4/26/10

Emma's topic about depression in college isn't a happy one, but one that needs to be addressed. Even though college can be very overwhelming at times, it is incredibly important that every person knows that they have a support system they can count on. Whether that person be a best friend, sibling, or someone from an academic program.

Joey's project is interesting because technology is in many classes, and virtually every student does works with technology on a daily basis for schoolwork and in their personal lives. Technology is continually progressing. My initial reaction is that technology is used differently based on age group, but now after thinking about it, I'm not so sure. Overheads, email, and projectors are used pretty regularly from elementary school onward. The thing about technology is that not every teacher knows how to use it, and wastes class time trying to figure it out. It can be negative for the student as well as the teacher. One example is last semester, I was supposed to use the projector for a French project and things just didn't go as planned so we couldn't use the powerpoint that my group worked on. Sad day.

Katherine's topic is interesting, and quite honestly, most of it went over my head. Not because of her presentation, because it was very thorough, but history goes over my head sometimes. The Cold War is a very complex topic, so there are many ways she can focus her paper. It opens a lot of doors, but is also challenging because she must choose one or a few aspects to focus on.

4/26/10

Depression, Technology, and Cold War

With papers already turned in, this series of presentations were well prepared. Not many comments, but I was glad that all the presenters had a personal connection to their respected topics.

Emma- Depression- With the recent events in the Lakeshore dorms, the topic is appropriate. Including the University would strengthen your argument.

Joey- Technology- Pokémon!!

Kathryn- Cold War- Great topic, American propaganda. Once again, I would recommend that you incorporate Madison into the subject, or at least mention the turmoil experienced here. I think it is valuable to understand the targeted audience of the media, children. Great Job.

Presentations: Day 4

Again, I thought the presentations were intriguing. Emma's presentation on depression with college students was thoughtful as well as thought provoking. Depression runs in my family as well and so I strongly believe that programs for people who are depressed are very necessary, whether they are young or old, students or not. Joey's presentation on the use of technology was also well done. With all the information he's gathered I think his paper will turn out nicely. (Nice pokemon too) Kathryn's presentation (again, sorry if I ever mispell any names) was also put together nicely. She had a lot of information and research about both the cold war itself as well as the media that was portrayed to students during that time. I've seen a few older videos that schools used to show students and honestly some of them are so full of propaganda that they are sometimes really funny to watch. I'm sure her paper will also turn out well.

4/26 presentations

Todays presentations were all very different but very intriguing. Emma's presentation brought up a very good point about college life. It is unfortunate that a lot of students do become depressed during college because of all the pressure and stress they go through. It is very important to inform students of this issue so they know where to get help or recognize someone else that may need help and assist them. Joey presentation on educational technology was very good as well. Today, I feel like we all take the technology we have for granted and do not realize what it would be like without it. Students now are very reliant on all the computers and things they have; that can be a good or bad thing. Teachers have to understand technology and the needs of their students but obviously, a lot of them are clueless. It was interesting that Joey brought up the issue of teachers that do not want to work with new technology. That is unfortunate for both the student and the teacher, both of them will need to understand it because technology will continue to become a bigger part of their lives. I also thought Katherine's topic on the media in the cold war was great. I thought is was great that she used more of a historical perspective on her paper because everyone else is researching current issues. Her topic can also be related to education now and I think if she did that it would strengthen her paper and put it in perspective.

More presentation responses

I found it interesting that the system is racist against african and hispanic americans when it comes to higher education. At first when you apply to college you think it might be easier because they qualify for minority status but the data doesn't lie. I like to think of the autistic kids learning to be normal with animals as baby steps. They need to work their way up to a real life person, so they start small by talking to animals. I guess its good to have a dog since that means you'll have normal kids. Finally I agree that deaf students shouldn't be forced to go to normal public school. It's not fair to them since they have a natural barrier between them and their peers. That was interesting to learn that it was hereditary.

April 23rd Presentation Response

The deaf-mainstream presentation was a huge coincidence. I went to my friend Merle's house in Darian, WI and his high school is right down the block from the state's deaf high school. It was really interesting hearing about how they utilized the public schools utilities for their sports, such as their band and other things that deaf kids would have trouble doing.

It really seems that one who comes from a family of deaf people that tney would be biased, but at the same time you would know what you're talking about. It seems that there would be no unnecessary barriers if deaf students were all grouped together. It may seem like segregation, but when you look at it, it is nothing like it. With racial segregation there are no difference besides skin color. When there are so many barriers it must not only be easier for the students but more natural for them if they were all together.