How can I say good-bye when it seems as though I just got started?
I view my experience in this class like climbing Mount Everest. I was reluctant at first, because it appeared to be too overwhelming and beyond my mental capacity. I made a decision to claim Read 600 as my mountain, and I began to climb it. It was a great rush to conquer this mountain that would take me into new hemispheres. I didn't know if I could adapt to the new mind sets that layed before me. I didn't know if I could comprehend them or use the new literacy tools adequately. Yet I did climb. I fell into some ditches and struggled a little but, I didn't give up. I called for help on my trusty e-mail to Dr. Dana she directed me back on the path.
I climbed some more trying desperately to catch up with the team. They were like a great cloud of witness to me calling (down) to me encouraging me to keep up the pace, and expecting me to accomplish the goal. I did manage to catch up and share my blogs, coming to class I got to hear the cheers in full blast. I know I must be some where close to the top... I can't believe, it's about over It just got started. I just got reunited with the team on the every body's blog page, and I am not afraid to experience new heights like web 2.0. I will climb to the top!!
I enjoyed this class through the tears and all. I am not going to say good-bye, I am going to keep blogging you all. Best wish to everybody. God Bless You
Thursday, April 26, 2007
My Lord! Calgon take me away!
I love being a mother,a grandmother, a teacher, a student, a financial manager in training, a mentor, a friend, and still a dreamer who strives to pursue dreams deferred and all those in between titles that go along with it, like, a chauffeur, a nurse, writer, researcher, a psychologist, a referee, and a saint with endless patience (I am working on this one). However, all of these roles can be quite challenging, especially if you are under the umbrella of single parenting, being an ex-wife (Oh yeah I belong to the first wives club), dealing with an ex and adding the title head of household.
This past week was indeed an action packed week. It's almost a blurr. I am so blessed that I am surrounded with friends who seek my support and have full confidence that I can be of help in some way. However, It seemed as though they all were in need at the same time including my children. My heart is always willing but my flesh was weak. I was and still am dog tired. It seemed that I was on the road or on the phone forever. Oh yeah, I do believe I was on vacation, but my children weren't. I tried in the midst of my outreach to be the ideal mom, by doing spring cleaning (I only accomplished one room- I can't find anything) and trying to prepared well balanced hearty meals before the children came home. Wow! I did have to pick up my daughter and her 5 friends from school and drive to every corner of the town to drop them off. (I didn't mind). All of last week merged into this week. There was a lot of stress because this week we had visitors at our school. New tasks were given, causing my days at work to be longer, I believe today is their last day. (I prayed real hard that the children would act like the stereotyped icons of the ideal students- Well some did- thank you God!) Wow! I feel better now that I got all that out. Now that I looked back, these two weeks weren't so bad. I survived the challenges and as I stopped to share it was just like smelling the roses. There were pockets of blessings in between, like a calgon bath.
This past week was indeed an action packed week. It's almost a blurr. I am so blessed that I am surrounded with friends who seek my support and have full confidence that I can be of help in some way. However, It seemed as though they all were in need at the same time including my children. My heart is always willing but my flesh was weak. I was and still am dog tired. It seemed that I was on the road or on the phone forever. Oh yeah, I do believe I was on vacation, but my children weren't. I tried in the midst of my outreach to be the ideal mom, by doing spring cleaning (I only accomplished one room- I can't find anything) and trying to prepared well balanced hearty meals before the children came home. Wow! I did have to pick up my daughter and her 5 friends from school and drive to every corner of the town to drop them off. (I didn't mind). All of last week merged into this week. There was a lot of stress because this week we had visitors at our school. New tasks were given, causing my days at work to be longer, I believe today is their last day. (I prayed real hard that the children would act like the stereotyped icons of the ideal students- Well some did- thank you God!) Wow! I feel better now that I got all that out. Now that I looked back, these two weeks weren't so bad. I survived the challenges and as I stopped to share it was just like smelling the roses. There were pockets of blessings in between, like a calgon bath.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Tools of social Networking: frogs and videos
Now I know about social networking on a new level. It is not just about people networking at business meetings or conferences to exchange business cards and resumes, it goes far beyond this industrial period of doing things. Social networking has filtered into cyber space. Through these readings I learned new words, like Memes, Nodes and Ties. Memes was stated to be a contagious pattern of cultural information passed on from mind to mind. Manipulated and shaped by specific actions and the mindsets of a social group. The concept of memes was furthered by Richard Dawkins a geneticist. focusing on imitation and transfer. James Paul Gee developed a concept called " Affinity Spaces". Affinity spaces are on-line and off-line interactive spaces. showing how people are connected by shared activities, interests and goals. I learned that nodes are individuals and organizations of a network and Ties are the relationships between the actors or individuals. Social Networking can operate on many levels ranging from families to nations. "They are influential in how problems are solved, how businesses are run and the achievement of goals and success." Social Network analysis' effort is to determine how the structure of ties effect individuals and their relationships.
In Lu of the information I gained on social networking I made a connection with the story on Hopkin Green Frog. The story proceeds with an autistic boy creating a flier by drawing a picture of his lost toy frog and requesting help in finding it. Then someone finds the flyer in effort to help and puts it on the website. Then the frog becomes an icon. People began using it to promote other concerns using the picture as a poster for other genres of interest. This exhibits a loose network in action, where the connections are made on line and off line, and it further emphasises the definition of memes as a contagious pattern of cultural information passed from mind to mind, directly shaped by key actions and mindsets of a social group.
