Liu Hillburn: most wars...
[10:20] You: however the world at large believes, as do i obviously, that it was wrong
[10:20] Liu Hillburn: were all fought along that same basic guideline
[10:21] Liu Hillburn: but to the actual conquerers...it was right and proper
[10:21] You: well when you think about it religion is just ideals built into belief
[10:21] Liu Hillburn: they were blinbded by it
[10:21] Liu Hillburn: *blinded as you might say
[10:21] Tenore Hillburn: but if it was wrong, then are the guidelines set by that religion wrong? that just supports the theory that their has to be an absolute truth
[10:21] You: everyone has ideals, so when you get others to buy into them you get harm
[10:22] You: People are all too willing to fall into the cycle of belief in one thing
[10:22] Liu Hillburn: it's personal fault
[10:22] You: they tend to drop morality, in the name of these ideas
[10:22] Liu Hillburn: but people in general, are th at way
[10:22] You: all people
[10:22] Liu Hillburn: do you guys know of jonestown?
[10:22] Liu Hillburn: wait
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: do you guys know of jonestown?
[10:23] You: no i dont
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: well...
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: there was a cult
[10:23] Tenore Hillburn: the koolaid
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: the mass suicide
[10:23] Tenore Hillburn: i know what you mean....it was in the name of religion
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: the people involved
[10:23] You: oh yeah i know it was on family guy, parodyd
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: alyes
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:23] Liu Hillburn: but u gett my point, right?
[10:24] You: thats where you get drinkin the proverbial kool aid, something clifford blezinsky likes to say
[10:24] You: btw hes a game designer
[10:24] Liu Hillburn: basically
[10:24] Liu Hillburn: thats like in the book
[10:24] Liu Hillburn: snowcrash
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: but i dont believe it was in the name of religion
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: was it?
[10:25] You: true, so mayb snow crash is a metaphore for religion
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: possibly
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: that man
[10:25] Tenore Hillburn: i think so
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: l bob rife?
[10:25] You: and how it kills man and clouds judgement
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: or lagos?
[10:25] You: like killing an avatar, and crashing his system
[10:25] Liu Hillburn: he's basically the mastermind
[10:26] You: well true
[10:26] Ivey Zeami: You guys are doing an awesome job. I'm going to check out another group, bu it has been my pleasure to read your thoughts.
[10:26] Tenore Hillburn: Ok miss ivey
[10:26] Liu Hillburn: ok
[10:26] You: however if you think of it like that than jesus is the mastermind of the crusades
[10:26] You: its he people that give belief power
[10:26] Liu Hillburn: different
[10:26] Liu Hillburn: the church
[10:27] You: like how junkies give drug lords power
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: called for the 1st, and the 2nd
[10:27] Tenore Hillburn: it was the churhc not jesus
[10:27] You: true
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: iti may not be the thought or the belief
[10:27] Tenore Hillburn: they decided the land was theirs
[10:27] You: but the church "claims" jesus is the influence
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: *its the distributor
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: in this case
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: lagos
[10:27] You: So in the end snowcrash is probably an operation run by raven
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: .
[10:27] Tenore Hillburn: but that simply means they are assuming they know what he wants
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: yes
[10:27] Liu Hillburn: and L. bob rife
[10:28] You: Did u ever see transformers?
[10:28] Liu Hillburn: tell us
[10:28] Tenore Hillburn: when i was little
[10:28] You: well the decepticon leader, megatron, had all the power
[10:28] Liu Hillburn: adn with it he infected everyone else?
[10:28] Second Life: The Grid is coming down in a few minutes, for an hour; please save your work and log off. Refer to the Linden Blog for more information.
[10:28] You: however the character starscream staged a revolt and took over
[10:29] You: almost like the church has done o jesus
[10:29] You: ok guys lets go
[10:29] Liu Hillburn: ok
[10:29] Tenore Hillburn: then u have to determin

Here comes Ms. Whiting's Health Class...

Yet another SMS pioneer - Diane Whiting has approached me to develop some curriculum for her health class in SL! We met today and I asked her simply, "What is it you want your students to know or be able to do as a result of this project?" She blew my mind when she told me that the unit is a health unit examining BODY IMAGE and self esteem! WOW! How perfect is the virtual world to support this investigation! Some of the issues that Ms. Whiting explores in this unit are self image, factors that influence body image such as media portrayal, the different pressures for males and females, consequences of trying to fit unrealistic goals, and self-acceptance.


We have come up with a tentative plan: The first thing that the class will do is to watch the video: http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/flat4.asp?id=6909 This is a movie produced by The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. It is powerful!

(We are considering having the students all hide their avatar names for this assignment - for complete anonymity)

Day 1: Login/join group "Reflections". Kids will then create their avatar IN THEIR OWN IMAGE (or as close to it as they are able.) The instruction will be to really try to make the avatar look as much as they do in real life. I will make as many skins, shapes, hair attachments, etc. available to them in a build we will call The Salon. They will then take a snapshot of themselves and save it to a folder entitled "Body Image" in their inventory and save the snapshot as "Myself".

So, we are accomplishing 2 things right off the bat- the kids are learning some of the skills they will need in SL AND they are creating their own perception of "self". They will complete the session with a short reflective piece about their appearance guided by questions provided in a group notecard.
Day 2: Ms. Whiting will now assign the kids each a number, and assign certain tasks to certain numbers in order to create heterogeneous groups. Again - we are striving for anonymity whenever possible.
Certain kids will be assigned the task of creating the most "attractive" avatar according to how popular media portrays beauty. Again they need to take a snapshot when they are finished and keep it in their inventory . This one is named "Beauty".

A second group of kids will do just the opposite, and create an avatar who is very unappealing - according to popular media, whatever that may be to them. Save it and name it "Beast" .

The third group will change gender and be as attractive as possible , naming their snapshot "beauty2".
The fourth group will change gender and create an unattractive avatar, saving snapshot as beast2.

The last twenty minutes of each class will be used for mixed discussions in the facilitator's pods. Members from all four groups will hold a discussion about how they look, how they react to each other and why.
All chats will be logged for reflection and assessment of the topics that are addressed.

At this point, scheduling is open as we can't really predict how much time will be needed until we get to see the skill set of the group, but the next step will be for everyone to once again create a "beautiful" avatar - and see if their criteria has changed-I will ask them to place their first snapshot of "beauty" on one side of a prim and the second impression of beauty (post-discussion) on the other side of the prim. The prims will rotate for effect. (Of course the kids will have options to display their snapshots in any manner they choose) We will then host these in a location for all to visit.

The final day will be the avatars as themselves - however they want to appear and a final reflection.
This is just a rough draft but we welcome ideas, suggestions, feedback...

