Unit 1: Using Technology—Navigating the Internet

Unit 1: Using Technology—Navigating the Internet

Unit Focus

Reading

• Refine vocabulary for interpersonal, academic, and workplace situations, including figurative, idiomatic, and technical meanings.
• Locate, gather, analyze, and evaluate written information for various purposes, including research projects, real-world tasks, and self-improvement.
• Select and use appropriate study and research skills and tools according to the information gathered or organized, including almanacs, government publications, microfiche, news sources, and information services.
• Analyze the validity and reliability of primary source information and use the data appropriately.
• Synthesize information from multiple sources to draw conclusions.

Writing

• Use appropriate prewriting strategies, such as brainstorming, graphic organizers, and outlining.
• Draft and revise writing that
  • is focused, purposeful, and reflects insight into the writing situation;
  • has an organizational pattern that provides for a logical progression of ideas; has effective use of transitional devices that contribute to a sense of completeness;
  • has support that is substantial, specific, relevant, and concrete;
  • demonstrates a commitment to and involvement with the subject;
  • uses creative writing strategies as appropriate to the purpose of the paper;
  • demonstrates a mature command of the language with precision of expression;
  • has varied sentence structure and
  • has few, if any, convention errors in mechanics, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
• Produce final documents that have been edited for
  • correct spelling;
  • correct punctuation, including commas, colons, and everyday use of semicolons;
  • correct capitalization;
  • correct sentence formation;
  • proper instances of possessives, subject/verb agreement, instances of noun/pronoun agreement, and the intentional use of fragments for effect; and
  • correct formatting that appeals to readers, including appropriate use of various graphics, tables, charts, and illustrations in standard and innovative forms.
• Write text, notes, outlines, comments, and observations demonstrating comprehension and synthesis of content, processes, and experiences from various media.

Organize information using appropriate systems.

• Write fluently for various occasions, audiences, and purposes, making appropriate choices regarding style, tone, level of detail, and organization.
• Select and use various electronic media, such as the Internet, information services, and desktop-publishing software programs, to create, revise, retrieve, and verify information.

Language

• Make appropriate adjustments in language use for social, academic, and life situations, demonstrating sensitivity to gender and cultural bias.
• Understand how language has shaped the reactions, perceptions, and beliefs of the local, national, and global communities.
• Critically analyze specific elements of mass media and the extent to which they enhance or manipulate information.
• Understand that laws control the delivery and use of media to protect the rights of authors and media owners.