Final Assessment Journal

Final Assessment Journal

After being out of college for 30+ years I was not looking forward to taking a writing class. However, I thoroughly enjoyed taking your class. I was apprehensive about the format, watching a documentary and choosing a subject matter seemed daunting. I believe the format allowed the student to be creative and write about subject matter that intrigued the student. I feel sure that you enjoy not having to read and grade 20+ papers on the same subject matter week after week.

     Being a fulltime employee and a part time student taking a couple of classes, I felt one week to write a good paper was a challenge. Having said that, I believe the format of your class made that challenge easier by allowing me to write about something that I found interesting.  I enjoyed the subject matter of the documentaries.

Thank you,

Dannie Gray                 

Perfecting a Race - Forgiving Dr. Mengele Essay

Perfecting a Race

     In January 1933 Adolf Hitler is appointed chancellor of Germany. Mein Kampf outlined Hitler’s plans for Germany and the Jewish people. He intended to create a united Germany, a pure Aryan race, and exterminate the Jews. While Hitler was very specific about Germany and the Jews, he was not very specific about how he was going to create a pure Aryan race. As disturbing as his plans were for the Jews, even more disturbing was the ultimate plan to exterminate the mentally and physically handicapped Germans as part of creating a pure Aryan race. Eugenics was the foundation of Hitler’s master plan to creating the perfect German.            
 

Eugenics is a science that deals with improving the qualities of the human species, by such means as encouraging reproduction by persons that have inheritable desirable traits. Francis Galton, a cousin of Charles Darwin, invented the term eugenics in 1883. Galton defined eugenics as the science of improving stock, not only by judicious mating, but whatever tends to give the more suitable races or strains of blood a better chance of prevailing over the less suitable than they otherwise would have had (Wikler 184). Galton believed that talents, virtues of character, personality, and other traits were inherited and as such offered their bearers an advantage in natural selection. Through his research, he was convinced that society would benefit if members of families with quality genetics were to increase their rate of child bearing. Conversely, Galton believed that people having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits should be discouraged from reproducing.  

Galton’s eugenics movement became popular in many countries and was taught in many leading universities. In 1905 Germany formed the Racial Hygiene Society and in 1907 Great Britain formed the English Eugenics Education Society, with Galton elected honorary president. Other countries drawn to the movement were the United Kingdom, United States, Soviet Union, Norway, France, Brazil, and Germany. In the United States, eugenics organizations created events and exhibits at public expositions and state fairs. They also held competitions promoting ‘Fitter Families’, with awards being handed out by senators and governors.   

Eugenic program content varied from country to country. While most eugenicists agreed that the human race was becoming more genetically unfit however, they could not agree on the cause and remedy. Several countries eugenics programs were as concerned with new born care as much as hereditary, believing that parents passed on to their children traits acquired during their lifetimes. Yet other countries accepted Galton’s view that heredity was determined by selection rather than environment. This view tends to imply that medical care frustrates evolution by allowing people with genetic inferiority to survive and reproduce. A number of eugenicists in several countries, such as the United States, Scandinavia, and Germany, used intimidation and force to deal with the unfit. These measures included sexual segregation and involuntary sterilization to prevent their undesirable genes from propagating.    

Galton, along with many of the eugenicists, believed that those who excelled in fields such as literature and science possessed great natural, inherited talent that distinguished them from others. They believed that a person’s position in society reflected their capabilities and was a good indication of the genes likely to be passed down to future generations. Eugenics tended to lean towards xenophobia, class bias, and racism. These tendencies embodied Nazi Germany‘s embrace of eugenic doctrines.

The eugenics program in Germany had the same difference of opinion as the programs in other countries. However, the Nazis created a uniformity of viewpoint that allowed them to use any means to achieve their pursuit of a pure Aryan race. Eugenics was the foundation for the Nazis to accomplish racial hygiene. The emphasis on ‘blood’ called for a purifying of the nation’s gene pool so that Germans could regain nobility and greatness of their genetically pure forbears (Wikler 185). The Nazis euthanized unfit Aryans, mostly children, to improve the native Aryan stock from its degenerated condition. Later the Nazis will add the euthanasia of the Jews to prevent further adulteration of the pure Aryan race with inferior genes. Racial hygiene, racial purity, and national health were the over-riding principles used by Hitler and the Nazis to justify the removal of those deemed unfit to live and produce inferior offspring.        