ISTE Skypark Presentation

Thanks to all who showed up and participated tonight at my ISTE Skypark presentation on Ramapo Islands. It was very validating to hear your questions and your comments, and I hope you will continiue to participate inteh process through this blog! Anyone who grabbed snapshots, I would greatly appreciate you dropping them to Maggie Marat in world so that I amy post a few here. I believe the chat transcript will e available soon to and i will be certain to link to it ASAP.
Please remember - we are the pioneers - truly! How many people get to say that in their lifetime, they made a difference - they changed the status quo - they positively influenced something as powerful as pedagogy - they touched the future?

We can.

Thanks to Tom Murphy for snapshots!

Ivey's Class (with a sub!)

Teresa is out today with oral surgery issues - and her kids are in SL - and she is in SL. Get it? Here again is the beauty of the virtual platform! The following assignment was posted today:
1. The following questions should take you at least 30 minutes to discuss in your pods. If you complete them before that time, you should go back to the other postings on the calendar and discuss things such as the characters, theme, and how the setting effects the plot.

2. You should be at the point in your novels where the central conflict has been revealed. Please discuss the events that lead up the central conflict. Think way back to the start of your book and what decisions/actions the character made to to create problems. Think cause and effect!

3. Discuss other options that your character could have taken to avoid further conflict. Think about other characters in the novel who also played a part in the main character's decisions/actions. What are the relationship conflicts in the novel and how did they contribute to the central conflict?

4. What do you think the author is trying to teach his/her readers by presenting the conflict? What can you learn about like and decision making through the main character and the conflict presented?

5. After you discuss the above questions, please send your note card to me and descend your pod. Then you may log off and head to the blue chairs (if they are available) and continue reading silently.

Ms. Ivey Goes to Washington...

...Actually - the entire 8th grade class from Suffern Middle School went to Washington D.C. for a four day field trip and their assignment when they returned (after one bus breaking down on the way home) was to discuss the trip. Although this is not "continuity" within the project, WHAT A WONDERFUL VEHICLE FOR REFLECTION!!!! Here is the assignment she posted on the calendar on Ramapo Islands:

1. Today you will chat in world for about 30 minutes and then use the rest of class time to read silently. Please remember that there should be commumication totally in world!
2. Please find a pod at which to sit with your group. Keep this note card open so you have something to refer to while chatting.
3. Today you are going to use your time in SL to talk about the DC trip. This is not a place for gossip, however. Here are a few things you can chat about:

What was the best part of the trip? What did you like the least about the trip? What is something you wish we had done, but didn't do? Overall, how was your experience? What was is like to be away with your classmates for three days? What things do you think they should add to the trip in the future? What things do you think they should take away? Where was the best place we ate? How much "garbage" do you think you consumed while on the bus? (My bus had homemade brownies on day one!!!) What types of things did your chaperones do on the bus? Did you play any games, watch any memorable movies, etc?

If you stayed back at the Maryland House for six hours, talk about that experience. If you were one of the many who were able to get home earlier, talk about it (how it felt, what you were wondering about those left behind, etc.)

Feel free to talk about anything else that comes up. Just remember to keep it gossip free and to send me your dialogue before you log off. Don't forget to descend the pods before logging off!
4. If you did not go on the trip, this is a good opportunity to hear about it and ask any questions you may have. Also, feel free to talk about what you did back here at SMS. Tell the group about your trip to Hyde Park (if you went) and what the school was like with only 60 eighth graders.

I will post the some samples of the kids' responses as soon as Teresa transfers them to me!

Images and examples of daily discussion....

