Current Event 12/14

1. Topic: 1 pt.

• My topic is about how you will be able to text the police in 2014.

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

• 911 text messaging service coming in 2014

3. Article Source: 1 pt.

• CNN Tech

4. Summary: 2 pt.

• Many people have no way to get in touch with the police quitly. If someone broke in your house you should hide and definitly be quiet. The top four carriers in the U.S offfered to try it out. Now alll you have to do is send a text with your name, situation and address.

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

• Take a position on the issue in the article. I feel this new communication with the police could save a life. It affects me because it might save my life if I'm in a dangerous situation where I have to be quiet. With a smartphone it might even make it simpler to include your location with the text.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

• This impacts the world in a very unqiue way. People have decided that police communication should be in line with the centurys technology. A negative would be that it could be taken as a joke. Goofing around with it could possibly put you in more danger. Teenagers are some of the fastest texters in todays times making this a better solution. It just seems crazy to me that we have advanced so much to where we will soon be able to communcate in ways never imagined.

Current event 11/20

1. Topic: 1 pt.

What is the topic of your article?  It gives you 15 points about the Wii U

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

What is the title of your article? Thinking about a Wii U? 15 points to consider

3. Article Source: 1 pt.
CNN Tech

4. Summary: 2 pt.
It's still not too late to make your decision on the latest Wii gadget. This black Friday will be a big day for stores everywhere. Do you know what you exactly looking for? A Wii U.

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

Take a position on the issue in the article.   I'm really happy with my Wii console system. I don't understand why people want it so bad. To me that just means your going to have to buy new games and accessories for it. I just want to know whats wrong with the DS or PSP's. My guess is that there not as high tech as people want them.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

This impacts the world because come black Friday, everybody will want one. People will probably be fighting trying to get what they want that night. I guess this is kinda good because it might help our economy with all of the sales. Now Nintendo is a new competitor in the technology world. Apple,Kindle and Google better look out they have a top seller moving in on them.

Scams & Schemes

This weeks curriculum focused on scams and schemes. Scams and schemes are tricks to steal something personal of yours. It is crucial to know what theses are so you can stay protected. You can even get your identity stolen by clicking on the wrong thing. I'm sorry to inform you that your at risk, actually everyone is. I hope my information below will help you understand what this growing issue is and how it will effect you.

 Scam: An attempt to trick someone with the intention of stealing money or private information.
Identity theft: A type of crime in which your private information is stolen and used for criminal activity.
Vulnerable: In a position that makes it easier for you to be harmed or attacked.
Phishing: When people send you phony emails, pop-ups, or fake websites in order to hook you into giving out your personal and financial information.


Have you ever had your identity stolen? Many Americans would say yes because they fell for a scheme. You have to realize once your identity is stolen, its gone forever. Once you are born you're given one social security number that can't be replaced.

                                              4/3/2007 Stop stealing Link

 The big question is, how do they steal it? Well, experienced criminal's in this field have tons of methods they can use. You could get it stolen by just simply opening an email, or clicking on a pop-up. A popular way is for them to send you an email saying ' We lost your bank account information, mind sending it to us again?'. The best thing to do is just put it in the spam folder and ignore it.

 The criminal can even max out credit cards that are listed under your name. All the debt not payed off will be your fault because you gave the information away. The only way to be reimbursed is to prove they committed the crime of stealing it. There is only a small chance that you'll find enough evidence to prove it, so think before you click!
                                         3/16/11 Mastercard Link

  I have searched for some ways to avoid being scammed. You should avoid opening it in the first place so it doesn't cause you to have anything stolen.  If they send you a scam through email just don't reply and mark it as spam.   Clicking on link is also risky because they can send out a virus in your computer. This virus will collect anything personal such as passwords, emails, and pin numbers. Basically whatever can be used to hurt you will be collected.

