2/24/14 10:33am
Jill Hochuli
As once an education major, a student myself and a parent, this too is a very thought about subject. For my own education it is imperative to find what works for me. Is technology hindering my learning abilities or is it offering me new ways of doing things. At times I feel hindered by technology, meaning I always have to be turned on to keep up. There are times where not being assigned to purchase a paper book leaves me limited to when I can access the information I am assigned to read. As a parent, I want my kids to be well rounded, and they will be. Their generation will know nothing other than the digital world in which we live today. This I feel can be a positive rather than a negative such as limiting face to face conversations. I will give her opportunities to be comfortable and engage in all aspects visual, auditory and tactile.
3/05/14 6:58am
Jill Hochuli
This is an insane thought, but I know to older generations, the technological advancements that we have made to date would have seemed insane 50 years ago. Today we have power and knowledge at our finger tips. The idea of us co-existing with robots is probably not that far-fetched; well at least, to some extent we already see signs of this. Our technological devices are becoming more and more independent from us and in return we depend more and more on them. Just like the self-checkout example, technology is supposed to make tasks easier and more efficient. So if a robot can be built to make things more cost effective and time efficient than us humans will create it, eventually, and if were not careful we will find out the implications it has on other facets of life after the fact. Such as, our economy or the safety of the human race, when they take over the world. Hey, it could happen :)
05/08/2014 11:06am
Nicolette Mariano
Your post is very true. Growing up we didn't have a computer yet (most people didn't) and I never had a cell phone until my senior year of high school. (I had a pager the year prior) It was a much different world then. Growing up I spent most of my time outside or elbows deep in some kind of project. Whether it was helping my mom in the kitchen or gardening to helping my dad work on cars or lawn work. Today my kids are content watching all of these things happen on a device or virtually living out these experiences. However, the difference is that I remember a time when there wasn't digital technology to guide us through so I instill in them to have a balance of both. I think that being confident in their digital technology abilities is essential to life today. I just want them to have a balance of both hands on and virtual experiences
3/05/14 9:44am
Emily Werrmann
I often find myself in the same dilemma. As I read online it is hard to seat focused. Aside from the additional things I have open and messages waiting for me, it is hard to keep my place and remember what I am reading. I think this is because I was so used to reading by paper alone that to make the switch is overwhelming at times. I find myself rereading more often and forgetting to take good notes so I can remember what I just read. When there is paper in front of me I can make notes and highlights right on the paper where the rest of the information is also available if I need to revisit it. I feel like the tangible paper or book in my hands is just easier for me. However, I feel like for younger generation of students, should be better-rounded then I am. They will be accustomed to both reading digitally and from a book which I hope will help ease some of the issues I face. I am also guilty of skimming text, I find I skim much more reading online then I do from a book. I think this is because I have limited time to sit on my laptop, with internet connection and read, whereas a book I can take anywhere, fold pages, highlight and write in the margins. Long academic readings I will try to print out to help me stay more focused. So far my paper and ink consumption costs less than buying all of those text books.
3/05/14 10:05am
Amanda Vignali
Reading this I couldn't help but chuckle. It is very true, the way a person portrays themselves online is much different than real life. I see it even with friends of mine. The only pictures posted are the best of the best. Nothing looks out of place and the world seems so happy; when in real life their kids are a mess, their relationships are faulty and they are just not that happy. On the other hand I have friends who put it all out there. In real life they don't seem that messed up but by posting anything and everything they seem shallow, uneducated and falling apart emotionally. I am cautious about what I post. I want to just come across neutral. I have funny pics of my kids and not a lot of incriminating information that one day will come back to haunt me. I fear that my online identity could get twisted and one day has me trying to "explain" or apologize for something that was taken out of context.
3/10/14 9:33am
Brianne O’Leary
I agree completely that the internet shapes that we are in life and confidence seems to be the number one thing people like to portray. I think when it's innocent ego boosters what is the worst that can happen. It feels good to feel confident even if it is from behind a screen. There are times where people morph the two personalities and become more like the version they want to be. However, at times, there are people that just portray themselves differently online to obtain the trust of others and then take advantage of them. To another extreme, people get so wrapped up in a fantasy life style that they stop living their actual life. The internet makes either situation obtainable.
