PLN 20- "Making Kids Googlable"

I finished reading a post by Will Richardson, titled "Making Kids Googlable" . The post talked about the information people put online that can be found within searches. And of the dependent technology we use for about everything.
Here was my response:
"Mr. Richardson, Having that chance and risk of being "googlable", can be openly dangerous. Depending on the information we put online, it can be positive or negative. On myspace and facebook, students put out a open profile of personal information or they share their work on the internet. If colleges do search your work, it can be a good opportunity to show yourself and who you are by the details you show online. It is just a matter of perspective that comes to mind when it comes to good or bad. We all post things online, but being smart about it is essential. We must be careful what we put, where we put, and why we put it. There can be good and unconvincing reasons we post specific knowledge/information on web pages. The thing is, technology has advanced and will advance even more. And the internet certainly is reliable, but we cannot believe everything in our naivve presence, that is put on the internet. The fact is, many things of our own can be accessible."

PLN 19- Learning to Change a Video

I read a post in the Thinking Stick by Jeff Utecht titled "Learning to Change a Video". I watched this video and found it very interesting. It talked about making our generation of learning improve, while it deals with the new technology and student uses. Each message included great ideas of our community and learning network.

Here was my reaction:
"As a student, I very much enjoyed and liked this video as soon as I hit the play button. I agreed with each of those messages and is something I certainly can relate to. In this generation, everything outside of the boundaries of school collides with learning. As technology advances, myspace and facebooks increase, number of texting and cell phones are used, everything is a essential tool of learning. The astonishing thing is, not only do we learn at school, but outside in the real world as we grow throughout the years. Little details of this century will pertain to our learning network and create who we are as a person. It is ironic that the knowledge students know the most about is supposedly shut off from school. I believe this knowledge should not be put aside, but may be helpful to us in the near future. There are many subjects we learn about in school, but seems like some may not apply to us in the future. Yet we have no idea what the future holds in our education. In college, we will learn with the aspects of creativity and opportunities. Doors will open to the real world and this generation's content of knowledge will be applicable and useful."

PLN 18-"Clueless in America"

I finished reading a aspiring blog to learning by Will Richardson in Weblogg-ed titled "Clueless in America." It was about the many students dropping out of school every 26 seconds and the way that many wrong paths contribute to the society.
This was my response:
"This is a great blog to make me realize that America does need a wake up call at times. It is quite astounding the many of students dropping out of school. I believe that those students are wasting a part of their education life, while many out there do not have such a opportunity to even pick up a book. Education is so essential in the world, it applies to about everything. Education helps you realize the important aspects and personal styles, the chance to make your life out of a strong passion you desire, and generally to make a living. Students need to really open their eyes to the control they’re giving to their life. Parents as well must pay attention to what their sons/daughters what may be doing, or nobody else will. Wondering about these young adult’s dropouts of school is much more then the work they refuse. There could be many possibilities of dropouts; peer pressure, friends, family, depression, etc. This blog is certainly a good reminder of having the great importance to learn and creating your own life the way you choose."

PLN 17-Dare the Schools Build a New Social Order?

In the learning network blog, I read a post called Dare the Schools Build a New Social Order? by Diane Ravitch. The post talked about the general violence and unsuccess schools must deal with, but seems like there is always something much more to that.

This was my reaction:
As a student, I would have to concur with some points you have made. Violence is certainly not the main and particular reason that is destroying the success and curriculum of schools. Higher expectations will always be made about all schools, but will eventually be let down. All schools will always have the same problems with drugs, alcohol, guns, etc. Some schools depend on the neighborhoods students come from. Sometimes, their life at home may influence the way they are as a person and as a learning student. Some come from broken up families that may influence their perspective of school and generally life. It could also eventually deal with and relate to many school's problems. Schools' curriculms and environment will always affect the learning portion, but not everything.