Youtube also expounds on the contagious patterns of cultural information being passed on and influencing the mind sets of others, only it is done through video. audio and visual tools are used to give the social groups more face to face perspectives. A voice and more realistic face to the written text. Used to promote political view points, to convey information and to persuade people in areas of interest and needs ties.
All this loaded information is a lot to swallow, yet so true and realistic.
In Lu of the information I gained on social networking I made a connection with the story on Hopkin Green Frog. The story proceeds with an autistic boy creating a flier by drawing a picture of his lost toy frog and requesting help in finding it. Then someone finds the flyer in effort to help and puts it on the website. Then the frog becomes an icon. People began using it to promote other concerns using the picture as a poster for other genres of interest. This exhibits a loose network in action, where the connections are made on line and off line, and it further emphasises the definition of memes as a contagious pattern of cultural information passed from mind to mind, directly shaped by key actions and mindsets of a social group.
Youtube also expounds on the contagious patterns of cultural information being passed on and influencing the mind sets of others, only it is done through video. audio and visual tools are used to give the social groups more face to face perspectives. A voice and more realistic face to the written text. Used to promote political view points, to convey information and to persuade people in areas of interest and needs ties.
All this loaded information is a lot to swallow, yet so true and realistic.
Tools of social Networking: frogs and videos
Now I know about social networking on a new level. It is not just about people networking at business meetings or conferences to exchange business cards and resumes, it goes far beyond this industrial period of doing things. Social networking has filtered into cyber space. Through these readings I learned new words, like Memes, Nodes and Ties. Memes was stated to be a contageous pattern of cultural information passed on from mind to mind. Manipulated and shaped by specific actions and the mindsets of a social group. The concept of memes was furthered by Richerd Dawkins a geneticist. focusing on imitation and tranfer. James Paul Gee developed a concept called " Afinity Spaces". Afinity spaces are on-line and off-line interactive spaces. showing how people are connected by shared activities, interests and goals. I learned that nodes are individuals and organizations of a network and Ties are the relationships between the actors or individuals. Social Networking can operate on many levels ranging from families to nations. "They are influencial in how problems are solved, how businesses are run and the acheivement of goals and success." Social Network analysis' effort is to determine how the structure of ties effect individuals and their relationships.
In lue of the information I gained on social networking I made a connection with the story on Hopkin Green Frog. The story proceeds with an autistic boy creating a flier by drawing a picture of his lost toy frog and requesting help in finding it. Then someone finds the flyer in effort to help and puts it on the website. Then the frog becomes an icon. People began using it to promote other concerns using the picture as a poster for other genres of interest. This exhibits a loose network in action, where the connections are made on line and off line, and it further exlemphesies the definition of memes as a contageous pattern of cultural information passed from mind to mind, directly shaped by key actions and minsets of a social group.
Youtube also expounds on the contageous patterns of cultural information being passed on and influencing the mind sets of others, only it is done through video. audio and visual tools are used to give the social groups more face to face perspectives. A voice and more realistic face to the written text. Used to promote political view points, to convey infoemation and to pursuade people in areas of interest and needs ties.
All this loaded infornation is a lot to swallow, yet so true and realistic.
In lue of the information I gained on social networking I made a connection with the story on Hopkin Green Frog. The story proceeds with an autistic boy creating a flier by drawing a picture of his lost toy frog and requesting help in finding it. Then someone finds the flyer in effort to help and puts it on the website. Then the frog becomes an icon. People began using it to promote other concerns using the picture as a poster for other genres of interest. This exhibits a loose network in action, where the connections are made on line and off line, and it further exlemphesies the definition of memes as a contageous pattern of cultural information passed from mind to mind, directly shaped by key actions and minsets of a social group.
Youtube also expounds on the contageous patterns of cultural information being passed on and influencing the mind sets of others, only it is done through video. audio and visual tools are used to give the social groups more face to face perspectives. A voice and more realistic face to the written text. Used to promote political view points, to convey infoemation and to pursuade people in areas of interest and needs ties.
All this loaded infornation is a lot to swallow, yet so true and realistic.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I read therfore I am a reader of the word
How would I describe myself as a reader? I see myself as an avid reader. I love to read. Reading has always been second nature to me, almost innate. I developed a love for books in my early child hood, as far back as I can remember. Maybe it was because my mother was also a lover of books and a Librarian. My sisters and I were read to every night, and when we were old enough we went to our my mother's job after
school, which happened to be the library. There, we were exposed not only to a plectra of books and resources, we were also exposed to up and coming authors, poets and musicians. It was then that I aspired to become a writer one day. My sister and I loved to read so much, that before we reached the library we would go to the "candy store" and get our favorite sweets, sour lollipops and bubble gum. ( It's a wonder that I have any teeth left) We would then, select ten or more books and go to the back room and read to our hearts content. This is one of my fondest memories.