     Many countries, including the United States, wanted to create the perfect citizen. Adolf Hitler had a vision to create a pure Aryan race. He approved of the euthanasia of tens of thousands of German adults and children. Hitler and the Nazis took what was learned from euthanizing German citizens to create the death camps that killed millions of Jews. Eugenics was the foundation for Adolf Hitler’s plan to create a pure Aryan race and the Holocaust.       

                             

                                                                                     

    

                                                                                     

 

Works Cited

Dikotter, Frank. "Race Culture: Recent Perspectives On The History Of Eugenics." American Historical Review 103.2 (1998): 467. Military & Government Collection. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.

Reed-Purvis, Julian. "From `mercy death' to genocide: Julian Reed-Purvis examines the origins and consequences of Nazi euthanasia. (The Unpredictable Past)." History Review (2003): 36+. Academic OneFile. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.

Wikler, Daniel. "Can we learn from eugenics?" Journal of Medical Ethics Apr. 1999: 183. Academic OneFile. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.

Waiting for Superman Journal

     The documentary ‘Waiting for Superman’ is about the state of public education. The documentary mainly talks about the decline of the public school system and the alternatives. The decline is across all socioeconomic classes. The alternatives to the public schools are private, charter, and magnet schools. Unfortunately, the number of available seats in the alternative schools cannot accommodate the number of students trying to get in. Parents, students, and educators are frustrated with the politics surrounding education.  

     The public school system is just as much about politics as it is about educated students. For example, the teachers unions protects the teachers even when the teacher is not doing their job. The union created tenure which protects a teacher’s position whether they are providing students a quality education or not. A tenured teacher’s contract is renewed automatically from year-to-year. It takes more than a handful of reasons before a teacher can be dismissed. If a tenured teacher’s position is eliminated they can bump an untenured position. A tenured teacher that has been terminated they can appeal and request a hearing before the Superior Court. The teachers union is also the biggest contributor to the Democratic Party. Another issue is that there is no single decision making body.

     There are options for students, while somewhat limited, to achieve a quality education. A couple of obvious choices are private schools and magnet schools. An intriguing option are charter schools, which do not have to abide by the rules of the teachers unions. Charter schools have established that they have created a system that put’s the student first and the teachers are dedicated to ensuring their success. Ninety percent of the students that attend a charter school attend college.

     This documentary provides numerous topics to write about on the education provided to students in the United States. Politics, options, educators, demographics, and society are just a few topics. Bottom line is our education system is failing students and changes are needed.     

Its the Law - Miss Representation Essay

It’s the Law

     In 1972 the law known as Title IX was passed. The law requires gender equity for males and females in every educational program that receives federal money. Many people have not heard of Title IX and those that have believe it only pertains to sports. While the law is not perfect, it has provided females opportunities they otherwise would not have had. Title IX provides females equal opportunities in sports, education, and employment.

     Prior to Title IX becoming law females were excluded from participating in school athletics at any level. The schools are allowed to separate the sports teams by sex, but must determine how many opportunities they will provide female athletes. Schools must meet two out of three qualifications to be in compliance. Those qualifications are: 1) The percentage of male and female athletes must be in proportion to the number of male and female students enrolled, 2) It has a history of expanding athletic opportunities for the underrepresented sex, 3) The athletics program fully and effectively accommodates the interest and abilities of the underrepresented sex. Fewer than 300,000 females participated in high school sports, prior to the law. By 2011 there were more than three million females participating. In college athletics the increase was significant as well: The number of female athletes went from under 30,000 to almost 200,000.] The improvement in athletic opportunities has significantly contributed to improvements in the short-term and long-term public health signified by a seven percent decline in obesity among former female athletes (Buchanan 91). Female athletes also reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Middle school and high school female athletes are fifty percent less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy than their non-athlete peers. This decrease in pregnancies is universal across nationalities.