                                          12/19/2005 Caution tape Link

I really enjoyed this weeks curriculum. It has really  taught me how to be safe and smart online. Know I know how to protect myself and family from scams and schemes. I hope you enjoyed my blog, have a nice Turkey Day!

                                                    11/15/08 Turkey cupcake Link

Weekly current event 11/7

1. Topic:  Many people are revealing who they voted for in the election on their Twitter


2. Title: Tweeted your ballot? You may have broken the law

3. Article Source:  CNN Tech

4. Summary:  If you took a picture of your ballot and posted it online, your in trouble. Lucky you that experts say prosecution is unlikely. Do not over exercise you freedom""If you're exercising your First Amendment rights and it's at the discretion of law enforcement, you're in a dangerous situation,"(Hermes).

5. Reaction: I really don't agree with this. In my opinion you should keep that to yourself. You don't want to post every little thing about you on  social networking site. Remind people not to post their personal ballots "They will be voided if you are caught, you don't have to prove who you voted for! :)"(Braxton). Even if the person you voted for didn't win, you still have to show them respect.


Five (5) sentence minimum.
6.  This impacts the world because posting stuff like that causes anger. When I say anger I mean arguments between people all over your Twitter.  We should respect each other for our differences. People in the North must have had a hard time voting becuase of Sandy. Hopefully Obama will help recover those states hit by it. The only place your vote should be is on the ballot slip.

Weekly Blog

This week has been the best so far at GECHS. We finally got to move into our building today! I think next week will be phenomenal too because it's spirit week. To show my spirit I will dress up everyday with my best friend Maddie. Everyone should be proud of our building and school as a whole.

                          November 3,2010  Link Smile

Do you know who has your information? Internet users today are unaware of what information is being found out about them. Companies can track your recent searches and what you've viewed in the past. They to this to put ads on pages your most likely to visit on a daily basis. Another term for this is tracking, our latest curriculum.

                         January 7,2009 Link Following

Companies track peoples searches to get to know them. They want to make sure your results are personalized to you. Results varie between people because of the different things they search. I think this is bad because you might not get the results your want.

                         September 27,2007 Link Google


Our most recent web 2.0 tool was Mixbook. Mixbook is an interactive book that you view or order from online. This was not my favorite tool because I'm more accustomed to Microsoft PowerPoint. Our assignment was to make a book about data selection. I embedded mine below along with definitions to help you understand it.

| Start your own Photo Books | Create custom Christmas Cards

Our digital literacy component was learning about the benefits and risks of a personalized browsers. I prefer to have all the results so up, not what Google thinks I would like.  Everyone has their own opinion, feel free to voice it in a comment!                                           Benefits                     

                                                                         

- Saves time

        - Better Shopping

        - Easier searches

- Efficiency

                                         
                                                            Risks
                                                         - Can block needed/wanted things
                                                         - Create stereotypes
                                                         - Privacy issues
                                                         - Pop up ads or viruses

                                   March 12,2004 Link Impossible is an opinion

This concludes my week in introduction to publications. I hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week. Remember to show respect to our new building. I'm sad I didn't get to see it today, but I'll be able to in the morning! Can't wait!

                                  October 6,2011 Link Bye bye

Current event 10/31 ( Halloween!)

1. Topic: 1 pt.

• The second most talked about topic on Facebook.

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

• Sandy is year's No.2 topic on Facebook

3. Article Source: 1 pt.

• CNN

4. Summary: 2 pt.

• Hurricane Sandy is one of the main topics on Facebook. The first most talked about is the Superbowl. Research has shown that older people above 55 are more likely to talk about it.

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

• This event really saddens me because I know many are without a home. New York already had a high percentage of homeless people, this tragic event just makes it worse. People are now without food,gas,electricity and all other nessecties. This mornming on the news it showed a 200 car wait just for gas. Getting people to come out and help or donate will be a a big obstacle for the Red Cross.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

• Many didn't realize Sandy was going to hit this hard, those are the ones who stayed. It will be really hard for economies to rebuild around the coast. I doubt the cleaning up of all the areas hit will be done by Christmas. All of the poor little children might not even receive a Christmas this year. America needs to join together and help clean up the disastrous areas. People can post on Facebook how sorry they are about it but not go and help with cleaning up or at least donate to the cause.

