Brief Description

Students will be learning how to properly address, attach a file, and send an email using Cox Education Network.  This will take two 45-minute class periods.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 4T-F1- Communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members or student partners.

• W-F2. Use correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar and word usage, and good penmanship to complete effectively a variety of writing tasks
• W-F6. Write well-organized communications, such as friendly letters, memos and invitations, for a specific audience and with a clear purpose
• 2SS-F3. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Academic

• Given a topic, the student will type an e-mail message with proper punctuation and capital letters in all sentences.
• Given a topic, the student will type an e-mail message spelling all word wall words correctly.
• Given a topic, the student will type an e-mail message using appropriate friendly letter format.
• Given a school related issue, the student will devise a way to solve the problem and email his/her suggestions to the administration.

• Given a topic, the student will address an e-mail message correctly to an administrator.

• Be able to use a mouse.
• Be able to use a keyboard.
• Be able to get on the Internet.
• Be comfortable maneuvering around on the Internet.

Cox Education Network access or some other form of access

Accommodations for Special Needs

SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) and learning disabilities:  These students will write at least 2 sentences in the body of their letter.  After they are finished typing their message they will buddy edit with a partner.  They will then use a checklist to make sure they have correct capitalization and punctuation.

ADHD/ADD:  These students will verbally tell the teacher what s/he is going to write.  Then they will type the message, receiving periodic checkups by the teacher.  The students will then use a checklist to complete the assignment.

Gifted Students:  These students will be allowed to type as much as they would like.  They will also be able to send a message to some of their classmates.

Procedures

Day 1

• In the classroom, brainstorm problems the students have notice around the school.  For example, garbage around playground, noisy in cafeteria, wasted water or electricity, etc.  Tell them they will be writing to the principal to offer suggestions on how the problem can be solved.  They may work in teams to come up with solutions.

• Pass out the students’ email address and password, if they do not already know it.  Cox Education Network provides an email address for all students if requested by the district.
• Go to the web page www.coxednet.org
• If using Cox Ed Net, each student must sign in using his or her username, subscription ID, and password.
• Once logged in, scroll down to ePALS and click on the email icon.  Here they will be able to send and receive email.
• Next, Click on Send Email.  In the To: line, have students type the email address of the administrator they will email.  Be sure they do not use capital letters or spaces.  Make sure to demonstrate how to make the @ sign on the keyboard.
• Now it is time to type in the Subject.  This should be a brief explanation of what the message is about.
• Click down (or press Tab) in the text area and begin typing the message.  Students should use proper friendly letter format.  They should also have proper capitalization, punctuation, and correct spelling of the no excuse words.  Their message should tell what problem they are writing to the administrator about and how it could be solved.
• Have each student reread their message to check for any errors and to be sure they have included all the required information.
• When everything is complete, click Send.
• The next time you go to the lab, allow students a chance to check their email and respond to any messages they receive.

Each email message will be graded using the following criteria:

 
____/5   Properly addressed the email

____/5   Included a description in the Subject line

____/5   Message is written using a friendly letter format

____/10  Conventions (capitalization, punctuation, spelling)
 

____/25  Total