In this essay, Jayme Stayer is unveiling the dark side of a place not many people would suspect of having a dark side; Sea World. He begins his essay by narrating his experience that he had during a bird show at Sea World. At one point in the showing, the blonde woman who was doing the act revealed a few parrots of which she said “our ancestors brought from Africa.” Stayer points out that the only African ancestors we had from that time period were slaves that were brought on the European settler ships. And that since slaves were not allowed to carry birds on the boats, the woman should have said something more along the lines of “These parrots were brought to America by our European ancestors.” Sea World Stayer says is trying to present their guests with an educational experience, teaching them about different cultures, of the animals that the ill advised public knows nothing about, and about how animals should not be taken from the wild and placed in captivity. The latter “educational purpose” of Sea World, I found to be quite ironic. For the very place that houses captive animals and displays them for anyone to see, is supposedly teaching the public that it’s wrong to captivate wild animals. Later in the essay Stayer states that he believes Sea World is attempting to hide something from the public. Stayer believes that Sea World is holding a tight grip on what and how their visitors think. And that there are questions just waiting to spring to the surface of a tourists mind, that Sea World does not want to have to answer. Stayer says that Sea World should call notions of science into question, in an actual attempt to educate the public, rather than thrusting their ideas and ideals onto the unsuspecting public. Stayer makes one final analysis of Sea World and concludes that Sea World does not accomplish anything. Yet advises everyone to take a trip to Sea World anyway saying “…Who can remain unimpressed when a mammal the size of a Mack truck lifts itself out of the water? As for Sea World itself: If aided by earplugs and skepticism you can ignore what they’re trying to teach you, you just might learn something.”
Writing Stragey #4 - How does Stayer use Sea World to make broader points about American culture?
Stayer says that "Sea World is a reflection of American culture: a consequence, not a cause; a mirror of consumerist desires, not a promoter of political change via education."
In this comparison, Stayer is alluding that the American culture is not a culture that causes events into effect; but rather that the American culture simply acknowledges what has happened, and changes the way we view events in order to tailor to the desires of the consumerist public that America is overgrown with. That we are not promoting anything thought provoking or stimulating ideas, rather making them all "politically correct." which is the opposite of progression.
Exploring ideas #1 - Based on this essay how is the way Stayer that Stayer sees entertainment parks similar to or different from the way you see them?
Stayer and I have quite a few differing beliefs, as far as entertainment parks goes.
I believe that entertainment parks are purposed and designed to meet exactly that criteria; entertainment.
Whereas Stayer believes that entertainment parks should incorporate an educational experience, in an effort to teach the public something, and to challenge our beliefs.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Response to Floppy Disk Fallacies
In “Floppy Disk Fallacies”, Elizabeth Bohnhorst is exploring the idea of computer assisted learning in public schools. In her essay she argues that computers will detrimentally affect a student’s creativity, specifically in elementary years. That the emotional and social values that are normally taught during these years will not develop as fully if the students are learning through computers. She acknowledges that computers have indeed contributed wonders to the field of education, and has proven an effective way to get kids interested in learning.
I would have to agree that computers have contributed many wonders to the field of education, and have standardized our way of teaching and learning in schools today. While this computer assisted learning is far more common in high schools and colleges; teaching elementary students basic computer skills is a necessity. Bohnhorst is concerned that students will not get any “hands-on learning techniques”. She illustrates an example saying, “if a class is learning about regional watersheds computerized classrooms will most likely turn to the handy diagrams so conveniently laid out on the screens before the student. In a classroom that values hands-on learning techniques, a school field trip to a local stream or swamp may be an effective strategy.” She is implying here that if education were to be based solely on computers, that students would no longer take field trips as an instructive aid. I believe however that not only would students continue taking field trips, but that they would benefit from them more fully after learning about the subject through a computer, than they would if they were relying on a single teacher to instruct them.
Bohnhorst is also concerned that students, again specifically elementary age, will have their creativity “squashed” through the intensity of the images from a computer. She believes that students will not be able to generate their own images and ideas with consistent exposure to “ready-made images”. But what is the world but a large ready-made image? Rather than quelling a student’s creativity, computers will assist them in developing greater imaginations, and more colorful images in their mind.