     Not only were females not allowed to participate in sports, but prior to the 70’s many colleges and universities refused to admit females. It was believed that females were more interested in marriage and raising a family than higher education. Because of Title IX females have been afforded equal access to higher education institutions and financial aid. Females earn more undergraduate and graduate degrees at higher rates than they use to. They also go into fields traditionally dominated by males, such as law, medicine, and politics. While females have made great strides they still face obstacles in higher education. Females still lag behind their male counterparts in earning doctoral and professional degrees, particularly in non-traditional disciplines like math and science. Affirmative action programs responsible for increasing access to higher education for minorities and females are being eliminated.  

     As with sports and education, there was inequalities in employment at higher education institutions. Before Title IX the majority of females working in education were teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Females who did teach in college were primarily at women’s colleges and earned smaller salaries than their male counterparts. Since Title IX the number of female faculty members has increased significantly. They are instructors, lecturers, assistant professors, and some can be found in top administrative positions. While the wage gap has decreased, there is still an inequality. Even with Title IX females on average earn less, hold lower ranking positions, and are less likely to have tenure.           

     Title IX became law to create equality for females in sports, education, and employment. The law has afforded many opportunities to females that they otherwise would not have had. Females have access to scholarships, financial aid, sports, education, and employment because of Title IX. While Title IX has helped bridge the gaps between males and females there are still inequalities that exist. Many changes have been made to the law and many more will no doubt be made in the future in the hope of bridging the gaps.         

Works Cited

Aiston, Sarah Jane. "Equality, Justice And Gender: Barriers To The Ethical University For Women." Ethics & Education 6.3 (2011): 279-291. Education Research Complete. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Buchanan, Maggie Jo Poertner. "Title IX Turns 40: A Brief History And Look Forward." Texas Review Of Entertainment & Sports Law 14.1 (2012): 91-93. Legal Collection. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Paule-Koba, Amanda L., Othello Harris, and Valeria J. Freysinger. "'What do I think about Title IX?' Voices from a university community." Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 84.1 (2013): 115+.

Academic OneFile. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Miss Representation Journal

The documentary ‘Miss Representation’ is about the influence the media and culture has on females and those around them. The documentary mainly talks about how the media portrays women and how that portrayal influences peoples’ views of women. The media tends to portray women merely as physical objects that are emotionally unstable.  

     The documentary talked about women in power or the lack thereof, both political and in the business world. On several occasions there were news articles on women in politics and the focus was on their looks. Interestingly, this documentary brought to light that women tend to not support other women, especially women in power. 

     The documentary followed a couple of young ladies in high school running for school government positions and the struggles of fighting the stigmatization that only men should hold leader positions. It also talks about the lack of role models for young ladies to look up to. One of the few females to have gained respect in the political arena and as a role model is Condoleezza Rice.

     There are quite a few topics that can be explored from this documentary. The physical and mental impacts on young girls from being bombarded by the media’s view of the perfect woman. What women earn versus their male counterparts. How the media uses computer technology to create the ‘perfect’ woman. A look at laws that promote equality, such as Title IX which provides equality in college academics and sports. These are just a few topics that could be explored based on this documentary.       

What's in a Date? - Dive! Living off America's Waste Essay

What’s in a Date?

     More than 90% of American consumers throw away food prematurely, and 40% of the U.S. food supply is thrown away unused every year. Food waste is the biggest contributor to landfills, 96 billion pounds a year. The primary reason American’s throw away food prematurely, is due to the confusion over what expiration dates mean. Standardizing food dating will assist the consumer in determining when to actually discard food. Until the dates are standardized, consumers should educate themselves on the origin and meaning of the various dates, such as ‘Sell by’, ‘Best by’, and ‘Use by’. This knowledge will help households save hundreds of dollars a year on food bills.    

     Food dating began in the 1970s, as Americans produced less of their own food they still wanted information about how it was made. The government does not regulate food labeling, except for baby food. The Food Marketing institute determined that confusion over food labeling causes up to 90% of food waste . The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture have regulatory purview over food labels, but have left methodology up to the discretion of individual manufacturers (Tuttle). "It's like the Wild West," NRDC scientist Dana Gunders told Time magazine (Tuttle).

