1. After my initial exposure to a blog assignment, I definitely prefer this form of submitting assignments. Even though the final blog was posted electronically, all of my blogs began in a hand written form. I combined the traditional form of essays with the modern form of blogs. The structure of the assignments remained the same as if you were asked to hand in your work in the form of an essay, but the final result was easily posted in a blog format. Content, grammar, punctuation and all the components of writing an essay still remained constant. However, it was comforting to have today’s computer technology to polish all of the rough edges before submitting the final assignment. I feel that the continued format of blogging will only strengthen student’s opinion of how their work and assignments are submitted. Rather than having to arrive at school at a specific time to submit your work, a blog can be posted at any time, day or night, prior to the deadline.
2. Without question, the blog assignments and requirement to create a blog, related to the class topics and course objectives. The material that was covered in class had a direct relationship to the blog assignments. Each topic was supported by reference material that made the blog assignment easy to create. Whether it was based from popular culture, arguments or critical thinking, there were great books and reference material to structure the blog from. Sometimes you spend your class time taking thorough notes and find later that when you attempt to complete the assignment at home, you are totally lost. This course remained constant from the information discussed in class to the posting of the blog. More importantly, subjects such as “critical thinking” and “intelligent arguments” are used in everyday life. The subject matter of this course definitely related to the blog assignments and the strengthening of my skills and understanding of the topics.
3. The non-text element of the blog program was one of the highlights of the course! For once, you had an element that is rarely used in teaching. Students had the opportunity to personalize a blog page, rather than just filling out a sheet of paper that wasn’t unique. Some students created blog pages with a profile picture, famous quotes or sayings. Other students chose special pictures or things that identified who they are. The awesome part of the blogger account is the fact that it lives on after the course has been completed. It is not just a course requirement or ultimate grade that you are creating. The “Animoto” assignment which involved creating a 30 second video promoting a topic of your choice was great. Using a minimal amount of text, you created a powerful message through emotive language. I believe that this was the most well liked assignment throughout the semester. Unique assignments such as this make the course interesting. It is not just another class or credit. When you create an element like this, it not only contributes to the entire class, but each student individually. This type of an assignment keeps the student focused on something new and has them looking forward to the next topic.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Is a picture "Really" worth a thousand words?
Ah, the time old saying… A picture is worth a thousand words. And why shouldn’t it be? Pictures last a life time, long past the event. You capture the emotion, atmosphere and a story in a photograph. http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/A_picture_is_worth_a_thousand_words . Something that will be recognized and cherished for generations to come. A picture is truly worth a thousand words!
Pictures play one of the most important parts in capturing history, without pictures we might not know how much the Jews suffered during the holocaust. How horrible the conditions were and how terrified the Jews were in the concentration camps. We would not know the heartless, emotionless, and regretless expressions on the face of the man who ordered theses torturous commands. Adolf Hitler will be a man whose face will never be forgotten. We will forever remember these terrible acts captured by pictures. You would never get the complete emotion from just words describing what the camps were like. Pictures go far beyond what words can describe.
On a happier note pictures also capture the beginning of historic times, such as; the birth of a child, the emotions on the parents faces the first time they hold their child. These pictures hold their child’s most precious moments of innocence and purity. While most believe this to be true, there are always skeptics. Some believe that young children up to the age of four years old, better respond to sound over pictures to more clearly understand a story or emotion. http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/auditory.htm Some have the idea that because there are no words or sounds to express emotion, then it must be impossible for a picture to have that much of an impact.
Regardless of what some may think, pictures are truly worth a thousand words. They bring back so many memories, stories and emotions. They have been a part of history, our past and present as well. Without pictures it would be difficult to remember such special times and their historical meaning. Think about it – what races through your mind when you look at a photo?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
How does someone become an Autority on a topic?
An individual is recognized as an “Authority” by being considered an expert by their peers or achievements. This status may be achieved in academics, profession, sports and countless area’s.
