Thursday, April 28, 2011

iPad Effect?

I believe that iPads will not cause a major problem with distraction. Right now most kids have smart phones or iPods that can be used to access facebook anyway. The students that actually want to do good in school and get good grades will not get distracted while using the iPad, but some other students might. Overall I do not think that the iPad will cause a major problem on students' focus. As stated in the article For Students, What is the "Facebook Effect" on Grades, facebook can be used to great benefit sometimes, and most students like to be engaged in online collaboration. Facebook, as proved in studies, actually increased students engagement in extra curricular activities because of the constant connection and communication. There would be negative effects to iPads also. Facebook has also proved to make around 20% of students grades drop, which is not good. I believe that there are more positive attributes to the iPad then negetive, so students should embrace the iPad and put it to good use.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

iPad

For the last two days I have using the iPad in class, and I think it is great. It is very easy to use, and it is fun. You can search the internet quickly and switch between many tabs quickly. The multitask option is great because I can switch between many apps at once, or between the internet and applications. I also like how the iPad has a spell check built right into it, so no matter where you are typing it is automatically edited. Typing is also fairly easy. Some people might think it is hard to type on the iPad but I do not have a problem with it, and I like how you can make the keyboard hide when you want a full screen of what ever your looking at. Being able to download apps anywhere where there is internet is also great because apps can be very helpful for you, and even your education, and the ability to download any apps is awesome. I recommend that people who have not tried the iPad yet because they do not think that they will like it, look into it and try it because it could be really helpful, and it is fun to use.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Espn ScoreCenter

This is a great app for any sport fan. This app allows you to stay updated with your favorite sport teams. All you have to do is click "add team" and then pick which sport, which league, and then you pick the team you want. There is also the alert option where you can receive alerts or notifications about your team. You can choose which points of the game you would like to receive alerts such as (for hockey): game start, each scoring play, each period and final, or final. This is a great way to stay updated with your favorite teams when you are not near a TV and you can not watch it. There is also the game cast option during the game, where you can watch the play by play stats such as fouls or turnovers in basketball or hits in hockey. Also this app has any the schedule of upcoming games of any team, and also it shows you the results of some teams you might not have added to your favorites. If you missed any games or you are wondering what time upcoming games are, this has it all. I recommend you get this app if you are a fan of any sports team or many sports because it is an easy way to stay up to date and to keep track of everything.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

What Do Students Know About Positive Digital Footprints?

I agree with this article. It is very important to keep a good digital footprint because it can seriously affect you. Many children do not think about their digital footprint and they just do whatever they want to online, but they need to be trained that you cannot just do what ever you want on the Internet and not have a negative consequence. I agree with Bill Ferriter because its not right to just tell children and students to stay offline because the Internet has so many positive benefits, and to not use it would have a negative influence on people. These are Ferriter's recommendations...
1) A tiered-approach to Internet safety that provides basic guidance for all students and more targeted instruction for students likely to be at-risk online.
2) Structured opportunities for students to do good work online, whether it's sharing their learning about the world or promoting civic service in their community.
I agree with Bill because if students are taught the right, safe way to use the Internet then they can use it to gain knowledge, and learn how to use the Internet to do good work and to accomplish tasks, and keep a positive digital footprint.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

My Picture Tour


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This is the main entrance. This is the way me and most of the other students enter and exit the school everyday.

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This is the statue. This is in the main entrance way, and  I pass by this every morning in order to get to my homeroom.

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This is the cafeteria. I go here everyday to eat lunch between 4th and 5th period.

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This is the library. On days I have study I go here to do my homework.

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This is the lower library. When the library is closed I come here to do my homework.



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This is the rubber gym. This is where I go for most of my gym classes.

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This is the boys lockerroom. This is where I keep all my gym and sports equipment, and where I go before practices for lacrosse and football.








Wednesday, April 6, 2011

UConn Wins Their 3rd National Title


On Monday April 4, 2011, The University of Connecticut Huskies defeat the Butler Bulldogs 53-41 to win their 3rd national title. Coach, Jim Calhoun, also received his 3rd national title with the Huskies on this night. It was a night to remember for the UConn school and students, as the 8,000 UConn students and fans who were at the game started storming the court with excitement after the game. It was an exciting night for the Huskies and especially Kemba Walker who scored 16 points that night. This was not just an offensive night for the Huskies though. They held Butler to only 12-for-64 shooting, which is only 18.8 percent, the worst ever in a title game. This game made head coach, Jim Calhoun, a very happy man. At age 68, he became the oldest coach to win the NCAA championship, and he joined John Wooden, Adolph Rupp, Mike Krzyzewski and Bob Knight as the fifth coach to win three NCAA titles. The Huskies ended their year with an 11 game winning streak, we will find out next year if the Huskies can beat this years amazing record.