Do you agree with this list? What would be on the top of your list? What gift do you think is missing?

Yes I do agree with this list. The Ipad would be at the top of my list. I can't think of what's missing right now.

Tell us what you think about the possibility of taking courses online. What are the trade-offs between this approach to education and an experience complete with classrooms and in-person interactions? What are the benefits and drawbacks? Have you ever taken an online course or used an instructional video like those from Vi Hart or Khan Academy? If so, what did you think? Can you see video and online instruction replacing traditional classes? Do you think it is the wave of the future?

          I think online courses are cool. Apart from that there are several benefits and non-benefits. Taking courses online is cool because you can do it in your time unless there's a specific timing, you are away from people and the classroom,  you don't have anyone interrupting & you can research the information needed. Then there are the non-benefits which include not understanding what you are being taught in a video, no one there to explain it and totally getting confused within the midst also losing information.

           I have taken an online course. I have also watched instructional videos, "Khan Academy". They are pretty helpful. Rather than the teacher talking to a whole bunch of students in an environment that maybe noisy and losing everyone, this is beneficial. I think the videos break it down a lot and unlike a teacher you can stop, fast forward and re-play it whenever you like.
          
          In the future I definitely see videos  and online instruction replacing traditional classes. Why? Because people come up with genius ideas everyday and once it's put into effect changes a whole lot. This would be an amusement to people. Not everyone enjoys sitting in a class listening to a teacher. Do I think this is a wave for the future? It's funny but I do.

Will multitasking make you become less good at focusing on one task, of being able to do one thing really well?

Yes I think so because you don't give your all into that one task.

Do you think Technology is Wiring Teens to Have Better Brains or just creating digital addicts? Why?

I think technology creates digital addicts but it depends on how well you can handle what you do.

Do you think technology stops our brains from reaching their full potential? Is technology undermining our ability to focus?

Well I think it kind of does. Why? We barely think about what we have to do because we have the information because of modern technology. We don't think as best as we should. I think it does undermine our ability to focus.

What do you think, do our brains make us play more often or does play change our brains?

I think the brain makes us play more often and creates that addiction.

Do you think all the Googling people do is affecting our memories in a negative or positive way? Why?

I don't think it affects our memories because you're learning information  .

Will iPads drive the cars of the future?

Maybe it will. Technology will be more advanced in the future.

Introduction

Everyone loves music. It may draw an emotional attachment not necessarily sentimental though. Some people focus listening to music and it is very interesting. It relaxes the mind and soothe the soul. I think we'd be lost without music.

Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?

I think hard work is more important because you put time in. Someone can be talented and rarely ever express their talent. Therefore working hard definitely is more important.

Thesis Statement

I believe that music can help you learn, relax your mind and focus.

You wouldn’t want someone stealing your hard work, intentionally or even unintentionally, would you? Of course not. Why?

Because if I spent time doing my work, I would extremely be upset if someone stole my work either way.

Why do you think cellphones are banned in most schools? What consequence does this have for students?

 Because they cause distraction. Students give a lot less effort and flunk out of school or just don't care. 

Cell Phones at School: Should They Be Allowed?

 I think they should be allowed because an emergency can occur in which they may have to contact their parents.

You may have heard the phrase, "Choose your battles." Write about a battle in school that you think is worth fighting, or one that isn't. Why?

I think it's not fair that we can't wear any color jacket over our collar shirts. I think we should be able to. That battle in my opinion is worth fighting for.

Do you have personal goals you’ve been working for a long time to accomplish? What are they? How do you stay motivated?

Yes I have personal goals I've been working on. One of them is overcoming procrastination. It's my biggest weaknesses. I stay motivated by thinking what's the use of wasting time on something worthless than accomplishing something that will help me in the long run.

How has your effort determined your success in this class, school and life?

My grades has improved because of  the effort I put forth.

To What Piece of Technology Would You Write a ‘Love Letter’?

Dear Galaxy Tab,
                           I love you. Ever since I got a hold of you I've been in love. I hardly use my cellphone anymore. I barely even text. You provide so much information.

                           I'd be devastated if I lost you. You're my little tabby. I know that may sound funny but that's what I named you. You provide all the information I need for school, and life I may say. Sometimes you act up or may shut down on me but I still love you.

                           I'm thankful they made you. I can say you make life handy and the fact that you're portable is even more fascinating. I hope they let me keep you at the end of the year. That way you can come to college with me and our relationship will just keep growing. I hope you don't fail me.