Motocross racing began in the mid 1930’s. Individuals raced dirt bikes across natural terrain on a designated course against 20+ other competitors. The course was made up of jumps, bumps, hills, turns and anything else Mother Nature could create. Two races (moto’s) were run throughout the day, lasting up to 40 minutes in length, to determine a winner by combined score. This sport has evolved into a form of athleticism that is considered the most physical and mentally (combined) demanding sport in America. In fact, only one racer has been named the “greatest of all time”, http://www.dirt-bike-tips-and-pics.com/ricky-carmichael.html . To be considered an “Authority” in this sport is particularly difficult. Racing for a major manufacturer (Factory Honda, Factory Suzuki, etc.) is a pivotal goal, next to winning races and championships. My Husband, Mark Meredith, achieved this at the age of 14 and in my opinion is an “Authority” in the sport of Motocross.
Mark began racing at the age of 10 and continued for another 25 years. During this time, Mark achieved numerous National, Regional, and State Championships as well as a Runner up – World Championship. Most recently, he competed in the 2006 Old Timers International Championship and missed the 40+ year old Expert Championship by 1 point – http://www.oregonoldtimers.com/glenhelenresults.htm.
Mark raced for all 4 major Manufacturers in the sport and has been featured in countless racing newspapers, local newspapers, national magazines and publications. In addition, as an “Authority” in the sport, he has coached and worked closely with many young “pro” racers who have sought his expertise in developing their skills.
When Mark started his career back in 1975, there was no internet. Television was limited to 3 networks that featured a few sports and their championship events. Due to the lack of exposure that motocross received, it is difficult to find any history on the internet. It is easy to see why some may think that he would not be considered an “Authority”.
Just because a “Google” search doesn’t result in the history of motocross and Mark’s achievements, doesn’t mean he is not an “Authority” in the sport. It wasn’t until recent that the sport of motocross became a mainstream extreme sport televised by cable networks and further exposed by websites, introducing people to the sport. If we unboxed over 200 trophies, plaques, jackets, hats and articles representing his championships, I’m certain you would agree that there is no doubt he is an “Authority” in the sport of motocross!
Motocross racing began in the mid 1930’s. Individuals raced dirt bikes across natural terrain on a designated course against 20+ other competitors. The course was made up of jumps, bumps, hills, turns and anything else Mother Nature could create. Two races (moto’s) were run throughout the day, lasting up to 40 minutes in length, to determine a winner by combined score. This sport has evolved into a form of athleticism that is considered the most physical and mentally (combined) demanding sport in America. In fact, only one racer has been named the “greatest of all time”, http://www.dirt-bike-tips-and-pics.com/ricky-carmichael.html . To be considered an “Authority” in this sport is particularly difficult. Racing for a major manufacturer (Factory Honda, Factory Suzuki, etc.) is a pivotal goal, next to winning races and championships. My Husband, Mark Meredith, achieved this at the age of 14 and in my opinion is an “Authority” in the sport of Motocross.
Mark began racing at the age of 10 and continued for another 25 years. During this time, Mark achieved numerous National, Regional, and State Championships as well as a Runner up – World Championship. Most recently, he competed in the 2006 Old Timers International Championship and missed the 40+ year old Expert Championship by 1 point – http://www.oregonoldtimers.com/glenhelenresults.htm.
Mark raced for all 4 major Manufacturers in the sport and has been featured in countless racing newspapers, local newspapers, national magazines and publications. In addition, as an “Authority” in the sport, he has coached and worked closely with many young “pro” racers who have sought his expertise in developing their skills.
When Mark started his career back in 1975, there was no internet. Television was limited to 3 networks that featured a few sports and their championship events. Due to the lack of exposure that motocross received, it is difficult to find any history on the internet. It is easy to see why some may think that he would not be considered an “Authority”.
Just because a “Google” search doesn’t result in the history of motocross and Mark’s achievements, doesn’t mean he is not an “Authority” in the sport. It wasn’t until recent that the sport of motocross became a mainstream extreme sport televised by cable networks and further exposed by websites, introducing people to the sport. If we unboxed over 200 trophies, plaques, jackets, hats and articles representing his championships, I’m certain you would agree that there is no doubt he is an “Authority” in the sport of motocross!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Should reasoning skills be taught in Primary School? Why or why not?