Here is an example notecard sent to the teacher of the day's chat for the group reading The Invisible Man:
[6:56] Platform-Three whispers: Platform-Three now ascending.
[6:56] Consiglio Hillburn: yea
[6:57] You: sweetness were going up
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: hi
[6:57] Brain Hillburn: i have to tell the truth
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: what
[6:57] Brain Hillburn: i hate this book
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: it's difficult
[6:57] You: i think its getting better
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: but the story itself is interesting.
[6:57] You: it is hard to understand
[6:57] Consiglio Hillburn: i dont rly like the book that muchh......it dosent seem like evrything came together yett
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[6:57] You: i think it will soon
[6:57] Harrison Hillburn: but once you comprehend it's really good
[6:58] You: but right now its kinda like a mish mosh of information
[6:58] Brain Hillburn: we found out he is really bad though
[6:58] Consiglio Hillburn: some of it i had to read over and over bc i didnt get it the first time
[6:58] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[6:58] You: same here
[6:58] Brain Hillburn: its hard to understand
[6:58] Harrison Hillburn: so can you believe people know he's actually invisible?
[6:58] Consiglio Hillburn: yea the words are like in a weird order i feel likee
[6:58] You: i dont understand why he showed everyone in the town that hes invisible
[6:58] Consiglio Hillburn: yea mine either
[6:59] Stern Hillburn: i thought chaeapter 7 was the most interesting
[6:59] You: i think it woulda been a better idea if he left the town without making a whole big scene
[6:59] Harrison Hillburn: yeah if he was trying to hide his identity why would he let other k now?
[6:59] Stern Hillburn: chapter
[6:59] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[6:59] You: me too
[6:59] Brain Hillburn: how come chapter 7
[6:59] You: it had so much action going on
[6:59] Brain Hillburn: yea
[6:59] Consiglio Hillburn: well it dosent rly matter cuz since hes invisable they wont always know hes there anyway
[6:59] Stern Hillburn: when the invisible man took off his clothes and started stealing
[7:00] Brain Hillburn: i thought he was commiting a crime
[7:00] Consiglio Hillburn: yea
[7:00] Stern Hillburn: and he was messing with other people
[7:00] Consiglio Hillburn: yea ehell probably end up a mass murderer
[7:00] Brain Hillburn: sre
[7:00] Harrison Hillburn: i thought it was weird that he left so much eidence behind
[7:00] Brain Hillburn: yea
[7:00] You: yeah
[7:00] Brain Hillburn: sure
[7:00] Consiglio Hillburn: he takes advantage of being invisable
[7:00] Brain Hillburn: sure
[7:00] You: i wonder why he waited so long to comitt his first crime
[7:00] Harrison Hillburn: same
[7:01] Consiglio Hillburn: probabky ......yea idk y he waitedd
[7:01] You: like it said he was there about a year
[7:01] Brain Hillburn: mabe he commited crimes in the town before and then came her to do it again
[7:01] Consiglio Hillburn: yea
[7:01] Stern Hillburn: he only brought the clothes he had on and then hall found them all over his room
[7:01] You: yeah so now he probably is going to move to a different town
[7:01] Consiglio Hillburn: yea well hes only rly
[7:01] Consiglio Hillburn: invisable w/o his clothess
[7:02] Harrison Hillburn: kerry can you explain what you just said?
[7:02] Harrison Hillburn: i don't recall that part
[7:02] Consiglio Hillburn: y7ea i didnt get that eitherr kerry
[7:02] Brain Hillburn: same3
[7:02] Harrison Hillburn: kerry?
[7:02] Harrison Hillburn: oh he is typing
[7:03] Stern Hillburn: when he took all his clothes off to go steal and create chaos
[7:03] You: yeah
[7:03] You: i remember that
[7:03] Harrison Hillburn: oh yeah
[7:03] Harrison Hillburn: so
[7:04] Consiglio Hillburn: sry im teleporting amy to our pod
[7:04] You: is she also reading our book?
[7:04] Consiglio Hillburn: ms sheehey told me to tho
[7:04] You: oh
[7:04] Harrison Hillburn: then we need to catch her up
[7:04] Brain Hillburn: k
[7:04] Harrison Hillburn: amy
[7:04] Harrison Hillburn: sit
[7:04] Brain Hillburn: dont fall
[7:04] You: so do u think the stranger is going to go to a different town now?
[7:04] Harrison Hillburn: yes
[7:04] Brain Hillburn: yeq
[7:04] Harrison Hillburn: he is going to migrate
[7:04] Consiglio Hillburn: probably
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: yea
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: when he is down her he will just move on
[7:05] You: birds migrate taylor
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: wow
[7:05] Harrison Hillburn: maybe.. he IS a bird
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: no
[7:05] You: hahaha
[7:05] Harrison Hillburn: but anyway
[7:05] Harrison Hillburn: amy..
[7:05] Consiglio Hillburn: if he stays in one place they can eventualy catch him so hes kinda smart
[7:05] Harrison Hillburn: did you read anything yet?
[7:05] You: so why do u think he is invisible in the first place
[7:05] Wright Hillburn: no
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: because of the poisons be brought
[7:05] Brain Hillburn: just kidding
[7:06] Harrison Hillburn: i don't know how he became invisible but it can be used to his advantage when trying to commit a crime
[7:06] Consiglio Hillburn: idk maybe he did some science experiment or smthng to himselff
[7:06] Brain Hillburn: possibility
[7:06] You: so u think the poison makes him invisible
[7:06] Harrison Hillburn: i'm not sure
[7:06] Consiglio Hillburn: or maybe he was just born that wayy
[7:06] Brain Hillburn: mabe
[7:06] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[7:06] Brain Hillburn: it could happen
[7:06] Consiglio Hillburn: wich would be SO weirdd
[7:06] You: thats probably why he keeps on testing things
[7:06] You: to c if he can make any other cool things happen
[7:06] Harrison Hillburn: i wonder what he's going to use the poisen for
[7:06] Brain Hillburn: i could do saome crazy things with 1001 bottles of poison
[7:07] You: yeah
[7:07] Consiglio Hillburn: haha yeaa he'll definatly end up using themm
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: is he out to get something specific?
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: or
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: is he just going out to make trouble
[7:07] Consiglio Hillburn: he probably wants revenge
[7:07] You: just in general a criminal
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: i don't understand
[7:07] Brain Hillburn: yea reveenge
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: but he never did anything to harm another person
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: only stealing
[7:07] You: so do u think him becoming invisible was a mistake
[7:07] Brain Hillburn: mabe hes poor
[7:07] Consiglio Hillburn: their are probably ppl he nvr liked and maybe he just wants them gone
[7:07] Harrison Hillburn: possibly
[7:08] Harrison Hillburn: but i don't think that's important know
[7:08] Harrison Hillburn: now*
[7:08] You: he is a very sspicious man
[7:08] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[7:08] Harrison Hillburn: that's basically the main idea
[7:08] Consiglio Hillburn: well there are so many possibiliess
[7:08] You: yup
[7:08] Consiglio Hillburn: of what he'll end up doingg
[7:08] Brain Hillburn: what do u think will happen in the future
[7:09] Consiglio Hillburn: hes gonna end up murdering alot of ppl....thats a safe inference i thinkk
[7:09] Stern Hillburn: he'll probobly move to another town do this again and then somehow get caught
[7:09] You: i think hes gonna steal more and just go to different places but keep on doing similar things
[7:09] You: and i think his experiments will come into play sometime soon
[7:09] Consiglio Hillburn: yea....do u think he'll ever get caught?
[7:09] Brain Hillburn: we said that he is moving to another town already
[7:09] Stern Hillburn: probobly
[7:09] Consiglio Hillburn: cus i mean he IS invisible
[7:09] Harrison Hillburn: well that would be a little boring
[7:10] Harrison Hillburn: i'm hoping something dramatic will happen
[7:10] Brain Hillburn: yeq
[7:10] Harrison Hillburn: like the turning point of the story
[7:10] Brain Hillburn: mabe he willll get caught
[7:10] You: do u think he wants to stay invisible or no
[7:10] Consiglio Hillburn: yea idk he moight end up just feeling so guilty and gving upp
[7:10] You: because ppl already are tracking him down
[7:10] Consiglio Hillburn: yea idk
[7:10] You: and catching on to his scheme
[7:10] Walmsley Hillburn shouts: okay, well
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: who wa investigating him
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: ?
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: finding out about him
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: ..
[7:11] You: so what kind of things were u thinking while reading... thats one of the questions we have to discuss
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: ok
[7:11] Consiglio Hillburn: ytea well alot of ppl already knoww
[7:11] Brain Hillburn: i was so confuse
[7:11] Brain Hillburn: confused
[7:11] Consiglio Hillburn: like that hes invisible
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: sarah
[7:11] Consiglio Hillburn: yea
[7:11] Harrison Hillburn: you need to be a little more specific
[7:12] Consiglio Hillburn: like what do u mean?
[7:12] Brain Hillburn: we know he is invisible by know
[7:12] Consiglio Hillburn: yeaaa
[7:12] Brain Hillburn: that is the tittle of the book
[7:12] Consiglio Hillburn: and so do alot of other ppl
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: ok
