Double Entry Journal #14

1. What is the purpose of this chapter?

The purpose is to understand Digital Literacy even more by looking at how people relate to it.  It also looks at how a child's education can be enhancing their digital literacy.

2. Why did the author choose to focus on your people in the Nordic countries?

Technology is becoming advanced in these countries.  Digital Literacy is thought to be important.

3. How does education differ in Nordic countries from education in other parts of the world including the United States.

First, testing is emphasized much less than in America.  Also, projects are and more equal opportunity school work is emphasized much more. 

4. Why is more research needed about how young people use digital media in their lives outside of school?

The difference between generations when it comes to how technology has affected their lives is large.  Also, different generations use technology either more or less than generations before or after them.

1. Why is it important for there to be more opportunities for young people to use Digital Media in school?

It engages children.  It improves basic skills and allows children to do basic tasks much simpler.  Today we rely on technology so much that it's important for children to understand that.

2. What skills do people need in order to be considered digitally literate?
People must be able to effectively use technology, first.  Then, from the information they get by using technology, they have to be able to "filter" it.  So essentially, they have to know what is legitimate and what is not.

Double Entry Journal #13

Could the Solution to Global Warming Be More Chemicals?

This article gives the idea that maybe chemicals could help reverse the effects of global warming.  Things like aerosols are a reason we have global warming; they let sun light into the atmosphere but they won't let it out.  This idea is that if add more reflective aerosols, aerosols that will reflect the sun outward, then the effects of global warming may stop and/or reversed.  The potential problem is that you are messing with the atmosphere, the thing that contains the air we breathe. 

Value-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

Conservative Crusader

I chose to read this article on purpose.  I do not share the same political views as this site and this author but I wanted to go in to this with a level head.  I wanted to be able to read this with no opinion and just look at this literally.  However, it was really hard.  This wasn't really informative because the information given was exaggerated and not exactly factual.  I wasn't inspired by this but yet driven away from it.  I will say though that spelling and grammar were the least of this article's problem!

"Still, one could argue that the economic boom that rang out the 20th Century began in the early 1980s under Reagan, was interrupted by a mild, brief recession in 1990/91 and continued till the economic calamaties of the 2000s (nonetheless, most of George W. Bush's two terms saw steady economic growth and job creation). By the time of Clinton's '93 budget, Reagan had managed to lower top marginal tax rates from around 70% down to the 20s, so not even the increases of Bush 41 and Clinton could significantly slow America's roaring economic engine. Bill Clinton took a giant step to the center after his party was wiped out in the '94 midterms, so business was far more comfortable under his leadership than today under the more ideologically rigid Obama's."

^sample

Coverage-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

Conservative Crusader

Yes, on the surface the topic is being addressed but it's more of plea to get a Republican majority in Congress.  This was right before the midterm elections and I think that this was meant as a blow to the Democrats.  The argument isn't really detailed and it definitely isn't scholarly.  It's kind of like the author is saying a lot but when you actually read it you'll see that's it's more BS than anything.  The main argument is that while tax cuts alone won't help create enough jobs in this country, it is a necessary step towards the right direction.  The author also believes the Bush Tax Cuts should have been extended, which later they were.

Currency-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

Conservative Crusader

The site has been updated because it keeps up with the news.  Right now there is a lot of information on the upcoming presidential election.  The information presented is, of course, favoring Mitt Romney.  The article about tax cuts, however, has not been kept up to date.  It was published over two years ago and hasn't been rewritten.  It was published on 9-22-2010.

Double Journal Entry #12

1. Why do educators need to be careful about  terms like "Digital Native"?

It will group a whole generation together.  It' not good to generalize.

2. What outcome occurs when young people are encourage to transform their understanding of particular topics by designing a multimodal text?

Positive outcomes.  It's been shown that the learning process is enhanced.

3. You may skip the section titled "Context for the Project".

Can do

4. What was the goal of the project in terms of product?

It was to track the development of the participants' multimodal products that they generated.

5. What was the goal of the project in terms of process?

It was to gain a deeper understanding of how multimodal texts were created.

6. How were the participants for the study selected?

They were students who had worked collaboratively in pairs, who fully completed the task, and the video recordings were intact and complete.

7.  Describe the task students engage is for the purpose of this study?

In 2004, it required students to evaluate possible solutions in response to the affect of plastic bags on the environment.  In 2006, the study was done concerning global warming.

8. Explain how the researchers compared the student created multimodal texts?

They graded on the title slide, the grammar of the slides, and the overall expertise on the subject being presented.

