I've been thinking of various ideas for this, and to be honest it's a little difficult because everyone else has come up with some great ideas so far. In Evolution of Writing we've been talking about how this new form of technology is really reshaping literacy practices. Because I will be getting my masters in Literacy for teaching, I thought it might be interesting to do something along those lines. I'm not exactly sure, as of this point in time, but I thought it would be neat to show how all of this is effecting kids in school, how they used to learn how to read and write, into modern days using such things as Leap Frog and other various forms of technology to learn how to read, and learn etc.
I'm not sure if this is too far off the concept for the purpose of this assignment, but I think it would be interesting to say the least? PS. I really like Philip's idea using costumes to show how we've evolved over time (from our Evolution of Writing class.)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A Whole New Mind, yay!!
I'm getting behind yet again! Although I've been reading the required text, I'm not keeping up to date in my personal blog. Anyway, like I said in my last post, I really enjoy this book. It really is almost a relief to know that there is hope for us "R-directed thinkers." I have always felt because I learn in different ways (which I now understand is called "learning styles" from my EDU courses) and how I appreciate beauty and aesthetics, than those whom are "L-directed" thinkers; I just thought that something was somewhat wrong with me to be honest--or that I just was not as smart as others. Pink discusses in this day-in-age, that we are moving into a conceptual age, that we really have to because most of what we produce in the U.S. can be done better and/or cheaper overseas. He argues that we MUST learn the 6 senses in order to really have a "secure job."
I enjoyed reading the first 6 chapters because it almost validates the fact that I am who I am, to a certain degree. I thoroughly enjoy design. I may not be a pro (in fact I know I am not :) HOWEVER, it is very much a natural tendency for me to look at the way things are designed--whether that be how a particular sign for an ad looks, a magazine layout, the way a bathroom looks in a restaurant, or the way someone decorates their house... I am attracted to these things almost instantly. I simply appreciate the way things look.
Symphony, ha, good luck with that one! I can not hold a note while singing, and I certainly could not write music; that is my sister's forte. However, I DO make pretty good connections. I'm good at brainstorming with others (if it's artistic or creative in any way) and come up with new ideas. I like to draw and be really crafty. As Pink mentions on page 134, we are in a world of MULTITASKING.
Stories--I feel as though I lack imagination for any type of fictional writing for this particular sense. I do like to write though. I like creative writing, and writing how I connect with certain things or to others. If I know what I'm talking about, I like to write about it, for the most part :)
Pink explains how these 3 senses (out of 6) we're focusing on this week in class, are going to be crucial and we must "master" them to "complement our L-directed reasoning" as part of the "whole new mind" so that we will be much better in our careers--so that ultimately, everything we do in the U.S. will not be outsourced.
I enjoyed reading the first 6 chapters because it almost validates the fact that I am who I am, to a certain degree. I thoroughly enjoy design. I may not be a pro (in fact I know I am not :) HOWEVER, it is very much a natural tendency for me to look at the way things are designed--whether that be how a particular sign for an ad looks, a magazine layout, the way a bathroom looks in a restaurant, or the way someone decorates their house... I am attracted to these things almost instantly. I simply appreciate the way things look.
Symphony, ha, good luck with that one! I can not hold a note while singing, and I certainly could not write music; that is my sister's forte. However, I DO make pretty good connections. I'm good at brainstorming with others (if it's artistic or creative in any way) and come up with new ideas. I like to draw and be really crafty. As Pink mentions on page 134, we are in a world of MULTITASKING.
Stories--I feel as though I lack imagination for any type of fictional writing for this particular sense. I do like to write though. I like creative writing, and writing how I connect with certain things or to others. If I know what I'm talking about, I like to write about it, for the most part :)
Pink explains how these 3 senses (out of 6) we're focusing on this week in class, are going to be crucial and we must "master" them to "complement our L-directed reasoning" as part of the "whole new mind" so that we will be much better in our careers--so that ultimately, everything we do in the U.S. will not be outsourced.
Monday, March 26, 2007
A Whole New Mind: Chpt 1
I LOVE this book so far! Really. I'm pretty sure it's because I'm a pre-service teacher, and that I'm interested in psychology and and how we function in life as humans. It made me think about how I operate and what side of the brain I use more frequently. Prior to reading this book, I've always thought I was more of an "R directed thinker," and ultimately, I still feel that way for the most part; although, I see now that I use the my left brain for many purposes in daily situations as well. I realize now that both sides really do balance us out, it's just that one side might be more active.
In chapter 1, Pink discusses his experience from taking part in a research study at the National Institute of Mental Health on brain activity. The research was investigating which parts of the brain(right and left hemispheres) were stimulated in response to certain facial expressions and scary scenes presented through pictures.
