Digital literacy is defined as the "knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently". In this day and age, its expected that you know how to use a computer. Ten years from now these expectations will rise drastically. Technology is slowly replacing books and even people, because with all this information available for free on the internet, why pay for books or employ people where the computer can do the same thing? Its just another step forward in industrialization. Machine taking over the jobs of humans.
I'm going to keep this topic going into the positives of digital literacy and citizenship. The dominance of technology is inevitable, as its going to continue to grow until the human race is taken out. After hundreds of billions of years of evolution, humans will return and it will happen all over again. But for now, lets keep the negativity at a low.
Our future is greatly dependent on digital literacy. Since it is becoming a crucial part of our lives, we can't afford to not understand it. It is becoming important not only for educational purposes, but for career purposes as well.
I was talking with a friend whose taking all kinds of computer classes at Metro, and his teacher told him that with as fast as information is being obtained, everything he'll have learned in three years will be outdated. He wondered why he was even paying for college, if in 3 years none of it will be of any use to him. Now education is vital, because without it you literally cannot go anywhere. But with the rate of information coming in, its likely that many people will spend more time earning their education than actually out in the working field where they originally wanted to be.
Depressing, isn't it?
We, as humans, have all this potential, but so little time to do what we want with it.
Its a constant race between man and computer, but studies show the computer is likely to be the winner.
Anyway.
I think digital literacy is something I have yet to master, but thats not to say I'm behind in the game. Since the digital world is constantly growing, I don't think anyone will ever truly be able to "master" it. In the future as a college student, I think my reading, writing and communication skills will play an unreasonably large role in my life. As I progress into my career, it will be an enormous part of me. When reading, I'll rely on my comprehension skills to lead me to the correct understanding of the text. Through writing, I'll have to convey my thoughts and findings in a way that the reader will understand what I'm trying to say. Finally, my communication skills will have to be at an all-time high because people expect me to understand and have the ability to convey what I see, hear and think.
The technical world is evergrowing, and we are expected to keep up with it as best we can. I think its safe to say I've got a good hold on what I understand, and I intend on continuing my education beyond high school.
- angel
Friday, March 13, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Theme Explication Essay
Fear Nothing - Dean Koontz [Novel]
"I believe in the possibility of miracles but more to the point, I believe in our need for them."
No Fear - Terri Clark [Song]
"I used to hit every wall there was
I used to run away from love
All I ever wanted was right here
But I had to reach way down inside
I had to have faith I'd find
No fear "
Fear No More - William Shakespeare [Poem]
"All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust"
- angel ramsey
"I believe in the possibility of miracles but more to the point, I believe in our need for them."
No Fear - Terri Clark [Song]
"I used to hit every wall there was
I used to run away from love
All I ever wanted was right here
But I had to reach way down inside
I had to have faith I'd find
No fear "
Fear No More - William Shakespeare [Poem]
"All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust"
- angel ramsey
Friday, February 27, 2009
State of the Union Address
"..and dropping out of high school is no longer an option; its not just quitting on yourself, its quitting on your country, and this country needs and values the talents of every American"
I couldn't agree more. When it comes to the rate of high school drop out, America is "top dog".
[CeCelia Garcia]
"Failure is not an option"
We cannot let this rate continue to raise. I believe education is at the utmost importance because in America education is a requirement to attain, as well as keep, a job. Even with a high school diploma, it is still expected for you to get a higher education for most careers to even consider you.
So why are so many students dropping out and not furthering their education? Just look at everything that is expected of us. Many students do not want to endure the 4 years spent in high school, let alone move on to college for many more years. Its just not something they look forward to.
Not only that, but the costs of college and how long it would take to pay off student debts, its a burden to think about. My mom went to college 10 years ago and she is STILL paying off her student loan. On top of this she has credit card debt and various bills to pay in order to support herself and her kids. If this is what American teens have to look forward to, its no wonder the drop out rate is at an all time high.
Obama wants to make education affordable, and I stand behind him completely on that. There should be no financial burden in order to attain a higher education. If I am struggling to think of a way to pay for my college tuition now, imagine how hard it will be for my children in the future, as well as their children and so on.
He is absolutely correct; reform needs to happen now. We have known for too long the struggles we're faced with, and its time we take action.
Ok I tried.
I couldn't agree more. When it comes to the rate of high school drop out, America is "top dog".
[CeCelia Garcia]
"Failure is not an option"
We cannot let this rate continue to raise. I believe education is at the utmost importance because in America education is a requirement to attain, as well as keep, a job. Even with a high school diploma, it is still expected for you to get a higher education for most careers to even consider you.
So why are so many students dropping out and not furthering their education? Just look at everything that is expected of us. Many students do not want to endure the 4 years spent in high school, let alone move on to college for many more years. Its just not something they look forward to.
Not only that, but the costs of college and how long it would take to pay off student debts, its a burden to think about. My mom went to college 10 years ago and she is STILL paying off her student loan. On top of this she has credit card debt and various bills to pay in order to support herself and her kids. If this is what American teens have to look forward to, its no wonder the drop out rate is at an all time high.
Obama wants to make education affordable, and I stand behind him completely on that. There should be no financial burden in order to attain a higher education. If I am struggling to think of a way to pay for my college tuition now, imagine how hard it will be for my children in the future, as well as their children and so on.
He is absolutely correct; reform needs to happen now. We have known for too long the struggles we're faced with, and its time we take action.