     The date most commonly recognized is the ‘Sell by’ date that appears on packaged food. This date is a stocking and marketing tool provided by the manufacturer. The ‘Sell by’ date printed on packaged food is meant to assist the retailer with store stock and product turnover. This date is usually found on highly perishable foods with a short shelf life, such as milk, bread, and meat. It also ensures the product still has a long shelf life after the consumer buys them. The ‘Sell by’ date represents peak quality, not safety. Manufacturers want consumers to use their product when it is at its best, and they have an economic incentive to move older product off the shelf to be replaced by newer product. The result is that the ‘Sell by’ dates tend to be rather conservative contributing to food being discarded weeks before it needs to be.  Consumers lose hundreds of dollars a year by discarding food they incorrectly assume has gone bad.  It has been suggested that the ‘Sell by’ date should be made invisible to the consumer. ‘Sell by’ dates need to be standardized nationwide and should be representative of when food will spoil, not as a way to boost sales for manufacturers.

     While the ‘Sell by’ date is meant for the retailer, the ‘Best before’ and ‘Best if used by’ are intended for consumer use. These dates are found on products like baked goods, cereals, snacks, and some canned goods. These dates are when the manufacturer estimates the product has reached its peak freshness. The intent of these dates is to ensure the product still has a shelf life after the consumers purchase them by the printed date. They do not indicate spoilage or that the food is unsafe to eat. The manufacturers want to make sure the consumer eats and tastes a high quality product. However, the food is still safe to eat after this date. For example, the other day I went into my pantry and grabbed a package of tortilla wraps. The package was stamped with the following: PB (purchase by) Mar 7 14. The tortillas were still soft and tasted no different than the day they were purchased. 

    Other consumer dates are ‘Expiration’, ‘Use by’, and ‘Use before’. These dates appear on yogurt, eggs, and other refrigerated foods. These dates are supposed to represent a product is no longer sufficient to consume beyond its ‘expiration’ date. Again, as with the other dates, they are established by the manufacturer and are very conservative. Eggs, for example, can be consumed up to five weeks after being purchased, even though the ‘use by’ date is much earlier. Another example is a box of mac-and-cheese with a ‘use by’ date of March 2013 can be enjoyed on March 2014, most likely with no noticeable changes in quality or taste.

     Unfortunately, Congress and the food manufacturers have not taken the initiative to standardize food dating. It is up to the consumer to educate themselves on food dating. Understanding food dating will save households money and reduce the amount of food waste in landfills. There is a quote about life that could be applied to food, and it reads ‘Enjoy life now, it has an expiration date’.          

    

     

Works Cited

Tuttle, Hilary. "'Use by' leaves food unused." Risk Management Nov. 2013: 12. Academic OneFile. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.

Schiffman, Richard. "What a waste! Food advocates call for grocery stores to combat food waste."   

May-June 2013: 14+. Academic OneFile. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.

"Decoding the freshness dates on food labels." Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter Nov. 1997:  3.  Academic OneFile. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.

 

 

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dive! Living off Americas Waste Journal

     The documentary ‘Dive! Living off America’s Waste’ is about people who dumpster dive for food. The documentary primarily follows a family of four who live off the food found in dumpsters located behind grocery stores. However, there are other stories and facts that are brought to light. The father discusses the waste across the food chain from the farm to the store to the household, landfills, and feeding the homeless.

     The father goes out to the various grocery stores dumpster after the stores have closed. The stores throw away food that is perfectly safe to eat. Food that is close to or outside the ‘sell by date’, meat that has turned a little brown, and pre-packaged food such as fruit that may have one piece that has rotted is thrown away daily. Another interesting point was that the people who dumpster dive followed a couple of unwritten rules such as leave the dumpster area cleaner than you found it and take only what you can consume. The impression that I got was these people could afford to buy their food, but wanted to make a bigger statement about the waste of perfectly good food.   

     The United States throws away 96 billion pounds of food per year.  Half of the food grown is never harvested. The amount of food wasted cost more money than what is spent on food stamps. The amount of food wasted could feed the homeless here in the United States and abroad. The documentary made it very clear that the grocery stores do not want to address the issue. President Bill Clinton passed ‘The Good Samaritan Act’ to absolve stores’ from liability if they donate food and someone becomes ill.  

