Manga
Mania
Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/motthallschool/asalcedo/
Manga%20Quest/mangaindex.htm
How it works:
Manga (pronounced
"ma-n-ga") are Japanese graphic works that are somewhat similar to
American comic books, although they go far beyond the boundaries of what
Americans understand as "comics" or "cartoons." Usually produced in black
and white, they are much longer than American comics and can cover a wide
variety of topics--serious or humorous, factual or fantastic. Manga are
extremely popular in Japan, but their influence on younger generations is
relatively unnoticed in America. They provide a unique and valuable
insight into Japanese society in a format that holds a great deal of
interest for students, and their popularity in both Japan and America
continues to increase. Students create a word web on the word
"manga" through Internet research, which contains a vast array of
information on the topic. As students do research and
complete their word web, along with a classification chart, quiz, and
crossword puzzle, they learn to respect the artistic value of manga and
see their influence not only on Japanese society, but throughout
the world.
Standards addressed:
Students
understand major global trends since World War II and long-term changes
and recurring patterns in world history. They gather and use information
for research purposes, understand and apply basic principles of logic and
reasoning, and effectively uses mental processes that are based on
identifying similarities and differences in the work they study.
Materials used:
Required materials include
computers with Internet access and word processing and diagramming
software.
The
students:
This program was originally designed for middle school
students, but can also be used with high school students as well.
Overall value:
Manga Mania takes one of the most
popular student entertainments and converts it into a serious course of
study without students even knowing it. Through a balance of student
interactivity, technology, and solid content, this is a program students
as well as teachers will enjoy.
Tips:
This program is best used as a complement
to a study on Japan and Japanese culture.
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About the teacher:
Anthony Salcedo is laptop
coordinator at the Mott Hall School, the first inner city public school
to start a laptop program. He was a keynote speaker at the Microsoft
Laptop Summit 2000, has presented at other
technology conferences
around the country, and has received recognition from two superintendents for his achievements. Anthony is also a
certified NFTE
instructor and has worked as a translator in the
Caribbean for a
division of the United Nations. He has worked as an adjunct professor for
NYU and Mercy College and is in his eleventh year of teaching in the New
York City public school system.
E-mail:
asalcedo@motthall.echalk.com
Subject
Areas:
Social
Studies
English
Grade
Levels:
6-10
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