Reasoning skills are used throughout life to help you solve and determine simple and complex situations. Reasoning skills taught in primary school would be helpful for today's youth to learn at a young age to properly solve problems with other as well as themselves. It is important especially in today’s day and age to effectively find reason to avoid conflicts and stressful situations. I believe that simple reasoning technique’s is taught to younger children, will help them develop into adults more successfully and adapt to real life more comfortably.
Reasoning can be taught to children in simple ways, all the while getting the information across without confusion. Think of using Sherlock Holms as a strategy of learning just as it was used in our class through a story. Let the children try and solve “simple” mysteries, as he did. http://spotlight.macfound.org/blog/entry/study_inexpensive_games_improve_childrens_reasoning_ability/. Preparing young learners for their future requires that teachers employ a great deal of inventiveness and creativity in designing lessons that meet the dual challenge of providing the basics and developing the ability to reason. Young children are just as susceptible to learn as adults, you just need to take it to a level that is fun and simple to understand. Most young children enjoy school, so why not educate them while school is “fun”?
The issue of decision making becomes increasingly important during adolescence because teens are developing greater autonomy and encountering more choices independent of adults. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that youth development programs are successful in promoting positive behavior and preventing problem behavior when these programs help young people learn decision making skills. http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/youth/development/docs/jphmp_s088-s094.pdf. So why not start teaching our children reasoning skills early on to help them avoid negative situations in the future?
While individuals like myself find teaching children reasoning skills to be helpful, others find that young children do not have the mental capacity to understand reasoning. Even if reasoning skills are taught to a child, executing those skills properly would be slim. Children have a short attention span and would not fully comprehend what they were being taught. Taking a short survey outside of the Granite Mountain Elementary School, 8 out of 10 Parents and Faculty believe this to be true.
Reasoning is a part of everyday life. The advantages of our children would have of grasping this concept would be incredible. Being able to understand a particular subject always takes time but why not give our children the benefit of the doubt and let them be exposed to reasoning skills. Regardless of what results are achieved, they will have established a foundation to work from. This foundation should be maintained within schools to provide children with the necessary reasoning skills to succeed as they become adults.
Reasoning can be taught to children in simple ways, all the while getting the information across without confusion. Think of using Sherlock Holms as a strategy of learning just as it was used in our class through a story. Let the children try and solve “simple” mysteries, as he did. http://spotlight.macfound.org/blog/entry/study_inexpensive_games_improve_childrens_reasoning_ability/. Preparing young learners for their future requires that teachers employ a great deal of inventiveness and creativity in designing lessons that meet the dual challenge of providing the basics and developing the ability to reason. Young children are just as susceptible to learn as adults, you just need to take it to a level that is fun and simple to understand. Most young children enjoy school, so why not educate them while school is “fun”?
The issue of decision making becomes increasingly important during adolescence because teens are developing greater autonomy and encountering more choices independent of adults. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that youth development programs are successful in promoting positive behavior and preventing problem behavior when these programs help young people learn decision making skills. http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/youth/development/docs/jphmp_s088-s094.pdf. So why not start teaching our children reasoning skills early on to help them avoid negative situations in the future?
While individuals like myself find teaching children reasoning skills to be helpful, others find that young children do not have the mental capacity to understand reasoning. Even if reasoning skills are taught to a child, executing those skills properly would be slim. Children have a short attention span and would not fully comprehend what they were being taught. Taking a short survey outside of the Granite Mountain Elementary School, 8 out of 10 Parents and Faculty believe this to be true.
Reasoning is a part of everyday life. The advantages of our children would have of grasping this concept would be incredible. Being able to understand a particular subject always takes time but why not give our children the benefit of the doubt and let them be exposed to reasoning skills. Regardless of what results are achieved, they will have established a foundation to work from. This foundation should be maintained within schools to provide children with the necessary reasoning skills to succeed as they become adults.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Choose one way in which technology has changed human society and explain the impact of that change, positive and/or negative.
