1. iPhone
Growing up, my parents never provided me with the luxury of having the latest electronic devices. In fact, I did not have a cell phone until my freshman year of high school. The only reason I received one was because my school was 2.5 miles away from home and I rode two buses each way. The cell phone, which was restricted to only calls, was to be used for emergencies. It was not until my freshman year of college that I purchased my own iPhone with unlimited text, data, and calling. Now that I have my iPhone, I find it hard to believe that there was even life before it.
As an English major, I am constantly craving to learn new words. The dictionary application on my phone provides me with a “word of the day,” which helps me expand my vocabulary. This application is only a finger touch away from telling me both the definition and pronunciation of any word. My phone is an excellent form of communication through text messages, phone calls, emails, or social media. Not only can I communicate with my family all over the world, but I can also see them through FaceTime.
I use my GPS, weather, and alarm clock applications on a daily basis. The GPS application not only helps me successfully reach new destinations, but it also informs me which roads are backed up due to construction or accidents; it provides me with alternate routes, always indicating if tolls are required. It is for these reasons that I can relate with the girl in the video who claims that her phone is like her “third hand”; it goes everywhere she goes, even if she doesn't have a purse. Even though my phone comes in handy for several aspects of my life, it also affects me because my phone is a huge distraction while I am doing homework or while I am at work. Even though I do not text and drive, I know several people who do, which not only puts the driver in danger, but everyone else on the road.
2. Laptop
Growing up, I did not always have a computer to talk with my friends or to play games. I remember my parents buying me my first computer when I was twelve, but it wasn't until the end of my eighth grade year that I got internet; I had to convince my parents that my teachers assigned homework that required it. In high school, I purchased my own laptop. My laptop has substituted several of my hobbies because I am able to accomplish many things with one portable device. It is extremely easy to access books, articles, journals, and news reports online.
One of my favorite websites is YouTube because of the large variety of videos it contains. My favorite videos are the step-by-step tutorials that teach you anything you want to learn. I also enjoy listening to music and watching people’s remixes to songs; the different twists on songs provide a new meaning and vibe. Even though my laptop allows me to access several websites with just one click, it also has its flaws. For example, social media websites such as Myspace and Facebook are dangerous because anything that is posted can be used against you, even if you do not have wrong intentions. As an educator, I know that it is crucial that I maintain a professional profile because I do not want a single post or picture to interfere with my future. However, I agree with the young man in the video who claims that Myspace is “an extension of being who I am as a person.” Through social media, I can create a page of my liking. Using a computer can also be dangerous if one does not fully protect it with antiviruses. Private information can be accessed. Also, it is extremely easy to fall into the trap of a "fake" page.
In the video, one girl claims, “I make anything that would have been ordinary, extraordinary with my macbook ” Unfortunately, I am not skilled in using different websites and programs. I also cannot make music, but this does not mean that there isn't room for improvement. All the information and assistance I need to learn is just a click away!
3. Television
Before purchasing an iPhone and a laptop, I was literally glued to the television set in my living room. Watching television as a child benefited me because I was a non-English speaking child. My parents spoke Portuguese at home, and shows like Barney, Sesame Street, and Arthur helped me learn the English language. Today, I still find my television to be a great source of not only entertainment, but of education. I personally enjoy the Discovery channel and cooking channels. Watching the news, keeps me updated on what is going on in the world. Also, I watch several Portuguese and Spanish soap operas, which help me master both languages. Of course, I am aware that I spend too many hours in front of the television watching reality shows, instead of doing homework. By the time my shows are over, I am too tired to do homework, yet I force myself to get it done. Consequently, the following day I am fatigue due to lack of sleep.
As stated in the video, technology definitely gets people to “think in a different way.” With the tremendous growth in technology over the past few years, there is absolute no reason why people do not have enough resources to educate themselves. Of course, they also have to be aware of the harm and downfalls of technology.
Growing up, my parents never provided me with the luxury of having the latest electronic devices. In fact, I did not have a cell phone until my freshman year of high school. The only reason I received one was because my school was 2.5 miles away from home and I rode two buses each way. The cell phone, which was restricted to only calls, was to be used for emergencies. It was not until my freshman year of college that I purchased my own iPhone with unlimited text, data, and calling. Now that I have my iPhone, I find it hard to believe that there was even life before it.
