Special Quests and Adventures!
This page explains the detailed instructions on how to engage with special quests and adventures. The dates that are listed are the dates in which the quest or adventure is DUE.
Tuesday, Jan 16
"My Identity"
I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name/screen name/identifier).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course.
After you create your avatar, take a selfie (or upload a picture of yourself) and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include your handle/avatar name/screen name, etc. as well as your Myers Briggs*** (click HERE or HERE) results, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a [insert age here]?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (can be a screenshot)
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you send me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.
I want you to think critically about your public and private image. Gamers, except in rare cases, are represented by an avatar, or alternate appearance. Being represented by an avatar can be empowering in different situations. An avatar can give you the sense of fitting in, acceptance, power, authority, and privilege. We are always critical of our physical appearance, as well as the mental image we have of ourselves and others. For the purposes of this the Rhetorical Inn, you will be creating an avatar and handle (name/screen name/identifier).
With this being a composition class, I strongly urge you to consider how you want to be represented in this space. Do you want to hand draw your avatar? Do you want to go to an avatar creator and make your digital self? Would you rather find an image online? All of these options are acceptable. Think critically about what your persona will be in this course.
After you create your avatar, take a selfie (or upload a picture of yourself) and upload both images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include your handle/avatar name/screen name, etc. as well as your Myers Briggs*** (click HERE or HERE) results, then answer the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What was the process in its creation/selection?
2. Comparing the selfie and the avatar, what do the two images say about you as a person? As a student? As a [insert age here]?
3. What is the story behind the handle you chose? Why did you craft it in such a way?
4. Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (can be a screenshot)
Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and your public image. You can write the minimum (at least 300 words) or you can write three pages. Whatever you send me, I will read.
After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Avatar Name - My Identity" and place it in "My Identity" folder under "Special Quests/Adventures."
***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.
Tuesday, January 23rd
"What am I passionate about?" Journey Log One
What is your passion? What is it that you have the most drive for? When a friend, parent, advisor, or professor asks you this, what is your answer? Is it always the same? The MyStory project is an exploration of a passion as seen through family, discipline, community, and entertainment. For your first journey log, I want to you to explore this idea of passion. Choose a habit of mind to use as your heuristic, and see where your writing takes you. This is open to as much experimentation as you desire.
As your first Journey Log, make sure you check the instructions on how to submit this by going to Adventure Log > Journey Log. Good luck, and have fun!
What is your passion? What is it that you have the most drive for? When a friend, parent, advisor, or professor asks you this, what is your answer? Is it always the same? The MyStory project is an exploration of a passion as seen through family, discipline, community, and entertainment. For your first journey log, I want to you to explore this idea of passion. Choose a habit of mind to use as your heuristic, and see where your writing takes you. This is open to as much experimentation as you desire.
As your first Journey Log, make sure you check the instructions on how to submit this by going to Adventure Log > Journey Log. Good luck, and have fun!
Thursday, January 25th
"Starting my MyStory"
Now that we have discussed the MyStory in class it is time to start writing it. Think of this exploration as a drafting of your MyStory. So far we have discussed the overall raid, and focussed more specifically on discipline and family at length. When you think of your passion, how does it track across family and your declared discipline (or education)? Has your passion been shaped or discovered through your family or discipline?
For this adventure, write at least 150 words for family and 150 words for discipline. Make sure you separate them with a bolded heading. Based on your specialization, do one of the following:
Now that we have discussed the MyStory in class it is time to start writing it. Think of this exploration as a drafting of your MyStory. So far we have discussed the overall raid, and focussed more specifically on discipline and family at length. When you think of your passion, how does it track across family and your declared discipline (or education)? Has your passion been shaped or discovered through your family or discipline?
For this adventure, write at least 150 words for family and 150 words for discipline. Make sure you separate them with a bolded heading. Based on your specialization, do one of the following:
- Warrior: Write 250 words for each section.
- Bard: Create a piece of art for one of the sections. By art, it can be a drawing, recorded music, poem, collage, etc.
- Ranger: Do some research on your passion. Include at least two links and two definitions from different sources (dictionaries, wikipedia, etc).
- Mage: Make a short (60-120 second) video about one of the heuristics. This should be done by recording yourself talking on a phone/webcam and uploaded. Easiest way to do this is on YouTube and upload the video as "unlisted" so nobody else can see it without the direct link.