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: but
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: what i was thinking
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: was basically
[7:12] Consiglio Hillburn: in the book bc he showed the town
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: what has he done
[7:12] Harrison Hillburn: and what is he going to do
[7:13] Harrison Hillburn: and why did he let out his true identity
[7:13] Harrison Hillburn: ?
[7:13] You: hes robbed the place and showed a bunch of people that he is invisible
[7:13] Consiglio Hillburn: well hes obviously a criminal but what hes ging to do is such an open question
[7:13] You: but still the majority of the town doesnt believe it
[7:13] Consiglio Hillburn: true
[7:13] Harrison Hillburn: so do you think that means he will still get away with doing something bad?
[7:13] Consiglio Hillburn: if he keeps moving probablyy
[7:14] You: i think that because people already found out in another towen i think its all downhill from here for the invisible masn
[7:14] Brain Hillburn: yea
[7:14] Consiglio Hillburn: they wont find him
[7:14] Harrison Hillburn: will he continue to use the fact that he is invisible so he will further commit more crimes?
[7:14] Stern Hillburn: i dont think any one will belive that theres an invisible man
[7:14] Consiglio Hillburn: well some ppl will
[7:14] Stern Hillburn: but anyway how will they find out
[7:14] Consiglio Hillburn: well he could show them like he did the others
[7:15] Consiglio Hillburn: but then it would be hard for him to continue as a criminal and not get caughtt
[7:15] You: so in the new town do u think he will do anything different than the old one
[7:15] You: to be more concealed or something
[7:15] Consiglio Hillburn: his like crime might increase
[7:15] Consiglio Hillburn: like how bad they are
[7:15] Harrison Hillburn: if it's science fiction then that means it's going to be someone realistic, therefore i believe that someone will find out
[7:16] You: and he might try to stay way more unknown
[7:16] Consiglio Hillburn: not just stealing but killing and alot of more seriopus stuff
[7:16] You: good job taylor
[7:16] Harrison Hillburn: thank you!
[7:16] Berkowitz Hillburn is Offline
[7:16] Kenny Hillburn is Offline
[7:16] MargoF Hillburn is Offline
[7:16] Harrison Hillburn: somewgat*
[7:16] You: so what do we read up to tonight
[7:16] You: how about
[7:16] Harrison Hillburn: um
[7:16] Brain Hillburn: not far
[7:16] Harrison Hillburn: 11 pages a night
[7:16] Harrison Hillburn: so i think
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: read up to 62
[7:17] You: how bout page 62
[7:17] Consiglio Hillburn: k
[7:17] You: 56
[7:17] Brain Hillburn: 56
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: 56
[7:17] Brain Hillburn: 56
[7:17] Kenny Hillburn is Online
[7:17] You: read up to 56
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: did the people who got robbed tell anybody
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: ?
[7:17] Consiglio Hillburn: yea 56 is better
[7:17] You: much lol
[7:17] Consiglio Hillburn: id rly care
[7:17] Brain Hillburn: back to the boook
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: hello
[7:17] Harrison Hillburn: i asked a question
[7:17] Consiglio Hillburn: haha ok
[7:18] Brain Hillburn: i think so
[7:18] Harrison Hillburn: how does everyone know then
[7:18] You: yeah i think like rumor spread through out the town
[7:18] Harrison Hillburn: that's the part of the book i don't understand
[7:18] You: dont u find it weird that they spell realize like realise
[7:18] Harrison Hillburn: but the people who believe it... did they have any proof at all?
[7:18] Consiglio Hillburn: well once u tell some ppl its guaranteed to get aroundd
[7:18] You: they saw him take his clothes off and go invisible
[7:18] Harrison Hillburn: yes, i noticed that too!
[7:19] Harrison Hillburn: good observationh
[7:19] Brain Hillburn: i think it is a small town
[7:19] Stern Hillburn: they just thought someone robbed them
[7:19] Harrison Hillburn: observation
[7:19] Stern Hillburn: not that hes invisibe
[7:19] Consiglio Hillburn: yea but if the town is small everyone is closerr
[7:19] MargoF Hillburn is Online
[7:19] Consiglio Hillburn: and rumors spread more probablyy
[7:19] Harrison Hillburn: this whole mr.bunting person
[7:19] Harrison Hillburn: he was involved, correct?
[7:19] You: i think his house is the one that got robbed
[7:20] Consiglio Hillburn: yeaa but it could be a setup or smthng idkk
[7:20] You: so what traits do u like about the invisible man
[7:20] Harrison Hillburn: i don't necessarily like any raits
[7:20] You: i mean he isnt really a lovable guy
[7:20] Harrison Hillburn: however
[7:20] Harrison Hillburn: i think that they are interesting
[7:21] Harrison Hillburn: like how he decides to be so sneaky
[7:21] You: yah i think he is interesting but very strange
[7:21] Consiglio Hillburn: yea but theyre still criminalss
[7:21] You: true true
[7:21] Harrison Hillburn: i still don't understand why he's so open about it
[7:21] Harrison Hillburn: that's a sign of stupidity in my opinion
[7:21] You: because he now is going to a different town and they were already so suspicious about him
[7:21] Consiglio Hillburn: bc it dosent rly mastter if ppl know...hes still invisible
[7:21] Harrison Hillburn: so he decided he'd just admit it anyway
[7:21] Harrison Hillburn: ?
[7:22] Consiglio Hillburn: i guess yea i mean its not that big of a deal to him i guess
[7:22] Brain Hillburn: yea
[7:22] You: i guess so
[7:22] Harrison Hillburn: i don't really know what else to say
[7:22] Consiglio Hillburn: haha yea i know
[7:22] Harrison Hillburn: that's really all we can predict or reflect on now
[7:22] Brain Hillburn: hi
[7:22] Consiglio Hillburn: thyre ar so many things that are possible in the near or far future
[7:22] Harrison Hillburn: basically
[7:22] Ivey Zeami: How are things going?
[7:22] You: weve basically discussed all of the questions
[7:22] Harrison Hillburn: great
[7:22] Brain Hillburn: yea
[7:23] Consiglio Hillburn: yea
[7:23] Stern Hillburn: good
[7:23] Harrison Hillburn: we discussed most if not all of our questions
[7:23] You: i think we are just about done
[7:23] Ivey Zeami: Give me a recap
[7:23] You: and tonight we are reading up to 56
[7:23] Brain Hillburn: he will continue his crimes
[7:23] Consiglio Hillburn: well we talked alot about the possibilities for his future
[7:23] You: we think that he is going to keep on committin crimes
[7:23] Harrison Hillburn: we basically discussed that he was obviously some sort of criminal in the past, and we don't quite understand why he lets people know that he is invisible
[7:23] You: and we think that his science experiments will come into play sometime soon
[7:24] Harrison Hillburn: maybe because he assumed people already knew something suspicious was going on?
[7:24] Harrison Hillburn: yeah
[7:24] Consiglio Hillburn: yea like he has all these bottles of poison and stuff
[7:24] Brain Hillburn: we also think that might be how he became invisible
[7:24] You: yeah
[7:24] Harrison Hillburn: i don't think WHY he is invisible is important
[7:24] Consiglio Hillburn: yea through science expeirimentss
[7:24] You: and we think he is doing experiments to maybe make other things happen
[7:24] Harrison Hillburn: more about how he utalizes it
[7:24] Stern Hillburn: maybe one of his experiments went wrong
[7:24] Brain Hillburn: idk that is what we discussed
[7:24] Consiglio Hillburn: yea taylor
[7:25] You: but he seems to use invisibilty to his advantage
[7:25] Brain Hillburn: it is science fiction
[7:25] Harrison Hillburn: idk but I think we should concentrate more on what he's done in the past and how it's going to affect the future
[7:25] Consiglio Hillburn: yeaa
[7:25] Harrison Hillburn: because if he's going from town to town
[7:25] Consiglio Hillburn: the future is so open tho
[7:25] You: yeah
[7:25] You: he could really do anything
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: it's important to know how he's going to get away with any cime he possibly committs
[7:26] Consiglio Hillburn: like its hard to make an exact or good inference on whats gonna happen w/ him
[7:26] You: but some ppl were catching on to him in Iping
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: so we all predict that he's going to use the fact that he is invisible to his advantage?
[7:26] Brain Hillburn: nobody can stop him
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: we don't know that
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: because people know about him
[7:26] Consiglio Hillburn: yea now that hes moving....
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: they just didn't say anything or know one believes them yet
[7:26] Brain Hillburn: rightt now nobody has
[7:26] You: he was almost caught a couple of times in the first town
[7:26] Harrison Hillburn: yeah but by moving he can get away with it
[7:27] You: but evereyone is afraid of him so he can use that to his advantage
[7:27] Harrison Hillburn: and i think that's how he has been sucessful up to this point
[7:27] Brain Hillburn: prb
[7:27] Brain Hillburn: prob
[7:27] Harrison Hillburn: is there any more questions we should discuss
[7:27] You: so we are just about done now
[7:27] You: nope
[7:27] You: weve covered them all
[7:27] Brain Hillburn: good
[7:28] You: so pag 56
[7:28] Pereira Hillburn is Offline
[7:28] Harrison Hillburn: I honestly think we discussed everything and we're ready to continue reading the story
[7:28] You: going down
[7:28] You: ok?
[7:28] Harrison Hillburn: yes
[7:28] Ivey Zeami: ok
[7:28] Platform-Three whispers: Platform-Three now descending.
[7:28] Brain Hillburn: lets gp