     There are several different areas to research such as how is the ‘sell by date’ determined and what does it mean what, what criteria do stores use when discarding food, and why does the United States waste so much food even before it makes it to the store.   

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint - Global Warming Essay

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

     What is global warming? Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases causing the thin layer of atmosphere to become more opaque trapping infrared radiation which increases the earth’s temperature. Since global warming impacts all of us; we should all do our part to decrease greenhouse gases. Lowering your carbon footprint is one way to decrease greenhouse gases. Recycling, becoming energy efficient in your home, planting trees, and living a healthy lifestyle are several ways each of us can lower our carbon footprint.

     Recycling not only saves energy, but it also reduces what ends up in landfills. Cell phones, computers, batteries, calculators and other electronic equipment can all be recycled. Electronic waste or e-waste contain toxic material such as lead, cadmium, and mercury that can contaminate soil and water if sent to a landfill. Everyday household products such as paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass can be recycled. Another way to recycle paper is to use it to start a fire in the fireplace or woodstove. Also, shredded paper can be used as mulch around plants, litter for the cat or rabbit, and placed in a compost bin. Buying products that contain post-consumer waste is another form of recycling.      

     Besides recycling, one of the biggest impacts you can make in your home is to replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs. A 60 watt light bulb burning 4 hours per day generates 93 pounds of CO2 annually, while the compact florescent bulb generates 28 pounds. For low light areas use LED bulbs, which use little energy and last a long time. "If everyone changed one bulb to an LED light, we could close the biggest nuclear power plant in the country," says Emanuel Rose, an LED expert at electronics company C. Crane in Fortuna, California (Behar). Natural light is best for your eyes, so open the window coverings and leave the lights off. Just turning off the lights and electronics would save one ton of CO2 annually. The next time you’re in the market for a computer consider buying a laptop instead of a desktop. A desktop computer running 8 hours a day uses 618 pounds of CO2 annually, while the average laptop generates 77 pounds. Many electronics that are still usable can be donated and you can use their fair market value as a tax deduction. When purchasing appliances look for the Energy Star rating symbol. The Energy Star symbol means that the product has met strict energy efficiency requirements from the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

     When most people talk about ways to fight global warming, they usually mean reducing the use of fossil fuels or the elimination of the slash and burn agricultural practices in the tropics. But another way to offset the carbon dioxide build up that is contributing to global warming is by planting trees. Trees draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and lock it away in organic matter. If every American household planted 1 tree, it would reduce CO2 by a billion pounds a year. A billion pounds of CO2 is the equivalent of 100,000 cars. There are other benefits for household’s that plant multiple trees, besides reducing CO2. "Plant just three trees around your home and the shade could cut your AC bills by 50 percent," says Deborah Gangloff, executive director of American Forests, an organization that coordinates tree-planting efforts (Behar).

     Healthy living is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. Being ill has a high carbon footprint; hospitals use up a vast amount of resources (Cossham).  One of the best things to lower your CO2 emissions is to become a vegan or vegetarian and eat locally grown food. If you have a diet that is heavy on milk, cheese and meat, then you have a much higher "hidden" carbon footprint--the emissions that are a byproduct of the production of those foods (Cossham). One of the biggest contributors to global warming is the emissions from gasoline engines. Instead of driving your car, ride your bike, walk, or take public transportation. Not only will you be living a healthier life style by biking or walking, you will avoid creating one of the biggest contributors to global warming – the emissions from gasoline engines.

     We do not have to wait on the government to address global warming, every one of us can do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. Tony Blair once said, “If we take all these actions and if it turns out not to be true, we have reduced pollution and have better ways to live, the downside is very small. The other way around, and we don’t act, and it turns out to be true, then we have betrayed future generations and we don’t have the right to do that.” Everyone has a responsibility to ensure future generations can enjoy life on earth.
                           

  

Works Cited

Behar, Michael. "Keep your cool." Women's Health Apr. 2007: 114. General OneFile. Web. 3 Mar.       2014.

Cossham, John. "How To. . . Reduce Your Carbon Footprint." Ecologist 39.1 (2009): 54-55. General

Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 4 Mar. 2014.