Tuesday, January 29th
"Day in the Life of" Journey Log Two
For Journey Log Two, you will create a "Day in the Life of" video. First, choose a day that you want to record. Then, periodically throughout the day, record yourself and/or your surroundings. Try to combine recording yourself talking, voice-over, and text to explain your day. You may want to include Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook pictures with filters and annotations. When you have completed your day (end with going to bed), you can then edit your recordings and images in Premiere Pro. Your goal is to be somewhere near four and five minutes. If you would like to do a longer video, you may do so. There is Bonus XP offered for those that want to critique either the life of a student or digital literacy.
Links for Free Music and Images! (Click Me)
"Day in the Life of" Examples (One) (Two)
Critical "Day in the Life of" style (Click Me)
How to Add Text in Premiere Pro (Click Me)
Student example ONE
Student example TWO
Need Music? Click here for free music
For Journey Log Two, you will create a "Day in the Life of" video. First, choose a day that you want to record. Then, periodically throughout the day, record yourself and/or your surroundings. Try to combine recording yourself talking, voice-over, and text to explain your day. You may want to include Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook pictures with filters and annotations. When you have completed your day (end with going to bed), you can then edit your recordings and images in Premiere Pro. Your goal is to be somewhere near four and five minutes. If you would like to do a longer video, you may do so. There is Bonus XP offered for those that want to critique either the life of a student or digital literacy.
- 4-5 minute edited video
- Use of text, voice-over, and recorded voice.
- Can use video and images
- Can use music as background, but be mindful of copyright because this is a public video (on Behance)
Links for Free Music and Images! (Click Me)
"Day in the Life of" Examples (One) (Two)
Critical "Day in the Life of" style (Click Me)
How to Add Text in Premiere Pro (Click Me)
Student example ONE
Student example TWO
Need Music? Click here for free music
Tuesday, February 6th
"Stylized Reporting"
For this adventure, you are going to explore popular news sources and see how they each stylize their articles. First, choose a topic that is currently being widely covered. Make sure it is a full report and not just an update. Next, choose your preferred news source (you may want to look at the list below). When you have your article, note the following:
Now that you have done this for your primary news source, choose two other sources that are covering the same topic. Choose a source you are not as familiar with or don't typically read. Here is a list of suggestions, but there are others out there:
Fox News, NBC News, CNBC News, ABC News, CNN, NPR, Breitbart, InfoWars, or Al Jazeera News.
Now that you chose, answer the same 10 questions for the other two sources. You may want to create a chart for easy viewing.
Follow the below guide for the specializations:
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Stylized Reporting" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Stylized Reporting." Good luck, and have fun!
For this adventure, you are going to explore popular news sources and see how they each stylize their articles. First, choose a topic that is currently being widely covered. Make sure it is a full report and not just an update. Next, choose your preferred news source (you may want to look at the list below). When you have your article, note the following:
- Is there an author?
- How many advertisements are there on the page (make sure to scroll to the bottom)?
- What other articles are they suggesting you read (title)?
- What is the overall tone of the article?
- Can you detect any bias? (conservatives, liberals, snowflakes, etc.)
- How many quotes are there? Are they comprehensive?
- How many citations are there?
- Are there hyperlinks? How many and where do they bring you?
- Is a study listed? Can you find the study by Googling?
- What is the overall structure of the article?
Now that you have done this for your primary news source, choose two other sources that are covering the same topic. Choose a source you are not as familiar with or don't typically read. Here is a list of suggestions, but there are others out there:
Fox News, NBC News, CNBC News, ABC News, CNN, NPR, Breitbart, InfoWars, or Al Jazeera News.
Now that you chose, answer the same 10 questions for the other two sources. You may want to create a chart for easy viewing.
Follow the below guide for the specializations:
- Warrior: Write a min 200 word reflection on what you noticed. Were you surprised by anything, or did it reaffirm what you knew?
- Ranger: Find a fourth news source and do the same analysis.
- Mage: Make a PDF of your sources and circle, highlight, and call attention to specific differences.
- Bard: Make a political cartoon, drawing, or other type of artistic representation of the differences or similarities.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Stylized Reporting" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Stylized Reporting." Good luck, and have fun!
Thursday, February 8th
"For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)"
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items) with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2016; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
(If you are a Builder, you are required to build the building in which the eulogy is taking place. You should include pictures of the outside (front and angled side) and inside (front and back view). Insert the pictures in your document.