How does the light table view in Keynote or the Slide Sorter View in PowerPoint help you to organize your slides?

It's an easier way to create the slides.

How are the slides on PowerPoint or Keynote similar index cards? Describe how you will use PowerPoint or Keynote to take notes for your project.

Because power point and key note is like highlighting important terms on a topic and that's what you use index cards for.

Write a least 5 Keywords for the Topic of your project and your 5 subtopics.

culture, emotion, origin, singing, rhythm

What is your overall opinion of this article? How do you feel about being a guinea pig for this initiative? What responsibilities does the senior class have to success of mobile devices in education? Is this a good thing?

I think the article is good but the comments are ridiculous. I don't understand why some people were so ignorant. I don't like the guinea pig term. The senior class will have to take responsibility and be very careful with their tabs and put them to good use. I do think it's a good thing though.

Tell us how you feel about the school Dress Code. What is your opinion on School Uniforms? Why do you think it is necessary or unnecessary to wear school uniforms? Do you think that students are reacting properly to mandatory school uniforms? What do you think is the effect of mandatory school uniforms? What suggestions do you have to improve the Uniform/Dress Code at East Orange Campus High School?

I grew up wearing uniforms so I don't mind abiding by the rules. I think the shirt color however should of been navy blue rather than grey and khaki pants are fine. It is not necessary to wear uniforms but you represent where you're from when you do. Let's not forget, also looking organized. I think it's better to wear uniforms because it's more affordable, rather than trying to find a new outfit everyday. Most of the students do not act properly towards the dress code because they don't agree with it. I however don't like the fact that we can't wear a jacket over our collar shirts unless its a certain color. Not only are certain classes cold but we like to wear our jackets especially when it's getting cold. I understand that they wants us to look together that's why enforcing the dress code is so important. I hope though my idea of letting us wear navy blue shirts or both so we could have an option will be taken into consideration. I think looking presentable is the effect of mandatory school uniforms. I suggest that they allow us to wear any color on top of our collar shirts and not force to put our jackets in our lockers. Once again consider the navy blue shirts.

Why is it so important to learn how to learn today and in the future?

It is important to learn how to learn today and in the future because knowledge takes you a long way. Once you have it, it can never be taken away from you unless you lose it.

Do you have a cellphone? Do you agree that it can distract you from your schoolwork?

Yes I do have a cellphone and honestly I do agree that it distracts me from my school work majority of the time. It causes procrastination.

Tell us how you feel about the use of Mobile Devices like Cellphones and Tablets as educational tools — whether in or out of the classroom. How could your teachers use them during lessons?

I think mobile devices are very interesting apart from the distraction it causes. You can research information and broaden your knowledge anywhere because they are portable. Teachers could use them during lessons by assigning work that is already on the device and the students just go to it and there it is, very handy. But I think with mobile devices given to students, it's up to them if they want to do their part or use the devices for the inappropriate unnecessary things for example, social networks and games etc.

How will you use the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ be used to improve your education? Will tablets enhance learning or be more of a distraction?

It'll educate me because a lot of information is on it. I can research and use to to the best of my ability. It's a whole lot of fun. But I think it's up to the students if they want to learn or not because it can be a huge distraction. Hopefully it'll enhance the learning.

Why should you never send emails, texts or IM's when your upset?

You shouldn't send emails, texts or IM's when your upset because you might say something you regret.

How do you think your Blog will benefit you?

I think my blog will benefit me because in the future someone can see what I've done. They can see my ideas or opinions on certain things. My blog can be my own little spot where I express my thoughts.

What is my Personal Credo?

My personal credo is "Hard work and determination brings success and gratification." This is what I live by. I believe there's much more to life than the usual that's why I strive and work to the best of my ability. I want the finer things in life and I also want it for my mom. I try to motivate myself and live above the influence. I know sitting around won't bring anything to the table. People aren't willing to work for what they want, but I am. I believe what you put is what you get out so try I try to the best or even better. Getting where I'm heading won't be easy but in the end it'll be work it. I believe if you have faith and you are determined you can do anything you want. Believing in yourself when no one else does is hard but I like to take doubt from people as a sign of motivation. It pushes me to prove to them that I can do it when they said I couldn't. I would love to have everything I want in life and be happy. I will continue to work even when the going gets tough.