Weekly Blog

This week has been pretty awesome for me. I found out we get to move into our building really soon. Many of the staff and students have been anticipating this since day one at GECHS. Our latest curriculum in publications is being real online.

                                                           7/22/06 Slow Link


For our newest digital literacy component was staying real online . It is very important you stay true to yourself online and off. If you send a friend request to someone you know they won't recognize you with a fake image or totally different avatar. Wouldn't you be embarrassed if someone found out your two different people?

                                          11/22/2009 Truth Link

Since being true online was our digital literacy we had some definitions. I found out it's really hard for some people to be real online and off. Those who are fake just want to fit in with the cool crowd. The definitions will help you understand some terminology involved in being real.

Represent- How you present yourself to others or the way your labeled.
Persona- An image or personality you show to others.
Avatar- Graphic image to represent you online.
Anonymous- Hidden identity that lacks information.
Inhibited- Careful or restraint to your actions.

                                                    5/18/2010 Love Link

Staying real online:

* Present yourself in a good way
* Watch your language
* Show respect to others
* Keep the pictures appropriate
* Don't lie to other people


Our web 2.0 tool for the week was Glogster. Glogster is just like an online poster. I really enjoyed this assignment because I had past experience with it. My Glog contains four pictures that show how to stay real online. I also included a video on how a guy found a fake Facebook account. I like the video because I never knew how easy it was to upload a fake image. Now I know if someones pictures looks unfamiliar to report them.

                                      
I hope you enjoyed reading this past weeks blog. Even though it's sometime hectic at GECHS I still manage to add it all into my blog. If you did not like it I would like your advice on how to better it so please comment. I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

 

                                          9/29/07 Pumpkin Link

Current event 10/21

1. Topic: 1 pt.

A new discovery shows whale puke is actually valuable after it hardens.

2. Article Title: 1 pt.
Apparently this matters: Whale puke

3. Article Source: 1 pt.
CNN Tech

4. Summary: 2 pt.
This affects me because the way the money could be spent. I believe I wouldnt mind going to New England to search for whale puke. If I had all of that money I would want to make a good change. I hope any whales near our N.C. waters puke till' they can't puke anymore!Whale puke is now extremely valuable! A young boy in New England discovered a huge chunk of it worth $63,000. Anyone up for some whale puke?

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

This impacts the world because everyone will want it. Now whale puke is in high demand. The young boy plans to build an animal house with the money. Many think it will just be Noah's ark and Jersey Shore combined. So many possibilities for the money, but it will be in the hands of an 8 year old boy.

2 Weeks Combined

These past weeks have been quite eventful for me and my classmates. Our new digital literacy component is cyber-bulling. We learned six new terms that have a huge impact on cyber bullying. I believe I fully understood this weeks curriculum.

                                                    3/30/10 Link At least I'm not a bully

Many people don't know about the new bullying method.Cyber bullying is whats going on, teenage girls are usually the ones mainly effected. Its easy to criticize over the internet rather than face to face. I believe you should be mature and confront the person you have an issue with. Just don't retaliate it makes it a lot worse.

                                          1/29/12 Link Cyberbullying

Up-stander: The witness that defends.
Bystander: The witness that does nothing.
Offender: Person with malicious intentions (bully).
Escalate: The situation becomes more intense.
De-escalate: Deterioration of the situation.

I have created a chart showing ways the target and the up-stander can decrease the situation.

Our web 2.0 tool was to make a Wevideo. The topic was supposed to be on cyber-bullying and how to deteriorate it. In my personal video I decided to use the signs. It is embedded below.