Cellular Phones
One of today’s most technological accomplishments would have to be the cell phone. Historically, when you needed to talk to someone, you either called from your home phone or spoke to them in person. You didn’t have the convenience or versatility of a cell phone that can make calls from almost anywhere until April 3, 1973 Martin Cooper - History of Cell Phone and Martin Cooper. The first cell phone call was made from the streets of New York City. The ability to talk to anyone on the planet from just about anywhere is incredible. Not to mention the array of functions that a cell phone can perform while resting in the palm of your hand.
The capabilities with a cell phone are never ending. PDA’s- Personal Digital Assistant also known as a Palmtop Computer, allow you to basically run a business anywhere in the world. It has changed how businesspeople address their work: The ability to send a email while on the run instead if waiting to get back to the office, The ability to send “visual voice mail” without the recipients phone ever ringing, The ability of tracking your employees phones to know their locations throughout the day. Cell phones have revolutionized the business world. The opportunities for businesses using cell phones are endless.
Cell phones don’t just cater to the business world. Most families have cell phones to help keep them in touch throughout the day. Making sure one another get to appointments, get picked up from school, a friends house, sport practices or picking up something up for dinner. Such a small device tends to give people a sense of simplicity, being able to get a hold of one another whenever they feel the need. A family tracker feature gives parents a sense of comfort in knowing where their children are at all times. Sending a quick text to express your feelings or thanks to someone. Being able to mark your calendar and set alarms to remind you of the dates you have marked.
In spite of how cell phones have changed human society in a positive light, not all people view it that way. Some people view cell phone usage as a health risk The Negative Effects of Cell Phone Use eHow.com. While other people look at rudeness of cell phones, answering a call in a theatre or restaurant. Texting while someone is talking to you. In my opinion where common sense and etiquette should be used.
Cell phones are a part of popular culture. As discussed in our class pop culture is heavily influenced by mass media, something in which cell phones play an extremely large role. Cell phones should be given great credit for their technological breakthroughs as well as helping us become more efficient in business and enhancing our lives with a sense of “simplicity”
One of today’s most technological accomplishments would have to be the cell phone. Historically, when you needed to talk to someone, you either called from your home phone or spoke to them in person. You didn’t have the convenience or versatility of a cell phone that can make calls from almost anywhere until April 3, 1973 Martin Cooper - History of Cell Phone and Martin Cooper. The first cell phone call was made from the streets of New York City. The ability to talk to anyone on the planet from just about anywhere is incredible. Not to mention the array of functions that a cell phone can perform while resting in the palm of your hand.
The capabilities with a cell phone are never ending. PDA’s- Personal Digital Assistant also known as a Palmtop Computer, allow you to basically run a business anywhere in the world. It has changed how businesspeople address their work: The ability to send a email while on the run instead if waiting to get back to the office, The ability to send “visual voice mail” without the recipients phone ever ringing, The ability of tracking your employees phones to know their locations throughout the day. Cell phones have revolutionized the business world. The opportunities for businesses using cell phones are endless.
Cell phones don’t just cater to the business world. Most families have cell phones to help keep them in touch throughout the day. Making sure one another get to appointments, get picked up from school, a friends house, sport practices or picking up something up for dinner. Such a small device tends to give people a sense of simplicity, being able to get a hold of one another whenever they feel the need. A family tracker feature gives parents a sense of comfort in knowing where their children are at all times. Sending a quick text to express your feelings or thanks to someone. Being able to mark your calendar and set alarms to remind you of the dates you have marked.
In spite of how cell phones have changed human society in a positive light, not all people view it that way. Some people view cell phone usage as a health risk The Negative Effects of Cell Phone Use eHow.com. While other people look at rudeness of cell phones, answering a call in a theatre or restaurant. Texting while someone is talking to you. In my opinion where common sense and etiquette should be used.
Cell phones are a part of popular culture. As discussed in our class pop culture is heavily influenced by mass media, something in which cell phones play an extremely large role. Cell phones should be given great credit for their technological breakthroughs as well as helping us become more efficient in business and enhancing our lives with a sense of “simplicity”
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