Give an example of a time when you did something you thought was really good only to find out it was not what your teacher wanted? How could this have been avoided?

Last week I had a college essay to write for my English class. The essay wasn't bad. Of course I put a lot of thought into it but, I strayed off topic unfortunately. I spent a couple of hours writing that essay and making it as detailed as I could. It could've been avoided if I didn't over-think it because that's one of my weaknesses and is really a problem.

What do you think are the advantages off cloud computing? What do you like about the iCloud? What problems if any do you see with the iCloud?

With cloud computing it saves stuff. I like it because your information will never be lost. You can share all your information to any device. Any problems it would cause is if you research inappropriate information and it saves it as usual and it effects you in the long run.

What did I do or learn today?

I learned to think about what I post on twitter and social networks period before I post it.

Netiquette Project

Do you think it is a harmless prank to mess with another persons account? What would you do if you find a computer was left on and accounts were not logged out? What would you want someone to do if you left your computer on and accounts open?

No it's more like a harmful prank! If I found a computer which account was left on and was not logged out, I would maybe look at the name and then log out. If I left my computer on with my account open I would kindly appreciate if the person logged out without being rude.

Tell us what you think about Steve Jobs’s legacy and what your own guiding principles are. What are your core beliefs? What would you say is your personal credo? How does that credo guide you in life?

  Steve Jobs was a visionary, leader, motivator, marketer and showman. He left his mark in the world because he was a genius. I think he wanted to prove he was smart, in fact he was a high school drop-out who also had cancer. All the devices he created makes life for us now easier. They just got better and better as the next one came along. My principles in life is to never give up, but to not waist my time in something not worthwhile. Working hard with determination and perseverance will bring success at its best would be my personal credo. It guides me because it makes me aim for the better things in life.

What would your friends (parents and teachers) think of you if you said something mean to someone on the Internet? How would that make you feel?

I think if my friends, parents or teachers found out I said something mean on the internet, I think they'd feel like I let them down because I know better than that. I was brought up to be respectful and to know right from wrong.

How did Steve Jobs (Founder of Apple) effect the way we learn, communicate and live today? How did this effect the world? How did this effect your life?

Steve Jobs was a brilliant man. He took technology a whole new level. It's a shame that he died. He has made the way we communicate and live today easier. He changed things all over the world. It effects my life because I can used iPods, iPADS etc.

How does flaming show a lack of respect? Do you respect people who flame others? Why?

Flaming is disrespectful because you're  being rude. I don't respect people who flame others because that is not cool. You wouldn't want anyone flaming you .

Question of the Day: Do you think that the passing the HSPA should be a requirement for graduation? Do standardized test measure what you really know? Why?

I agree with the HSPA being a graduation requirement if you pass just cause. As far as standardized test go, I don't think they really measure what you know because someone could be a genius at something but flunk a standardized test.

Do you think the HSPA test should be given on a computer or over the Internet? Would most students do better or worse? Would the results be the same? Would you prefer to take the test the traditional way or on a computer? Why?

Yes I think the HSPA test should be given on the computer. I don't know if they'd do better because at the end of the day it's still about what they know. Maybe the results will be same. I'd rather to take the test on a computer just because it seems more modern.

Are you giving your best effort in this class? Do you always work to the best of your ability? What are you going to do to improve you effort in school and especially this class?

I try but I think I can do better. I don't always work to my best effort but I motivate myself do to the best. I'm going to pay attention and do all my work in this class because even though I don't want to do it, what I put in is what I'll get out. So far though, I've been doing good.

What are some of the risks in cyberspace? How can you avoid these risks? What should you do to protect yourself when using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.?

Risks in cyberspace are that you have access to every type of pornography. And the internet makes it easy for this to be accessible. I guess you block certain websites. Using social networks I can protect myself by staying far from anything that leads to cyberspacing.

Why are Digital Citizenship and netiquette key to Online Safety 3.0?

They are important because it helps to stay safe on the internet and not get involved in the unnecessary.

You walk in to the computer classroom. You sit down at your computer. You notice that the computer was left on. Someones online accounts, photographs and classwork is open. What is the right thing to do? What would you do? Why? Should you go into the other persons accounts?

If I saw someone else account open, I would log out. It's rude to intrude in peoples business. They may have something personal maybe in their inbox. I know some people would be rudely curious and decide to make what is not their business entertaining to them. It's wrong.