As a child I loved to read fiction (fantasy and some mysteries). I created stories and told them to my family and friends. My favorite authors and books then ranged from Mother Goose, Dick and Jane, Grims fairy tales, Nancy Drew (she's coming back), Eager Allen Poe, Shakespear, Richard Wright to Nikki Giovanni and a host of other venues of books and author works. As a young adult I started expanding my interest in non fiction, based on current issues and personal interest. I enjoyed reading my text books from classes such as Psychology, Biology and Literature. Book choices were then made on connections to those text types. As I still yearned to write I began a self study on African American female writers, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou, and began reading with an author study focus. Today I still love to read , although my time to read plays a strong part in how I read. Life, or lets say the trends of society and the demands of work and children manipulates the types of text I read. So my reading now for focused purpose, and Less for entertainment. I read more building based books to enhance teaching style, articles printed out, and now I am beginning to do more reading from the computer. The reading from the computer has been used in the past for research geared to projects for informational needs on a personal as come by bases. Now I read my e-mails more frequently, and of course the required readings for this class.
I find myself using the computer more than books on a certain level, because I know I can probably find the most current data. As for reading for pleasure and personal interest, I read for the most part non-fiction books. I read more spiritual based text and motivational text.
In my class I teach reading through a model known as Ramp-Up. It is a literacy curriculum developed for remedial readers. It is developed for students who are reading on a third grade level or below. Note, I teach middle school language Arts. This program is very rigid yet done in a least restrictive manner. My class has a library set up and is categorized according to Genre. Fiction, Non Fiction, with sub categories of history, science, and Author study. The class begins with Independent Reading, where the student selects the book he wants to read, and reads independently for approximately 10 or more minutes. Having the student select his own book promotes high interest reading. During this time the student should be practicing reading strategies modeled by me. After IR the students are to complete a daily word study. Here the students are given a list of words that they will be exposed to in the lesson routine. Students are required to copy the words on an index card and define them. There is a class assessment on these at the end of each week. Following the Daily word study the students are to participate in a read aloud/Think aloud activity, where most of the daily words were derived from. The teacher reads aloud stopping occasionally to model a reading strategy. The students read along silently in their books. After the RA/TA there is a whole class discussion. the goal is to promote comprehension skills and it allows students to view the perspectives of each other as well as increase their desire to read. Students usually work in cooperative groups of three to four students, where they will be engaged in preparing book talks, paired reading, and creating a picture book. Our students are trained to peer teach to elementary students through the picture book activity. They also collaborate in practicing a skill or lesson from the whole class instruction. During the IR process, students will be seen individually for a conference to discuss their progress. Here I will have the student read a passage to me and I will point our strengths and areas to work on. Areas of concern are reading fluency, strategies used level of books and genre selection. During the Small group Independent work period, I work with select groups or individuals with activities or provide lessons to strengthen ares of concern. I have work stations in my class where students will on a rotational process be involved in one of them. A listening center, Book Talk preparation, Timed Reading, writing workshop, We do have a computer station (that's when we can get to the computers-it's a work in progress). A lot of supplemental material is used in my class. Students read articles from computer print outs, their work books (the sixth graders had work books) the are always reading their own work from source books. A lot of effort is pit into developing a comfort zone for the reluctant and struggling readers. A environment is created to stimulate the love for books and good reading habits. This year we did a Genre study on Virgina Hamilton. we dissected her as an author, discovered how she developed her love for books and writing. Need I say more about this wonderful reading program. Through this process, I have witness significant progress in many of my students, specifically the ones I had for two years. many are reading at home where they barely read before. Their parents are joining in on encouraging them to read more. The only challenge now is to get some of them to venture into other genres and more challenging text for independent readings.
The next question is how do I feel about technology in reading? I believe it is an essential element that needs to be filtered more effectively into our course curriculum. I feel this way because of the rapid changes in society with higher technology. The population of students I have in class still show the need for computers in the home. The average student today based on studies show that they spend a lot of time interacting on the computer for social purposes. So it would be most effective to build strategies for students to learn how to comfortably read computerized text. Computers offers a wide range of skills for our readers to develop. Like reading informational text, following directions, research skills and writing skills, just to name a few. Technology is a tool that can enhance reading development. Computers and other interactive devices have become the new forms of literature. It gives a current and new definition to literacy.
school, which happened to be the library. There, we were exposed not only to a plectra of books and resources, we were also exposed to up and coming authors, poets and musicians. It was then that I aspired to become a writer one day. My sister and I loved to read so much, that before we reached the library we would go to the "candy store" and get our favorite sweets, sour lollipops and bubble gum. ( It's a wonder that I have any teeth left) We would then, select ten or more books and go to the back room and read to our hearts content. This is one of my fondest memories.
As a child I loved to read fiction (fantasy and some mysteries). I created stories and told them to my family and friends. My favorite authors and books then ranged from Mother Goose, Dick and Jane, Grims fairy tales, Nancy Drew (she's coming back), Eager Allen Poe, Shakespear, Richard Wright to Nikki Giovanni and a host of other venues of books and author works. As a young adult I started expanding my interest in non fiction, based on current issues and personal interest. I enjoyed reading my text books from classes such as Psychology, Biology and Literature. Book choices were then made on connections to those text types. As I still yearned to write I began a self study on African American female writers, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou, and began reading with an author study focus. Today I still love to read , although my time to read plays a strong part in how I read. Life, or lets say the trends of society and the demands of work and children manipulates the types of text I read. So my reading now for focused purpose, and Less for entertainment. I read more building based books to enhance teaching style, articles printed out, and now I am beginning to do more reading from the computer. The reading from the computer has been used in the past for research geared to projects for informational needs on a personal as come by bases. Now I read my e-mails more frequently, and of course the required readings for this class.