I also feel the internet has shaped our identities overall. We are a much different crowd then the generations before us were. We have many more influences at our fingertips due to the people, music, academics and opinions that are provided by the internet. The internet also enables us to be more demanding and to expect things in depth at a much faster pace.
3/10/14 9:52am
Rachel Carly
I too had the same idea referring back to Intro to Writing Arts with Prof. Reed. I was unsure of the real differences between paraphrasing, patchwriting and plagiarism. There is most definitely a grey area that looms over plagiarism and the more social media plays attribute to the mass amaturization of publishing I think the grey area will only get larger. True clear cut plagiarism is morally wrong, but there are many for instances where people are unsure and it is merely unintentional. I also remember from that module learning that nothing is really original, that all of our ideas are derived from other experiences. This idea adds to my grey area, I question my "own" thoughts, if they are really my own, did I read this somewhere or did I really just think it?
4/21/14 6:42pm
Victoria Woodside
I couldn't agree more YouTube is made for "you". Whatever you need there is a video for it. We too YouTube lots of things at my house, from fixing something around the house to just wanting a good laugh. It's becoming a verb like "Google it". In a sense YouTube has changed the way the world receives information. Now instead of reading a manual or following along to written form of directions, now you can hear and watch it too. People learn different ways and now they can receive everyday information much easier with video tutorials on any subject or project you need it for.
5/8/14 8:29am
Nicole Maupai
Symbols and signs can be an effective way to communicate. For example when there are language barriers. Out of the country you can recognize symbols for the police station, hospital, or airport. You can make gestures with your hands, mouth or body and think that you are a champ at charades. However, just as it was mentioned and as Hall pointed out there can be misunderstandings when a gesture or one similar has multiple meanings. I too would have thought that communication with symbols and signs would be pretty clear but now I have a better understanding how there are miscommunications. As in all forms of communication there is a certain level of expected miscommunications, you are right on in saying that it is something that we must be mindful of.
I was observing communication practices and procedures at a company for another class, and the marketing manager said that miscommunications are one of their biggest down falls. They have offices in other countries so they have direct communications with them, mostly over email. One time there was an American employee who thought he was being funny and was joking with an employee from London. Instead of coming across as joking he came across as rude and sarcastic because of the language barrier. Although they both spoke, read and wrote English there are many cultural norms that have different connotations attached to them. So through email there was a miscommunication that may have been different if their channel of communication was different, like talking over the phone.
5/8/14 8:52am
Lauren Baranowski
Love the interactivity of your post! Awesome idea to start it off with an activity. That was unique and an attention grabber. I was hooked.
I couldn't agree more there are definitely things that I try my hardest to remember but at the end of the day, class, semester I really only remember what is most significant or what I relate to the most. As in that assignment I try to make comparisons of things. I feel like if I can relate it to something else I have a better chance of remembering at least one of them and thus leading to the other. I also make up silly rhymes beats or songs. I remembered 24 words from your activity I think that was pretty good. Better than half anyway.
My daughter is in second grade. They are learning addition and subtraction facts. Each week they have facts that they have to study (memorize) in order to pass the mad minute at the end of the week. This is the ultimate test to her memorization, because next year addition and subtraction turns into multiplication and division. Without a solid foundation of her facts this year she could ultimately struggle next year.
She does great on each one because I can see that when we put forth the extra effort studying she has an easier time completing the practice worksheets.
To do this we simply go over the facts as much as possible verbally. We make like a game out of it. We say them with accents, to a beat, various pitches and speeds. She will answer in a similar funny voice and this goes on and on.
This summer I am concerned with the most. I will be getting flash cards and we will find time to practice the old facts and introducing next years as well. I am not very good in Math, or maybe it is just that it intimidates me. Either way I hope that keeping consistency and fun in the memorization process she will have a solid foundation for next year, which will give her the confidence to succeed.
