Online Media!! The New Way of Accessing Your Faves

I can honestly say that the TV of today and how most of us students watch it has been positive in my life. For starters, I stay in a dorm on campus. It is supposed to be one of the nicest dorms, but the cable provider we have just doesn’t live up to the “best dorm on campus” standards. Some channels have even been taken away, but on behalf of the service provider they had a good reason for it. Being able to watch some shows on your laptop that you can’t get in your dorm is relaxing! It helps me to ease my mind and keeps me from watching the same old channels on my TV. Another great thing about being able to access TV shows and movies on the internet, is that when you’re out of town somewhere or you could be sitting at work, as long as you have that internet access you will have access to that show or movie you want to watch. I cannot count on my hands alone how many times I have seen people who work behind computers are usually watching their favorites online in their downtime.  Even our librarians do it! Sometimes when you’re in a hotel, they more than likely don’t have the channel or movie you want to watch either. Hotels have great Wi-Fi so there would be no problem accessing what you need. Not only is having all this on the internet easy and quick, it saves money! Why go out and spend all your money on DVDs or on the movies (which is getting very high), when you can easily find the movie on the internet by just searching it or subscribing to Netflix. Then, you have the luxury of laying in your bed or chilling on your couch wrapped up with your laptop and popcorn without a care in the world. Going the internet route for your TV show and movie needs is almost a no brainer. 

OPERATION CAPSTONE : TEACHER AND STUDENT INTERACTION

Capstone Project on Prezi

For my Capstone Project, I chose to do Student and Teacher Interaction using Smart boards and Ipads in the classroom. Most of us students have those classes with about 100 students with half of us asleep and the other half on their phones. By integrating the smart boards with the ipads, not only can teachers move freely among the class, they can hand off the ipads to us students and let us get a more hands on understanding of what is being taught. Not only will we understand better, we can participate more, grades will be higher, and the lesson won't just go in one ear and out the other. 

BLAST FROM THE PAST

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                           Well, we are finally at the end of the road. First semester of college is almost over. What a journey it truly has been. I loved this English class. It taught me a lot with the challenges that came along with it. This English class helped me to not only recognize my weaknesses, but my many strengths as well. I believe my strengths show the most in Blog Post #5, "Generation G": Inside a Share-able World" for many reasons.  With this post, we had the chance of picking an essay and basically expressing how we feel about that particular essay. I was able to get my exact point across and stick to what I truly felt. It was much easier to pick out something you really stand behind without having to worry about if you're giving that "right answer."  Not only did I have a post that showed my strengths in my writing, I had at least one that showed a weakness as well. 

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  I know we're only supposed to reflect to strengths, but what are the strengths without the weaknesses that helped us to get there? Example:  Blog post #4, "WAAAAAAAIIIT A MINUTE, IS COLLEGE GOOD ENOUGH?" This is post was an obvious challenge even though I tried my hardest not to let it be. It showed me weaknesses I never really realized I had. In the post, I didn't really stay on topic and didn't argue my point well enough. Even though I had already known this, it took someone else to tell me for me to actually go back and realize how I really needed to focus on certain things in my writing. 

Now, the blog that  I believe comes in second right behind Blog Post #5 as being one of my best posts I would have to say is the re-do of blog post #4. Which was called," Operation RE-DO!! "Is College (Good) Enough?" (Revised Version). In this post, we were told to revise a previous post. So why not redeem myself ? In this post, I showed exactly how you pick an argument and stand behind it with good sources. Once I figured out exactly what I needed to work on, revising this blog was a piece of cake. 

photo credit: photopin

      

I do hate that this class is coming to an end. I loved doing the blogs and class discussions. They made me feel like I did not have to worry about being judged on my opinions, and that it doesn't matter if someone does not agree with what you feel. 

OPERATION RE-DO !! "IS COLLEGE (GOOD) ENOUGH?" (REVISED VERSION)

                             photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/illinoisspringfield/7184992690/
               


                                 For this post I have chosen to revise the previous post "Is College Good Enough" Why? Well, because I need to be more apparent about where I stand on the subject. Not only for me, but my readers as well. So let's get started shall we?

                           So obviously, the topic is, is our degree at the end of our college journey good enough. My answer in the beginning was sort of in between, but now that my eyes have been opened more, my answer is clearly "No." Now this is no time to freak out, drop all your classes, and completely drop out of college period. I'm just simply saying that we must go beyond the degree. For that piece of paper is only first base, a stepping stone. College is supposed to prepare us for the "Real Word" supposedly, but is it really doing that job well?

photocredit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sally_monster/2264033682/

     In the article The Bad Habits You Learn in School, John Coleman stresses how school PERIOD doesn't really teach leadership skills and how most of us are stuck on finding the "right answer" in things all the time.These are bad habits that need to be soon broken before we get into the "Real World". But how can we do that ? When you feel like you need to take initiative, DO SO. Being a leader can be a little intimidating, but it also can be very much worth it. Being that leader can open so many doors when it comes to your career. You also can gain followers to be apart of your project that can make it that much stronger. When it comes to the right or wrong answer thing, do not be afraid of failure. It is such a strong word, but we are much stronger. Embrace it. See any failures as something to grow from. MINOR SETBACKS,MAJOR COMEBACKS.

