Unit 2A: Research & Present Portfolio

Question

Due Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

Requirements: You will gather and analyze information to find answers to your topic question, and create a presentation with your findings.

Topic Options:
Should some TV shows be banned or is censorship always bad?:
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?
How do TV shows influence how children and teenagers view the world?

Presentation Options:
Option 1- Powerpoint Presentation or Google Slides presentation with bulleted information and visual aids/media (Click here for an example)
Option 2- Video of an oral presentation (Click here for example)
Option 3- Transcript of an oral presentation with visual aids/media (Click here for example)

How Do I Complete This Portfolio?
Option 1- Use Google Slides or PowerPoint to complete your presentation.
Option 2- Use a computer or phone camera to complete your presentation. You should also have a written component done in Google Slides/PowerPoint or in Google Documents/Microsoft Word.
Option 3- Use Google Documents or Microsoft Word to complete your presentation.

Where/When do I Turn in This Portfolio?
You will upload and submit your Portfolio in the Dropbox at the end of the ELA Connexus lesson titled “Research and Present Portfolio 3”- Unit 2, Lesson 13- on August 27th, 2024 in your Planner.

Additionally, your response must be in proper MLA format, and it must include proper in-text (parenthetical) citations for any paraphrase or direct quote used as evidence in your response, and it must also have a correctly formatted Works Cited page that includes bibliographies for all resources. You should have at least 3 sources.

Rubric Link- remember, this is how your response will be graded, so make sure you look it over and use it as a tool to help you write, revise, and edit your work. It is also included on the next page of this document.
You will upload and submit your Portfolio at the end of Unit 2, Lesson 13.

Don’t forget to run your response through CheckMyWork (in your links in Connexus). To not be considered plagiarized, it should be 5% or less copied in CheckMyWork. You only need to look at the ‘internet’ section for the copy percentage in CheckMyWork. If you want to see your copy percentage without the Works Cited Page, you could upload your document without the Works Cited Page so it doesn’t count it, but make sure you include the Works Cited page when you submit your portfolio to me. Since this is a short response, rather than a full essay, 15% or less is fine rather than the usual 5%. If you have a high percentage in CheckMyWork, consider changing some of your direct quotes to paraphrases or using shorter quotes. Additionally, always elaborate your explanations after the evidence so that more of your response is in your own words. Your explanations are the most important part because they show your thinking & understanding.

Rubric on next Page

Answer 1

Portfolio Outline: Research and Presentation

Topic Selection:
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

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Research Component

1. Introduction

   • Definition of teen literacy (reading, writing, comprehension skills).
   • Overview of text messaging and its prevalence among teens.

2. Positive Effects of Text Messaging on Literacy

   • Improved Spelling and Vocabulary:
     • Research shows that frequent text messaging helps enhance vocabulary through exposure to new words and informal language (Author, Year).
   • Informal Writing Skills:
     • Texting encourages a form of literacy that helps teens practice writing informally, promoting creativity and self-expression (Author, Year).

3. Negative Effects of Text Messaging on Literacy

   • Reduced Writing Skills:
     • Critics argue that reliance on abbreviations and poor grammar in texts can lead to a decline in formal writing skills (Author, Year).
   • Impact on Comprehension:
     • Studies demonstrate that excessive texting can negatively impact reading comprehension due to shorter attention spans (Author, Year).

4. Balancing Perspectives

   • Importance of moderation in text messaging use.
   • Encouragement of diverse literacy activities beyond texting.

5. Conclusion

   • Summary of findings.
   • Emphasis on the dual nature of text messaging’s impact on literacy.

Presentation Component

• Option 1: PowerPoint Presentation
  1. Slide 1: Title Slide
     • Title of Presentation
     • Your Name
     • Date
  2. Slide 2: Introduction
     • Definition and prevalence of text messaging.
  3. Slide 3: Positive Effects of Text Messaging
     • Bullet points highlighting improved spelling, vocabulary, and informal writing.
     • Visual examples (e.g., screenshots of positive text conversations).
  4. Slide 4: Negative Effects of Text Messaging
     • Bullet points outlining reduced writing skills and comprehension issues.
     • Visual examples (e.g., common texting abbreviations).
  5. Slide 5: Balancing Perspectives
     • Suggestion of moderation in texting.
     • Visual aids (infographic on texting frequency).
  6. Slide 6: Conclusion
     • Recap of findings.
     • Call to action regarding responsible texting.
  7. Slide 7: Works Cited
     • List of sources in MLA format.

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Works Cited Format (Example)

1. Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book/Article. Publisher, Year.
2. Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal/Magazine, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages.
3. Author Last Name, First Name. Website Title. Publisher, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

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Submission Guidelines

• Ensure MLA formatting is followed throughout the presentation and written components.
• Include in-text citations for all paraphrased or quoted material.
• Run your document through CheckMyWork and ensure the copy percentage is acceptable.
• Submit your completed portfolio via Dropbox in the Connexus platform by the due date.

Final Note

• Remain engaged with your research topic. Be prepared to elaborate on points during your presentation, using your own understanding and insights to enhance the discussion.
• Practice your presentation skills to ensure a smooth delivery.

Rubric

• Content: Thoroughness of research, logical structure.
• MLA Format: Proper citations and formatting.
• Presentation Quality: Clarity, use of visuals, engagement.
• Originality: Minimal reliance on direct quotes; strong paraphrasing skills.

By following these guidelines closely, you can create an effective research and presentation portfolio that meets the requirements of the assignment. Good luck!