5/8/14 9:06am
Caitlin Wills
Your post is really funny. I too like your style of writing and I too make up these crazy stories as I people watch. I am constantly lost in my own head making up scenarios to situations with or around people that I encounter. At least I am not the only one!
I love crowded places where there are all types of people. I have never thought about it as storytelling though. But it is. I love to share the funny or interesting things that I see and elaborate on.
05/08/2014 9:35am
Rachel DeGraw
This is so true stories are everywhere and in every element of life. Everything has a history something has happened there before to have relevance of a story behind it. You don't even realize it most of the time that you are actually storytelling. Or that there is even a story to be told.
I remember for a perfect example of an evolving story just done by casual conversation and experiences. Shortly after I bought my house a neighbor came down to tell me ( which I almost wish she hadn't) that the people who lived in the house before I bought it were The Jackson's. The Jackson's were a family in Voorhees a few years ago that were convicted of horrific child abuse and neglect charges. They had foster children chained up in basements with no food or comfort. It was a disturbing and sickening story that I had actually remembered hearing about prior. My house was a rental property prior to me buying it in which this family rented off of the owners. They still have custody of their biological children ( I know this from the kids rooms when I was looking at the house) and I couldn't help but remember the overwhelming smell of urine coming from the girls room during my second walk through, I was told she had a disability and she wet her bed. It was an unnerving feeling later realizing maybe there was more to even her already horrific story.
Needless to say there was quite a bit of restoration done to my house before we moved in and more needed to my head after learning that story and adding my own interpretations of the family.
05/08/2014 10:03am
Rachel Ackerman
I enjoyed the images that you provided for us to think about. I remember doing these types of activities before where people saw different images first but then there was another image hidden. I thought that it was cool that people would see either one of the pictures as the more dominant one. Our interpretations depend on our life experiences. Prior situations alter the way we interpret new situations. Having an understanding of this allows for a more open way of life. Not taking everything for what it is exactly at first sight knowing that there may be something more.
5/8/14 10:21am
Megan Meyer
I too agree that the video viewings were appropriate for this week’s assignment. I have a new appreciation for the meanings that videos alone can portray and that with music interpretations that can influence the meaning. I like that you had other examples that clearly relate to the overall idea of the emotions and feelings that are associated with videos that we watch.
I loved the Disney remix version. I thought it was an awesome way of incorporating an old classic with a modern twist and more upbeat pace. Putting a whole new spin on the song for generations to come.
05/08/2014 10:31am
Jackie Parodi
Like the previous comments I too use YouTube for so many things. I feel I am a visual learner as well and I just get things better when I can see and hear them.
I have learned how to make all kinds of both successful and unsuccessful DIY projects. As well as fixing things around my house, help with homework (for myself or my daughter) to home remedies for just about anything. It has become a part of our lives and the way we research information. There are many mediums to find information this is just another more enhanced version that appeals to many people. Not to mention who doesn't need a good laugh sometimes and there is always a laugh just waiting on YouTube there is literally something for everyone. YouTube turtorials are just another way that digital technology has altered the way we do things
05/08/2014 10:41am
Alicia Papa
I couldn't agree more with your post. Today due to the limited amount of face to face or even verbal communications there are many more examples of the meaning being misinterpreted. Tone plays a very important factor in a conversation and with out verbal communication you lose that benefit. At times texts, emails and even written correspondences are misinterpreted without tone helping the flow of the conversation. In a prior comment I gave an example of a time this happened in the workplace. These kinds of misinterpretations can lead to hurt feelings or negative feelings toward a person.
5/8/14 11:17am
Nicole Salerno
This is a great post. I love that it is interactive. I too was able to read the paragraph and most of the sentences with ease. Struggling on a few similar words like everyone else (manslaughter and pensioners) I had to pause and think about the context before looking to the correct sentences to make sure I had it. I think it is in part because they are not common words and also their length. It would be incredibly difficult to read an entire academic paper with just the first and last letter correct. However, a more common and relatable paragraph was with ease. It is truly amazing the way the mind processes information. That for the most part we are able to read when letters are jumbled together.