We can end the acts of cyberbullying. All we have to do is be an upstander. Many kids skip school because of bullies. Some even commit suicide because they cant take it anymore. I belive we can get this situation under control with a little effort.

                                                    10/13/06 Link "Rough days"

One of my favorite quotes:
" I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same"
- Rachel Joy Scott


Even though I'm in 9th grade I still anticipate Halloween. Who doesn't love to get free candy? We now only have fourteen days left! I really enjoy going to Halloween parties too. I can't belive we are so far into the school year, it seems like we just started.

                                                    9/29/10 Link "Pumpkin Carving"

Current Event 10/9

. Topic: 1 pt.

• It is about Apples latest device, the iPad Mini.

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

• Will an iPad Mini be worth buying?

3. Article Source: 1 pt.

• CNN Tech

4. Summary: 2 pt.

• This is just a smaller version of the iPad.  It's starting price would be 1/5 of the regular iPads. That means it will be in the affordable price range of $150-$200. The release date is still unknown.

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

•  I feel this will make a more affordable present for Christmas. I'm all for it because it is so compact and can go in a purse. Some companies such as Verizon will offer 4G connectivity. This could also assist in schoolwork in numerous ways. Now there are many apps I use on my iPod for school work. Now it seems like schools are slowly doing away with paper, so this would be a good investment.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

•  This really impacts the world because Apple products are in high demand. Those who want an tablet can soon get one for an affordable price. Even Kindles cheapest tablet is around $200 and still wouldn't do as much as the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini will make the Kindle people realize Apple products are better. Tim Cook has realized that tablets are becoming a common thing, so why not have one that's more portable?

What the 7th week held

This new blog will inform you on many important things you need to know. We learned about relationships online. Also how once you send something such as text or email it is permanent. You may not realize but all of those minute pieces of information are saved somewhere. It cant be truly erased, so think before you send.

Oops. May 21st 2007, Link

One of the main topics was not to sext. Sexting is a new term meaning sending a partially or fully naked picture through text or email. This has ruined many young girls life's. They dont understand what impact this can have on them.Sexting and online relationships are our digital literacy component for the week

There is a website you can use to make comic strips. This was our web 2.0 tool for the week. Our topics were supposed to be on sexting and online relationships. My comics give an example of both.I listed what the comics say because it is difficult to read on the comics.


The text turned out tiny:
 Gossiping girl- OMG! did you see what that girl over there sent to her boyfriend?
Girl- I should have never sent it, my life's ruined!
Later that day....
Adviser Granny- I may be old but I can still tell you've done something your not proud of.
Girl- Yeah I sexted. He said if I loved him I would do it.
Adviser Granny- If he really loved you, he wouldn't have made you done it.
Girl- Now I know I should only prove true love through marriage!

 Frog- Hey, whats wrong?!?
Bunny- I'm really lonely and need a boyfriend.
Bunny(Thinking)- I could try a dating website and be flirty! Then I wont be lonely!
Bunny(Looking for guys)- Woahhh... That lion is fineee!
Lion- You wanna go on a date?
Bunny- Yeahh babyyy!

I'm so happy it Fall. It seems like the weather is just perfect at this time of year! The leaves also look gorgeous when they change color. A bad thing is cleaning up the leaves. Around my house it seems like we have to rake every day! Fall is still one of my favorite seasons.

Fall time, October 18th, 2008, Link

Already week 6

To start the week off we started something new. We started to check each other blog posts by leaving a note. It really helps so you can be positive that you'll get a good grade. Ms. Payseur also put up a poll so we could vote if we liked the new method. I had to put neither because my partner was absent, but otherwise I would say it definitely helped.

Date: October 4th, 2007

                                                               Description: Spiral notepad   
                                                             Link      

Our digital literacy component for the week was called ASPECT. Each of the letters have a very crucial meaning.  It shows that just because the information online is useful it doesn't mean it's accurate.