Here is the chat for the group reading War of the Worlds:
Hoberman Hillburn: well the other cities have been invaded
[6:56] Alvencar Hillburn: left out alot in movie
[6:56] Newmeyer Hillburn: I think that tension is building between the aliens and the people
[6:56] Hoberman Hillburn: the other cities around where the main character is
[6:56] You: how i understand more of those pod things came down in different areas
[6:56] Alvencar Hillburn: alot more on science
[6:56] Alvencar Hillburn: like gravity of mars and earth
[6:56] Hoberman Hillburn: and the three characters ogivly sten and henderson died
[6:57] You: yea
[6:57] You: how i didn't understand
[6:57] Newmeyer Hillburn: The war is about to start
[6:57] Hoberman Hillburn: because it said the newspapers in the story was talking about their death
[6:57] You: ok
[6:57] Hoberman Hillburn: yeah and there was also some heat ray
[6:57] Hoberman Hillburn: that burned all objects it hit
[6:57] Alvencar Hillburn: alot of people still don't know about invasion
[6:57] Hoberman Hillburn: the aliens used it
[6:57] You: there were some parts that were unecessary
[6:58] You: like the heat ray chapter
[6:58] Newmeyer Hillburn: yeah
[6:58] Yusich Hillburn: yeah it described alot about the martians and their weapons
[6:58] Newmeyer Hillburn: It is building up tension and anger between aliens and people
[6:58] Hoberman Hillburn: and how they used them when they hit the trees and the trees got destroyed
[6:59] Hoberman Hillburn: i think now the aliens are going to really start using the weapons to kill
[6:59] Alvencar Hillburn: they were hostile from the beggining
[6:59] You: What is the writing style of the author? Consider literary elements we have discussed in the past. Do you like the author’s style of writing?
[6:59] Hoberman Hillburn: and in the next few chapters i think it will talk about the invasion of even more cities
[7:00] Hoberman Hillburn: he's very descriptive
[7:00] Yusich Hillburn: i like the writing it is telling it from frist person
[7:00] You: i thnk his witing is ok
[7:00] Alvencar Hillburn: descibes every thing in detail
[7:00] Hoberman Hillburn: he details every part of the book
[7:00] Newmeyer Hillburn: And they will start to fight face to face
[7:00] Yusich Hillburn: yeah i think there is too much detail
[7:00] You: yea he describes it
[7:01] Hoberman Hillburn: whats the next question
[7:01] You: Using plot points, decide what message the author gives the reader about friends, family, fear, survival, peer pressure, et cetera.
[7:01] Hoberman Hillburn: fear he uses the heat ray
[7:01] Hoberman Hillburn: to try to get you to understand the fear of the people in the book
[7:01] Newmeyer Hillburn: The author shows that the people will begin to really panic
[7:01] You: in survival the main character is scared
[7:02] Alvencar Hillburn: people won't take this seriously
[7:02] Yusich Hillburn: yeah he is also scared
[7:02] Hoberman Hillburn: by showing how powerful the weapons of the aliens are and what they can really do
[7:02] Newmeyer Hillburn: Until tey are affected, people won't care
[7:02] Newmeyer Hillburn: they
[7:02] Alvencar Hillburn: indeed
[7:02] Newmeyer Hillburn: indeed
[7:02] Yusich Hillburn: i agree
[7:03] Hoberman Hillburn: whats the next question
[7:03] You: Discuss what the author might be saying about relationships (could be familial, friend, love) based on the relationships between characters in the novel.
[7:03] Hoberman Hillburn: all we know is that the husband and the wife are scared
[7:03] You: the main characters wife calms him donw b/c he is so scared
[7:03] Alvencar Hillburn: he cares about his wife
[7:03] Hoberman Hillburn: it hasn't gone to much in to detail about the wife and husband together though
[7:04] You: and the three that died were kinda his friends
[7:04] Yusich Hillburn: yeah i dont think the wife will be a big part
[7:04] Hoberman Hillburn: yeah
[7:04] Hoberman Hillburn: i didn't think they would die
[7:04] Newmeyer Hillburn: yeah
[7:04] Hoberman Hillburn: especially at the smae time
[7:04] Hoberman Hillburn: same
[7:04] Newmeyer Hillburn: love could have something to do w/ it
[7:04] Yusich Hillburn: yeah i thought they would helptry and stop them
[7:04] Newmeyer Hillburn: if wife dies, husband will be mad and want to fight
[7:04] Hoberman Hillburn: who would anthony
[7:05] Hoberman Hillburn: who woyld help
[7:05] Hoberman Hillburn: would
[7:05] Alvencar Hillburn: i wonder if he will still care when he is trying to survive on his own
[7:05] Yusich Hillburn: the people that died ogliviy and the other 2
[7:05] You: i think he would
[7:05] Hoberman Hillburn: sten and henderson you mean
[7:05] Hoberman Hillburn: o ok
[7:05] Yusich Hillburn: yeah
[7:06] Hoberman Hillburn: whats next
[7:06] Newmeyer Hillburn: I think that this is like WWII inb S.S.
[7:06] Alvencar Hillburn: we will see . desperation makes you do crazy things
[7:06] Newmeyer Hillburn: If u don't stop hitler he continues to get away with what he wants
[7:06] Hoberman Hillburn: yeah but the people had no chance against the aliens
[7:06] Yusich Hillburn: yeah the aliens might be like that
[7:06] You: somebody has to stand up to them
[7:07] Newmeyer Hillburn: U have to stop the aliens before they take everything
[7:07] Hoberman Hillburn: only the army in england could possibly stop them
[7:07] Yusich Hillburn: yeah which will probably be hard
[7:07] You: and start the fighting before it gets worse
[7:07] Hoberman Hillburn: but people without training and weapons had no chance
[7:07] Alvencar Hillburn: true
[7:07] Newmeyer Hillburn: well people thought they didn't have a chance vs hitler, but we saw how that turned out
[7:07] Alvencar Hillburn: what would you do
[7:07] Newmeyer Hillburn: fight backj
[7:08] Hoberman Hillburn: hide
[7:08] You: i agree with matt
[7:08] Yusich Hillburn: do whatever i can to stop them
[7:08] Newmeyer Hillburn: what other choice is there
[7:08] You: which is what
[7:08] Hoberman Hillburn: you can't fight something that has weapons without weapons
[7:08] Yusich Hillburn: run away
[7:08] Alvencar Hillburn: i would run then form plan
[7:08] Newmeyer Hillburn: if u run or hide, they will find you
[7:08] Hoberman Hillburn: and i don't know much about them so i don't their weaknesses and strengths
[7:08] Alvencar Hillburn: they move slowly
[7:08] You: you need to fight ack
[7:08] Yusich Hillburn: yeah
[7:08] You: back*
[7:08] Hoberman Hillburn: whats next quetion
[7:08] Hoberman Hillburn: question
[7:08] You: Why do you think the author wrote this book?