A "boy/girl" friends you through Facebook. He/she is exactly your age, likes the same things as you, likes the same music you do. After a few weeks of chatting, he/she asks you to meet him/her. What do you do?

If a boy or girl wants to friend me through Facebook and has the same interests as me, maybe at first I'd find it rather interesting but then I'd be curious about them. I'd ask people around would they happen to know the person. If not, and they're from a far away country or something I wouldn't be fond of that. I am not meeting up with anyone I really don't know. I'm not a fan of strangers. I'd be very much aware of what kind of information I disclose.

Why do you think you should engage in the highly collaborative and interactive Web 2.0 in a safe and responsible manner?

I think you should engage in the highly collaborative and interactive Web 2.0 in a safe and responsible manner because is updated and you never know what could happen. Just be very mindful of what you do on the internet.

Why do you think it is important to have good manners online?

I think it's important to have good internet manners because that's respectful. Your actions on the internet reflects who you are. You wouldn't want anyone being rude to you especially over the internet. Displaying good internet manners should be very much enforced.

What do you think are two advantages to watching how to videos? Would you rather watch a video tutorial or read a text tutorial?

I think two advantages to watching how to videos are images in the video and how interesting they make the video seem. I might do better on the test. I'd rather watch a video tutorial than a text tutorial because I'm more of a visual learner.

What would you do if you witnessed a situation similar to this?

If I witnessed a situation similar to that I would've said something to them. Tell them to STOP! It's not fair that someone should get treated like that because it totally will affect them. People are so crazy and inconsiderate these days and they really get a kick out of bullying someone.

Tell us your ideas about preventing bullying — and dealing with it when it does occur. Do you think laws like the one in New Jersey will help reduce instances of bullying? What do you think teachers and schools can do to improve school culture and reduce bullying? What approaches do you think can be effective? Do you see this problem getting better, worse or staying about the same in your school or community?

Well, in my opinion bullying can be prevented if it's punishment is highly severe. People maybe threatened by what they hear. When bullying does occur it should be dealt with as soon as possible. I think in previous cases it wasn't dealt with intensively.
The law of bullying maybe stop a few cases but I think there will still be crazy, chaotic people around that will ignore this law. They'll just have to suffer the consequences. Bullying is not cool and it can damage people's lives. I think the schools and teachers can continue to enforce the law of bullying and maybe, just maybe the chances of it will lessen. I think an effective approach can be creating a session in English classes pertaining to a discussion of the topic "Bullying". I think this problem will continue to be an issue especially in my community because some of these people just don't care.

What would you do if someone created a page on Facebook using your name and information? How is bullying handled in your school and community? Do you feel the rules and policies are adequate? Are they effective?

If someone created a Facebook with my name and my information, I'd be highly scared and curious to know who it is. I know two friends that that has happened to and is ridiculous; who does that? I think doing that means you have low self-esteem or you're jealous of the victim. Being that there's a new law about bullying, my school highly enforces it. The person doing the bullying is going to get punished and deserves it. I think the policies are adequate as long as they follow them.

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights becomes law in the state of New Jersey. Did New Jersey go too far with this law, or is it appropriate and necessary action? Why or why not?

I think the law is just fine. People are being bullied all the time especially in school. It's not right for a student to get bullied and the bully doesn't get punished. I support that law 100% and I strongly believe it's necessary, New Jersey didn't go too far.

Do you think that teenagers are more likely to get into trouble on the Internet than young children? Why?

Yes I think teenagers are more likely to get into trouble than younger children on the internet because they like to explore and see what it has to offer. Younger ones are mostly looking to play a game or something of that sort. A teenagers mind especially in years of development is very curious and since the internet is so diverse they maybe get caught doing the wrong, inappropriate things.

What do you think are the dangers of when using the Internet?

I think there are several dangers when using the internet. It could accommodate pop ups that leads to viruses on your computer. Also visiting certain websites that you shouldn't are left in your history and your never know when someone could stumble upon it. Another danger of the internet is inappropriate information we put on social networks; for example Facebook, twitter, MySpace, hi5 etc. Our whole lives shouldn't be placed online. People could use your personal information and black mail you or steal your identity.

Does modern technology make life more convenient or was life better when technology was simpler?

In my opinion, I believe modern technology does make life easier. So much stuff has been developed over the years as each day goes by. We are eligible to move faster with modern technology. As for times when technology was simpler, you had to deal with it but now that it has developed people look forward to more & more improvements.