I find myself using the computer more than books on a certain level, because I know I can probably find the most current data. As for reading for pleasure and personal interest, I read for the most part non-fiction books. I read more spiritual based text and motivational text.
In my class I teach reading through a model known as Ramp-Up. It is a literacy curriculum developed for remedial readers. It is developed for students who are reading on a third grade level or below. Note, I teach middle school language Arts. This program is very rigid yet done in a least restrictive manner. My class has a library set up and is categorized according to Genre. Fiction, Non Fiction, with sub categories of history, science, and Author study. The class begins with Independent Reading, where the student selects the book he wants to read, and reads independently for approximately 10 or more minutes. Having the student select his own book promotes high interest reading. During this time the student should be practicing reading strategies modeled by me. After IR the students are to complete a daily word study. Here the students are given a list of words that they will be exposed to in the lesson routine. Students are required to copy the words on an index card and define them. There is a class assessment on these at the end of each week. Following the Daily word study the students are to participate in a read aloud/Think aloud activity, where most of the daily words were derived from. The teacher reads aloud stopping occasionally to model a reading strategy. The students read along silently in their books. After the RA/TA there is a whole class discussion. the goal is to promote comprehension skills and it allows students to view the perspectives of each other as well as increase their desire to read. Students usually work in cooperative groups of three to four students, where they will be engaged in preparing book talks, paired reading, and creating a picture book. Our students are trained to peer teach to elementary students through the picture book activity. They also collaborate in practicing a skill or lesson from the whole class instruction. During the IR process, students will be seen individually for a conference to discuss their progress. Here I will have the student read a passage to me and I will point our strengths and areas to work on. Areas of concern are reading fluency, strategies used level of books and genre selection. During the Small group Independent work period, I work with select groups or individuals with activities or provide lessons to strengthen ares of concern. I have work stations in my class where students will on a rotational process be involved in one of them. A listening center, Book Talk preparation, Timed Reading, writing workshop, We do have a computer station (that's when we can get to the computers-it's a work in progress). A lot of supplemental material is used in my class. Students read articles from computer print outs, their work books (the sixth graders had work books) the are always reading their own work from source books. A lot of effort is pit into developing a comfort zone for the reluctant and struggling readers. A environment is created to stimulate the love for books and good reading habits. This year we did a Genre study on Virgina Hamilton. we dissected her as an author, discovered how she developed her love for books and writing. Need I say more about this wonderful reading program. Through this process, I have witness significant progress in many of my students, specifically the ones I had for two years. many are reading at home where they barely read before. Their parents are joining in on encouraging them to read more. The only challenge now is to get some of them to venture into other genres and more challenging text for independent readings.
The next question is how do I feel about technology in reading? I believe it is an essential element that needs to be filtered more effectively into our course curriculum. I feel this way because of the rapid changes in society with higher technology. The population of students I have in class still show the need for computers in the home. The average student today based on studies show that they spend a lot of time interacting on the computer for social purposes. So it would be most effective to build strategies for students to learn how to comfortably read computerized text. Computers offers a wide range of skills for our readers to develop. Like reading informational text, following directions, research skills and writing skills, just to name a few. Technology is a tool that can enhance reading development. Computers and other interactive devices have become the new forms of literature. It gives a current and new definition to literacy.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Whats Going On ? EVERYTHING
Well lets see, a whole lot is going on in my life.
Good news first, My Daughter who is a Freshman in college, who is an aspiring harpist is going with me, well I am going with her to West Virginia to a Harp Conference. How exciting! I've been very active with my church preparing for our Women's conference. Starting March 17th (Friday-Sunday). I created the logo for the conference representing Psalm 121. I sing in the choir and will be singing with the Womwn;s choir. Again How exciting. Today I went to a pastorial care conference. It was trully enriching, I learned a lot, was refreshed and blessed.
The girls seem happy are doing good in school, could I ask for more.
Were getting ready for the GEPA and NJASK, I am having a ball preparing the students, ok its not all apples and cherries.
The not so good news- My son cut and broke his finger. I'll save you the gorry details of hoe it happened. So, in turn, I've been traveling back and forth to Newark, Montclair and Maplewood to the hospital, doctors and emergency wards. He had to get surgery, His main artery was severed and it looks as though it did not set properly, he might have to go back to surgery. Through all this and inbetween his I need my mommy moments, he is in great spirits. What a blessing. To add to today's deliema, the reason why you see typos, I tried to edit my blog on the Matrix and can't seem to edit it or get back to publish the thing. (I wonder if the Matrixis trying take over my computer? Something happens everytime, but I shall not give up,
where's that red pill?
Although my plate is extreemly full and my cup runneth over and I don't get to bed until after 12 am just about everyday, not to mention after 3 am when I took my son to the emergency room, I can still look at life through rose colored lens.I am not saying I am ignorant or living in the Matrix, but I see every aspect of my life as a blessing. I am thankful that I am giving a chance to experience the opportunity of being so full, You "see" it's all a matter of perspective.
Good news first, My Daughter who is a Freshman in college, who is an aspiring harpist is going with me, well I am going with her to West Virginia to a Harp Conference. How exciting! I've been very active with my church preparing for our Women's conference. Starting March 17th (Friday-Sunday). I created the logo for the conference representing Psalm 121. I sing in the choir and will be singing with the Womwn;s choir. Again How exciting. Today I went to a pastorial care conference. It was trully enriching, I learned a lot, was refreshed and blessed.