While Bohnhorst generates some good ideas in her essay, I believe that some of her concerns are easily addressed, and are caused more from worry than an actual cause for concern. There is a need to accept that the future is full of change, and that if we don’t prepare our children to enter that world, then there will be cause for concern.
Writing Strategies #4 - What does Bohnhorst value and how are those values critical to her argument?
Bohnhorst values hands-on learning experiences, where the students can visually see and touch what they're learning about. And the emotional and social developments, that she believes will be hindered with computerized education.
The first is critical to her argument, as it is the main point that Bohnhorst is attempting to convey in her essay. She is trying to show how computerized learning is in-effective as far as increasing the intelligence of students, as opposed to using textbooks. And believes that without the kind of hands on learning that students (elementary age specifically) receive now in public schools, that they will be less creative and be unable to generate ideas and pictures in their minds as easily, due to consistent exposure to ready-made images. Without this value her essay would be rendered not nearly as effective as it is now.
The second goes along with the first, in supporting her claim that computerized learning is detrimental to students, rather than being beneficial.
Exploring Ideas # 2 - Interview several people who have not read Bohnhorst's argument, and find out specifically what they think computers can ocntribute to the field of education. Try interviewing people of various backgrounds and age groups. Follwoing your interviews, write down any new ideas you've discovered about computers and education.
Unfortunately, having written an essay during this quarter and after reading this essay through quite a few times, there weren't many new things I discovered by interviewing people. In fact after looking back I didn't discover anything new, so I provided a short summary of what a few of the people believed.
The majority of the people I interviewed have said that computers would aid certain students specifically more than others. These would be; the students that are far ahead of their class and unable to work to their limit due to the slow moving pace of some of the other students in their class. It would aid students who traveled for significant amount of times. My dad is a good example, having moved 17 times in his childhood, 7 of which were during his high school years. He would have been more able to complete his schooling in between moves to high schools, had he been able to work from home on a Laptop or PC.
Computerized learning should not take the place of textbooks, but rather serve as an aid so as not to eliminate something we have used for so many years as an integral part of our educational system. A good point presented is that "Books don't crash on you, while you're doing your homework."
Computers would aid students by being internet capable, allowing students to find information quickly and accurately.
I would have to agree that computers have contributed many wonders to the field of education, and have standardized our way of teaching and learning in schools today. While this computer assisted learning is far more common in high schools and colleges; teaching elementary students basic computer skills is a necessity. Bohnhorst is concerned that students will not get any “hands-on learning techniques”. She illustrates an example saying, “if a class is learning about regional watersheds computerized classrooms will most likely turn to the handy diagrams so conveniently laid out on the screens before the student. In a classroom that values hands-on learning techniques, a school field trip to a local stream or swamp may be an effective strategy.” She is implying here that if education were to be based solely on computers, that students would no longer take field trips as an instructive aid. I believe however that not only would students continue taking field trips, but that they would benefit from them more fully after learning about the subject through a computer, than they would if they were relying on a single teacher to instruct them.
Bohnhorst is also concerned that students, again specifically elementary age, will have their creativity “squashed” through the intensity of the images from a computer. She believes that students will not be able to generate their own images and ideas with consistent exposure to “ready-made images”. But what is the world but a large ready-made image? Rather than quelling a student’s creativity, computers will assist them in developing greater imaginations, and more colorful images in their mind.
While Bohnhorst generates some good ideas in her essay, I believe that some of her concerns are easily addressed, and are caused more from worry than an actual cause for concern. There is a need to accept that the future is full of change, and that if we don’t prepare our children to enter that world, then there will be cause for concern.
Writing Strategies #4 - What does Bohnhorst value and how are those values critical to her argument?
Bohnhorst values hands-on learning experiences, where the students can visually see and touch what they're learning about. And the emotional and social developments, that she believes will be hindered with computerized education.