Jill Hochuli
As once an education major, a student myself and a parent, this too is a very thought about subject. For my own education it is imperative to find what works for me. Is technology hindering my learning abilities or is it offering me new ways of doing things. At times I feel hindered by technology, meaning I always have to be turned on to keep up. There are times where not being assigned to purchase a paper book leaves me limited to when I can access the information I am assigned to read. As a parent, I want my kids to be well rounded, and they will be. Their generation will know nothing other than the digital world in which we live today. This I feel can be a positive rather than a negative such as limiting face to face conversations. I will give her opportunities to be comfortable and engage in all aspects visual, auditory and tactile.
3/05/14 6:58am
Jill Hochuli
This is an insane thought, but I know to older generations, the technological advancements that we have made to date would have seemed insane 50 years ago. Today we have power and knowledge at our finger tips. The idea of us co-existing with robots is probably not that far-fetched; well at least, to some extent we already see signs of this. Our technological devices are becoming more and more independent from us and in return we depend more and more on them. Just like the self-checkout example, technology is supposed to make tasks easier and more efficient. So if a robot can be built to make things more cost effective and time efficient than us humans will create it, eventually, and if were not careful we will find out the implications it has on other facets of life after the fact. Such as, our economy or the safety of the human race, when they take over the world. Hey, it could happen :)
05/08/2014 11:06am
Nicolette Mariano
Your post is very true. Growing up we didn't have a computer yet (most people didn't) and I never had a cell phone until my senior year of high school. (I had a pager the year prior) It was a much different world then. Growing up I spent most of my time outside or elbows deep in some kind of project. Whether it was helping my mom in the kitchen or gardening to helping my dad work on cars or lawn work. Today my kids are content watching all of these things happen on a device or virtually living out these experiences. However, the difference is that I remember a time when there wasn't digital technology to guide us through so I instill in them to have a balance of both. I think that being confident in their digital technology abilities is essential to life today. I just want them to have a balance of both hands on and virtual experiences
3/05/14 9:44am
Emily Werrmann
I often find myself in the same dilemma. As I read online it is hard to seat focused. Aside from the additional things I have open and messages waiting for me, it is hard to keep my place and remember what I am reading. I think this is because I was so used to reading by paper alone that to make the switch is overwhelming at times. I find myself rereading more often and forgetting to take good notes so I can remember what I just read. When there is paper in front of me I can make notes and highlights right on the paper where the rest of the information is also available if I need to revisit it. I feel like the tangible paper or book in my hands is just easier for me. However, I feel like for younger generation of students, should be better-rounded then I am. They will be accustomed to both reading digitally and from a book which I hope will help ease some of the issues I face. I am also guilty of skimming text, I find I skim much more reading online then I do from a book. I think this is because I have limited time to sit on my laptop, with internet connection and read, whereas a book I can take anywhere, fold pages, highlight and write in the margins. Long academic readings I will try to print out to help me stay more focused. So far my paper and ink consumption costs less than buying all of those text books.
3/05/14 10:05am
Amanda Vignali
Reading this I couldn't help but chuckle. It is very true, the way a person portrays themselves online is much different than real life. I see it even with friends of mine. The only pictures posted are the best of the best. Nothing looks out of place and the world seems so happy; when in real life their kids are a mess, their relationships are faulty and they are just not that happy. On the other hand I have friends who put it all out there. In real life they don't seem that messed up but by posting anything and everything they seem shallow, uneducated and falling apart emotionally. I am cautious about what I post. I want to just come across neutral. I have funny pics of my kids and not a lot of incriminating information that one day will come back to haunt me. I fear that my online identity could get twisted and one day has me trying to "explain" or apologize for something that was taken out of context.
3/10/14 9:33am
Brianne O’Leary
I agree completely that the internet shapes that we are in life and confidence seems to be the number one thing people like to portray. I think when it's innocent ego boosters what is the worst that can happen. It feels good to feel confident even if it is from behind a screen. There are times where people morph the two personalities and become more like the version they want to be. However, at times, there are people that just portray themselves differently online to obtain the trust of others and then take advantage of them. To another extreme, people get so wrapped up in a fantasy life style that they stop living their actual life. The internet makes either situation obtainable.
