Blog Assignment 3

Peer Editing

Staying positive while editing another peers paper is key. In fact, staying positive while editing anyone's paper is important. We have to be careful not to offend anyone. It's always good to address the good things about one's paper before you critique it. I know sometimes when I write I tend to write down whatever I am feeling at the time. With that being said, I have to be careful with the flow of my writing. I want someone to bring my scattered thoughts to my attention so they aren't getting lost when they read my work.

When someone is editing your paper, be open to suggestions! We all need to care about our writings and not be a "Whatever William". Oh, and we certainly don't need to be a "Mean Margaret". We don't want to discourage anyone from writing. Not only will it upset them, but it might make them not want to write anymore in fear of being criticized too harshly. This video was very cute, and helpful. Sometimes I can be a "Defensive Dave"; I need to work on that.

Technology in Special Education:

Technology is everywhere. It makes thing easier, especially in the classroom. For instance, Corbin has trouble reading and understanding the text. However, the audio books on his iPod touch makes him able to understand what he is reading and learn the words. Sometimes a book doesn’t cut it. Other forms of technology that are beneficial to students, specifically special need students, are computers.

Chris couldn’t communicate verbally with his teacher, but with his computer, he was able to type his thoughts. Also, they make it easier for the kids to communicate and they can magnify the screen so it is easier for them to read. There are so many options on the computer that can help these kids. Yes, they are different and require more attention, but if there is way for learning to be easier on them, why not incorporate it into the classroom?


How the iPad Works with Academics for Autism:

After watching the video and searching for different educational apps, I decided on "ABC Food". No matter if the child is autistic or highly intelligent, they all get the concept of food. This app helps children learn the alphabet by relating it to every day foods. That's an easy way for mentally challenged children to grasp the concept of letters and sounds. It also helps with recognizing different types of foods from all over the world.


Gary Hayes Social Media Count:

It is wild to me how fast something is uploaded on the Internet. There are more than 20,000 items shared on FaceBook, there’s an hour of video uploaded to YouTube, over a thousand tweets, nearly a hundred iPhone apps downloaded, at least 100,000 text messages sent, and there is someone new joining FaceBook or Twitter every second. All of those things happen every second. How were people able to function without technology?

Our generation is also changing every second. We become more dependent on computers, iPods, phones, and television every day. Social media has taken over, but it makes life more manageable. People are able to video chat with their family members all over the world. We can send a picture electronically overseas. There are pro’s and con’s to social media, but for the most part it’s not so bad and very convenient.

A Vision of Students Today:

I really enjoyed this video. Money is a huge factor with education. Some kids can’t afford it. One of the thoughts stood out to me: My neighbor paid for this class, but is never here. Why would someone want to waste that kind of money? One student mentioned their laptop costing more than what some people make in a year and another student will be dealing with their student loans for many years to come. I think as young adults, we take advantage of school and don’t see it as an opportunity or privilege, but rather an obligation. We would rather being doing anything else, besides going to class.

Students today also spend entirely too much time on the social networks or watching television. I know I spend countless hours hour on FaceBook, Pinterest, Twitter, texting, and watching T.V. But those are the things that entertain us and hold our attention. Computers are beneficial in the school setting because you take notes faster and some computers are capable of recording lectures. However, you have to be careful because of all the tempting this that comes with the internet. It is very easy to get distracted. If I bring my laptop to class, I’ll more than likely be on FaceBook and not taking notes.