9. What differences in Jenny's PowerPoint presentation do you find the most interesting?

I like the differences of her position on the topic from Year 8 to Year 10.

10. How is working together on a computer unlike working together using a pencil and paper?

It's unpredictable and the wait time from thought to typing is longer than from pencil to paper.

11. What was interesting about student's behavior as they collaborated on a task at the computer?

How students can work collaboratively while on a computer is interesting.  The discussion that is done is interesting.

12. What can teacher learn about designing learning activities that involve the creation of multimodal texts from this study?
Students will adapt over time.

13. According the the conclusion of this study, what do student need to learn in order to successful complete a multimodal text construction?

The need time to be able to do this efficiently.

14. Are you surprised by the conclusions drawn in this study?

Yeah, sort of.

Objectivity-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

Conservative Crusader

The author's point of view is conservative.  He is saying that tax cuts do create jobs, not alone, but have a large impact on job creation.  The site is meant to promote its ideology.  The writer may get personal recognition from this article as well as fame.  Conservatives, primarily Republicans, would support from people who believe this.  The author doesn't present any cited statistics or facts so it's hard to believe.  The argument is very one-sided and he is hostile towards the opposition.  The author is positive towards his own ideology.

Accuracy-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

 Conservative Crusader

Accuracy: Do you have good reason to believe that the information on the site is accurate? Are the facts documented? Give an example.

 David Bozeman doesn't provided much reason for us to believe that what he has to say is accurate.  He gives a few numbers in the article but they still seem biased.  He over exaggerates the successes of previous conservatives in office and he puts down the any success that a liberal achieved.

Authority-Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

 Conservative Crusader

Authority: Who are the authors, or who is responsible? What gives them their authority or expertise?

 David Bozeman

.com

"Born October 31, 1963 in Elizabethtown, NC. I'm the youngest of 5. My father was an accounts manager for an appliance store and my mother was a full-time homemaker. They both instilled in me a love of books, current affairs and politics.

I graduated from PARS Travel College in 1988. For over three decades I've worked in the newspaper circulation department and in a telecom warehouse, where I remain today. In 1984 I was a Libertarian Party state chairman, in 1982 and 83' I ran for the state house. In my late 30s, I decided to devote my political activism to my top passion, which is writing."

The site claims to be the most conservative site around and its main purpose is to promote the conservative ideology.  They claim to be honest responsible, and factual.  The the article I have read is very opinionated and one-sided.  The authors on the site each have either had experience in politics and/or have studied it.  The author of this article was involved in politics for a short period as well as in the media.  I personally believe that Mr. Bozeman has some authority in this being that he has studied and been involved in politics.  However, I don't believe that he gives an accurate account of the past, just pro-conservative.  Bozeman isn't an expert in taxes, but yet only has an interest in it.  He has a biased opinion and it's hard for me to believe what he says.

Do Tax Cuts Create Jobs?

Title of web page:


URL of the web page:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-johnson/so-do-tax-cuts-create-job_b_1943500.html
http://www.conservativecrusader.com/articles/do-tax-cuts-really-create-jobs

What can you tell about this web page from the URL?

Authority

Is there an author of the document or web page?  If yes, who is the author?

Are his/her affiliations and qualifications given?
If yes, list them.

Is contact information provided (address, phone
number, email)?

Who is the publisher or sponsoring organization for this web page?

Accuracy

Do you trust the information given on the web page?


Is it reliable and valid?


Does the web page document its sources?

In other words, does it tell you where the information comes from?


How does the information on the web page compare with what you already know?


Currency

Does the web page tell you when it was created and last revised?

Are there outdated (dead) links?

Coverage

What is the depth and breadth of the information on the web page?

Does it contain original information or just links to other sources?

Does the information have real value? Explain.

Objectivity

What is the web page's purpose or intent?

Why was it created?

Is the information biased? Is it designed to sway
opinion? From whose perspective is it given?

Double Journal Entry #11

1. Why are networks better than hierarchies?

It's because hierarchies fall short in complex and fast-moving times like today.  It takes longer for information to get to the top of the hierarchy.  Networks are more direct.

2. What is a nation state and how is it being threatened?

It's a territorial concept defined by a geographical border.  It's being threatened because the economic and environmental systems are drifting outside of the border.

3. How is civil society gaining legitimacy over government agencies? Give an example of a NGO (Non-Government Agency) whose goals and services you think are beneficial to solving a global problem. 

NGO's are doing work that the government isn't.  They know much more of what the world needs than governments do.

UMC Church

4. How can business be a helpful global enforcer?

They are spread out more all over the world.  It's easier for a business to know of an issue than the government.

