Introduction+to+Conversations

What are conversations?
One possibility
 * Students already have work uploaded. Probably, they have added reflections centered around a particular portfolio (which would live as a page from "My Portfolios")
 * From a page dedicated to a particular "conversation" theme (like this one) the student would include
 * The introduction and guiding questions associated with the conversations assignment (probably linked to a main teacher-generated page compiling links to the many different conversation pages of many different students)
 * A list of the first names of the members of the conversation. This might include a brief introduction and possibly a link to that member's web page.
 * A link to the service where the conversation is being held (maybe chatzky)
 * The finished conversation can be saved in "chat" format (newest entry at the bottom)
 * Possibly a final reflection by the student about the conversation
 * If the conversations take place in chatzky, only links to full urls are allowed. However, these links could take us anywhere on the web.
 * Brainstorming rich conversations...
 * Student asks foreign student where he lives. Student replies by providing a link to a google map or to a photograph. Student views the map and notes what looks like a lake. She asks a questions related to the lake. The foreign student takes a photo (using the $100 laptop) and posts it, adding details in his reply.
 * $100 laptop student uses webcam to film an interview with a local adult. She translates in writing or as subtitles and links to the video in the chatzky conversation.
 * Students asks a retiree a question about the old days...
 * Student asks a business person for help in understanding how employees are interviewed
 * Once conversations are finished (after about a two week period), students may still wish to share what they learned in class.
 * Conversations might be used to reflect on achievement of "eagles"
 * Conversations might be used to reflect on achievement of "eagles"