I also feel the internet has shaped our identities overall. We are a much different crowd then the generations before us were. We have many more influences at our fingertips due to the people, music, academics and opinions that are provided by the internet. The internet also enables us to be more demanding and to expect things in depth at a much faster pace.
3/10/14 9:52am
Rachel Carly
I too had the same idea referring back to Intro to Writing Arts with Prof. Reed. I was unsure of the real differences between paraphrasing, patchwriting and plagiarism. There is most definitely a grey area that looms over plagiarism and the more social media plays attribute to the mass amaturization of publishing I think the grey area will only get larger. True clear cut plagiarism is morally wrong, but there are many for instances where people are unsure and it is merely unintentional. I also remember from that module learning that nothing is really original, that all of our ideas are derived from other experiences. This idea adds to my grey area, I question my "own" thoughts, if they are really my own, did I read this somewhere or did I really just think it?
4/21/14 6:42pm
Victoria Woodside
I couldn't agree more YouTube is made for "you". Whatever you need there is a video for it. We too YouTube lots of things at my house, from fixing something around the house to just wanting a good laugh. It's becoming a verb like "Google it". In a sense YouTube has changed the way the world receives information. Now instead of reading a manual or following along to written form of directions, now you can hear and watch it too. People learn different ways and now they can receive everyday information much easier with video tutorials on any subject or project you need it for.
5/8/14 8:29am
Nicole Maupai
Symbols and signs can be an effective way to communicate. For example when there are language barriers. Out of the country you can recognize symbols for the police station, hospital, or airport. You can make gestures with your hands, mouth or body and think that you are a champ at charades. However, just as it was mentioned and as Hall pointed out there can be misunderstandings when a gesture or one similar has multiple meanings. I too would have thought that communication with symbols and signs would be pretty clear but now I have a better understanding how there are miscommunications. As in all forms of communication there is a certain level of expected miscommunications, you are right on in saying that it is something that we must be mindful of.
I was observing communication practices and procedures at a company for another class, and the marketing manager said that miscommunications are one of their biggest down falls. They have offices in other countries so they have direct communications with them, mostly over email. One time there was an American employee who thought he was being funny and was joking with an employee from London. Instead of coming across as joking he came across as rude and sarcastic because of the language barrier. Although they both spoke, read and wrote English there are many cultural norms that have different connotations attached to them. So through email there was a miscommunication that may have been different if their channel of communication was different, like talking over the phone.
5/8/14 8:52am
Lauren Baranowski
Love the interactivity of your post! Awesome idea to start it off with an activity. That was unique and an attention grabber. I was hooked.
I couldn't agree more there are definitely things that I try my hardest to remember but at the end of the day, class, semester I really only remember what is most significant or what I relate to the most. As in that assignment I try to make comparisons of things. I feel like if I can relate it to something else I have a better chance of remembering at least one of them and thus leading to the other. I also make up silly rhymes beats or songs. I remembered 24 words from your activity I think that was pretty good. Better than half anyway.
My daughter is in second grade. They are learning addition and subtraction facts. Each week they have facts that they have to study (memorize) in order to pass the mad minute at the end of the week. This is the ultimate test to her memorization, because next year addition and subtraction turns into multiplication and division. Without a solid foundation of her facts this year she could ultimately struggle next year.
She does great on each one because I can see that when we put forth the extra effort studying she has an easier time completing the practice worksheets.
To do this we simply go over the facts as much as possible verbally. We make like a game out of it. We say them with accents, to a beat, various pitches and speeds. She will answer in a similar funny voice and this goes on and on.
This summer I am concerned with the most. I will be getting flash cards and we will find time to practice the old facts and introducing next years as well. I am not very good in Math, or maybe it is just that it intimidates me. Either way I hope that keeping consistency and fun in the memorization process she will have a solid foundation for next year, which will give her the confidence to succeed.