5. What can too much economic and social change lead too?

It will cause polarization among different generations of people.  Everyone will be from a drastically different era than the person before them.

6. What Global Issue concerns you the most? Why?

I think starvation and selfishness bother me the most.  It's because our population is going up and our food levels are going down.  Sad thing is that there is enough food on the planet to feed everyone but there is still starvation.

Double Journal Entry #10

1. What is the fundamental problem with the discourses around children's use of technology?

I think that it is the belief that technology is separating younger generations from the older generations. 

2. What is meant by the term "moral panic"? Link to an image, online article, cartoon, or some other resource that depicts the "moral panic" associated with young people's use of digital technologies.

It's used to describe a group that is a potential threat to society.

3. How do you feel about engaging in more  "collaborative learning" during your education at Fairmont State?

I would be ok with that.  I think that learning from your teacher is good but it's even better if you can utilize all of your options.

4. Do you think Universities should move to a more free-market based privatization business model? Why?

Not necessarily.  I think that it is important for universities to have to follow at least basic rules and regulations.

5. According to the author what is wrong with Prenskey's revised position on his definition of "digital native"? Do you agree with this authors criticism  of Prenskey's view of the role technology plays in the education of young people?

It suggests that digital enhancement is essential.  I kind of do agree with the authors criticism.

6. What are the characteristics of Millennial? Are you a Millennial? 

Millennials are young people who want things quickly, they have short attention spans, and they do may things digitally.  In some instances, I think I am one.  I notice that I get very frustrated when I can't get things instantly and/or quickly.

7. Do you think there is such a thing as the "Net Generation"? Why? Why not?

Yes I do because it seems like as children are being born, they are being born into world exposing them to technology.

8. What is meant by the term "networked individualism"?

A move away from place to place interaction to person to person interaction.

9. How would you feel about Fairmont State discontinuing the use of Blackboard and Webmail to using Gmail and Google tools?

I would really enjoy that.  I use Gmail and it works very close to perfectly and Google tools are convenient.  Blackboard and Webmail and low grade compared to the other options.

10. Why does the term "Digital Native" persist despite lack of empirical evidence of age related difference due to rapid increase of digital technologies?

There are still a lot of people that are skeptical but they haven't been informed.

11. Who societal sector seems to be benefiting the most from the social construction of a "Digital Native" generation?

Commerical markets

12. Which argument about "digital natives" needs to be discarded and which one needs to be explored? Why?
The argument that technology is a negative thing for digital natives needs to be gotten rid of because there's no evidence to support it.  I think that the positive aspects of being a digital native need to be explored.

Double Entry Journal #9

1. Why is inflation less of a concern in the new world economy?

It is not nearly a problem because a less inflation-proned environment has been created by technological revolutions in the past and present.  Economies are able to predict and combat inflation much easier than before.

2.What is the difference between a negative feedback economy and a positive feedback economy?

Negative feedback is whenever equilibrium is restored at a lower level of demand.  It's lt's limited by short-term supply-and-demand constraints.  Positive feedback is when additional capacity becomes available so quickly and inexpensively that traditional supply restraints become unimportant.

3. Give an example of how new technologies can provide developing countries with an opportunity to catch-up with modern economies?

I think being able to combat and predict inflation would definitely help development of developing countries.

4. What is one prediction the author made concerning the new economy that appears to be true?

Everything is so interconnected.  If there is a problem in one spot, it ripples to the next and the next.....

5. Why is excessive trust in free-market economies promoted by free-market fundamentalists a cause for concern?

There are no regulations, not ways to control the economy.

6. Read and Link to a Website that provides information about regulation and markets. Based on the information provided in the website, what is your position on markets and regulations? Then list two questions you have about markets and regulation.

http://www.policymic.com/debates/3924/government-regulations-help-markets-work-better
I think that regulation is important, but too much.  It's important to have rules and boundaries in a market.

1. What effects do regulations have on the economy?
2.  How strict are certain regulations?

7. What is the cause of the crisis of complexity in the new world economy?

The long list of stresses that come along with the population increase .  It spews complexity.

Double Entry Journal #8

1. What was the term "Digital Native" meant to be used as?

It was originally meant to be used as a metaphor for describing the differences that many people observed between older people and younger people at the turn of the century.

2. According to author what are the characteristics associated with Digital Natives?

easy-going

3. Do you consider yourself a Digital Native?

In a way, yes.  I have grown up with technology and it's normal for me to rely on it.

4. What is Digital Wisdom?

I take it as using technology to the greatest of it's abilities and in return enhancing your mind.

5. How does the author define "wisdom"?

Efficiently using technology.

