Post Twelve: "Philanthropy"

This article discusses technology and how far we have come with gaming systems over the past decade. The writer expresses the importance of keeping all old material and information for use in the future. It is important to archive this information. The virtual world of video games is rapidly progressing day by day and the use of archived information helps to better this technology for the future.

I found it amusing when the children were introduced to the first video game and the reaction they had when they saw how basic the graphics were. It amazes me how far we have come with technology and the things that have developed over the past decade.

Summer Vacation Concept Map

Summer Vacation

I.       Beach

A beach is a landform along a shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, pebbles or cobblestones. Our local beaches on the coast consist of sand. This is a great way to spend the day with the family and inexpensive as well!

A.    Salt Water

B.    Fresh Water

II.   Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. It may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motor home, cabin or no shelter at all. Camping as a recreational event became popular in the early 20th century. This is frequently done at national or state parks and privately owned campgrounds.

A.    Cabin

B.    Tent

III.    Museums

A museum is a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited for public view. Most large museums are located in major cities and more local ones exist in smaller cities. This can be a fun summer trip for the family and educational for the children as well.

A.    Object-Centered

B.    Narrative

IV.    Amusement Parks

An amusement park consist of a large outdoor area that could include fairground rides, water rides, refreshments, games and other types of entertainment. An amusement park is more elaborate than a simple city park or playground. These amusement parks usually provide attractions meant to cater specifically to certain age groups, as well as some that are aimed towards all ages. This a great way to spend the day as a family because everyone will be able to find something they will enjoy!

A.    Water Parks

1.    Gulf Islands Waterpark

2.    Rapids Water Park 

B. Theme Parks

V.     Cruise

A cruise is a trip that is taken for pleasure in a large ship over any ocean, river or lake over a period of time. Luxury cruises are typically taken by couples. Themed cruises are more of the family cruise. One of the best known themed cruise is the Disney Cruise.

A.    Themed

B.    Luxury

Voki Teacher Intro

Post Nine: "Safe Social Networking Tailored for K-12 Schools"

This article describes social networks that are used for educational purposes. Classes set up online networking sources to chat within the classes or with different historical figures or celebrities. This allows higher levels of discussions from students.

I think this article is very neat. This is a great way to allow students to use social networking for positive things. Using different historical people and celebrities allows the students to enjoy what they are learning!

Post Eight: "Digital Citizenship"

This article discusses how to use technology appropriately. It names nine themes of digital citizenship.
1) Digital Access - full electronic participation in society
2) Digital Commerce - electronic buying and selling of goods
3) Digital Communication - electronic exchange of information
4) Digital Literacy - process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology
5) Digital Etiquette - electronic standards of conduct or procedure
6) Digital Law - electronic responsibility for actions and deeds
7) Digital Rights & Responsibilities - those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world
8) Digital Health & Wellness - physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world
9) Digital Security (self-protection) - electronic precautions to guarantee safety

This article is very informative and expresses the correct use of online resources. 

Post Seven: "Children's Internet Protection Act"

This article discusses the CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act). CIPA is a federal law enacted by Congress to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers. This article also discusses the new CIPA deadline. By July 1 of this year, it is going to become mandatory that teachers begin teaching about online safety and cyber bullying.

I think the CIPA is a great law. I understand that teachers should monitor what the students are doing online but, they can't watch every student at every second. This is where the CIPA comes in to play.
I also like the new CIPA deadline. I think that if students were more educated about online safety, the rate of cyber bullying and online predators being able to take advantage of younger children.

Post Six: "A Future Full of Badges"

This article discusses digital badges. MacArthur foundation says it's "a validated indicator of accomplishment, skill, quality or interest,". The Davis badge system is described a different way.  The Davis badge system is based on the sustainable-agriculture program's core competencies- "systems thinking," for example. 

Honestly, I don't really understand the badge the system from this article.  I would like a little more detail about it to better understand it.