photocredit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kugelfisch/6711401057/

Now that we've got those bad habits broken, what is another way that we must do more that what college provides? Well, that degree that we are all putting our blood, sweat, and tears into, is ultimately, a piece of paper that recognizes only that. What will separate you from the rest? What will make that employer pick you over someone with the same degree? We must go beyond just our academics.When you graduate, you will not be the only one applying for that   job,trust me.Why Your College Degree Is Not Enough  states that "Experience trumps a degree every time." So,before we go into the job market, we must put in work with any internship that relates to our careers. A little experience can get you further than no experience at all. Internships, Co-ops, even jobs around campus in your major department can help and also open many more doors than just graduating and competing with people who have been trained. Give them some competition.


   We are constantly told to get ready for the infamous "Real World" that we are honestly already living in. Sh*t got real when we graduated high school right? Right. No, our degrees are not enough. It is up to us, to go above and beyond to have our dream careers. If you're not willing to put in the work, then why are you in college in the first place?? Let's handle our business people. While we are here, and when we leave.
     

"GENERATION G": INSIDE A....... SHARE-ABLE WORLD?

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/boojee/4317757770/

Did you know, we are living in a “Shareable World?”. I know I didn't. At least I didn't realize actually  how "shareable" it actually is or can be. For my blog today, I chose to respond to an article from “SHARE or DIE.” I then chose the section called Society where I found “10 Ways Our World is Becoming More Shareable” and I must say it kind of blew my mind as to how things really are. How though?? 

Well for starters, what exactly does a shareable world mean? Right now, it seems as if everyone is going through everything, everywhere. From wars, to riots, to hate crimes, so where in the hell is this so called shareable world that this book speaks of?? It is of course right up under our noses, but everyone seems too occupied with world issues, instead of trying to find ways how to solve them. From the internet, to non-profit organizations, there is more than one way to lend a helping hand. 

 For instance, everyone's main girl called Social Media.Everybody has some type of social media they use for something. Whether it is a profile on Facebook or Twitter, or something as simple as a YouTube Channel. Millions of people use it,but only thousands may be using it for the good of the people. There are many organizations that use social media to get the word out about fundraisers for certain causes,research,diseases, or even posting tutorials on how to perform certain tasks or homework that you would be absolutely lost about otherwise.Well, why aren't more of us on the helping end instead of the “Lend me a hand?” Once you receive your help does it hurt to pass it on? I think not. 

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/jiuck/5196095651/

This article also pointed out how cities and even our lifestyles are filled with sharing. We all know of the recession and how it has taken it's toll on most if not all. How is sharing involved in that? When we see a family member or person , of course you want to lend a helping hand. At least, I would hope. We share what we have with them. Everything from carpooling, to clothes, to maybe even a room in our homes, these are all forms of sharing your world, parts of your life with that person. To help them get them back on their feet.

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/3674210597/

Towards the end of the article, there is a passage about what is referred to as "Generation G" The generation of generosity I believe. I bet you're wondering “Who is apart of that?” I asked the same thing myself honestly. Not too many in my generation seem to be apart of it. So who are they? Only 61% of Ages 13-25 supposedly. Why is that number so low though? Why aren't there more of us doing something for others? Selfless service? Now I will admit, I can be a selfish person at times,but I do what I can when it comes to charities and other things of that nature. Older generations believe that “Generation G” will transform this world. How is that possible if more people are only worried about themselves than others? It does not hurt to help someone in need. I'm not just talking about some homeless person. I mean people like US. College students, high school students, elementary kids, even people older than us. There is nothing wrong with helping and sharing your world with them. Why not share ideas of advancement with each other,instead of keeping it to ourselves, and then wondering why the rest of the world is so behind. We should learn to share our ideas,

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ud3/7979696083

share our minds and thoughts, not only for the advancement of ourselves, but everyone.You can't complain about how the world or this nation is lagging when you're not willing to yourself, to go out,search the internet, search the social media, even search the workplace, to find ways that you can get off your ass and do something.Then, once you find it, share that with someone else, so the advancement never stops, and this“Shareable World” can be more existent to us and younger generations to come.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAIT A MINUTE, IS COLLEGE ENOUGH?

photo credit:shutterstock.com

                    Now here is a question you very rarely hear asked. Is college good enough? Will I have the necessary skills? Is just college enough for my chosen career? Everyone or majority of us are here because we were told to come here. Some of us never really thought about the question of is this enough? In my personal opinion, I believe in college and beyond! Yes, getting a degree is good, but it is really just the first step! In the article Why Your College Degree Is Not Enough, it states how having a degree really does not set you apart from anyone else.  I totally agree with this statement. Think about how many people will be going out for the same exact positions as you with the same degree. photocredit:photopin.com What will set you apart? EXPERIENCE. Internships are everywhere. You have to have the ambition to go out and find them, because in this day and age, that piece of paper we are working so hard for has to have more behind it than the school it came from. 

