Hypertext Assignment

The central assignment for this unit will be the creation of a hypertext website, similar to the example of Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen provided on the blog.

We will be exploring the ideas of hypertexting and connecting links to poems during our computer labs, so keep in mind any poems that appeal to you as we continue the course. You can use any resources we come across as a class in your own hypertext.

The aim of the hypertext assignment is to allow you to tackle the themes we cover in the classes and related themes you find yourself wanting to investigate independently. The final hypertext is due at the end of the three week long unit. The assignment has placed an emphasis on independent research, so you will choose a First World War poem from any of the poets of the era, be they the women poets or the soldier poets. If you find a series of smaller poems following the same theme, you can group them together. It will be your task to consider the chosen poem(s) and how its theme relates to the course. It can be a theme we have covered, one that came up in class discussion, or one you discovered independently. You will be expected to track down external sources to support or enhance your perspective.

As we are creating a hypertext, you can use videos, audio, text, or images to enhance your chosen text and communicate your argued theme. You are expected to weave in your own reflections, interpretations, and observations into these hyperlinks you are connecting to your chosen text.

You are expected to have:

• At least five hyperlinks leading to external pages.
• At least five hyperlinks leading to internal pages (pages you created yourself).
• At least one video/audio relevant to your poem.
• Images to enhance your presentation.
• A thoughtfully constructed website/blog with the hyperlinks and other materials designed in a intuitive and easy to navigate layout.
• Enough original written work to coherently convey an argument of your interpretation of the poem and its link to the course.

The due date will be during lesson 10, which we will also spend exploring the hypertexts created by the class together. You will be expected to present a short five minute presentation of your work and the process and how your thinking changed.

Assignment Rubric:

	4	3	2	1
Use of poem	Chosen poem clearly and completely linked to the themes of the course.	Chosen poem is clearly linked to the themes of the course.	Chosen poem tenuously linked to the themes of the course.	Chosen poem does not adequately link to the themes of the course.
Argument	Student always demonstrates outstanding thinking, reading, and writing skills. Their interpretation and reading is characterised by enthusiasm and curiosity.	Student usually demonstrates strong thinking, reading, and writing skills. Their interpretation and reading is characterised by accuracy or attention to directions.	Student work sometimes demonstrates adequate thinking, reading and writing skills. Their interpretation and reading is characterised by disinterest or inability to consider multiple perspectives.	Student work demonstrates thinking, reading, and writing skills that need improvement. Their interpretation and reading is characterised by jumbled or incomplete ideas.
Use of technology	Hypertext includes more than five clearly relevant hyperlinks to internal materials and five clearly relevant hyperlinks to external sources from variety mediums (video, text, and audio).	Hypertext includes at least five clearly relevant hyperlinks to internal materials and five clearly relevant hyperlinks to external sources from variety mediums (video, text, and audio).	Hypertext includes less than five hyperlinks to internal materials and less than five hyperlinks to external sources that are sometimes not clearly relevant.	Hypertext includes less than five hyperlinks to internal materials and less than five hyperlinks to external sources that are not at all relevant.
Design	The hypertext is complete and designed with images, flattering colours, and is easily navigable.	The hypertext is complete and designed in such a way that allows for navigation.	The hypertext is complete and is somewhat navigable.	The hypertext is incomplete and with broken hyperlinks.