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
For Bonus Points: Make a confession tape for the crime explaining what you did in detail. Edit in Premiere and upload to Behance with the title: "Last Name - Confession" Make sure you indicate you did this on your GoogleDoc.
“Choosing how to express your meaning is every bit as important as the message itself, which is really what rhetoric is. Every time you go to write anything (and every time you open your mouth), whether actively conscious of the purpose or not, you are making decisions about which words to use and what tone to establish as you order your thoughts based upon what is appropriate for your intended audience in that context.” (87)
For this assignment, you are to interact with Janet Boyd’s article, “Murder! (Rhetorically Speaking)” (found under Quest Items) with certain prompts which will enhance your understanding of rhetoric and genre. It is important that you read the entire article, instead of just flipping to the activities. The article gives you great detail as to what rhetoric is and the components that make it up. (I highly recommend that you take notes of the different terms she goes over, since we will be using them for the rest of the semester.) Remember, all classes must do all four prompts, but there are extra requirements for a prompt based off of your class.
The “Five Facts” of the Scene
Who: Mark Smith
What: Murdered
Where: Parking Garage
When: June 6, 2016; 10:37pm
How: Multiple stab wounds
Prompt 1: (Page 88)
Using the five facts, create a police report as if you were a detective. You are using the facts above, but you need to fill in the specific details of the scene. Be mindful that you are writing in the “police report” genre. Police reports are very specific, detailed, and to the point. Your audience is your superiors in the office, lawyers, jury, judge, and potentially the media. What do you write to fully explain the scene?
(If you are a RANGER, you are required to find a police report template [google police report template], and write your detailed police report in this way.)
Prompt 2: (Page 91)
Again, using the five facts, you are now to write a coroner’s report of the body. Even though you are writing a different report, your audience is the same as the detective report. Keep diction (word choice) in mind. What do you see? Again, very detail oriented and to the point.
(If you are a MAGE, you are required to create a "medical examiner's report" [google for template], and fill it out accordingly.)
Prompt 3: (Page 94)
Using the information you have already used for Mark Smith, you are to create a short eulogy, or a speech of remembrance. You can decide who your audience is. Is it those at the funeral home? Is this going to be more of an obituary? What details will you choose to include? What do you want to say?
(If you are a BARD, you are required to write at least 300 words for the eulogy. This should be thoughtful, detailed, and creative.)
(If you are a Builder, you are required to build the building in which the eulogy is taking place. You should include pictures of the outside (front and angled side) and inside (front and back view). Insert the pictures in your document.
Prompt 4: (Page 97)
After the investigation, coroner’s report, and eulogy, you should have a good understanding of Mark Smith. Now you are faced with his killer and all eyes are on you; Mark Smith’s lawyer. You need to give your closing argument to the jury which will deliver the verdict, so what do you say?
(If you are the Warrior, you are required to write a compelling closing argument of a minimum 400 words.)
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "For Your Audience (Rhetorically Speaking)" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - For Your Audience." Good luck, and have fun!
For Bonus Points: Make a confession tape for the crime explaining what you did in detail. Edit in Premiere and upload to Behance with the title: "Last Name - Confession" Make sure you indicate you did this on your GoogleDoc.
Tuesday, February 13th
"Olive Arguments"
Good research is most often read, but it can also be listened to or watched. John Oliver, on his show Last Week Tonight, engages in 12-20 minute segments on a major story that requires quite a bit of research before presenting. He has hundreds of segments to look at, but I selected a few that might be of interest to you. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose one of the following segments by John Oliver: "Journalism," "Charter Schools," "Encryption," or "Alex Jones." These are explicit videos due to vulgarities, just so you know. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 200-300 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a digital representation of the arguments and sources. This could be a digitally drawn mind map, a video, or something else. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw, one of the Adobe programs or come up withe a creative solution)
Bard: Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a 200 word (2.5 minute) creative piece in response. You may write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue.Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Good research is most often read, but it can also be listened to or watched. John Oliver, on his show Last Week Tonight, engages in 12-20 minute segments on a major story that requires quite a bit of research before presenting. He has hundreds of segments to look at, but I selected a few that might be of interest to you. Go to the “Quest Items” portal and choose one of the following segments by John Oliver: "Journalism," "Charter Schools," "Encryption," or "Alex Jones." These are explicit videos due to vulgarities, just so you know. Once you have watched one of the videos all the way through, do the following:
- Using the rhetorical principles that we have discussed, write at least 250 words analyzing his argument. Remember to discuss ethos, pathos, logos, doxa, dogma, and Kairos (at the very least).