[7:09] Hoberman Hillburn: to get famous
[7:09] You: n
[7:09] Alvencar Hillburn: is there a moral point
[7:09] You: no*
[7:09] Yusich Hillburn: to show what could happen in the future between our planets
[7:09] You: i doubt that will happen
[7:09] Newmeyer Hillburn: We don't know yet
[7:09] Hoberman Hillburn: we already checked mars
[7:09] Hoberman Hillburn: theres nothing up there
[7:09] Hoberman Hillburn: i doubt this could be a true story
[7:09] Alvencar Hillburn: who knows
[7:09] You: maybe he thought that would happen
[7:09] Yusich Hillburn: yeah nobody really knows
[7:10] Hoberman Hillburn: thats possible because it was written a very long time ago
[7:10] You: and he was writing based on what he was thinking
[7:10] Yusich Hillburn: yeah maybe it was aroud the time when people first started going to space
[7:10] Newmeyer Hillburn: no
[7:10] Newmeyer Hillburn: It is made up
[7:10] Hoberman Hillburn: no
[7:10] Alvencar Hillburn: it is
[7:11] Hoberman Hillburn: it was made well before then
[7:11] Yusich Hillburn: it is but it could happen in th efuture
[7:11] Hoberman Hillburn: it was published in the 1980's
[7:11] Hoberman Hillburn: but made in 40's or 50's
[7:11] Newmeyer Hillburn: no
[7:11] Hoberman Hillburn: ill check
[7:11] Newmeyer Hillburn: It is fantasy
[7:11] Alvencar Hillburn: it may happen in future though
[7:11] Alvencar Hillburn: we are not sure
[7:11] Yusich Hillburn: i thought it was science fiction
[7:11] Alvencar Hillburn: so
[7:11] Hoberman Hillburn: he wrote it by 1901
[7:12] Hoberman Hillburn: about 1901
[7:12] Newmeyer Hillburn: Unless people find not only signs of life on mars, but living creatures, it is impossible
[7:12] Hoberman Hillburn: thats what the book says in his life biography thing inthe begining of the book
[7:12] You: back on topic...we haave to sasy WHY he wrote it not WHEN
[7:12] You: have*
[7:12] Hoberman Hillburn: o yeah
[7:12] You: say*
[7:12] Hoberman Hillburn: i said it was just his thinking or to get famous
[7:12] Yusich Hillburn: he probably wrote it to just show what he was thinking
[7:12] Alvencar Hillburn: I think it has a moral point
[7:12] You: i don't think so
[7:12] Hoberman Hillburn: maybe to show people what his opinions are about the future
[7:13] You: i agree with sujay
[7:13] Hoberman Hillburn: or if that happened, what would occur
[7:13] Newmeyer Hillburn: It was just a thought he had
[7:13] You: yea
[7:13] Alvencar Hillburn: To show that we should be ever vigilant
[7:13] Newmeyer Hillburn: love the vocab suj
[7:13] Alvencar Hillburn: thanks dog
[7:13] Yusich Hillburn: lol
[7:14] Newmeyer Hillburn: no prob homie
[7:14] Hoberman Hillburn: ok back to the book
[7:14] Yusich Hillburn: gunit
[7:14] Alvencar Hillburn: nice
[7:14] Newmeyer Hillburn: fidy cent
[7:14] Alvencar Hillburn: enough
[7:14] Hoberman Hillburn: yo come on back to the book
[7:14] Alvencar Hillburn: sry
[7:15] Hoberman Hillburn: whats the next questin
[7:15] Yusich Hillburn: yeah sry sujy told me to say it
[7:15] Alvencar Hillburn: no
[7:15] You: there are no more
[7:15] Yusich Hillburn: ok
[7:15] Hoberman Hillburn: really
[7:15] You: lets come back to some of the questions
[7:15] Hoberman Hillburn: ok
[7:15] Yusich Hillburn: ok
[7:16] You: how about this one
[7:16] You: What is the writing style of the author? Consider literary elements we have discussed in the past. Do you like the author’s style of writing?
[7:16] Kenny Hillburn is Offline
[7:16] MargoF Hillburn is Offline
[7:16] Hoberman Hillburn: oh i said he was very detailed
[7:16] Yusich Hillburn: i like the writing it gets confusing sometimes
[7:16] You: other than that
[7:16] Alvencar Hillburn: he writes as if it already happened
[7:16] Newmeyer Hillburn: excruciating detail
[7:16] Hoberman Hillburn: he makes sure you understand exactly his thoughts
[7:16] Alvencar Hillburn: past tense
[7:17] Hoberman Hillburn: he talks about every small point for longer than it has to be sometimes
[7:17] Newmeyer Hillburn: he tells the story so that you feel like your there
[7:17] You: what makes me confused are some of the words and how he puts unecessary things in there
[7:17] Kenny Hillburn is Online
[7:17] Hoberman Hillburn: he just wants you to picture in your mind exactly what he is thinking
[7:17] Yusich Hillburn: yeah i think he does that just to get his point across
[7:17] Alvencar Hillburn: It makes the story really slow
[7:17] You: yea
[7:17] Hoberman Hillburn: yeah he just does that to make sure you understand the images
[7:17] Alvencar Hillburn: but it is k
[7:18] Alvencar Hillburn: okay
[7:18] Hoberman Hillburn: whats another question
[7:18] You: Using plot points, decide what message the author gives the reader about friends, family, fear, survival, peer pressure, et cetera.
[7:18] Yusich Hillburn: yeah
[7:18] Alvencar Hillburn: the begging says a little on evolution
[7:19] You: he is afraid to die and starts worrying a little
[7:19] Hoberman Hillburn: o i said before the fear element he tries to bring to you is that he uses lot's of detail about the images to make you feel the fear of the characters
[7:19] Hoberman Hillburn: thats why he puts so much detail in
[7:19] MargoF Hillburn is Online
[7:19] Alvencar Hillburn: Martians evolved due to harsh envirnment
[7:19] Yusich Hillburn: yeah he will probably want to fight after a while
[7:19] Hoberman Hillburn: just to make you feel the way the characters in the book are feeling
[7:20] Alvencar Hillburn: i don't think he fight much
[7:20] Yusich Hillburn: he might is he panics
[7:20] Newmeyer Hillburn: he is bulding up to the point when the main character decides it is time to fight
[7:20] Alvencar Hillburn: it expresses panic not heroism
[7:20] Hoberman Hillburn: yeah because nobody is trying to be a hero and stop the martians
[7:20] You: yeah he starts to knda panick
[7:21] Alvencar Hillburn: everyone doed
[7:21] Alvencar Hillburn: does
[7:21] Newmeyer Hillburn: once loved one's die, it will fuel their anger and lead to the fight
[7:21] Yusich Hillburn: yeah which will elad to war
[7:21] Alvencar Hillburn: this isn't a heroic story
[7:21] Hoberman Hillburn: but there is nothing the people can do until they figure out more about the aliens
[7:21] Alvencar Hillburn: It is about survival
[7:22] Hoberman Hillburn: so is that it
[7:22] Yusich Hillburn: im guessing so
[7:23] Hoberman Hillburn: ok whoever the leader is copy the stuff and drop it into miss ivey
[7:23] You: i'll do that
[7:23] Hoberman Hillburn: ok
[7:23] Yusich Hillburn: ok so what are we reading up to tonight?
[7:23] You: i think we should read to chapter11