The girls seem happy are doing good in school, could I ask for more.
Were getting ready for the GEPA and NJASK, I am having a ball preparing the students, ok its not all apples and cherries.
The not so good news- My son cut and broke his finger. I'll save you the gorry details of hoe it happened. So, in turn, I've been traveling back and forth to Newark, Montclair and Maplewood to the hospital, doctors and emergency wards. He had to get surgery, His main artery was severed and it looks as though it did not set properly, he might have to go back to surgery. Through all this and inbetween his I need my mommy moments, he is in great spirits. What a blessing. To add to today's deliema, the reason why you see typos, I tried to edit my blog on the Matrix and can't seem to edit it or get back to publish the thing. (I wonder if the Matrixis trying take over my computer? Something happens everytime, but I shall not give up,
where's that red pill?
Although my plate is extreemly full and my cup runneth over and I don't get to bed until after 12 am just about everyday, not to mention after 3 am when I took my son to the emergency room, I can still look at life through rose colored lens.I am not saying I am ignorant or living in the Matrix, but I see every aspect of my life as a blessing. I am thankful that I am giving a chance to experience the opportunity of being so full, You "see" it's all a matter of perspective.
Reality/Christianity/2.0 vs Virtuality/Matrix/1.0
I must say it is always refreshing and enlighting to read a book over again, as well as it is to view a movie for the second time.
As a result of being in this class, I gained a new perspective, from my previous one which was for pure entertainment. Where I focused more on the special effects, the actors who played the parts and a little on the plot. Yet, as I saw the film for the second time, I was able to make more connections and do deeper analysis with what I learned in class to what was going on in the movie. I keyed in on the aspects of cyberspace. (So that is what cyber space looks like) I was able to get a visual picture of what the inside of a computer would possible look like, as seen through the eyes of the movie producer and author of the story. I noted from the movie and as well in some on line articals computer focused termology like hackers, cyberpunk, cypernetic implants, etc.
I was also able to see two distinct mindsets going on. That of the Matrix and that of the Resistance. It became clear that the Matrix was over powering and was controlling people to think and live one way. People who were entrapped by the Matrix, believed that their lives were real and functional, yet, they became the reverse of the computer. The computer was using them and they were being programmed by the computer to be limited and dysfuctional. Another way of saying this is In the Matrix the computer is "us/ing" us not the opposite.
There were distinct spiritual undertones that were evident. Good verses evil. In the artical I read online, the author explained it well by sharing his connection of the Matrix to Christianity. Neo, served the role as Jesus despite the fact that he wasn't born without sin, he did like Jesus die and after taking the Red Pill was born again, or was raised from the dead in 72 hours-on the 3rd day, just like Jesus. The author of the artical even broke it all down by correlating each character or entity to Bibical characters and life. Depicting the spiritual warfare. He went as far as saying Neo represented Jesus. One of the characters told him he was his savior man. The Matrix was the devil, the one who misled the people, sucking the very essence out of them, causing them to be walking dead. The resistance were compared to Christians and heavenly angels. The Red Pill representing salvation, true life. I was thrilled to see these noticings expanded upon. Like the author most movies today have very little signifigance to the importance and betterment of life, let alone salvation and spiritual growth. Not to belabor this issue but, one of the most powerful connections I made in agreement with the article is the points in the movie where evidence of new birth and Jesus life were mirrored. For example , when Neo asked why his eyes hurt. and the reply was thet he never used them. How deep is that? He was born again and seeing life through new eyes. Just like me learning and approaching computers with a new perspective, whic leads to the final phase of my discussion, how the Matrix could serve as an illustration between the 1.0 mindset and 2.0 mind set.
The Matrix, embellished what having a set, and conditioned mind could do. It could be very limiting, limiting progress and discernment and true interaction with the world and it people. Whereas, you don't grow. Growth is one of the characteristics of a living thing. On the other hand, having a hypercyber focused mind set or a 2.0 mind set allows the insividual to exist and not be conformed to the world old unproductive ways to live in an ever changing new world. With eyes opened, renewed frequently with new red pills of life. Us us/ing the computer, and not the computer us/ing us.
All in all I trully enjoyed the movie and I not only developed a better understanding of computer usage, my faith was further strenghtened. Jesus is my "red pill" and I shall no longer fear reaching the 2.0 level mindset.
As a result of being in this class, I gained a new perspective, from my previous one which was for pure entertainment. Where I focused more on the special effects, the actors who played the parts and a little on the plot. Yet, as I saw the film for the second time, I was able to make more connections and do deeper analysis with what I learned in class to what was going on in the movie. I keyed in on the aspects of cyberspace. (So that is what cyber space looks like) I was able to get a visual picture of what the inside of a computer would possible look like, as seen through the eyes of the movie producer and author of the story. I noted from the movie and as well in some on line articals computer focused termology like hackers, cyberpunk, cypernetic implants, etc.
I was also able to see two distinct mindsets going on. That of the Matrix and that of the Resistance. It became clear that the Matrix was over powering and was controlling people to think and live one way. People who were entrapped by the Matrix, believed that their lives were real and functional, yet, they became the reverse of the computer. The computer was using them and they were being programmed by the computer to be limited and dysfuctional. Another way of saying this is In the Matrix the computer is "us/ing" us not the opposite.