As an English major, I am constantly craving to learn new words. The dictionary application on my phone provides me with a “word of the day,” which helps me expand my vocabulary. This application is only a finger touch away from telling me both the definition and pronunciation of any word. My phone is an excellent form of communication through text messages, phone calls, emails, or social media. Not only can I communicate with my family all over the world, but I can also see them through FaceTime.
I use my GPS, weather, and alarm clock applications on a daily basis. The GPS application not only helps me successfully reach new destinations, but it also informs me which roads are backed up due to construction or accidents; it provides me with alternate routes, always indicating if tolls are required. It is for these reasons that I can relate with the girl in the video who claims that her phone is like her “third hand”; it goes everywhere she goes, even if she doesn't have a purse. Even though my phone comes in handy for several aspects of my life, it also affects me because my phone is a huge distraction while I am doing homework or while I am at work. Even though I do not text and drive, I know several people who do, which not only puts the driver in danger, but everyone else on the road.
2. Laptop
Growing up, I did not always have a computer to talk with my friends or to play games. I remember my parents buying me my first computer when I was twelve, but it wasn't until the end of my eighth grade year that I got internet; I had to convince my parents that my teachers assigned homework that required it. In high school, I purchased my own laptop. My laptop has substituted several of my hobbies because I am able to accomplish many things with one portable device. It is extremely easy to access books, articles, journals, and news reports online.
One of my favorite websites is YouTube because of the large variety of videos it contains. My favorite videos are the step-by-step tutorials that teach you anything you want to learn. I also enjoy listening to music and watching people’s remixes to songs; the different twists on songs provide a new meaning and vibe. Even though my laptop allows me to access several websites with just one click, it also has its flaws. For example, social media websites such as Myspace and Facebook are dangerous because anything that is posted can be used against you, even if you do not have wrong intentions. As an educator, I know that it is crucial that I maintain a professional profile because I do not want a single post or picture to interfere with my future. However, I agree with the young man in the video who claims that Myspace is “an extension of being who I am as a person.” Through social media, I can create a page of my liking. Using a computer can also be dangerous if one does not fully protect it with antiviruses. Private information can be accessed. Also, it is extremely easy to fall into the trap of a "fake" page.
In the video, one girl claims, “I make anything that would have been ordinary, extraordinary with my macbook ” Unfortunately, I am not skilled in using different websites and programs. I also cannot make music, but this does not mean that there isn't room for improvement. All the information and assistance I need to learn is just a click away!
3. Television
Before purchasing an iPhone and a laptop, I was literally glued to the television set in my living room. Watching television as a child benefited me because I was a non-English speaking child. My parents spoke Portuguese at home, and shows like Barney, Sesame Street, and Arthur helped me learn the English language. Today, I still find my television to be a great source of not only entertainment, but of education. I personally enjoy the Discovery channel and cooking channels. Watching the news, keeps me updated on what is going on in the world. Also, I watch several Portuguese and Spanish soap operas, which help me master both languages. Of course, I am aware that I spend too many hours in front of the television watching reality shows, instead of doing homework. By the time my shows are over, I am too tired to do homework, yet I force myself to get it done. Consequently, the following day I am fatigue due to lack of sleep.
As stated in the video, technology definitely gets people to “think in a different way.” With the tremendous growth in technology over the past few years, there is absolute no reason why people do not have enough resources to educate themselves. Of course, they also have to be aware of the harm and downfalls of technology.
I enjoyed reading your blog because I was able to connect in various ways to what you said. I liked how you brought up the anti-viruses on the computer, because it is very important for us to keep our private information safe. With technology so advanced, it is very easy for hackers to hack into our private computers or websites that we might use. Thankfully, people are more aware of these issues and are cautious. For example, credit card companies work closely with their clients to prevent fraud and to alert their customers when something does go wrong. I think it is very important for us to teach and promote internet safety to our students so that they can use these technologies efficiently and safely.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was so funny that you said you had to lie to your parents to get access to the Internet. It is amazing that just a few years ago, laptops and cell phones were like foreign objects, and now even our parents use them.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was great that you said you always want to learn new words, so you have a Dictionary app. That is so smart! I also found it amazing that you said watching shows like Barney and Sesame Street helped you learn the English language. Obviously I also love reality television and spend way too many hours watching it; that is definitely not programming that will expand your vocabulary, but it is still the most entertaining.