Monday and Tuesday's Assignment

Here is the assignment that will be posted on the calendar on Ramapo Islands:
For Monday and Tuesday

You should be well into your books by now. I would like you to begin by talking about your reactions to what is occurring in the story thus far. After you share your thoughts, please discuss the following:

• What is the writing style of the author? Consider literary elements we have discussed in the past. Do you like the author’s style of writing?

• Using plot points, decide what message the author gives the reader about friends, family, fear, survival, peer pressure, et cetera.

• Discuss what the author might be saying about relationships (could be familial, friend, love) based on the relationships between characters in the novel.

• Why do you think the author wrote this book?

PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE TEXT BASED DETAILS.

PARTICIPATION IS KEY…ALL CONVERSATIONS ARE GOING TO BE GRADED.

Ms. Ivey (AKA IVey Ziami) [aka Darth Vadar] :-)

The Good, The Bad,and The Ugly....

Thursday - Period 1 - Amazing - Kevin Jarrett on board, flying about the room, a seasoned extraordinary mentor - unflinching in the face of chaos and just a wonderful presence in the project! The kids caught onto the plan for the day, intuitively understood the technology, and within minutes the project was underway! We, the facilitators, jumped in where needed but the kids pretty much worked out the bugs on their own. We were psyched - it was working. The build we were using is very complex with many capabilities that I wasn't quite clear on (couldn't get the chat log to email function going, but we had a go-around by having the discussion leader paste the chat into a notecard and deliver it to Ms. Ivey at the end of class).

3rd period - Even better - because WE knew how to present it to the kids more succinctly and although there were three other classes in the library (one on the other computers, one showing iMovies in the presentation area and one at the front tables doing seatwork) our kids were focused and successful! Kev was again an invaluable asset!

5th Period - A dream - less kids in library - our kids totally engrossed and engaged - literary scholars in deep discussion.

and then it happened...

Somewhere between 5th and 7th period - when there was no actual class in Ramapo but many avatars in world during their lunch period, someone managed to "fool with" the facilitator's podium - and many of the functions were disabled and off in the sky somewhere - unretreivable and useless. Was this malicious? Intentional? I really don't think so - but I think it was curiousity, perhaps mischief - and I feel like I should have known better!

7th Period - Frustration, Nothin working right , kids reporting boredom (the ultimate evil) I was frantically trying to fix things, Kev was going backand forth between tring to help me and trying to address the kids who were startig to get antsy -- About halfway through the class we went to plan B annd just sent the groups off into differennt regions so that their chats would be exclusive but it wan't the same ad the kids cold sense our disappointment - There was just a whole different "tension" in the room and I take responsibility for that...

Lessons learned:
1. Alsways initiate "Plan B" before trying to fix the problem so kids remain engaged.
2. Anticipate disaster (I now know that I could have locked the pods so that visiting avatars were not able to "fly them". (Duh - that's why there is a Turn Flying Off Button)
3. Lighten up Mrs. Sheehy! I was on such a roll from the morning's thrilling success (it is quite intoxicating to see one's vision come to fruition) but I should have rolled with the punches a bit better when things went awry rather than feeling as frustrated and disappointed as I did.

Note to self: Sometimes the mightiest lessons are learned from the things that "don't work" !!!

Thursday evening, into the wee hours, I worked with Firesabre and a Linden to remedy the situation and we were ready to go again Friday AM---This was the truest test for me.


I was scheduled to be away from the building at a district meeting and Ms. Ivey would be on her own with the kids. I was able to login remotely of course and checked to insure that the pods were locked between classes, but guess what? They didn't need me. They were off on their own, their teacher quite capable, everything running smoothly and I was forced to actually pay attention to the demonstration of a new software application at my meeting. "Who'd a thunk? - "

Finally, ou MUST go to Kevin Jarrett's blog - (sidebar link The Story of My Second Life) He has interviewed some of my students, and was able to really elicit some remarkable insights from them. This is the kind of educator he is! In two short and hectic days, he was truly able to develop a lovely, trusting repoire with the kids and it is quite evident from the podcasts on his blog. Pics soon!

WHOOT! Day 2!

Posters of the book selection were posted in the library and contained notecards with a quick booktalk.
Here is Day 2's assignment that was posted in a notecard on the calendar:
Today you will navigate to the SMS Library in Ramapo and in the upstairs room of the library ther are 6 posters on the wall. Click on each one and read the booktalk. After you have read ALL of them, you can open a browser while you have SL open, and research further before making your book choice. Remember you will be reading in groups so today IM and chat with other avatars about the books and your choices. Once you have made a decision, send Ivey Ziami an IM with your top 2 choices. She will let you know which group you are in.

After you have received your book group, you will need to pick up a copy of your novel!