6. How can technology enhance our Wisdom? Give three examples from the chapter?

It enhances our access to data, our ability to conduct deeper analyses, and our ability to plan and prioritize. 

7. What concerns did Socrates have about the technology of writing?

He believed that this would undermine our memory.

8. How can teachers practice Digital Wisdom?

They can learn how to use technology efficiently.  New ways of teaching and innovation can be a great start to this.

9. The author states that he is "...opposed to those who claim the unenhanced mind and unaided thinking are somehow superior to the enhanced mind." Are you? Why or why not?

Yes, I would think that I would be opposed to this.  It comes off to me as a mindset that is closed and not open to change.  If so, then I oppose it.  You should always be open to adaptation.

QUOTE:

"Examples of digital wisdom are all around us. Leaders are digitally wise....."

RESPONSE:

The quote goes on.  I agree with it.  Look at the media; it promotes and gets the news out digitally.  It seems like everyone today watches and/or uses the internet; these being the ways of accessing the news.  People still read the newspaper, but not nearly as much.  It's easier to watch and listen to the news.  The article also mentions President Obama's campaigning in 2008.  His campaign definitely used technology to the best of their ability.  He was able to raise record amounts of money from online fundraising.  Teachers can use technology in great ways just like the ways we have been learning about.  It gives children a much more open area to get information from.

The following photo is an example of using technology to your advantage.

SOURCES:

Thomas, Michael. Deconstructing digital natives: young people, technology, and the new literacies. New York: Routledge, 2011. Print.

Skype Reaction

I really enjoyed the Skype session we had today with the 5th Graders.  It was nice to have a more intimate connection with them rather than just using Edmodo.  A lot of their comments were very impressive and it was nice to see the enthusiasm that expressed.  It's really cool to see technology used in a constructional and educational way.  As technology improves, it's exciting to imagine what else will become possible.  Teaching outside of the classroom is definitely becoming a probable reality.

Skype in a Social Studies Class-See Tom Daccord's post

I really like Mr. Daccord's comment.  When I first thought of how to use Skype in a Social Studies class, I thought of using it internationally.  This actually really excites me!

Photo Analysis

This is a chilling photo.  There is a video of this incident that I have had to watch before.  I would never make anyone watch it because it's somewhat hard to if you're sensitive to this kind of stuff.  However, I think that the photo is a good tool in showing students reality, history, war, and that there are places in the world where there's no justice.  I would definitely use this when teaching about the War in Vietnam.

1.  Why is this man not given a fair trial?
2.  What side of the war are each of these men on?
3.  Do things like this still happen in Vietnam?
4.  Why did this war happen?
5.  What impact did this photo have on the rest of the world?

President Obama in Action

People	Objects	Activities
President

Concerned President Obama

People	Objects	Activities
President	Books	frowning
	Plants	staring

I think that the President is under a lot of stress.  He seems like he's trying to think of a solution.  This article seems to be more of a test to see if the President is can handle something of this magnitude.  He seems to be concentrating and focused.

Double Entry Journal #7

1. Choose one of the unprecedented stresses on the earth resources and describe how it will negatively effect the quality of life of people living in developing countries and people living in modernized countries.
As the world's population increases, the demand for food will also go up.  There are already place in the world that are suffering from starvation.  The Earth is only so big and it's going to get to a point where we won't be able to produce enough food to accommodate.

2. What is the major debate around the future of market-based economies?
How to balance non-market models.

3. How has this technological revolution different the previous technological revolutions and what two factors of production and now more important than capital, labor and raw materials?
This revolution has to do with more of the time and distance than the energy and materials.  Knowledge and Creativity are now more important than capital, labor and raw materials.

4. What new service ideas have you had direct experience with? Drawing on your personal experience what are the benefits and drawbacks of these new service ideas?
I just recently bought a new car and that's a good example.  I have Microsoft SYNC in this car and have had some problems with it.  I contacted the dealership and they weren't sure how to fix it other than resetting the whole system.  They contacted Ford and Ford said that it was a Microsoft problem.  Don't get me wrong, I like the integration.  However, this specialization is making things complicated.

QUOTE:

I couldn't find  the exact wording but I am responding to the idea that as finances become more and more electronic, banks will be searching for new purposes.


RESPONSE:

I agree and am somewhat surprised by this.  It's hard to believe that there may be a day whenever solid money is a thing of the past.  Today you can pay bills, transfer money, purchase electronically, and even more.  New jobs are being created all of the time and before you know it, old jobs will be outdated.  Think, if the purpose of a bank becomes automated and money is electronic, what would be the purpose of the bank?  Also, look at machinery.  Robots and machines have been getting rid of the need for workers.  They're cheaper and more efficient, and the company owns them.  I recall seeing commercials for machinery that is now able to fix itself.  It seems like technology will get too smart and the whole "Technology taking over" fantasy could become reality.

