Dynamic duo text talks: Examining the content of Internet sites

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grade 6

• Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
  • Objective 3.13: Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments. Strand - Telecommunications/Internet

Grade 7

• Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
  • Objective 3.11: Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments. Strand - Telecommunications/Internet

Grade 8

• Goal 3: Select and use a variety of technology tools to collect, analyze, and present information. Strand - Societal/Ethical Issues
  • Objective 3.10: Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments. Strand - Telecommunications/Internet

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 6

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.
  • Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the characteristics of expressive works.
    • determining the effect of literary devices and/or strategies on the reader/viewer/listener.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • comparing and/or contrasting information.
    • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
    • determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
    • generating a learning log or journal.
    • creating an artistic interpretation that connects self to the work.
    • discussing books/media formally and informally.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact appropriately in group settings by:
    • listening attentively.
    • showing empathy.
    • contributing relevant comments connecting personal experiences to content.
    • monitoring own understanding of the discussion and seeking clarification as needed.
  • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
    • describing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
    • identifying changes in self throughout the learning process.
    • interpreting how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
• Goal 2: The learner will explore and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • Objective 2.01: Explore informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understand of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • studying the characteristics of informational works.
    • restating and summarizing information.
    • determining the importance and accuracy of information.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics/information.
    • comparing and/or contrasting information.
    • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
    • generating questions.
• Goal 3: The learner will examine the foundations of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Explore argumentative works that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the characteristics of argumentative works.
    • determining the importance of author's word choice and focus.
    • summarizing the author's purpose and stance.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials and school and community policies).
    • distinguishing between fact and opinion.
  • Objective 3.02: Explore the problem solution process by:
    • studying examples (in literature and other text) that present problems coherently, describe the solution clearly, sequence reasons to support the solution, and show awareness of audience.
    • preparing individual and/or group essays and presentations that focus on the diagnosis of a problem and possible solutions.
• Goal 4: The learner will use critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
  • Objective 4.03: Recognize and develop a stance of a critic by:
    • considering alternative points of view or reasons.
    • remaining fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
    • constructing a critical response/review of a work/topic.

Grade 7

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
  • Objective 1.02: Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • summarizing the characteristics of expressive works.
    • determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • comparing and/or contrasting information.
    • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
    • determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
    • generating a learning log or journal.
    • maintaining an annotated list of works read/viewed.
    • creating an artistic interpretation that connects self and/or society to the selection.
    • constructing and presenting book/media reviews.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact in group settings by:
    • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
    • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
    • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
    • soliciting and respecting another person's opinion.
  • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
    • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
    • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
    • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
• Goal 2: The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.
  • Objective 2.01: Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the characteristics of informational works.
    • summarizing information.
    • determining the importance of information.
    • making connections to related topics/information.
    • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
    • generating questions.
• Goal 3: The learner will refine the understanding and use of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Analyze a variety of public documents that establish a position or point of view by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and /or viewed.
    • identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
    • recognizing bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
    • examining the effectiveness of style, tone, and use of language.
    • summarizing the author's purpose and stance.
    • examining the importance and impact of establishing a position or point-of-view.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local/state/national policies/issues).
  • Objective 3.02: Use the problem-solution process by:
    • studying problems and solutions within various texts and situations.
    • utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations.
    • constructing essays/presentations that respond to a given problem by proposing a solution that includes relevant details.
    • recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
• Goal 4: The learner will refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.
  • Objective 4.03: Develop the stance of a critic by:
    • considering and presenting alternative points of view or reasons.
    • remaining fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
    • creating a critical response/review of a work/topic.

Grade 8

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
  • Objective 1.02: Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • reviewing the characteristics of expressive works.
    • determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating a learning log or journal.
    • maintaining an annotated list of works that are read or viewed, including personal reactions.
    • taking an active role in and/or leading formal/informal book/media talks.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
    • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
    • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
    • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.
  • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
    • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
    • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
    • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.
• Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
  • Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
    • summarizing information.
    • determining the importance of information.
    • making connections to related topics/information.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating questions.
    • extending ideas.
• Goal 3: The learner will continue to refine the understanding and use of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Explore and evaluate argumentative works that are read, heard and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the work by identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
    • identifying the social context of the argument.
    • recognizing the effects of bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
    • comparing the argument and counter-argument presented.
    • identifying/evaluating the effectiveness of tone, style, and use of language.
    • evaluating the author's purpose and stance
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local, state, and national policies/issues including those with a historical context).
  • Objective 3.02: Continue to explore and analyze the use of the problem-solution process by:
    • evaluating problems and solutions within various texts and situations.
    • utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations.
    • constructing essays/presentations that respond to a given problem by proposing a solution that includes relevant details.
    • recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
• Goal 4: The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
  • Objective 4.03: Use the stance of a critic to:
    • consider alternative points of view or reasons.
    • remain fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
    • construct a critical response/review of a work/topic.