There were distinct spiritual undertones that were evident. Good verses evil. In the artical I read online, the author explained it well by sharing his connection of the Matrix to Christianity. Neo, served the role as Jesus despite the fact that he wasn't born without sin, he did like Jesus die and after taking the Red Pill was born again, or was raised from the dead in 72 hours-on the 3rd day, just like Jesus. The author of the artical even broke it all down by correlating each character or entity to Bibical characters and life. Depicting the spiritual warfare. He went as far as saying Neo represented Jesus. One of the characters told him he was his savior man. The Matrix was the devil, the one who misled the people, sucking the very essence out of them, causing them to be walking dead. The resistance were compared to Christians and heavenly angels. The Red Pill representing salvation, true life. I was thrilled to see these noticings expanded upon. Like the author most movies today have very little signifigance to the importance and betterment of life, let alone salvation and spiritual growth. Not to belabor this issue but, one of the most powerful connections I made in agreement with the article is the points in the movie where evidence of new birth and Jesus life were mirrored. For example , when Neo asked why his eyes hurt. and the reply was thet he never used them. How deep is that? He was born again and seeing life through new eyes. Just like me learning and approaching computers with a new perspective, whic leads to the final phase of my discussion, how the Matrix could serve as an illustration between the 1.0 mindset and 2.0 mind set.
The Matrix, embellished what having a set, and conditioned mind could do. It could be very limiting, limiting progress and discernment and true interaction with the world and it people. Whereas, you don't grow. Growth is one of the characteristics of a living thing. On the other hand, having a hypercyber focused mind set or a 2.0 mind set allows the insividual to exist and not be conformed to the world old unproductive ways to live in an ever changing new world. With eyes opened, renewed frequently with new red pills of life. Us us/ing the computer, and not the computer us/ing us.
All in all I trully enjoyed the movie and I not only developed a better understanding of computer usage, my faith was further strenghtened. Jesus is my "red pill" and I shall no longer fear reaching the 2.0 level mindset.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
My Space
Wow, I finally got to create a My Space. This was something I thought I would never venture into, due to the fact that I thought it was for the younger generation. Like my children. It took a while for me to allow them to use it. However, with proper monitoring (I hope) and access to their sites it put me at ease. My artistic vegan daughter, has interactions with people or friends in the same area of life style and
Her page is loaded with creative pictures and healthy insights along with giggly girl things from her circle of friends. While my other daughter the Writer enterparnura, has a more sofisticated site.
Nevertheless, I created one thanks to our class assignment. I found that My Space was a lot like the Blog. Having a profile, and areas to share or dicuss. I noticed that My Space appeared to be more creative or I haven't been exposed to all the opportunities in the Blog yet. My Space has access to music sites and pictures with comments. I did get some help from my daughter to create the My Space and she thought it was cool and scary at the same time that I now have one. (I wonder why?)
I also had the opportunity to (try) to get a friend to respond to on MY Space, who happen to be one of my favorite authors and songtress. I had a problem downloading,. Although, it is something I am looking forward to working on. I do believe I am beginning to have fun!!
Her page is loaded with creative pictures and healthy insights along with giggly girl things from her circle of friends. While my other daughter the Writer enterparnura, has a more sofisticated site.
Nevertheless, I created one thanks to our class assignment. I found that My Space was a lot like the Blog. Having a profile, and areas to share or dicuss. I noticed that My Space appeared to be more creative or I haven't been exposed to all the opportunities in the Blog yet. My Space has access to music sites and pictures with comments. I did get some help from my daughter to create the My Space and she thought it was cool and scary at the same time that I now have one. (I wonder why?)
I also had the opportunity to (try) to get a friend to respond to on MY Space, who happen to be one of my favorite authors and songtress. I had a problem downloading,. Although, it is something I am looking forward to working on. I do believe I am beginning to have fun!!
Jan 23 Response Hopes
The expectations I have for this class are :
* To be computer literate
* To learn about all the wonderful tools that everyone except me is using
* To pass the class with a B or an A.
* To learn more about the world wide web
* To better survive by becoming more interactive than introactive.
My concerns are:
* Will I be able to keep up with the pace of the class ?
* Will my computer fail ?
* Will I over come my fear of computers (using them on a 2.0 level as opposed to using it on a 1.o level)?
I am in this class because reading is very important to me and I believe that every child should be able to read on any level. I want to be more effective as a teacher to keep up with the current changes in technology and the learning styles of the students. I also work with a population of struggling and reluctant readers and am seeking ways that will encourage them, strengthen skills and promote self motivation on all levels. Iam also in this class because I would like to learn effective ways to implement computers in my class and to be comfortable with it, and last but not least to advance in my computer skills on a personal bases.
* To be computer literate
* To learn about all the wonderful tools that everyone except me is using
* To pass the class with a B or an A.
* To learn more about the world wide web
* To better survive by becoming more interactive than introactive.
My concerns are:
* Will I be able to keep up with the pace of the class ?
* Will my computer fail ?
* Will I over come my fear of computers (using them on a 2.0 level as opposed to using it on a 1.o level)?
I am in this class because reading is very important to me and I believe that every child should be able to read on any level. I want to be more effective as a teacher to keep up with the current changes in technology and the learning styles of the students. I also work with a population of struggling and reluctant readers and am seeking ways that will encourage them, strengthen skills and promote self motivation on all levels. Iam also in this class because I would like to learn effective ways to implement computers in my class and to be comfortable with it, and last but not least to advance in my computer skills on a personal bases.
