IR Project #1- Digital Storytelling

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/education/murder-on-the-orient-express-4947137

Answer the following questions:
1. Describe the overall jist behind your Project (include which Web 2.0 tool you chose). What were you trying to show about your book/story? What were 2 of your most meaningful or descriptive parts to your Project?

I used mix book to create a case file. Since my book was a mystery, I decided that making a case file would be the best way to address th project requirements. I was trying to show that my book involved several clues that led to the conclusion of the murder case. The narrator of the story was a detective who was very perceptive which is why I thought a case file would be a great choice. The two most meaningful parts of my project was the case summary, where I tell the begining of the stroy, up to the murder. The second most meaningful aspect was the evidence section. This was where I took evidence from the story, including pictures and quotes, and compiled them together. This looks like a realistic case file.


2. What did you think about using the tool you chose, and what did you learn while using this Web 2.0 tool? Did you like synthesizing your IR book in this manner?

I liked the mix book tool. I learned how to use the basics of the site. I also learned that some of the things you can do are interesting, but limited. I enjoyed synthesizing my IR book but maybe a hard copy would have been more effective.

3. Overall, did you enjoy the novel you chose? Why or why not? What type of novel might you pick for the 2nd m.p.?

Overall, I enjoyed the IR book in the end. At points, the books became a little slow to me, but the ending helped me enjoy it more. I think I would like a novel with more action in the second m.p..

Chapter 9-Gatsby Reflection

How do authors use the resources of language to impact an audience?

Authors use the resources of language to impact an audience by creating a feeling or foreshadowing an event. Authors use language to create a vivid picture to help the reader understand every important detail. Descriptions become extremely important in The Great Gatsby because every detail of the story comes back in the end. By using certain colors or environments, it can make the audience feel an emotion. Fitzgerald uses colors a lot when he writes. Using dark, pale, and cool colors creates a feeling of death and foreshadows something bad is coming. Using white or clean colors can show that something is clean and pure. He can also change his sentence structure to create a scene. When he describes Daisy and Gatsby meeting again after five years, he uses short and choppy sentences to create and awkward feeling. Using larger sentences can show that something is interesting and very important. Fitzgerald used longer sentences when describing Gatsby's house and parties. This was probably because they were very interesting. Dialogue is also a resource of language. It is used in every story because it is a very effective way to impact and audience. Dialogue can show the reader how the character is feeling. It can also create a feeling in the reader. Vocabulary is important is writing. Fitzgerald uses larger vocabulary when using dialogue with the wealthier people. The shows that they are better educated than the poorer people in the story, who use basic vocabulary. These are the resources of language that every author uses to impact the audience.

Independent Reading- MP 1 (Post #2)

Jot down some notes on the following:
- Setting(s)
All of part 2 takes place on the train. They look into some of the compartments and living quarters to interview some of the people surrounding the murder.
- Plot/Topic (the basic plot so far, or the topic your book is about)
At this point in the story, Poirot is interviewing people to see who was around at the time of the murder. They see that most of the people saw a mysterious women who was walking the hallway most of the night. She was wearing a scarf with a dragon on it. Once the train makes a stop, they search the train for someone who is hiding. Because they dont find anyone, they think that the murderer has gotten off the train.
- Characters/People (any main characters/people you have met so far and what they are like--you could include direct/indirect characterization if you'd like)
Poirot-A detective and the protagonist of the story.
Ratchet-the man who is murdered. (Cassetti)
Mr. and Mrs. McQueen- A couple who met Samuel Ratchet and was interviewed by Poirot after the Murder.

- Theme/Message/Main Point (what you think the message this books is trying to convey may be)
Again, I see a lot of stress on social classes. Poirot is going thrugh the train which causes the reader to see each social class.

- Anything else that you feel is important to share about the IR book

Gatsby-Chapter 3

In chapter three of The Great Gatsby, we see the idea of the "good life" in the 1920's. This includes big luxurious parties with live music, nice clothes, alcohol, and women. Gatsby lives the good life by living in a mansion and filling his house with interesting people. His enourmous wealth allows his to have his own personal beach and pool. My idea of the good life is being rich and having good health. People in the 1920's did not seem to care much about their health because of all the eating ad drinking they did. I consider good health being a necessary part of the "good life" because without your health, you cannot do much. With money, family, and friends, life is great.

Here is an image that represents the "good life".