Every person has a story, and every story is significant (in some way) for someone around the world. In addition, so many times (and I am the most guilty) we get so caught up in our own lives and our own world that we forget to try to understand other people, places, and situations in the world. I don't know about you, but I get the most satisfaction in my life when I am able to help someone else out OR when I am able to conduct a conversation with someone from another place in the world or the United States because I paid attention to the news.
Each of you will be responsible for maintaining a blog. I really want this to become something that you do regularly as it is so important for people to understand what is going on in your life as well as how you think about the world based on what you learn about it on a daily basis. Again, we have more information available to us now than any other time in the HISTORY OF THE WORLD!
Your blog assignment is simple: 1) share your life and 2) share what you are learning about the world (an emphasis on government). You are creating a footprint on the internet that shares what is going on in your life as it compares to the world around you. To get started, begin by looking at news stories from around the nation and around the world. Let this fuel your thoughts and ideas. Share how you feel about our troops in the Middle East based on the facts of different articles you find on Google +, feedly.com, and/or other RSS feeds and news sources.
Share as much and as little as you want about yourself. Be creative, clever, or black-and-white. THE ONLY THING YOU NEED TO REMEMBER IS TO BE SENSITIVE ON ISSUES THAT ARE SENSITIVE. Be polite and kind and BE INTELLIGENT when you write.
Requirements for all 5 points:
1) At least 5 paragraphs (5-8 sentences each)
2) 2 linked internet sites (Linked means people can click on the sites because they are hyperlinked)
3) Read and respond to at least 2 classmates.
Begin to think about your views, opinions, and beliefs while considering how you fit in this world of 7 billion people. EVERYONE is essential in making this world "go" from construction workers, to fast food, to doctors and engineers. How you are involved and informed might be the CHANGE our world needs.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
A changing world
School is back, and I am again really excited for another year. This is my 24th year (in a row) of being involved in school as either a student or an educator, and I can honestly say that I am more excited each year to get back to school. Some might call me crazy. Students might say "that's what you're supposed to say." I say "technology is the reason I get so excited for school."
Our school has decided to be a Google School which basically means that all students and staff will be set up with a Gmail account in our Lyons-Decatur domain (simply put: all people in school will have a similar email address so it is easier to use Google). I highly recommend all parents, students, and person who is breathing to get acquainted with Google Documents (Google Drive is the app to get to ALL the Google Documents). This product is FREE, and it is transforming the way we are able to do anything anymore. Students can work on the same spreadsheet, document, etc. with other students at the SAME time. (We call it collaboration to make us sound smarter).
I am by no means an expert in this technology stuff. In fact, I believe that the reason technology is exploding is because there is no "ONE" answer. It constantly changes, and it requires us to research and explore new ways and methods of doing things. When it seems like sometimes our lives are on repeat every 24 hours, technology changes how we do life. This is not always the best thing, but I no that I need challenges daily to keep my mind sharp. I realize that technology can also be bad, and that is why in my classroom we try to include social (group) activities along with technology (individual) activities. My one piece of advice: think of technology like the Cornhuskers. It may not always be the best, but it is what we do and it is who we are, and we will be Husker fans for life!
Our school has decided to be a Google School which basically means that all students and staff will be set up with a Gmail account in our Lyons-Decatur domain (simply put: all people in school will have a similar email address so it is easier to use Google). I highly recommend all parents, students, and person who is breathing to get acquainted with Google Documents (Google Drive is the app to get to ALL the Google Documents). This product is FREE, and it is transforming the way we are able to do anything anymore. Students can work on the same spreadsheet, document, etc. with other students at the SAME time. (We call it collaboration to make us sound smarter).
I am by no means an expert in this technology stuff. In fact, I believe that the reason technology is exploding is because there is no "ONE" answer. It constantly changes, and it requires us to research and explore new ways and methods of doing things. When it seems like sometimes our lives are on repeat every 24 hours, technology changes how we do life. This is not always the best thing, but I no that I need challenges daily to keep my mind sharp. I realize that technology can also be bad, and that is why in my classroom we try to include social (group) activities along with technology (individual) activities. My one piece of advice: think of technology like the Cornhuskers. It may not always be the best, but it is what we do and it is who we are, and we will be Husker fans for life!
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