As he discusses on page 13, Pink explains the old theory that people who use more of the left hemisphere (aka L directed thinkers) are rational, analytical and logical people. Those who use more of the right hemisphere (aka R directed thinkers) are mute, non-linear, and instinctive. It was seen that the left side of the brain was more essential than the right side. For example, a french neurologist (Paul Broca) found that the left side of the brain actually controlled the ABILITY to speak language. Presumably, the left hemisphere of the brain is what "makes us human"(pg. 14) because language itself is what separates us from any other species in the world. Interesting concept. BUT, as I was more than happy to read on. A professor by the name of Roger W. Sperry researched individuals with epileptic seizures whom required part of the corpus callosum to be removed from their brains (the part that connects the two sides of the brain) He found that the right side of the brain was not in fact inferior to the left side. He found that there is just 'two modes of thinking':
-The left hemisphere reasoned sequentially, excelled at analysis, and handled words.
-The right hemisphere reasoned holistically, recognized patterns, and interpreted
emotions and nonverbal expressions. Human beings were literally of two minds.
As far as language is concerned in humans, Pink tries to simplify the scientific jargon for the reader. He explains that "the left hemisphere handles WHAT is said; the right hemisphere focuses on HOW it's said--the nonverbal, often emotional cues delivered through gaze, facial expression, and intonation." He also mentions that the right hemisphere enables us to comprehend metaphors. Pink shows good examples when comparing the two parts of the brain. Left brainers analyze details, and right brainers synthesize the BIG PICTURE.
Ultimately though, as he mentions on page 25, BOTH parts of the brain were designed to work together, as "a powerful thinking machine."
In chapter 1, Pink discusses his experience from taking part in a research study at the National Institute of Mental Health on brain activity. The research was investigating which parts of the brain(right and left hemispheres) were stimulated in response to certain facial expressions and scary scenes presented through pictures.
As he discusses on page 13, Pink explains the old theory that people who use more of the left hemisphere (aka L directed thinkers) are rational, analytical and logical people. Those who use more of the right hemisphere (aka R directed thinkers) are mute, non-linear, and instinctive. It was seen that the left side of the brain was more essential than the right side. For example, a french neurologist (Paul Broca) found that the left side of the brain actually controlled the ABILITY to speak language. Presumably, the left hemisphere of the brain is what "makes us human"(pg. 14) because language itself is what separates us from any other species in the world. Interesting concept. BUT, as I was more than happy to read on. A professor by the name of Roger W. Sperry researched individuals with epileptic seizures whom required part of the corpus callosum to be removed from their brains (the part that connects the two sides of the brain) He found that the right side of the brain was not in fact inferior to the left side. He found that there is just 'two modes of thinking':
-The left hemisphere reasoned sequentially, excelled at analysis, and handled words.
-The right hemisphere reasoned holistically, recognized patterns, and interpreted
emotions and nonverbal expressions. Human beings were literally of two minds.
As far as language is concerned in humans, Pink tries to simplify the scientific jargon for the reader. He explains that "the left hemisphere handles WHAT is said; the right hemisphere focuses on HOW it's said--the nonverbal, often emotional cues delivered through gaze, facial expression, and intonation." He also mentions that the right hemisphere enables us to comprehend metaphors. Pink shows good examples when comparing the two parts of the brain. Left brainers analyze details, and right brainers synthesize the BIG PICTURE.
Ultimately though, as he mentions on page 25, BOTH parts of the brain were designed to work together, as "a powerful thinking machine."
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Updating my blog
I've been playing around with my blog today. I actually made links to my site! Yay! I also changed colors to different texts and rearranged the links to the side of my blog, opposed to the bottom. AND, I added a picture! This is actually kind of cool!
Oh yeah, I also responded to this student from North Dakota who wrote me! It's nice to know that others are feeling the same way as me. :p
Oh yeah, I also responded to this student from North Dakota who wrote me! It's nice to know that others are feeling the same way as me. :p
Podcasting......