2nd PLN Presentation Reaction

For my second PLN presentation, I thought I did pretty well. It was better then my first one in my opinion, because I did not read from my notes so much and I made much more contact. The things I needed to work on would be not to pause so much or to say "um". I made my notes into points this time, rather then full sentences. Overall I think I did well.

PLN 16-"Imagine"

I saw a article in the Fischbowl called "Imagine". This post particularly talked about the celebration of Pangea Day, in which countries enter a contest of videos they put together for another part of the world.
Here was my reaction:
"This post was very intriguing to read about. Hearing about Pangea Day seems like it has a great outlook on the world. The idea of this is very interesting and inspiring to all countries. I think this is a good way for countries to connect with another country around the world and to come together. It gives a different perspective of those who have not been to those places or experienced their cultures. The videos were very nice and unique to watch, I have never seen anything like it before. The world has many problems, but once in awhile, it can be amazing to be reminded that we all can be able to come together."

PLN 15-The Need for textbooks

I found an article in The Fischbowl by Karl Fisch titled "the Need for Textbooks ". It basically explained how textbooks have no use nowadays.
Here was my response:

Mr. Fisch, I can surely comprehend this idea that had a sudden run through in your mind. Nowadays, technology is a big part of education. As a student, we use computers to blog, research, type papers, etc. Computers are so much more efficient and easier to use as a part of education. Technology is advancing more and more, I can not possibly imagine what it will be like later in the future. Textbooks seem old and forgotten, it is a classic way to learn, but also very inconvenient. It seems impossible for me personally to sit still at a desk and read straight through a textbook for more then half an hour. They are also quite a burden to heave in backpacks. And surely I agree, that it seems that the only uses of textbooks are probably to only seek the protection from tornadoes. The trigger thought of education only seems to create new ideas or problems.

PLN 14

I found an interesting article in 'Drape's Takes' called "Becoming a Better Teacher" by Darren. The summary of this article put out a message of many points of failures of the teaching styles of teachers.

Here was my reaction to this post:

"Being a student, I would have to agree with almost every detail you pointed out in this blog. Many of my teachers go into the same, old routine each and every day. I admit, this very much bores me. I don't think a student will be ready to learn with a single thought of enthusiasm as this regular teaching style keeps up. Many details, even the slightest ones, affect students. The way the environment of a classroom feels, the personality of a teacher, the type of work, the seating arrangements, and the amount of shown care a teacher gives kicks into the effect of school. Being able to have a teacher that breaks down their teachings to a minimal amount each day, gives me the opportunity to engage and wanting to learn more. I would want to have the excitement in comprehending new things, as wanting to hear the enthusiasm in a teacher's voice doing what I hope they love; teach. This is a very inspirational post to those teachers who feel lost in their teaching path and career. And it is a great way to inform teachers or adults of the emptiness they have been wondering about."

PLN 13- "Home with the kids"

I found an article in the Learning Newtwork called "Home with the kids..." by Kitch. This blog talked about her 4 year old being able to learn quickly and work with technology at such an early age. I was very suprised with this informaton the article provided.

Here was my reaction to the blog:
"After reading this blog, I was truly amazed with the fact that a four year old is able to work a computer. As our generations grow, technology will advance even more. Every individual is different, and your four year old seems quite intelligent having the knowledge to perceive technology at such an early age. This shows that as she grows older, she is capable of absorbing any new knowledge being thrown at her. Fast learners have many benefits; in school, sports, activities, etc. Observing kids from a young age tells you their personality and abilities. It may also say something about their purposes in the future or what they may become of. Reading from this, it may seem that your daughter could have a future in technology or relations to it."

PLN Presentation Evaluation 1

In my presentation, I think that I did good overall. At the beginning I came off a little shaky, but I got pretty comfortable after. I really need to learn not to use my notes and read off of them, to be able to make eye contact. I spoke pretty clear most of the time, but a few of my classmates commented that I need to speak up a bit. I think next time, I will try to do better by not using my notes, and to speak clearer.