                     A-(Authority) Who wrote it?
                     S-(Sources) Where did it come from?
                     P-(Purpose) Whats the purpose?
                     E-(Evenness) Information was well rounded?
                     C-(Coverage) Was everything you needed to know covered?
                     T-(Timeliness) Up to date information?


Web 2.00 for week six was Mind Meister. It is where you can make a mind map. You could compare to a spider web. This tool is actually new. Mrs. Payseur just tried it for the first time with us. Now I completely understand how to use it. I really like it because its a unique way to give information.


Create your own mind maps at MindMeister


Did you know some websites are fake? They just want your passwords to all your accounts, even banking! A way to tell websites are fake is by checking the URL. If the login page looks funny don't put in any of your important information in it. We were given a lists of fake websites to look at that seemed real. There were some that were obvious they were phishing. Now I know to take  precautions online when I'm searching for a website. Make sure you know what you're doing with passwords online too.
Fake website to look at: GenPets

 Date: June 30th, 2010

                                                                                    

                                                                                    Description: Secure password

                                                                                   

                                                                                    Link

Our school should be very excited. This morning we learned our construction on our building is done! We have a place we can finally call our home high school. I have especially been anticipating to get into our building.

                                                           Date: January 1st, 2007
                                                                        
                                                                        Description: Colors
                                                                      
                                                                        Link

Week 6 current event

1. Topic: 1 pt.

•  Apples sells an abundance of the new iPhone 5

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

• Apples sells 5 million iPhone 5 phones in the first weekend.

3. Article Source: 1 pt.

• CNN Tech

4. Summary: 2 pt.

• This article tells how many phones were sold in the first weekend released. It set a new sales record for Apple. Pre ordered phones are not counted in this 5 million. The CEO was very pleased with the sales results.

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

• Take a position on the issue in the article. I think its crazy so many people would buy it. To me it is just a phone. Most people cant survive a work or school day without their phones. My phone only calls and texts and that's plenty for me. It doesn't take a engineer to operate it.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

• How does this event impact the world? It impacts the world because everyone wants one. Soon people will not even have to touch a button to call or text. Its mind blowing 5 million people bought one the weekend they were released. Today, the worlds people act like their cell phone is their life. I wish we could reverse time to show that cell phone haven't always been a necessity. People need to realize they are capable of breathing without a cellular device in their hand or pocket.

Weekly blog post

It seems like week 5 has flown by! The only bad news is we will not be in our building until October. It really takes patience to put up with plan B mode. Sure, its working but I would like to have an actual school. One thing I do know is that October will come before I know it!


Description: Patient
Date: August 17th, 2006
Link

We recently learned some new essential terms. Each one is very necessary. You just have to make sure you use them correctly. Mrs. Paysuer reviewed these terms with us in class. I will list them below.

Reputation: The ground impression of a person. Always make sure your impression is a good one.

Persist: To continue and endure.

Context: Different factors that surround a piece of information  that helps figure out what it means.

Tag: To add, label, or name a photo or video posted online. Remember to ask the person who you have a picture of permission to post online.


A fun activity we were were given was to edit pictures. One of the pictures had to be edited in a negative way, the other positive. This shows how someone can photo shop a picture in a mean way ( Hopefully nice). Nobody wants to be embarrassed online. The negative or positive picture would stay online forever. Negative issues are easier to remember to stick to your memory, so always be nice online!
My examples of negative and positive pictures:


                                               Positive-What girl wouldn't want to be on a magazine?!? ( A good one)

         

                                          Negative- She is wanted! 

                                                       The original copy.



Description: Girl smiling
Date: March 16th, 2007
Link

I am proud to say I have my digital drivers license. You probably wondering what that is. Well you take this test and it asks you questions on how to be a good digital citizen. You watch a few clips with the questions too. If you want to try it, it is linked here.

Description: Baby

Date: May 20th 2009

Link

Phising is another new term. We took a quiz to see if we new what it was. I kinda failed it because i had no clue what it was. Basically it is a imposter of a website. It will trick you and take passcodes and more! This is very dangerous. A way to tell its fake is by the URL. Another is the login page. Be careful with what your giving your information to!