The following picture is an example of machinery taking over jobs.

SOURCES:

Rischard, J. F.. High noon: twenty global problems, twenty years to solve them. New York: Basic Books, 2002. Print.

 " Google Image Result for http://wiki.western.edu/mcis/images/9/9b/Carproduction.jpg." Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1920&bih=1075&tbm=isch&tbnid=InJ95TH1lnP5EM:&imgrefurl=http://wiki.western.edu/mcis/index.php/CIS/S07/_Is_technology_taking_over_jobs_of_America/Body&docid=DI>

Seven Power Lens on 21st Century Literacy

1.What is semiotics? 

The study of how the reading of signs and symbols together communicate complicated ideas in the form of codes.

2. How can teachers capitalize on students preferred literacy behaviors?

They can do this by assigning work online.  Students are likely to be online sometime of the day and they probably prefer that method of doing work.

3. According to this article why is it important for students to learn to analyze the news media? 

It's important because there's a lot of info. from the media that is biased.  It may be convincing and seem true but the information is usually stretched.  You have to teach students at a young age to be aware of this stuff.

4. Copy and Paste a West Virginia CSO that a photo analysis activity might address in a content area.
RLA.S.10.1Reading

Students will apply reading skills and strategies to inform, to perform a task and to read for literacy experience by ·         identifying and using grade appropriate essential reading components (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, written application) and ·         selecting a wide variety of literature and diverse media to develop independence as readers.

QUOTE:

"Selection at its worst can create the “FOX Effect” (Rutenberg, 2002), exemplified by opinionated, nationalistic reporting."

RESPONSE:

I agree with this quote and it's definitely true today.  It seems like you can't even watch the news today without getting an opinionated reading of it.  The FOX Effect is referring to Fox News and their ability to promote their own agenda and benefit from high ratings.  Same thing with a news station like MSNBC.  They promote the exact opposite political agenda and have been made popular by their own fans.  In a way, I think that this is alright and that if the media is benefiting from this, then ok.  It's America.  However, the thing that disappoints me is that this is causing polarization in our country and misinformation.  If the info. you hear on abortion comes from someone who's Pro-Choice, you're probably going to have the same opinion.  Vice versa.  The media is causing people to become "turned off" from the news.  I just wish that there was more realistic news out there.

The following picture/meme is a  hypothetical example.   Don't mean to pick on Fox News but it's what i found first.

SOURCES:

Atlock, D. (2003). Seven power lens on 21st century literacy. Retrieved from http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/newsmedia/PowerLensSingle.pdf

Double Journal Entry #6

1. Are you a technoloevangelist of a technoloskeptic?

I think I am towards the middle.  I advocate new ideas and ways of using technology but I don't know if I'm as huge of an advocate as some others are.

2. Why is the term Digital Native problematic?

It generalizes and it separates one generation from previous generations.

3. What is  interactionist pedagogy and how does it differ from the "transmission model" of education?

It's a constructive approach to social interaction and it's different because it's a build up instead of a transfer.

4. List three vocabulary terms you were unfamiliar or unsure of their meaning and provide me with their definitions.

altruism-the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others 

pedagogy- The art or profession of teaching

emblematic- Of, relating to, or serving as an emblem; symbolic

QUOTE:

"Digital Natives are working in your organization today........"  (Gartner, 2008, n.p.)

^pg. 4

RESPONSE:

I chose this quote because I like it and I agree with it.  It's very realistic and is spoken in the "now" instead of "future".  I basically goes on to say that Digital Natives are more efficient than others think and that they do they're jobs.  We have to look at things in a more present way instead of being stumped when it comes to futuristic things.  The quote also says that people should understand a Digital Native's perspective before they judge.  Wikipedia is promoting new skills like figuring out what information on the web is valid and what isn't.  I think that teachers should allow students to use Wikipedia for basic research because it is a great source for that.

The following video explores the term "Digital Native".  If you have time to watch it, give it a try.

Working With Digital Natives

SOURCES:

Thomas, Michael. Deconstructing digital natives: young people, technology, and the new literacies. New York: Routledge, 2011. Print.

" Working with Digital Natives - UWTV.org." UWTV - University of Washington Television. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Oct. 2012. <http://www.uwtv.org/video/player.aspx?pid=spDCfUe5_O06>.