Erica and I did our second podcast assignment last Friday. The night before it was due, I decided that my frustration and anxiety with podcasting was going to result in either 1.) me quitting and say %$# it... or 2.) go to someone else with similar issues with this technology. I decided on the ladder. I looked up some personal blogs, and realized that Erica had been discussing many of the same frustrations I was. I looked to see if she had an AIM account, she did. SO, we talked on AIM for about 30 min, and I asked her if she was interested in doing a podcast with me. She said sure, and was glad that I asked her because she hadn't done hers yet. The funny thing here is, that we have one class together (Dr. Franke's class) and we've never talked face-to-face before, prior to our meeting. We met up on Friday at 1 pm and talked for about 30 min. just trying to sort out exactly what we were going to discuss. We soon began our podcast recording. By 4 pm, we had all that we needed- 6 minutes of discussion! We were absolutely ecstatic!! No way could this be so simple!! We said what we wanted to, recorded it, played it back.. it was great. I haven't felt that good in a very very long time! We did have a few minor issues with uploading it to UiTunes, but we did it! I was so excited that I had contacted her to do it together. 2 heads are indeed better than 1!! We collaborated and really actually had fun doing it. I left at 5:10 pm that night feeling like I could skip down the sidewalk. I felt like we accomplished something MAJOR!! My weekend was fantastic because I had the whole podcast anxiety brushed off my shoulders... the weight of it had disappeared!! I know this might sound dramatic, but it's the truth! I couldn't stop smiling.
Fast forward 4 days. It's Tuesday night, and I decide to show off what I had just accomplished to my parents, when visiting them for dinner. I clicked on our podcast, and all I hear is my voice for about 1 minute, then nothing, then repetition of Erica's voice introducing our podcast. Talk about disappointment. I quickly IMed Erica as soon as I saw it, (9:41:52 PM): "oh my god
Erica (9:42:03 PM): "hah oh no" "what?"
Aimee (9:42:00 PM): "listen to our podcast"
Erica (9:42:08 PM): "oh no"
Erica (9:42:15 PM): "why"
Aimee (9:42:12 PM): ITS TERRIBLE
Erica (9:42:18 PM): i dont want to im scared
Erica (9:42:30 PM): noooo
Erica (9:42:53 PM): oh i dont want to hear it !
Aimee(9:51:53 PM): there is a huge chunk missing!
Aimee (9:52:44 PM): and there are a few parts that repeat
Aimee (9:52:45 PM): ugh
Aimee (9:52:49 PM): what the hell did we do wrong
So here we are, back to square one again, almost. I IMed Dr. Reid this morning and discussed our malfunction, and he said maybe we just need to export it differently.
*Let's hope Thursday is a good day for Erica and Aimee when we try to redo this assignment : (
Wish us luck.
Fast forward 4 days. It's Tuesday night, and I decide to show off what I had just accomplished to my parents, when visiting them for dinner. I clicked on our podcast, and all I hear is my voice for about 1 minute, then nothing, then repetition of Erica's voice introducing our podcast. Talk about disappointment. I quickly IMed Erica as soon as I saw it, (9:41:52 PM): "oh my god
Erica (9:42:03 PM): "hah oh no" "what?"
Aimee (9:42:00 PM): "listen to our podcast"
Erica (9:42:08 PM): "oh no"
Erica (9:42:15 PM): "why"
Aimee (9:42:12 PM): ITS TERRIBLE
Erica (9:42:18 PM): i dont want to im scared
Erica (9:42:30 PM): noooo
Erica (9:42:53 PM): oh i dont want to hear it !
Aimee(9:51:53 PM): there is a huge chunk missing!
Aimee (9:52:44 PM): and there are a few parts that repeat
Aimee (9:52:45 PM): ugh
Aimee (9:52:49 PM): what the hell did we do wrong
So here we are, back to square one again, almost. I IMed Dr. Reid this morning and discussed our malfunction, and he said maybe we just need to export it differently.
*Let's hope Thursday is a good day for Erica and Aimee when we try to redo this assignment : (
Wish us luck.
NeoVox idea...
Ok, so I already wrote my NeoVox article. But here I am posting what I actually wrote about. I tend to do things backwards sometimes. :)
It was really coincidental that I had just watched a report on Frontline (PBS) early last week on the effects of journalism now since we have this new medium of the Internet, and how some of the leading newspapers in the country are being forced out of circulation. There were many factors that lead to this issue, but the one that I really paid attention to was the onset of Citizen Journalists. Seeing how we are in this new age of "blogging" and "YouTube" etc, I wrote my article about this issue, and posed questions and my opinions on the whole issue itself. Who is a citizen journalist? Who can be one? What's going to happen to the professionals who go after the news for us? What does this all mean for the future of News??
It was really coincidental that I had just watched a report on Frontline (PBS) early last week on the effects of journalism now since we have this new medium of the Internet, and how some of the leading newspapers in the country are being forced out of circulation. There were many factors that lead to this issue, but the one that I really paid attention to was the onset of Citizen Journalists. Seeing how we are in this new age of "blogging" and "YouTube" etc, I wrote my article about this issue, and posed questions and my opinions on the whole issue itself. Who is a citizen journalist? Who can be one? What's going to happen to the professionals who go after the news for us? What does this all mean for the future of News??
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