- (Depending on your specialization)
Rangers: Google and find at least two articles that mention this episode. Read through them and write a 200-300 word response. What sides did they take? What change is being brought about, if any? What other information was brought up?
Mage: Create a digital representation of the arguments and sources. This could be a digitally drawn mind map, a video, or something else. What groups did he mention? Where did he get his information? What was backed up and what wasn’t? Do any arguments extend to one another or were they solitary arguments? (Use GoogleDraw, one of the Adobe programs or come up withe a creative solution)
Bard: Based on the change that Oliver proposes—and assume it happened—write a 200 word (2.5 minute) creative piece in response. You may write a poem, rap, song, or short story about the issue.Try to summon as much pathos as possible.
You will turn this into the folder under "Special Quests/Adventures" called "Olive Arguments" in Google Drive. Please name your document "Last Name - Avatar - Specialization - Olive Arguments." Good luck, and have fun!
Tuesday, February 27
"Shitty Experiences"
Ignore specialization
Now that you have written an annotated bibliography of your research, it is time to reflect on the writing process of an essay. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Shitty first Drafts" (Under Quest Items and linked below) in its entirety. Once you have done the reading, complete the following prompt as Journey Log 6:
Write a short, minimum 250 word, essay on your process for writing longer essays. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains it. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts? If time wasn't an issue, would your process change? You may also talk about your anxieties of being a writer. You can also think back to another reading from this semester, Yes Please.
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for a Premiere Videos that either shows the process of making the video and figuring out what to say (remember to do screen recordings with Camtasia). This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so have fun with it. Use your best judgment on the length of the video.
Ignore specialization
Now that you have written an annotated bibliography of your research, it is time to reflect on the writing process of an essay. I would like you to read Lamott's piece "Shitty first Drafts" (Under Quest Items and linked below) in its entirety. Once you have done the reading, complete the following prompt as Journey Log 6:
Write a short, minimum 250 word, essay on your process for writing longer essays. Think about writing in drafts as Lamott explains it. What about your process is like hers? What are the thoughts in your head before you submit a paper? Do you often write in drafts? If time wasn't an issue, would your process change? You may also talk about your anxieties of being a writer. You can also think back to another reading from this semester, Yes Please.
This can be a narrative, or you can answer the questions in paragraph form. Extra points will be rewarded for a Premiere Videos that either shows the process of making the video and figuring out what to say (remember to do screen recordings with Camtasia). This should be a fun and creative piece that explores your understanding of process so have fun with it. Use your best judgment on the length of the video.
Lamott - Shitty First Drafts | |
File Size: | 1201 kb |
File Type: |
"Extra Credit Motivational Video"
For extra credit, you can complete the Motivational Video from class that shows transitions, audio control, title cards, and simple cuts (edits). Make sure to use videos, dramatic music, and a speech of some kind. Make sure the speech can be heard over the music.
Put this on Youtube as Unlisted and email me a link.
For extra credit, you can complete the Motivational Video from class that shows transitions, audio control, title cards, and simple cuts (edits). Make sure to use videos, dramatic music, and a speech of some kind. Make sure the speech can be heard over the music.
Put this on Youtube as Unlisted and email me a link.
Thursday, March 1 - Thursday, March 8
"Interest Group Video"
For this adventure, you are to conduct an interview or focus group in which you ask four questions. Follow the below instructions:
1) Choose to conduct an interview or a focus group:
Please make sure the video is uploaded to Youtube under "Unlisted" and past the link at the bottom of the transcription document.
Below is a great article that will help you think about the interview process and come up with great questions:
For this adventure, you are to conduct an interview or focus group in which you ask four questions. Follow the below instructions:
1) Choose to conduct an interview or a focus group:
- Interview: An expert at Clemson or the surrounding area. Email the person and ask if you could ask four questions and record it for your Konsult. I recommend sending the four questions beforehand. This should be a short 10-20 minute process.
- Focus Group: Conduct a minimum four person focus group. The members of the focus group should be "informed" on your topic. You must give the opportunity to each member of the focus group to answer your question. Since there are more people and they could be talking with one another, this will likely by a 30-60 minute process.
