Electronics Communication Activity # 1 - Inter-Class MacBeth Jeopardy Challenge

Now that we have finished reading and discussing MacBeth together in class, we are ready for the Inter-class MacBeth Jeopardy Challenge.

To prepare for this competition, watch the videos at the end of this blog to review the plot, characters, themes, symbols, and motifs of the play Macbeth.

On (date) in (place) during (class period) we will compete online in real - time via smartboards with another class using a powerpoint Jeopardy game template of Macbeth which can be accessed and controlled similtaneously in both classes using Google Documents.

Both classes will be divided into six teams consisting of three players each. The six teams from both classes will be given corresponding team numbers so that Team 1 from our class will compete with Team 1 from the other class, Team 2 with Team 2 and so on.. The format of the game has been modified from the television version to accommodate a large group competition.

A sample version of this game can be seen using Google Documents by clicking on the link below:

Macbeth Jeopardy Game:) Jeopardy Template

Electronics Communication Activity # 2 -- Chat Room Debate

Supernatural elements play a large part in the play MacBeth, however Shakespeare makes it quite clear that Macbeth is to blame for his descent into blood and tyranny.

Although the famous witch's scene sets the events of the play in motion, Macbeth (along with his wife) ultimately accept the temptations of evil and the terrible fate that accompanies that choice.

Mirroring the religious controversy of the time, Shakespeare puts Macbeth at the heart of the debate between pre-destination (destiny) and free will, with the Scottish play placed firmly on the side of free will.

WATCH VIDEO ON "FREE WILL VERSUS FATE"

The video below will start you thinking about how much control you have over your own life. The producers of this video seem to think there is only one thing in the entire physical universe that we have any real control over???

Watch the video. Afterward, write detailed jot notes expressing your opinion about the argument presented in the video. Be prepared to discuss these two questions: (1) To what extent do you agree or disagree with this arguement? (2) To what extent does Macbeth have free will and to what extent is he a victim of fate? Type your notes using a word processing program ( miscrosoft word, corel) and send them to me at the hotmail address indicated. Save a copy for yourself to refer to during the chat room debate.

JOIN LIVE DEBATE

On (specified date) at (specified time) join me on Windows Live Messenger for a live debate on the issue of "free will versus fate" . Be prepared to discuss the extent to which you feel Macbeth was a victim of fate or a victim of the choices he made of his own free will. Have any notes you have prepared in case you need to refer to them during the debate. Students are to then type their notes using a word processing program ( miscrosoft word, corel) and send them to me at the hotmail address indicated. Students are to save a copy of these notes for themselves as they are expected to refer to them during the chat room debate.

In order to participate in this activity, you will need to download onto your PC the latest version of Windows Live Messenger and will need to send me your email address so that I can add you to my contact list and invite you to join the debate at the specified time. Make sure that you are logged onto Windows Live Messenger at the date and time indicated. You can also find me live online at the scheduled time by typing my hotmail address (leoodonel@hotmail.com) in the search bar on the main page of the Windows Live interface.

Electronics Communication Activity # 3 & # 4 - Blog Response and Cell Phone Dialgoue

In a 2005 version of "MacBeth" starring James McAvoy, the newly murdered Banquo haunts Macbeth by calling him on a cell phone.

Watch the clips below to compare the 2005 version with a more traditional rendition of this same scene from a 1979 Television version starring Ian McKellen (Gandalf from "Lord of the Rings").

After viewing the clips, write jot notes expressing your opinion in response to these questions: (1)which version do you like best and why? (2) Should a classic Shakespearean play be retold in such a fashion or is it best not to tamper too much with the original?

ACTIVITY # 3 - BLOG RESPONSE

Referring to your jot notes, record your opinion(s) on this blog by clicking on "comments" located below the video clips. Your comment should not only express and justify your personal opinion but should also explain (respectfully) why you agree or disagree with a comment left by another student . Your total response should be between 100 to 150 words.

ACTIVITY # 4 - CREATE A CELL PHONE DIALOGUE

In order to complete this activity, you will need to have access to a cell phone that has unlimited texting. Working with another student who is doing this play (either in this class or from another class), use your cell phone to role play a conversation that would occur between any two of the following characters if it were to take place today. Make sure that your conversation, though being placed in a modern context , stays true to the characters and events of the original text. Know the characters and events well before completing this activity so that you will know how your character would respond. Save your threads to be transcribed on paper at a later date and read aloud in class.

(1) The bleeding Seargeant texting King Duncan to describe the scene of the battle between MacBeth and the Norwegean's and Duncan's response.

(2) MacBeth, on his way home from battle, texting Lady MacBeth about his encounter with the Witches (their predictions , receiving a new title etc..) and Lady MacBeth's response.

(3) MacBeth texting his wife to back out of the murder and Lady Macbeth's response.

(4) McDuff texting Malcolm in England pleading for him to rescue Scotland from MacBeth and Malcolm's response.








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Macbeth- Video Reviews of Plot, Character, Theme, Symbols, & Motifs

REVIEW THESE VIDEOS IN PREPARATION FOR ACTIVITY # 1 (JEOPARDY CHALLENGE)