Descipition: Websites
Date: Febuary 19th, 2006
Link

Thats all for week number 5!

Thursday Current Event

1. Topic: 1 pt.

• A new gadget that replaces a mouse with your hand movements.

2. Article Title: 1 pt.

•  An accessory that replaces mouse movements with hand waves.

3. Article Source: 1 pt.

• Popsici. technology articles.

4. Summary:

• You can say goodbye to your mouse and hello to this awesome new gadget. It has been 50 years since Douglas Engelbart invented the mouse. This device is a minute 3 inches long and wide. They call it the Leap. All you now have to do to operate your computer is wave your hand or finger! The price is seventy dollars. It will not be out on the markets until February 2013. Many companies have already proposed apps. Some ideas were a orchestra or modeling clay.
  

5. Reaction: 5 pt.

• Take a position on the issue in the article. I feel this is a efficient way to get rid of your chunky keyboard. This event is very technical like many more to come. I understand it would take time to learn how to operate it. I have been with a keyboard all of my life, it would take some getting used to. This affects me and even my classmates because someday we might switch over to Leaps.

6. World Impact: 6 pt.

•  It impacts the world because no one will want a "colossal" keyboard. What will be done with all the keyboards once the Leap is successful? The world was affected by Smart Boards, so maybe this could be the next big thing in classrooms.  If Leaps are put in classrooms then I'm sure my classmates would love them. Recently I just learned how to actually type on a keyboard. There is now some reconsideration as whether people would be willing to re-learn to type.

Weekly Blog Post

I cant believe four weeks have already went by! We were taught about a lot of necessary things this past week. Now, my day book is organized into two different sections. This will really help with keeping up with everything. One of my favorite things to organize are Post-Its.

Image: 'Futura'd Tabs'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95509220@N00/46170266
Found on flickrcc.net

On 9-11 we wrote some definitions about online ethics.Online ethics are ways to be respectful online. We were assigned a music video about them. The website we used to complete this was Animoto. Everyone in our class added their customary tastes to make it their own. Animoto is our newest web 2.0 tool.No one repeated the same idea.It is embedded below.

Our new terms for digital ethics are listed underneath:
1. Privacy- Respect others privacy.
2.Self expression and identity- Present yourself in a honest and genuine way online.
3.  Connected culture- Treat others in a kind and respectful manner.
4. Respecting creative work-  Giving credit to others or asking permission.
5. Ethics- A set of principals that governs a persons behavior.
6. Online ethics- A set of principals that governs a persons online usage.
7. Digital citizenship- Being a good citizen online.

Image: 'That Way'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503074211@N01/194066146
Found on flickrcc.net

As many know, 9-11 occurred this past week. This was a extremely sad day for Americans. Many memorials were held who died in this tragic event. I was only 3 years old at the time, and I can't recall any of it. Numerous stories have been told to me about it. From the stories,I understand 9-11 will never be forgotten.

Image: 'Never Forget 9/11'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76830337@N07/7975772686
Found on flickrcc.net

                                                                                                                                                                                   

  

On my current event I typed about the new iPhone 5. Its said to be phenomenal, amazing and outstanding. I believe Apple is the #1 technology being used. Yes, it does have competition, but they have nothing on Apple.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Image: 'Quand Apple déclare : « Tomorrow is+just+another+day.+That+you’ll+never+forget.+»'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23930199@N04/5178906899
Found on flickrcc.net

Mrs. Wyont, our awesome principal at GECHS has also given us a project. We are to design a GECHS shirt! Today is the last day to submit designs. I didn't submit a design because I'm not artistically gifted. Others have turned in their conceptions of what a true Spartans shirt should look like so Mrs.Wyont can choose the best one. I trust her to make an decision that says we are Spartans!

This site was last updated 01/29/12 description: Spartan

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