Ok I tried.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Media Bias
I think opinions can be seperated from media bias. If by opinions, you mean the opinions of the writer versus the opinions of the organization they're writing for.
Then again, bias news is rather opinionated. They're only giving you one side of the story, letting you know only the details that make their side look better. In a subtle way that is an opinionated way to go about writing. If the writer fits his or her opinions into that already bias article, then the story may seem very far from the real situation.
In my own opinion, I think bias in the media is wrong. They're taking advantage of a situation they're in control of. Since we aren't able to travel over seas or get the real story from the scene itself, they know we depend on them to give us that story and to inform us.
This happens a great deal over the internet. The information we read may be completley biased depending on where its coming from. All of the information may not be untrue, but the stand point of the author and how they portray the story can have an effect on our opinions by the end of the article. By giving us only one side or certain details, we are blinded to what the real situation could be like.
So when looking for information on the internet, you've got to check out who owns the site and the resources. Many conservative and liberal sites have very one sided views, mainly in hopes of getting people to agree with their side. Not everything you read is the entire truth, or even true at all. There are too many people out there who will take advantage of the power they have, and the only way to avoid this is by knowing how to tell them apart from credible news sources.
One of the main ways to do this is by figuring out who owns the website you're looking at. There are instants where the information you're reading isn't obviously bias or one sided. You'll have to find the owner of the website and determine whether they are a credible author or not. To do this, you simply search the site and once you've got a name or an organization of some sort, type that name into Google and research the author/owner of the website. This will give you an idea on where the information is coming from, and what kind of views or opinons they may slip in there.
- angel
Then again, bias news is rather opinionated. They're only giving you one side of the story, letting you know only the details that make their side look better. In a subtle way that is an opinionated way to go about writing. If the writer fits his or her opinions into that already bias article, then the story may seem very far from the real situation.
In my own opinion, I think bias in the media is wrong. They're taking advantage of a situation they're in control of. Since we aren't able to travel over seas or get the real story from the scene itself, they know we depend on them to give us that story and to inform us.
This happens a great deal over the internet. The information we read may be completley biased depending on where its coming from. All of the information may not be untrue, but the stand point of the author and how they portray the story can have an effect on our opinions by the end of the article. By giving us only one side or certain details, we are blinded to what the real situation could be like.
So when looking for information on the internet, you've got to check out who owns the site and the resources. Many conservative and liberal sites have very one sided views, mainly in hopes of getting people to agree with their side. Not everything you read is the entire truth, or even true at all. There are too many people out there who will take advantage of the power they have, and the only way to avoid this is by knowing how to tell them apart from credible news sources.
One of the main ways to do this is by figuring out who owns the website you're looking at. There are instants where the information you're reading isn't obviously bias or one sided. You'll have to find the owner of the website and determine whether they are a credible author or not. To do this, you simply search the site and once you've got a name or an organization of some sort, type that name into Google and research the author/owner of the website. This will give you an idea on where the information is coming from, and what kind of views or opinons they may slip in there.
- angel
Friday, February 6, 2009
Graduationg Speech
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson
Using mistakes to build a bright future..
We all came to McLain with our own past behind us, accomplishments as well as mistakes. This school has been a symbol of hope for students who were unable to get by elsewhere. For many of us, this was our last chance to succeed; and we did it.
Yes, much of this accomplishment is thanks to ourselves. But we can't forget the people who brought us here, who pushed us and believed in us even when we felt we couldn't do it. Through frustration and anticipation, they stood by us and did everything in their power to help us succeed.
When I first started here, I remember Ms. Weaver telling my SOS class how different the student/teacher relationship is here as opposed to other high schools. This program is unlike any school I've been to or even seen; its personal to each student. We all come from different backgrounds and strive to lead different lives in our futures, & the staff here sees that. They work with us as individuals, not as a class of however many are on their roster. What traditional high school couldn't do for us, McLain was exceptional.
"One day your life will flash before your eyes; make sure its worth watching"
Of course, how typical would it be of me to make a reference to the "best years of your life"?
So far, I hope these were the best. I hope that every year is better than the last, and that the years to come are even better. I also hope that you take these years, and you use them - every accomplishment and mistake - use them to make a spectacular future.
- angel ramsey
Using mistakes to build a bright future..
We all came to McLain with our own past behind us, accomplishments as well as mistakes. This school has been a symbol of hope for students who were unable to get by elsewhere. For many of us, this was our last chance to succeed; and we did it.
Yes, much of this accomplishment is thanks to ourselves. But we can't forget the people who brought us here, who pushed us and believed in us even when we felt we couldn't do it. Through frustration and anticipation, they stood by us and did everything in their power to help us succeed.
When I first started here, I remember Ms. Weaver telling my SOS class how different the student/teacher relationship is here as opposed to other high schools. This program is unlike any school I've been to or even seen; its personal to each student. We all come from different backgrounds and strive to lead different lives in our futures, & the staff here sees that. They work with us as individuals, not as a class of however many are on their roster. What traditional high school couldn't do for us, McLain was exceptional.
"One day your life will flash before your eyes; make sure its worth watching"
Of course, how typical would it be of me to make a reference to the "best years of your life"?
So far, I hope these were the best. I hope that every year is better than the last, and that the years to come are even better. I also hope that you take these years, and you use them - every accomplishment and mistake - use them to make a spectacular future.
- angel ramsey
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