- This email should contain basic information such as: your name, the class you are in, your topic, mention of recording, mention of assignment. Below is a template you could use.
- Hi Dr. ________. My name is NAME and I am currently enrolled in ENGL1030: Composition and Rhetoric and I am working on a project about ________. I was wondering if you had time to meet with me for a recorded interview of four quick questions (below). I promise that this will not take more than 10-20 minutes of your time. The times I am available this/next week are LIST TIMES. I look forward to hearing from you. Best, NAME
- For this, you can do one of three things
- Record with your phone: This is not the most professional way, but it is the quickest and easiest way that would give you some control over the camera. You could also get a mini tripod for your camera through the library.
- Record with your Computer: This might be a bit awkward, but you could make this work.
- Get a camera and tripod from the library desk: This is the best option and definitely the most professional. You could either have someone help you record or you could just set up the tripod.
- Depending on how much they allow you to record (hope for the whole thing, but get at least you getting ready, them introducing themselves, and maybe a recap if they don't allow you to record the whole thing), you should edit out the filler and the moments you believe to be undesirable. This should be a concise video. If you do a focus group, only use what you think is the most important parts. This video should be no more than 10 minutes. Then transcribe the answers to the best of your ability. For focus groups, only use initials of the speakers.
- Submit the transcription to the Google Drive folder under Adventures. Leave a link to the video at the bottom of the document.
Please make sure the video is uploaded to Youtube under "Unlisted" and past the link at the bottom of the transcription document.
Below is a great article that will help you think about the interview process and come up with great questions:
driscoll-introduction_to_primary_research.pdf | |
File Size: | 361 kb |
File Type: |
Tuesday, March 13
"Minecraft Exploration" (Journey Log)
Learning a new program and design medium opens up a world of adventure, wonder, and frustration. Learning how to operate inside Minecraft: Education Edition is no different. If you are a PC gamer, the ASDW and Mouse movement commands are as familiar to you as typing on the QWERTY keyboard. If you are a console gamer, you may yearn for your XBOX or Playstation controller to move around. With a bit of practice, the keyboard and mouse will become second nature. And, of course, you don't need a mouse, but it is preferable.
When you first step into the world of Minecraft, you may be disoriented and confused and that is where a good tutorial comes in. The world linked below (follow instructions) is the same world we navigated through as a class. If you need a refresher on controls--or just more practice--go to the tutorial section once more and move through the obstacle course. If you want to go to fresh terrain to build, take the path to the open build area. If you want to move straight to your assignment, go to the castle, find your guide, and get to work. The guides are located throughout the castle and will provide you with your task based on your specialization. Make sure to follow their instructions! Keep time of how long it takes you to do the assignment. Once you find the guide, run a stopwatch and record the final time in your Spark Page somewhere. Oh, also, make sure you turn on creative mode. It will make things easier!
Document your progress either by using Camtasia or the camera function in-game. Make sure to provide pictures/video of the progress and final build in the journey log. Make sure to caption your photos and write at least one paragraph on your process of planning/building.
Second Part
Now that you have played through Minecraft at least twice, you should have a sense for the game and your level of expertise. Minecraft is a vast world of possibilities where your mind is one of the only limitations. For your Journey Log 8, reflect on Minecraft. Remember to use at least one Habit of Mind and keep your specialization in mind. Here are some guiding questions to lead you through your Journey Log:
To Enter World:
To enter the world, download the below file. Make sure it is in a folder that is easy to find. When you click on Play on the Minecraft: Education Edition start screen, you will see a door with an arrow at the top. Click on that, and load the world. You should find the world in your list.
Hint, if you killed your guide, here is what they said:
Bard
"Find an empty location in or around the castle and build a magnificent library. Remember, a good library has plenty of light, books, and places to read. Make sure you document your process!
Warrior
“I want you to build a defensive wall with a walkway for our troops. The back of the castle is defenseless! That is a good place to start. Remember to document your process!”
Mage
“Enter the portal behind you and embark on the Nether. Make a structure and record your processing using Camtasia. Once complete, edit and export the video.”
Ranger
"Your quest is to find a house or building somewhere online and then reproduce it. Find a plot of land behind the castle and build your structure and document the process. Make sure you cite where you found the image."