    Now I'm not saying that our degrees are completely worthless. I am just saying that it is the first stepping stone. While we are here though, we must do our best to excel or we won't even have a degree. photocredit:photopin.com

                 

                     Although studies from the article When C's Become A's show that people who study less earn the higher grades, does NOT mean that is true for everyone. Some proffesors could be just giving you a grade to benefit them more than you. Where am I going with this? Do your best to get your degree! A degree really is not going to be worth anything if you did not put forth the effort and hard work. Not only will you know it, but your future employers as well. You cannot ask the question "Is college good enough for me?" when you slack on your studies and assignments. No one wants to just "get by" in the world. We all want to be the best for ourselves. 

        So you have the grades so far, internships in mind, but what else can college provide? I am only a freshman in college. I do not yet know what all college has to offer for me besides the academics and job opportunities around campus. What about when it comes to who we are as people right now though? Will we change for the better or worse? I believe that college ultimately makes us more well rounded people in general. We are hit with so many different experiences and different people from all around the United States and the world. photocredit:photopin.com

            What should you do? Embrace it. Embrace Growth And Change states how a usually shy student may go back home more confident in themselves. Out in the "real world" you will be faced with many different types of situations and people. College can ultimately prepare you for that if you are able to take in everything the right way. Now there may be some bad habits we need to break before getting out into the workplace. According to The Bad Habits You Learn In School, most of us have the "must get an A" attitude. That attitude can impair us from learning from our failures. Remember to drop this habit and reflect on your failures. Do not settle. Ask your proffesors what you can do to be a better student and ultimately a better person. Again, you can not ask the question "Is college good enough," if you are not putting in effort in what you feel you deserve. 

So ultimately, is college really (good) enough? Of Course!

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                    Yes, it has it's ups and downs to it, but HELLO what doesn't? It is all about what you do with your time here and how you go about handling your business. If you feel like you deserve more out of something or a subject, then find better. No one can stop you from prospering but yourself and your fears. Make College Count! 8 Ways to get the Most out of Your First Year, shows ways how college is more than just a degree. Everything ultimately lands on you and what you accomplish while you are here and even when you graduate.

 

Honestly, What is College Really (good) For?

 http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/01/10-more-reasons-why-parents-should-not-send-their-kids-to-college

This is a topic no one really brings up. The subject of what college is really for and it is really necessary.Growing Up. I was always told to further my education. I am pretty sure we all were. Never once did I think of simply asking "Why?" Going to college just always seemed like how life is supposed to go.You go from Pre-school, to elementary, middle school, high school, and then college. That's life cycle......right? For the majority it is, but what about for the rest? Not everyone believes that college is a must for them. College has its benefits, and some downfalls that can come along with it that most people would just rather avoid. 

The main downfall......the amount of debt that you could fall into, if you're not careful. 

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According to www.npr.org, student loan debt has now "exceeded the nation's credit card debt." Even though it seems like it would be easy to fall into the debt. I believe it is just as easy not to. Another reason most people see college as unnecessary, is the big question of "Will I get a job when it's all over?" For some , that is no guarantee. Most people want that degree in what they love and dream of doing for the rest of their lives, but will it pay off in the end? Will it help to payback any student loans that you have? That is what makes most drop their dreams and go for a degree more practical. www.thedailybeat.com states that certain degrees such as history, liberal arts, or languages can be very beneficial. Especially if you continue on to your Master's. The thing is though; you must stay motivated to succeed no matter what to get a degree period. 

photo credit:instantcollegedegree.com

photo credit:instantcollegedegree.comWell  what about the benefits of college? There are plenty! College  changes our lives for the better in every aspect. For starter'sit helps us to become more independent . I have always wanted to be able to get out and get it on my own. There is no better feeling than not to have to depend on anyone but yourself. College teaches you to take care of yourself , all  by yourself, and get some priorities in your life that you may not have had before. College turns us all into responsible adults and shows us what it is really like in the "REAL" world. 

Not only does college mold us and shape us into productive citizens, it helps with social life as well. 

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You meet so many different people from so many different places. Even people from different countries. Who wouldn't want to experience that? Not only does college have personal benefits and social benefits,the main aspect is the DEGREE benefits.     photocredit: www.usnewsnewsuniversitydirectory.com

During our time here, there are so many opportunities available before we even get into our field such as many different internships and jobs that will look great on a resume' and give you some experience. In the article on www.npr.org, it says how college can expand the way we see things. How college can change our whole outlook on life period. College turns us into critical thinkers, and also realistic people. Getting the degree of your choice in something you love is the biggest benefit that college has. It is the gift that will keep on giving. 

The link www.bls.gov elaborates on how college graduates are in high demand and are doing very well for themselves and goes on to say how college-educated workers are higher earners than those who skipped out on college. Honestly, that is a given. You really cannot expect to come out of high school and work a good paying, high level job. College may have a few downfalls here and there that would make people change their minds on thinking of going, but along with the few downfalls, college has plenty of benefits. College is ultimately, an investment into our futures that will have the ultimate payoff if we excel while we are here.