PLN 12- 37 DU Students Get Mysterious Illness

I was looking at the Denver Post blog when a blog titled "37 DU Students Get Mysterious Illness" caught my attention. In this blog, it talks about a illness going around the University of Denver. It has reported that 42 total of students have been sick, 13 were treated at the college's health and counseling centers, and 24 had been taken to a hospital. The symptoms of the illnesses include: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness and dehydration. The sickness has been a mystery to whether or not it is viral or bacterial.

I thought that this had been strange that many students had gotten some kind of illness, but nobody is quite sure what it is. It is very important to keep alert of your surroundings and keep healthy and clean of any sickness. I have heard a case similar to this in the past, at CU Boulder. I think it matters to stay healthy during all seasons. The case of the illness could be common, or could be a specific one. Students should restore full health before going back to school, or it will just spread around even more.

In the world, many people are dying of illnesses, like in Africa. Children in those areas are surrounded by a non-healthy environment and these sicknesses will always spread. The families in poverty, don't have any medical help or supplies to be able to heal. I think it would be very important for missionaries around the world to supply them with medicine and water, which some already have. I also believe that many of us should be thankful for the health and environment we have, also being able to have water, medicine, and any other needs that many do not.

PLN 11- Who's Controlling your Profile?

I was looking through The Thinking Stick blog when I saw an eye-catching article titled, "Who's Controlling your Profile?" by Jeff Utecht. This blog is about basically being able to control the social presence you have online. Throughout the internet, there will be many websites that might create of reputation of who you are. Some websites include myspace or facebook in others' profiles. This not only applies to students, but also to teachers too. Schools attempt to control social presences online, but blocking them will not help.

"You can either allow them to create your social presence for you or you can
take control of it. "

I do agree with the information this blog informs, because many people nowadays rely on the technology. Examples like: texting instead of calling, researching online instead of reading, etc. People go online so much that they should be able to judge a person by their profile and online presence. It does not define a certain person or rule over peoples' social presence.

The world can be so caught up or obsessed with technology that it is very reliable and compatible with just about everything. It relates to school, friends, researching, and anything else that may be part of the daily life.

PLN 10-Drivers will see more yellow at camera intersections

I was searching throughout the Rocky Mountain News blog and found an article titled, "Drivers will see more yellow at camera intersections". This article is about Denver having the opportunity to give drivers more time for yellow lights they tend to stop, and rush at. This also will include a pedestrian countdown that identifys how much time will remain until yellow lights. These lights will go up to 4.3 seconds at the most with red light monitoring cameras. The purpose of the monitors is to witness red light runs and accidents. It is to increase the safety of others and decrease accidents.

This article seemed to matter to me because many drivers will get into several accidents. The rush of yellow lights tend to cause these risks. I thought the purpose of this new idea would be very good for drivers of the road. It will be able to monitor and witness, but also give a longer time limit of those yellow lights.

In the world, most teens get into accidents around the age of 16/17, and is one of the leading causes of teenage death. Putting more rules and precautions out on the road will be able to create safer risks for all drivers.

PLN 9-Video Games Drive Me Nuts

I was looking through the area of the Thinking Stick when one in particular blog titled, "Why Not Take A Risk?" by Jeff Utecht caught my attention. This blog is about these five technology sessions offered to teachers about many new things. The sessions brought up programs of: Photoshop, blogging, Netvibes, and Beginner Basics. The purpose of these meetings were to inform teachers of teaching with technology but also showing these tools in a classroom. This blog basically summarized up teachers to take a risk in their teaching.

At school, there are always going to be limits in the classroom or on class work. Trying new things will keep others from knowing that they had not missed any opportunity, but instead to chance it. You will never know what you might learn, experience, or like if you do not try new risks. And I believe taking risks matters a lot in a lifetime. It defines who you are as a person and what you believe in.

No matter what in the world, taking risks are important. You might never know what you might have missed or gained. This includes school, sports, new activities, new jobs, a different perspective of living, or goals.

