News on the NET

Responding to Technology in the Newspaper Grade Level: 9 - 12

 Students will select an article on computers/technology from an online newspaper. After reading the article students will write a brief outline of the article, compose a hypothetical letter to the editor that either supports or refutes the article (citing other online references) and design a comical/satirical cartoon based on the article. All of this work will constitute a portfolio for the student. This project will take four to six weeks to complete and will be done primarily outside of class time. It should be noted, however, that this lesson may be easily modified for lower levels and students with special needs.

• • Locate and read current newspaper articles on technology using the Internet.
  • Investigate issues and problems using a variety of emerging technologies in school and work settings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to a wide variety of text.
  • Compose clear text in a variety of forms for appropriate purposes.
  • Communicate effectively in varied settings and for varied purposes.

Student Activities

1. Select an article from an online newspaper.

Click here to go to online newspapers.

2. Outline the article's contents using a word processor.

Click here to go to outline help.  

3. Respond in a hypothetical
"Letter to the Editor".

Click here for help in writing your letter.

        4. Design a satirical or comical cartoon.

5. Present portfolio to the class in an
oral presentation.

Click here for help in preparing your oral presentation.  

Send comments or questions to project creators.