School Lunch Prices.. Too High!

Not only does our Burlington High School School have ridiculously high lunch prices. Schools all over the country for example Guilderland High School are continuously raising their prices for school lunches. Those kids who are low on money and don't have a packed lunch available to them go into very large debt just from getting food in school. Never have I been in debt when buying lunch but ever since this change to electronically paid lunches multiple kids i know are now in debt of prices of $10 and higher, even up to $20. The reason for this electronic change was because of social media. The reason for the switch to iPads was because of social media and because of the new and constantly advancing outside world. From hearing about other schools idea of a new way to teach and communicating with people around the word through social media, it caused this change. Personally lunch is much faster and more efficient now but not sure if it is necessarily better.

13 Things Not to Put on Facebook

The things on this slideshow on what not to put on facebook honestly isn't anything new to me. As it said to not put your home address, kids names, when your leaving for vacation or even your cell phone number are things I already new not to do. It is evident and has always been taught to me that there are many predators out there. There are many people out there that disguise themselves and hide behind facebook fake profiles and names to attack people especially teenagers. All this talk is very scary but something adults as well as kids need to be aware of. Even it your profile is set to private there are ways around it. When making a page on the internet nothing is ever really deleted or safe so you can never be to careful.

TEDxNYED

This TEDxNYED video was very interesting. I find it amazing how his daughter was able to learn an advanced piano song when her actual teacher didn't even believe she was ready yet. People have abilities that others aren't able to see. For her she knew she could do it with a little pracice and some other forms of help and as a result she accomplished her goal. As far as Mark Kassel his story is amazing too. He had the ability to take what he had learned from observation and a little teaching and creat something much larger. He has expanded what he has learned to people all around the world. It amazes me everyday to see these things happen to only good people because they truly deserve the oppurtunities they are given.

Apple Ipads in School

I think its incredible making Burlington High School change to a one-to-one school and using apple ipad 2's. However my view on this change isn't all positive. I feel as though some students may not want or cant handle this change. Kids loose and break things all the time an Ipad isn't like a phone if you drop it it is fine, an ipad is much more delicate and fragile. My question is what would happen if one is stolen or lost does that student have to pay for it in full? Also what if students dont like the ipads would we be allowed to bring in our laptops and use those instead? There are many questions running through my mind towards this topic but i feel preparing us for the outside world with this change is a good idea.

Being safe online and in life

The topic of a person creating their own digital footprint is constantly an issue especially for children. For me I see it as a good thing to put your full name online depending on where it is placed. I do not agree that children or even adults should ever put their town or address online but a name is different. For children it is a way of interaction and a way to be aware of what is around them outside of their homes. Also there is always the option of security settings. If a person feels uncomfortable or unsafe they are always open to change their settings to private and that will give them a sense of security. I think children especially should be taught how to blog, tweet and use other tools effectively and by opening up to all these possibilities it requires them to put their name online. Any website you create an account for you have control over so why be afraid? If anything someone can always delete their page. Up to a certain extend putting a persons full name online is perfectly safe.

Japan Earthquake

The earthquake that hit japan was catastrophic. Not only did it put everyone in danger but also destroyed a number of lives. It affected everyone around the worl even the United Sates. This event is to similar to hurricane catrina in New Orleans. People are trying to help out in Japan but currently there is so much to be done it will be a long time before pregress is seen. I only wish that i could go help but there's no way for me to contribute except for send supplies there. I never imagined such an awful thing could happen. I can't even imagine loosing my home, family or even friends, noone should have to go through this type of pain.

Blabberize It

One of the 35 web 2.0 tools I found particularly interesting as the Blabberize website. For people who find this website irrational they are mistakingly wrong. This site allows you to take any image you want and allow it to talk. For high school teachers it can be an alternative way to keep students awake in class by having them create a talking animal with a presentation in class. Instead of students having to present a topic infront of their class this keeps everyone interesting in learning about that topic but in a way that is more efficient and interactive. This possibility also can be entertaining and used for other things such as art class or a way for teachers to teach a certain subject area. There is no limit now in the system of education.

Ipad 2

The Ipad 2 is seem to be an incredible machine. It is much thinner, lighter, faster and has the capability to do things unimaginable. The latest details on this are all over the web and in news discussions. Personally i think Ipad's are amazing. They are so much fun to play with, easily portable and are very reliable. However for me they are not an alternative for a computer. I like being able to type on a keyboard and view things in on a large monitor. Having the ipad accessible at any time and place is outstandingly helpful but a little difficult. What happens when you don't have WiFi or what happens if you are traveling and the battery life dies out? Its hard for me to imagine Ipad's completely replacing books, and other school materials because what about those students who loose things easily? What happens if students would rather hold a book in their hand. This invention opened a door of unlimited possibilities for people all around the world but in my eyes it isn't entirely wanted.