Eastler, Sara Lynn. "Cultivating a 'green' thumb in your indexing business." Key Words Apr.-June 2007:  50+. Academic OneFile. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.                                                         

Global Warming Journal

An Inconvenient Truth is a documentary, created by Al Gore in 2006, talks about the effects of global warming. Al Gore was inspired by research done by one of his college professor’s, Roger Revelle in 1958. Revelle began measuring carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and studying its impact on the planet. His research suggested as the earth’s population along with the increased dependency on fossil fuels the oceans would not be able to absorb the excess carbon dioxide. Revelle suggested the excess human gas emissions might create a "greenhouse effect" that would cause global warming over time.

     Gore’s documentary suggested that global warming had various effects on the earth’s environment. As the greenhouses gases increase the thin layer of atmosphere becomes more opaque trapping infrared radiation which increases the earth’s temperature. When the earth’s temperature increases it has a chain reaction effect on the earth’s environment. The impacts are numerous such as melting of glaciers, rising sea levels and temperatures, an increase in catastrophic storms, shifting weather patterns, impacts on wildlife including insects, and the increase in diseases.

     The documentary also discussed ways we could decrease greenhouse gases such as recycling, renewable energy sources, using hybrid and fuel cell cars, efficient electronics, and building energy efficient homes and buildings. One of the ironic things to me about Al Gore’s documentary was watching him flying all over the world, taking gas guzzling taxi cabs, and driving a Lexus. Things that make you go hmmmm.     

Students and Media Multitasking - Digital Nation Essay

Students and Media Multitasking

     What is media multitasking? Media multitasking is the simultaneous use of television, computer, iPod, eReader, radio, phone, print or any other type of media. This is relatively recent phenomena that began around the turn of the century, around 2000. Media multitasking is especially prevalent with young people and students. It not only has an impact on the students but it also affects those around them. Media multitasking is a detriment to learning and should not be allowed in the classroom. Students, teachers, and classmates are negatively affected by media multitasking.

     Ask any student if they are successful at media multitasking and their response will be a resounding ‘Yes’. The fact is that they are not nearly as successful as they believe. When trying to do several things at once, attention will be divided. Attention to a single task decreases as the number of tasks increase.  Studies have shown that dividing attention reduces total brain activation and could "recruit" brain regions normally involved in habit or rote learning--the striatum--rather than regions such as the hippocampus that are necessary for acquiring the type of knowledge that's critical for academic success (Rekart 61). Such studies signify the importance of students needing to focus and reducing or removing extraneous stimuli while studying and attending class. However, there are those who claim that the younger generation or digital natives, growing up with new media and technologies, are operating at faster-than-normal speeds, are comfortable and capable of parallel rather than sequential or linear access to information, are capable of accessing information randomly, and are capable of multitasking (Lin 37). While there is a time and place that media multitasking is appropriate, it is counterproductive in relation to learning and studying.

     Teachers are also impacted by media multitasking students. They struggle with students’ decreased attention spans and lack of focus. It is also disrespectful for students to not pay attention in class. What actions can teachers take to control or even eliminate media multitasking by students’? Based off research teachers can use more course based quizzes and tests to assist the student’s ability to learn, retain, and retrieve information (Rekart 62). Keeping a classroom free of clutter and removing distracting stimuli can assist the teacher with minimalizing student distractions. To keep students engaged throughout class a teacher can use multiple instructional techniques such as lecture, film, role-play, and debate to deliver a lesson. Teachers are also banning laptop use in their classrooms. Yet, other teachers believe that banning laptops is wrong since students should develop self-monitoring skills and should learn how to juggle online and offline worlds, a challenge they will face later on throughout their careers (Hammer).  Whether the teacher bans laptops or not, they are ultimately responsible for setting boundaries and guidelines regarding acceptable behavior in their classrooms (Hammer).  

     Teachers are not the only ones impacted, classmates are also affected by students that media multitask in the classroom. Older returning college students tend to believe that using a laptop during a lecture should not be allowed. Students who are paying their own way through college, wanting to focus all of their attention on the teacher, believe they should not be distracted by students who are using their laptop, cell phone or both. A number of studies have been done that shows students who do not media multitask during class outperform those who do. A student who is media multitasking is making a conscious choice to split his or her attention, but a classmate sitting next to or behind does not have a choice. If teachers are going to allow media multitasking in their classrooms they should consider placing those students at the back of the classroom.   