Feb 3rd response
My thoughts on the article entitled Zero to six are as follows:
I do believe that the media plays a significant part in the lives of children.
Based on the statictists of the study and my own personal experience with children it is evident that children at their early stages of life are influenced by the stimuli around them. The study although not conclusive in results, point out that children who have tv's in their home are most likely to watch it at an earlier age, and will probably spend less time reading and playing outside. The results are similar with computers in the home and other media material. It was also noted that other significant factors play a part in their learning,. Such as, parental involvement; the amount of time a parent spends reading to the child and interacting on the computer with them, and the monitored rules and schedules for computer and media use. Babies are like sponges and are naturally interactive learners, learning through responses of diffrent stimuli. I also believe that children growing up in this new digital world, where parents and educational institutions are communitating on higher levels of technology will begin using the computer and other interactive tools earlier and probably become higher learners at an earlier age. I notice this in my children, where they are knowledgable and upto date with the current advances of computers and technology. My children are devoute learners due to my reading to them and the love for books that I have. They grew up around books within our home, my youngest two had more exposure to the current trends of the computer world, because it was then that I brought into using it for myself and it became a required feature in their schools. The children of today are most definetly diffrent thinkers and learners, and I think on certain levels their cognitive and social development has increased due to the advances in technology, specifically computers.
In response to the study of Children On line, I was most intriged by how the study actually painted a clear picture of how a child naturally thinks and learns. It was clearly illustrated in the discussion about the Gathering of The Elves created by the young girl and her friends. Children are naturally social people, and very inquisitive. At the preteen ages on up, children become peer focused, occupied with idenity issues. Whereas, they begin to utilize the virtual aspects of the computer and access interactive links, they naturally create a community of like minded individuals and at the same time for the most part as described in gathering of the Elves learning unconsiously. Why? they are having fun, they are focused, and others are interested in what they are sharing, and as a result, the inate process of learning begins. Collaborating, self study, self motivated research, etc. children are by far natural learners especially when the environment is condusive to learning, and is less restrictive, with high tech opportunities. We as educators need to become more sensitive to this new population of learners filtering into our classes and begin to develop curiculum that will complement these naturally motivated learners. I believe the quote says it all, "Children are learning that to be literate is to have power"
I do believe that the media plays a significant part in the lives of children.
Based on the statictists of the study and my own personal experience with children it is evident that children at their early stages of life are influenced by the stimuli around them. The study although not conclusive in results, point out that children who have tv's in their home are most likely to watch it at an earlier age, and will probably spend less time reading and playing outside. The results are similar with computers in the home and other media material. It was also noted that other significant factors play a part in their learning,. Such as, parental involvement; the amount of time a parent spends reading to the child and interacting on the computer with them, and the monitored rules and schedules for computer and media use. Babies are like sponges and are naturally interactive learners, learning through responses of diffrent stimuli. I also believe that children growing up in this new digital world, where parents and educational institutions are communitating on higher levels of technology will begin using the computer and other interactive tools earlier and probably become higher learners at an earlier age. I notice this in my children, where they are knowledgable and upto date with the current advances of computers and technology. My children are devoute learners due to my reading to them and the love for books that I have. They grew up around books within our home, my youngest two had more exposure to the current trends of the computer world, because it was then that I brought into using it for myself and it became a required feature in their schools. The children of today are most definetly diffrent thinkers and learners, and I think on certain levels their cognitive and social development has increased due to the advances in technology, specifically computers.
In response to the study of Children On line, I was most intriged by how the study actually painted a clear picture of how a child naturally thinks and learns. It was clearly illustrated in the discussion about the Gathering of The Elves created by the young girl and her friends. Children are naturally social people, and very inquisitive. At the preteen ages on up, children become peer focused, occupied with idenity issues. Whereas, they begin to utilize the virtual aspects of the computer and access interactive links, they naturally create a community of like minded individuals and at the same time for the most part as described in gathering of the Elves learning unconsiously. Why? they are having fun, they are focused, and others are interested in what they are sharing, and as a result, the inate process of learning begins. Collaborating, self study, self motivated research, etc. children are by far natural learners especially when the environment is condusive to learning, and is less restrictive, with high tech opportunities. We as educators need to become more sensitive to this new population of learners filtering into our classes and begin to develop curiculum that will complement these naturally motivated learners. I believe the quote says it all, "Children are learning that to be literate is to have power"
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Web 1.0 or Web 2.0
As I read chapters one and Two, I progressively became more aware of the importance
of literary growth. These reading enabled me to view the history of education and learning in a diffrent way. To clearly understand the purpose of the uprise and stability of new technology when it comes to computers and it's purpose in education allows us to see the value of updating and implementing it effectively in our classrooms. It is evident that our school system is functioning under the Industrial period mind set, living under the world routines. Everything we do for the most part is based on the limited physical world. Were progressing accordingly by speed and sometimes more efficently. However, if you look at the youth of today, they are products of the cyberspace generation. I do believe that what we thought as being an attention deficet, or off task and inappropriate behavior, is in reality, the result of living in a world that communicates physically with boundaries and a world that communicates in space with unlimited opportunities. I acknowledged that as teachers in a progressive ever changing world. It is essential that we break paradiams and open our minds to better understand the thinking and new social culture that our children and students live in. Especially us who are stuck in the old mind set. We are now living in an interactive society. Multi-tasking is becoming a given. I now realize that I challenge students in my class that multi-task, thinking that they will miss cues or something , where in fact they are living the norm of an individual who functions effectively in both worlds. My students ongoingly want to critique and question everything, or even give an opinion to a conversation on the other side of the room. This lets me see that yes, we are definetly living in a
new world of collective intelligence and in a world with an increase in "socialcultral perspective".