Learning a new program and design medium opens up a world of adventure, wonder, and frustration. Learning how to operate inside Minecraft: Education Edition is no different. If you are a PC gamer, the ASDW and Mouse movement commands are as familiar to you as typing on the QWERTY keyboard. If you are a console gamer, you may yearn for your XBOX or Playstation controller to move around. With a bit of practice, the keyboard and mouse will become second nature. And, of course, you don't need a mouse, but it is preferable.
When you first step into the world of Minecraft, you may be disoriented and confused and that is where a good tutorial comes in. The world linked below (follow instructions) is the same world we navigated through as a class. If you need a refresher on controls--or just more practice--go to the tutorial section once more and move through the obstacle course. If you want to go to fresh terrain to build, take the path to the open build area. If you want to move straight to your assignment, go to the castle, find your guide, and get to work. The guides are located throughout the castle and will provide you with your task based on your specialization. Make sure to follow their instructions! Keep time of how long it takes you to do the assignment. Once you find the guide, run a stopwatch and record the final time in your Spark Page somewhere. Oh, also, make sure you turn on creative mode. It will make things easier!
Document your progress either by using Camtasia or the camera function in-game. Make sure to provide pictures/video of the progress and final build in the journey log. Make sure to caption your photos and write at least one paragraph on your process of planning/building.
Second Part
Now that you have played through Minecraft at least twice, you should have a sense for the game and your level of expertise. Minecraft is a vast world of possibilities where your mind is one of the only limitations. For your Journey Log 8, reflect on Minecraft. Remember to use at least one Habit of Mind and keep your specialization in mind. Here are some guiding questions to lead you through your Journey Log:
- What was your first reaction to Minecraft? If you have played before, how was this experience similar or different?
- Minecraft is an open sandbox game that's main purpose is creativity and collaboration. How would you respond to these two things in your experience?
- Was your planning and focus on process different than that of previous compositions? How so?
- What are the limitations and affordances of the game as you see it right now?
- Did you look up tutorials or help guides?
To Enter World:
To enter the world, download the below file. Make sure it is in a folder that is easy to find. When you click on Play on the Minecraft: Education Edition start screen, you will see a door with an arrow at the top. Click on that, and load the world. You should find the world in your list.
Hint, if you killed your guide, here is what they said:
Bard
"Find an empty location in or around the castle and build a magnificent library. Remember, a good library has plenty of light, books, and places to read. Make sure you document your process!
Warrior
“I want you to build a defensive wall with a walkway for our troops. The back of the castle is defenseless! That is a good place to start. Remember to document your process!”
Mage
“Enter the portal behind you and embark on the Nether. Make a structure and record your processing using Camtasia. Once complete, edit and export the video.”
Ranger
"Your quest is to find a house or building somewhere online and then reproduce it. Find a plot of land behind the castle and build your structure and document the process. Make sure you cite where you found the image."
spring_2018_world.mcworld | |
File Size: | 3971 kb |
File Type: | mcworld |
Tuesday, April 10th
"Source Code"
For your last adventure, you will simply complete the first lesson for the HTML coding language at CodeAcademy.com (first 14 exercises).
First, make an account at CodeAcademy.com, click on "Catalog," then scroll down to "Learn HTML. Finally, click on "HTML Elements and Structure" and "Introduction to HTML".
When you are finished with the 16th exercise, a badge should appear. Do a screenshot and upload it as an image to the appropriate GoogleDrive folder and name it "[Last Name] - Source Code"
This entire lesson took me 15 minutes while reading each section. If you would like to do the next section, "HTML Document Standards," you may do so for extra credit. Make sure to upload the screenshot of the completed screen as an image and name it "[Last Name] - Source Code XC"
For your last adventure, you will simply complete the first lesson for the HTML coding language at CodeAcademy.com (first 14 exercises).
First, make an account at CodeAcademy.com, click on "Catalog," then scroll down to "Learn HTML. Finally, click on "HTML Elements and Structure" and "Introduction to HTML".
When you are finished with the 16th exercise, a badge should appear. Do a screenshot and upload it as an image to the appropriate GoogleDrive folder and name it "[Last Name] - Source Code"
This entire lesson took me 15 minutes while reading each section. If you would like to do the next section, "HTML Document Standards," you may do so for extra credit. Make sure to upload the screenshot of the completed screen as an image and name it "[Last Name] - Source Code XC"