      Media multitasking is a relatively recent phenomena that will require numerous studies to determine the short and long term effects on a student’s ability to learn. Media multitasking impairs the student’s attention span, is disrespectful to the teacher, and distracts classmates. Educational institutions and students need to work together to provide an environment conducive to learning. Like any good thing in life moderation and self-control are key to minimizing the negative impacts of media multitasking.

 

 

Works Cited

Hammer, Ronen, et al. "Mobile culture in college lectures: instructors' and students' perspectives."  Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects 6 (2010): 293+. Academic OneFile. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Lin, Lin. "Multiple dimensions of multitasking phenomenon." International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction 9.1 (2013): 37+. Academic OneFile. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Rekart, Jerome L. "Taking on multitasking: students will continue to media multitask--to their own detriment. Nonetheless, teachers can limit the multitasking effect and improve learning." Phi Delta Kappan 93.4 (2011): 60+. Academic OneFile. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Digital Nation Journal

 

     The Digital Nation documentary talked about the different aspects of a ‘wired in’ generation. The documentary talked about college kids multi-tasking; using laptops, cell phones, and attempting to listen to the professor’s lecture. It also discussed the use of technology in the armed forces, the use of lap top computers in a failing high school, treating technology addiction, and the use of virtual meetings for business. I was drawn to the effects of technology on the students.

     In the beginning of the documentary a group of MIT students were asked if they were good at multi-tasking. Of course, they all believed they were good at multi-tasking. As an experiment the professor gave a simple quiz that the class should score 90% or higher if they had paid attention and not multi-tasked. The median score was 75%. The students were shocked when they received their scores and had to admit that maybe they were not as good at multi-tasking as they originally thought.  

     The documentary also focused on a failing high school with gang activity. The principle decided that every student should have a laptop computer. The teachers used technology to deliver their lessons. The student’s grades improved dramatically and the gang activity decreased dramatically.            

     I have been in the Information Technology field all of my working adult life. Many of the people I work with are ‘wired in’ 24X7. I have never felt the need to stay connected. Technology is a wonderful tool, but it should be used in moderation.

On This Day in History

On This Day July 17, 1958

     July 17, 1958 was an exciting day in history. Dannie Ray Gray was born at 5:45 am in Norfolk Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. Ok, so maybe my birth was not the most news worthy event of the day. However, there were a plethora of events that were news worthy. There were three important foreign affair events that occurred on July 17, 1958; Americans landed in Lebanon, Coup in Iraq, and Britain weighing action in Jordan.

     Amidst civil unrest in Lebanon President Eisenhower of the United States sent military troops to protect American lives and assist the troubled Beirut regime. The marines landed on the beaches of Lebanon without resistance and proceeded to the city of Beirut. The Beirut airport was used as a staging area for all of the military equipment. The intent of the invasion was to protect the pro-Western Lebanese government of President Camille Chamoun against threats from internal opposition and threats from Syria and Egypt.      

     While the United States military was landing in Beirut, Iraqi troops returned to their barracks after successfully overthrowing the prior regime last Monday. The Iraqi people and foreigners returned to the streets and shops in Baghdad. Immediately after his installation as Premier, General Abdul Karim el-Kassem issued the following order to the population: “Keep the revolt against the monarchy clean. I ask you to be most friendly and cordial to foreigners, the living guests of our country. Arabs are known to look after their guests and respect them.”

     With all of this activity going on in the Middle East, King Hussein of Jordan was requesting military assistance from Britain. With the recent coup in Iraq and Iraq’s withdrawal from the Arab Union, Jordan believed they would need assistance in its efforts to restore the sovereignty of the Arab Union in Iraq. The British Prime Minister met with the House of Commons to discuss Britain’s duty to come to the aide of the Jordanians if needed. He compared Britain’s involvement to that of the assistance the United States was providing in Lebanon. It was also pointed out that both nations, the United States and Britain, had a right to respond to such requests in accordance with the spirit of the United Nations Charter and the rules of international law.

     These are just several news worthy events that occurred on July 17, 1958. The three foreign events discussed involved turmoil in the Middle East. Hopefully, I did not cause my family too much turmoil when I was born. What events took place on the day you were born?             