5/8/14 9:06am
Caitlin Wills
Your post is really funny. I too like your style of writing and I too make up these crazy stories as I people watch. I am constantly lost in my own head making up scenarios to situations with or around people that I encounter. At least I am not the only one!
I love crowded places where there are all types of people. I have never thought about it as storytelling though. But it is. I love to share the funny or interesting things that I see and elaborate on.
05/08/2014 9:35am
Rachel DeGraw
This is so true stories are everywhere and in every element of life. Everything has a history something has happened there before to have relevance of a story behind it. You don't even realize it most of the time that you are actually storytelling. Or that there is even a story to be told.
I remember for a perfect example of an evolving story just done by casual conversation and experiences. Shortly after I bought my house a neighbor came down to tell me ( which I almost wish she hadn't) that the people who lived in the house before I bought it were The Jackson's. The Jackson's were a family in Voorhees a few years ago that were convicted of horrific child abuse and neglect charges. They had foster children chained up in basements with no food or comfort. It was a disturbing and sickening story that I had actually remembered hearing about prior. My house was a rental property prior to me buying it in which this family rented off of the owners. They still have custody of their biological children ( I know this from the kids rooms when I was looking at the house) and I couldn't help but remember the overwhelming smell of urine coming from the girls room during my second walk through, I was told she had a disability and she wet her bed. It was an unnerving feeling later realizing maybe there was more to even her already horrific story.
Needless to say there was quite a bit of restoration done to my house before we moved in and more needed to my head after learning that story and adding my own interpretations of the family.
05/08/2014 10:03am
Rachel Ackerman
I enjoyed the images that you provided for us to think about. I remember doing these types of activities before where people saw different images first but then there was another image hidden. I thought that it was cool that people would see either one of the pictures as the more dominant one. Our interpretations depend on our life experiences. Prior situations alter the way we interpret new situations. Having an understanding of this allows for a more open way of life. Not taking everything for what it is exactly at first sight knowing that there may be something more.
5/8/14 10:21am
Megan Meyer
I too agree that the video viewings were appropriate for this week’s assignment. I have a new appreciation for the meanings that videos alone can portray and that with music interpretations that can influence the meaning. I like that you had other examples that clearly relate to the overall idea of the emotions and feelings that are associated with videos that we watch.
I loved the Disney remix version. I thought it was an awesome way of incorporating an old classic with a modern twist and more upbeat pace. Putting a whole new spin on the song for generations to come.
05/08/2014 10:31am
Jackie Parodi
Like the previous comments I too use YouTube for so many things. I feel I am a visual learner as well and I just get things better when I can see and hear them.
I have learned how to make all kinds of both successful and unsuccessful DIY projects. As well as fixing things around my house, help with homework (for myself or my daughter) to home remedies for just about anything. It has become a part of our lives and the way we research information. There are many mediums to find information this is just another more enhanced version that appeals to many people. Not to mention who doesn't need a good laugh sometimes and there is always a laugh just waiting on YouTube there is literally something for everyone. YouTube turtorials are just another way that digital technology has altered the way we do things
05/08/2014 10:41am
Alicia Papa
I couldn't agree more with your post. Today due to the limited amount of face to face or even verbal communications there are many more examples of the meaning being misinterpreted. Tone plays a very important factor in a conversation and with out verbal communication you lose that benefit. At times texts, emails and even written correspondences are misinterpreted without tone helping the flow of the conversation. In a prior comment I gave an example of a time this happened in the workplace. These kinds of misinterpretations can lead to hurt feelings or negative feelings toward a person.
5/8/14 11:17am
Nicole Salerno
This is a great post. I love that it is interactive. I too was able to read the paragraph and most of the sentences with ease. Struggling on a few similar words like everyone else (manslaughter and pensioners) I had to pause and think about the context before looking to the correct sentences to make sure I had it. I think it is in part because they are not common words and also their length. It would be incredibly difficult to read an entire academic paper with just the first and last letter correct. However, a more common and relatable paragraph was with ease. It is truly amazing the way the mind processes information. That for the most part we are able to read when letters are jumbled together.