PLN 8-Boy, 8, suspended after sniffing Sharpie marker

I recently read an article that caught my attention called, "Boy, 8, suspended after sniffing Sharpie marker" in the Denver Post blog area. This article talks about a 8 year old boy being suspended for smelling a sharpie and the stripes he drew on clothing. The 50 year old parent 'overreacted' because of this situation. The Harris Park Elementary School Principal Chris Benisch, thinks that this shows a safety risk if a sharpie is misused. The boy was suspended for 3 days after not stopping the situation of inhaling the fumes of the sharpie.

At first, I thought this article was a bit strange and ridiculous to make something like that case such a big deal. After thinking more into it, I do think it is important. It is very necessary for this boy to immediately stop the habit of sniffing the dangerous fumes of the sharpie. The fumes can be very risky to his health and already addictive. More and more kids are curious enough to touch anything, smell anything, or eat anything. This habit needs to be broken and parents need to be more cautious of what their children may do.

In the world, I think things that may seem little can reoccur and become bigger. Many small issues can turn into larger ones while people would not have a second thought of what may come out of it. And the future of small events could become more dangerous or uneasy to handle.

PLN 7-Alamosa water still iffy

I recently finished reading an article, titled Alamosa water still iffy in the Rocky Mountain News section by Ann Imse. This article talks about the people cutting down on water shortage until tests of tap water come back. Many tests have shown that salmonella is involved in this tap water from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Citizens are banned from it temporarly. It reported 326 cases of salmonella poisoning and 13 hospitalizations.

I thought this was important because this case seemed serious, reading from the article. The water has already poisoned many people and it is essential that the Colorado Department clears this problem.

Everybody drinks water and is part of everyone's health. I thought this related to the poor people in Africa, because many of them die because they don't have enough drinking water or because it is not clean.

PLN 6-Student Information Online

I just read a article called Student Information Online by Jeff Utecht in The Thinking Stick blog area. It summarizes the basics of keeping students safe online and teaching them to be smart with handling things. Some thoughts mentioned are not posting personal information, (phone or cell numbers) to not use last names, and to only use pictures with permission because some require forms to be filled out. This article really talks about the importance and school policy of internet safety for students.

I found this article to be important because many of us go on myspace, or facebook. These websites can risk many things for putting out pictures and personal information. I think that we should watch carefully everything we put on the public sites. Privacy is also an important factor, myspace and facebook have an option of setting the profiles to private and this is something extra just to be safe.

Many websites are public out there, and keeping safe is essential to students. Kids learn about the dangers of many things out there in the world. Students/teenagers must know the importance of internet safety and how to keep safe.

PLN 5- The Future of the Newspaper

I recently finished reading an article titled The Future of the Newspaper on The Fischbowl by Karl Fisch and found this very interesting. It basically talks about how the newspapers' business is fading away. Many notes about this side of point explains that the internet is being used more because of the information taken from newspapers put on web articles. Journalism is also a concern of the future because of mistrust placed from it. The paper is expensive as well for printing of newspapers. Interest in the newspaper is starting to be lost. The newspaper is being compared to many popular industries today, and the way many other industries is becoming more successful.

I have found this an important point made, because I have noticed many blogs focuses on many industries or subjects of the future. People are trying to plan out the best for the future, and is very difficult because many things are unpredictable. It matters to debate whether this or that may succeed, or won't succeed.

The world's industries and businesses changes a lot, and probably will shoot up to the more extremes in the future. The population, and the selling increases everywhere. People are making an attempt to cut down points and details of things to possibly make the future great and successful for adults, children, teens, and students.

PLN 4- Envisioning the Future of Libraries

I recently finished reading a blog post titled Envisioning the Future of Libraries on Cool Cat Teacher Blog. In this article, it talks about a recent discussion of the future of libraries, and ideas organized for it. Some ideas mentioned were: "space transformation"-the library should be an area comfortable enough to relax with a laptop and study, "the invisible collection"- an idea where the library is able to access and download audio books onto devices, and "differentiated books"- where text books are updated for students and the ability to adjust to a student's reading level or ability.