of literary growth. These reading enabled me to view the history of education and learning in a diffrent way. To clearly understand the purpose of the uprise and stability of new technology when it comes to computers and it's purpose in education allows us to see the value of updating and implementing it effectively in our classrooms. It is evident that our school system is functioning under the Industrial period mind set, living under the world routines. Everything we do for the most part is based on the limited physical world. Were progressing accordingly by speed and sometimes more efficently. However, if you look at the youth of today, they are products of the cyberspace generation. I do believe that what we thought as being an attention deficet, or off task and inappropriate behavior, is in reality, the result of living in a world that communicates physically with boundaries and a world that communicates in space with unlimited opportunities. I acknowledged that as teachers in a progressive ever changing world. It is essential that we break paradiams and open our minds to better understand the thinking and new social culture that our children and students live in. Especially us who are stuck in the old mind set. We are now living in an interactive society. Multi-tasking is becoming a given. I now realize that I challenge students in my class that multi-task, thinking that they will miss cues or something , where in fact they are living the norm of an individual who functions effectively in both worlds. My students ongoingly want to critique and question everything, or even give an opinion to a conversation on the other side of the room. This lets me see that yes, we are definetly living in a
new world of collective intelligence and in a world with an increase in "socialcultral perspective".
YES!!
Well, can you believe it ?? I, finally got into my blog!! Glory Halleuiah! :)
I really thought I was going to die, no, I thought that I was going to lose my mind, No I was beginning to cry hysterically, when I realized that I wasn't making a break-through. But I did.
This has been a really challenging two weeks for me. Last week, what was it? 5,6, 7, hours trying to figure this all out. Not only was I struggling to get my blog and postings started, I racked my brain trying to find the links. (that took only an hour, ok it took me an hour and a half, give or take a couple of minutes,or hours). Whereas, I have come to the realization that I am most definetly computer illiterate, and am a product of the industrial age mind set. I can no longer pretend that I can function effectively with technology and the new computer world.
I made a great step in acknowledging this about myself. Just like with members of AAA, the first step is acknowledging that you have an addiction. Well, I am a dysfunctional computer user, and I actually dreaded using the computer any other way than the basic ways. Please notice I said dreaded. That's past tense. Ater my breakthrough a new awaking has come over me. I am now eager, and very excited to learn a new language, to interact on a "higher level" to travel by new means and explore new worlds, by traveling in cyberspace. (I looked out the window and I Still can't see it.It must be past the stratusphere) I want to be better equiped to teach
and reach my students.
I owe my new out look on life to our Teacher, she gently told me that she could help. That gave me peace and a new hope. She did E-mail me and asked me to give her specifics on my troubles. Like, what happened when you did such and such. The question alone blew my mind. Did she really think I could explain it? After I let it saturate and I got the nerves to go back on the computer.( don't ask how many days it took, I got back on). Anyway to make a long story short, after a shorter time than before, and added knowlwdge and through trial and error I managed to get through this ever so simple (to you guys anyway) task. I couldn't get on my original bolg, so I created a new one with a new e-mail. I know that makes it complicated for others to e-mail me, but what is most important I got to post a blog!! :)
I really thought I was going to die, no, I thought that I was going to lose my mind, No I was beginning to cry hysterically, when I realized that I wasn't making a break-through. But I did.
This has been a really challenging two weeks for me. Last week, what was it? 5,6, 7, hours trying to figure this all out. Not only was I struggling to get my blog and postings started, I racked my brain trying to find the links. (that took only an hour, ok it took me an hour and a half, give or take a couple of minutes,or hours). Whereas, I have come to the realization that I am most definetly computer illiterate, and am a product of the industrial age mind set. I can no longer pretend that I can function effectively with technology and the new computer world.
I made a great step in acknowledging this about myself. Just like with members of AAA, the first step is acknowledging that you have an addiction. Well, I am a dysfunctional computer user, and I actually dreaded using the computer any other way than the basic ways. Please notice I said dreaded. That's past tense. Ater my breakthrough a new awaking has come over me. I am now eager, and very excited to learn a new language, to interact on a "higher level" to travel by new means and explore new worlds, by traveling in cyberspace. (I looked out the window and I Still can't see it.It must be past the stratusphere) I want to be better equiped to teach
and reach my students.
I owe my new out look on life to our Teacher, she gently told me that she could help. That gave me peace and a new hope. She did E-mail me and asked me to give her specifics on my troubles. Like, what happened when you did such and such. The question alone blew my mind. Did she really think I could explain it? After I let it saturate and I got the nerves to go back on the computer.( don't ask how many days it took, I got back on). Anyway to make a long story short, after a shorter time than before, and added knowlwdge and through trial and error I managed to get through this ever so simple (to you guys anyway) task. I couldn't get on my original bolg, so I created a new one with a new e-mail. I know that makes it complicated for others to e-mail me, but what is most important I got to post a blog!! :)
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