Tuesday, October 27, 2009

PLN18

In “Anne Smith- One of 20 to Watch,” by Karl Fisch, Mrs. Smith was honored for being technologically advanced in her class. She is one of 20 teachers in the country to “watch.” Mrs. Smith as well as another teacher named Chris Moore, were both recognized from the same district. This is important because we have teachers on staff that are trying to higher the expectations of students through technology. Smith is helping our first period English class to become better writers through blogger, Google Earth, and Google Reader. Nice job Mrs. Smith!

Monday, October 26, 2009

PLN17

In the article “Centennial man killed in motorcycle accident,” by the Denver Post, what matters is technology isn’t always safe because nothing is perfect. This man was riding a motorcycle and hit the median and was found dead. This whole year we have talked about technology and how it will change our lives and the future. I have always been a fan of motorcycles and so is my brother, he wants to buy one when he gets enough money. I think they are cool, but they are also very dangerous like lots of other technology. Even computers are not completely safe with messed up and scary people on the Internet, as well as technology can cause fire and burn. Technology is a great thing but it needs some refining as to be safe and less dangerous.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

PLN16

In Karl Fisch’s thought for the day 5-30-09,” commitment needs to come first to be successful. “If organization requires success before commitment, it will never have either.” I have always had trouble committing to things I don’t like, such as school or chores, but when I do commit to them I find I am successful. Such as this year in high school I have been committed because I have something to strive for, if I don’t have good grades I can’t play basketball, and that’s just not an option for me. I make commitments to things I like very easily, such as basketball or interesting homework assignments. I had an assignment on my family tree in eighth grade and I committed to it and received a 95% on that project. I commit to basketball everyday and I am getting better everyday I play. Success doesn’t happen unless you want it to happen and you work for it, or commit to it.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

PLN15

In the article “Our Googley Advice to Students: Major in Learning,” by the writers at the google blog, what matters is that google is not the only place that looks for this type of worker. To get a good job I must have these characteristics. Google says they look for “non-routine savants” with analytical reasoning, communication skills, willingness to experiment, team player, passion, and leadership. This article says the challenge is how to acquire the characteristics and I agree. The article by David Warlick named "What is 21st Century Learning?,” says that good learners learn by questioning, engaging, proving, and teaching others. Questioning goes with analytical reasoning, engaging with communication, proving with experimentation, teaching with team player. To be a good worker you must also be a good learner. Every business has a type of worker they look for, having these characteristics will fit you in almost anywhere.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

PLN14

In the article “Rigor Redefined,” by Tony Wagner, what matters is characteristics of a good student because I think of myself as a good student. This article says that good students ask good questions, engage in good discussions in teams, as well as critical thinking, collaboration and leadership, agility, initiative, effective oral and written communication, analyzing information, and curiosity and imagination. This article thinks that this is what a student in the 21st century needs to be successful. I agree with critical thinking, leadership, affective written and oral, and analyzing information are key in education. What else is important to our education? I believe that being technologically advanced will help you tremendously in school. As a student I am a critical thinker, leader, and I can ask good questions, and discuss as a team pretty well, which I believe makes me a good student.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

PLN13

I disagree with "Keyboards vs. Pens" and Virginia Berninger's study because I write better on a computer and I think it is a lot faster. I like to write with pencil and paper but I like to be able to delete my thoughts and try again on the computer. With pencil and paper you have to erase and it makes the paper look informal and messy. But it is also not good to only rely on one form of writing. Both computers and traditional pencil and paper have pros and cons but I believe the computer would be better. I believe it is faster, and easier to look at your thoughts and delete them if you don’t like them. Another thing I like is being able to proof read very easily. Word has lots of tools like word search, spell check, and it tells you when something is spelled wrong or grammar is incorrect. With pencil and paper it is much harder to proof read and little mistakes that were made are not seen and fixed. My writing is better and faster on a computer because of all the tools computers have.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

PLN12

In Will Richardson’s article “Footprints In The Digital Age,” what matters is how we are being judged by our use of the web because I do not want to look different on the Internet than I am in real life. The fact is people will see your digital footprint, and you will be judged because of that footprint. Just like in our essay, yes our digital footprint should affect your future because you will be judged based on your Facebook, YouTube, blogs, emails, and documents you publish. This article says that teens are “creating, publishing, and learning on their own, outside school.” I disagree with this, I think our teachers and parents are a major part of what we create, publish, and learn on the web. He makes it seem as though teens are doing whatever we want on the Internet and ruining the whole idea. I believe we are making the Internet more modern and new and more up to date. The Internet is a great tool and every teen knows that, every teen uses that to their advantage. Every teen uses the web for school related subjects and non-school related subjects, which does not mean I am a different person on the web than I am in real life. Whether I like it or not I will be judged by how I use the internet, but I am the same person on both fronts.