Many of these ideas and discussions were important enough to format an organization just for the futures of libraries. Something so small, could matter very much for a student's learning environment and surroundings. A student's study place can be very essential if they choose to study elsewhere besides home. It should be comfortable, relaxing, accessible, and convenient.

In the world, many people have different study or learning environments. Students should experience different ones and compare the ones they favor. Whether it's at home, the library, a classroom, or outside; it's still a study area. A good environment attracts more students and encourages them of their studies.

PLN 3-Words that define your online presence

I finished reading an article for my third PLN titled, "Words that define your online presence" by The Thinking Stick. I found this blog quite interesting because it is about couple of ideas and standards for a blog to sound it's best. It explains how to deal with blog posting the best with: 'respecting the English language,' by not using Instant message lingo or text abbreviations, to 'avoid sweeping generalizations', to 'not complain' on blogs because people will most likely lose interest, to 'not lose your temper' because everybody can see what you write online, and to 'chill out,' and not be paranoid about the message your voicing out online to everybody.

Knowing what to write about, the importance of blogs, and how to write properly matters very much on blogs, and even in education. People want to read interesting pieces of writing and literature, because that's what draws the most attention. It also matters to me because I would not want to write things that bore others, because it can also present a reputation on what I write.

This makes a connection to the world because many people post blogs on multiple websites and put out many opinions/messages to others. People can often write too many blogs that their writing loses attention and can bore people. This article explains clearly about the solid rules of making the words of blog stand out and seem alive.

PLN 2-When blogs are just what your school does

I recently read an article titled When blogs are just what your school does by The Thinking Stick. This article's subject mainly focuses on blogging. It talks about students starting to pick up blogging, even middle schoolers. Many are starting their own for projects, collaborating, learning, for helping other classmates, and communicating. Students are taking in and comprehending the importance of communication on blogs and learning linking/collaboration.

In my opinion, I believe blogging is very important to learn because in education, it is essential to know all aspects of sharing, communicating, writing, collaborating, sharing opinions, etc. In our English class, we use this technology technique all the time. It has taught many of us the ways we share our opinions and write.

Through the world, blogging is spread throughout the internet. Others get someone else's perspective and view. And others learn more through each other in blogging. It is very important to hear from others and to ponder on whatever you come upon reading.

Semester 2-PLN 1

I recently was reading an article called What Do We Know About Our Kids' Futures? Really. In this article, it talks about the things adults know about the future for kids and how they should prepare them for it. There really is not an specific way they can prepare them, since the future is unpredictable. This blog threw some ideas out of what they do know about the future: they are required of networking, to be more collaborative, more globally aware and careful, less dependent on paper, more active-in all ways, fluent and accurate in technology, to be more connected and to be editors of information.

This blog to me did matter because there are probably numerous ways adults can help us prepare and teach us about the future. As everyday, we learn more and more about the real world and the things that surround us. It is important that things in the future would not be new and a shock to us although there may be new experiences.

In the world, I don't think kids can really be unprepared for their future because right now in their present experiences, it will hit them along them way and can actually prepare them for whatever is coming next. A lot can teach kids just from school, family, sports, activites, etc.

Goals for second semester

For this 2nd semester in english class, one of my goals is to achieve a solid A. By fulfilling this goal, I will put a lot of effort in every assignment and everything that I do. I am going to try to work my hardest in this class to get a good grade. I'm going to take the extra time in the writing, projects, and of my reading. At times, I tend to rush when I do homework or when I'm writing one of my blogs.

Another one of my goals is to improve in my writing. In my writing, I want to expand more of my ideas and write more about specific examples. Doing this, I will need to be more comprehensive in my reading. I will have to open up more and write better, not just for essay but for even in my PLN blogs.

Overall, in this class I must try to work my way up to achieve those goals. I will need to have high work ethic and effort in everything.