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.

Presentations Response pt. II

Again, the presentation topics were all very interesting - it's great to see everyone taking different directions and spins within the realm of education.

In particular, I thought the different studies and statistics that Lindsay presented about her research was especially interesting. I didn't know so many of these facts, but assumed almost every one. It's crazy to think that we have all these studies that prove correlation, but have no guess to the causation. I also really liked your word choice for your thesis - where and not how. Your paper will be really enlightening.

Brittany - I didn't know this sort of therapy was existent. It's going to be interesting to draw out the education within your topic. This really displays that education is not one size fits all.

Jessica - Of all the presentations so far, yours is the most connected. It's great how involved you are. I would also be aware of your bias - I would try to remain generally neutral throughout the piece until your addition to the conversation.