         

 

Works Cited

Middleton, Drew Special to the New York Times. "BRITISH WEIGHING ACTION IN JORDAN." New York Times (1923-Current file): 1. Jul 17 1958. ProQuest. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.

By Reuters. "Baghdad is Returning to Normal; 3 Ex-Leaders' Deaths Confirmed." New York Times (1923-Current file): 1. Jul 17 1958. ProQuest. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.

By United, Press I. "MORE AMERICAN TROOPS FLYING TO MIDEAST;" New York Times (1923-Current file): 1. Jul 17 1958. ProQuest. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.

Black and White Photography

      Black and white photography allows the viewer to see a photograph from a different perspective. Ted Grant, a famous Canadian photographer, once said, ‘When you photograph in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph in black and white, you photograph their souls!’ While attending the Florida State College of Jacksonville’s photography exhibit there were three black and white photographs that the viewer’s perspective and primary focal point would have been different had they been in color.  

       The first black and white photograph titled Jeryll was taken by Susan Mazur. The photograph was of a dead tree rising above the sand and sea and into the sky. The sand, sea, and sky were all white and provided the perfect back drop for the towering majestic dead tree which was all black. While the tree was probably majestic when it was alive, photographing it in black and white gave it another life. The dead tree was the focal point of the photograph. In contrast, if the picture had been in color the focal point would have been the clear blue sky, the crystal clear turquoise water, and the white fluffy sand. The dead grey tree would have blended in with the sand and would have been a secondary focal point.

      The second black and white photograph titled Binary Vision was taken by Lynn Pham. This photograph was of a beautiful black swan swimming in a pond. In this photograph both the swan and the water were black with a white sky. The uniqueness of this photograph was the angle at which the water was photographed, various ripples and patterns could be seen in the water. The pond was the primary focal point and the swan seemed to blend in becoming an additional ripple and pattern in the water. However, if this had been a color photograph the primary focal point would have been the majestic black swan swimming in a pond of filthy water.    
                                                                                                                                                                 
        The third black and white photograph titled Mykonos was taken by Susan Mazur. This photograph was of the Greek island Mykonos in the Mediterranean Sea. There were white houses that appeared to be hanging from the side of a cliff with the Mediterranean Sea below. The beach below the houses ran perpendicular to the cliff. There was a cement bulkhead with a handrail that ran the length of the beach. On the bulkhead was a restaurant with outdoor tables. You could see people at the tables while others were strolling along the seaside and yet others were standing at the handrail looking up at the houses on the cliff. The primary focal point was the beautiful white houses suspended on the cliff above the sea. Remember what Ted Grant said, ‘When you photograph in color you photograph their clothes.’ In contrast, if this photograph had been in color the people, in their colorful outfits, enjoying a cloudless warm day mulling around the Mediterranean Seaside would have been the primary focal point and the houses the secondary focal point.

     These are just a few examples of photographs that give the viewer a different perspective because they were taken in black and white. Each of the photographs primary focal points would probably have been different if the photograph was in color. The next time you take a photograph in color, try taking the same photograph in black and white for a different perspective. Ansel Adams, a famous black and white nature photographer, once said, ‘Photography, as a powerful medium… offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.’

What I learned from ENC1101

ENC1101 laid the foundation for and provided the fundamentals of effective thinking, reading and writing. The primary focus of ENC1101 were the fundamentals of writing. The introduction, body and conclusion are three of the basics of writing an effective paper.

The introduction should include a lead-in, thesis and essay map. The lead-in is used to catch the readers' attention. The thesis should state the writers' opinion. The essay map is used to introduce the major points to be discussed.  The first several sentences need to hold the readers' attention.

The body of the essay contains at least one paragraph for each of the major points of the introduction. Each sentence of a paragraph should relate to the point being discussed.  The body paragraphs should give credence to the thesis and follow the essay map.

The conclusion should restate the introduction. It is the last chance to make an impression on the reader. It should also give the reader a sense of conclusion.

Writing a good essay starts with the basics. ENC1101 provides the foundation and fundamentals of effective writing. These are the things I learned in ENC1101.