Then, go back to the library display of your book and answer the journal question at the bottom of the notecard. You will need to create a notecard in order to do this. Here are the steps to creating a notecard:
1. go to inventory, on top toolbar select create / new note/ and your note will appear.
Write the response to the journal question on the note in the same manner that you would in class. While writing, feel free to share about the topic with the other group members. Be sure to include YOUR AVATAR NAME ON THE NOTE.
Next, close the note and it will be in your inventory. Find it in your inventory and right click on it to rename it ! Rename it with your avatar name and the book title.
To give it to Ivey Ziami, go to search, type in Ivey Ziami, and when her profile comes up, drag your notecard into the slot towards the bottom of the profile that says "drop inventory items here"


The remainder of the period you will devote to your journal question:
What is the difference between the genres of science fiction vs. fantasy?

Interesting note: Ivey Ziami's avatar is Darth Vadar! *winks*
Here are some sample journal responses:

Period 3:

Araujo Hillburn April 10, 2007

The difference between fantasy and science fiction is that fantasy is completely fake. There is no real information in the book and all of the characters are fake. For example, a fictional animal is an unicorn because unicorns are not real. In science fiction the story is fake but it is based on true facts. An example of science fiction is Star Wars because the story is fake and not true but the facs in it are true. There is a fine line inbetween fantasy and science fiction and it is the facts and how much the story can be true.

Pirc Hillburn: The difference between science fiction and fantasy is that science fiction usually takes place in the future. Also it tends to have a lot of high tech guns and ideas in it. Science fiction books also can take place and all different planets and in space. Fantasy on the other hand is more about magic and usually takes place a long long time ago. Usually fantasy takes place in the time where swords and bows and arrows were used. Science fiction is a futuristic story that isn't real while fantasy is more about magic. An example of science fiction would be Star Wars while fantasy is more like Lord of the Rings.

Proscia Hillburn: Science fiction and fantasy are two major genres in the realm of fiction. The two are similar in them both being fictional. However they are two very different kinds of stories. Science fiction usually stays within the bounds of reality. Sci-fi stories usually take place in the future or a moment of great technological advancement. In sci-fi stories many stranger things happen but they can might still be possible in real life. Fantasy stories however take place in the world of the author's imagination. In a fantasy novel anything is possible and they usually happen. Fantasy usually takes place in the past filled with magic powers and evil beasts. Fantasy novels are not bound to realities laws except in the most basic ways. Sci- fi and fantasy are two complete opposites but are also the same in some form or way. Though both still are completely different.

Taylor Hillburn: The difference between science fiction and fantasy is the reality involved in each situation. For instance, in fantasy, the story usually takes place in an unusual or fictional environment. It may involve unknown creautures or events that do not normaly take place. However, although science fiction is not necessarily true, it contains factual information. Unlike fantasy, the story will usually be somewhat realistic and descriptive. It can be about potential events that may take place in the future, but haven't occured yet. Overall, the major difference is that fantasy is that one is more believable than the other.

Period 7

McInerney Hillburn

Science Fiction and Fantasy are completely different. There are three main differences; the setting, the objects used, and the characters. In science fiction books, the setting is usually reached through a new kind of technology. It's a portal, time machine, etc. In fantasy novels, it's a made up town, planet, unniverse, or even dimension.
The characters in a science fiction novel are humans and aliens. The conflict is always between them, or there is an evil alien that causes the problems. Fantasy novels contain magicians, mystic warriors, dragons, etc. The characters use wands or something of that sort, compared to lasers or beam swords that are used in science fiction novels. Fantasy novels are made up, while some science fiction novels are based on future societies.

Joo Hillburn:
Sci Fi is different from fantasy because it is in the future or includes things that could of happened through scientific means. Fantasy includes magic and or magical creatures.
Sci Fi often has a setting in the future because it has inventions or technology that hasnt been created. This tech. usually seems magical or fantastical because it is made up technology. The nautilis of jules verne was probably outlandish at the time but is real now.
Fantasy explains these far out ideas with magic. IT just happens.


Clifford Hillburn:
The differences between science fiction and fantasy are as such. Science fiction is a prediction of the future, a fantastical yet plausible view of things to come. While fantasy, is pure imagination, a set up of mythical standards which is only seen in the realms of lore. The fact of the matter is that science fiction is a pathway to the world of tommorow which we set aside as ledgend until it comes true. An example would be space travel, an activity seen only in the world of ficton until man designed a way to achieve it. im many ways science fiction is te blueprint for the great creators of generations to come.

Day 1 Oh My!

We had terrific live in real world help today from Digital Mincemeat and Pieridae Dench. Claudia Linden dropped by for a bit and LL Pera showed up to mentor! Our classes are soaring! Here is the first day's assignment as posted on the calendar:

Welcome! Here are your instructions for today:
1. IM Ivey Ziami, Chaser Brody, Digital Mincemeat, or Pieridae Dench to receive your 50 L$ ! Remeber to say PLease :-)
2. Join the appropriate group " Ivey (1,3,5,7) by going to Search (on the bottom toolbar) choosing the Group Tab, and searching for Ivey - and your period #. Then click on join and you will receive the title over your avatar name if you have been successful.
3. Using the built in camera tool (go to File/take snapshot) take a snapshot of your avatar and upload it into SL. THe snapshot will take a moment to upload and then will show up in a box on your screen. You can then close the box and the snapshot will be in your inventory. THe easiest way to find your picture is to go to recent items and find snapshot. RIGHT AWAY change the name of the snapshot by right clicking on it in your inventoryy and choosing rename. Name the snapshot something you will remember - but keep it short and sweet!

PLEASE TRY AND KEEP ALL COMMUNICATION IN WORLD IN CHAT AND IM!

Here are some of the pics Digital Mincemeat posted: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarrett/sets/72157600060337126/show/

More dialogue on the latest project...

Briefly - as promised I am giving you the "blow by blow" development of this literature project. Teresa Ivey, the classroom teacher for this projectm emailed me and said:

"See you in the morning! I'll start my kids in my room and we'll head down.(to the library where the computer lab is located) I want to partner them up with kids who are already familiar with 2nd Life."

I responded: "May I make a suggestion? When you say “partner” your kids – please make sure that it is “in world” (on Ramapo Islands) where the partnering happens. In other words, you can tell Mary that she will be partnered with John – but have them “meet” and cooperate in Second Life rather than physically, in the library -. What I am trying to encourage is that they negotiate the orientation virtually – as if they were all in different physical locations. Anything else would be contrary to what we are trying to accomplish."

We have two considerations here. One is that time is always a scarce commodity and Teresa is more than likely trying to expedite the orientation process in a way that is tried and true - pairing an experienced student with a "newbie". But the other factor to consider is that one of the underlying fundamental aspects of education in Second Life is the virtual cooperation, networking and communication.

More later...blow by blow!

New Mentors on Board!

Ramapo was happy to welcome Math Binder and Pieridae Dench, our two new adult mentors. We have successfully transferred the Facilitator's Podium created by Biran Gould and are hoping it will serve our literature discussions well! Here is the link for the audio instructions for the Podium: http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/lindy/sl/deckas_decks.mp3
To see a model of it on the Main Grid go to Terra Incognita 186, 28, 68 Mountain Top classroom.