The first is critical to her argument, as it is the main point that Bohnhorst is attempting to convey in her essay. She is trying to show how computerized learning is in-effective as far as increasing the intelligence of students, as opposed to using textbooks. And believes that without the kind of hands on learning that students (elementary age specifically) receive now in public schools, that they will be less creative and be unable to generate ideas and pictures in their minds as easily, due to consistent exposure to ready-made images. Without this value her essay would be rendered not nearly as effective as it is now.
The second goes along with the first, in supporting her claim that computerized learning is detrimental to students, rather than being beneficial.
Exploring Ideas # 2 - Interview several people who have not read Bohnhorst's argument, and find out specifically what they think computers can ocntribute to the field of education. Try interviewing people of various backgrounds and age groups. Follwoing your interviews, write down any new ideas you've discovered about computers and education.
Unfortunately, having written an essay during this quarter and after reading this essay through quite a few times, there weren't many new things I discovered by interviewing people. In fact after looking back I didn't discover anything new, so I provided a short summary of what a few of the people believed.
The majority of the people I interviewed have said that computers would aid certain students specifically more than others. These would be; the students that are far ahead of their class and unable to work to their limit due to the slow moving pace of some of the other students in their class. It would aid students who traveled for significant amount of times. My dad is a good example, having moved 17 times in his childhood, 7 of which were during his high school years. He would have been more able to complete his schooling in between moves to high schools, had he been able to work from home on a Laptop or PC.
Computerized learning should not take the place of textbooks, but rather serve as an aid so as not to eliminate something we have used for so many years as an integral part of our educational system. A good point presented is that "Books don't crash on you, while you're doing your homework."
Computers would aid students by being internet capable, allowing students to find information quickly and accurately.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
In Search of...Something - Response
I completely agree with Bass's concept of education, both what we are being taught in school, and what our reason's for obtaining an education should be. You’ll meet people at college who are exactly like the individuals Bass described, who are simply going to college in the hopes of obtaining a well paying job and an easier life. These are the deceived and naive people, who when leaving college may find life to be slightly more difficult than originally anticipated. Then there's the people you see at college who have 160 credits towards their AA degree, but have it all in music or art. These are the people who are truly going to college to learn, and who want to "...Develop and advance our desires, so we can discover the things that are truly significant in life." These are the people who are going to find true happiness in their life, and be more satisfied. The people, who are living their life to the fullest, and learning for the very sake of learning.
Many people when they go to college expect to be shown exactly what they must do, what classes they have to take, and what teachers they should take these classes from. They expect to be handed their education on a silver platter, using none of their own initiative or knowledge towards making the wisest decision possible throughout their education. These people feel like since they’re paying for their education, that they should simply receive a degree regardless of their own effort or how well they did in the class. To become successful in college you need to have a clear understanding of why you want to get a higher education, why you’re taking the time and financial resources and investing them in this higher education. Because if a person is unsure of their motives or reasons behind obtaining a higher education, they might want to discover them.
Writing Strategy #1 - What points does Bass make through personal anecdote? How else might she have made these same points?
Bass delivers through her personal anecdote the idea that many people believe going to college will fulfill all of your life long dreams and goals. Because of the influence her fourth-grade teacher had on her, she says that she believed that life would be easier once she obtained an education.
She could have made this same point by instead of using personal anecdotes, using another person as the example in her narrative. She could have addressed it with facts, shedding light on what really happens when you obtain an education. And how that education comes about.
Exploring Ideas #3 - What class or experience helped you to develop your concept of education?
I grew up being home-schooled by my mother, so I've always had a slightly different idea about education than many of the people who have gone to public school all their life. I was taught that obtaining an education was going to be hard work, that I would have to dedicate myself to going to finishing high school and going to college. I would say that my mother has been the greatest influence in my concept of education. And rather than a single event or occurance, this mindset of mine has been nurtured over the years to become what it is now.
Many people when they go to college expect to be shown exactly what they must do, what classes they have to take, and what teachers they should take these classes from. They expect to be handed their education on a silver platter, using none of their own initiative or knowledge towards making the wisest decision possible throughout their education. These people feel like since they’re paying for their education, that they should simply receive a degree regardless of their own effort or how well they did in the class. To become successful in college you need to have a clear understanding of why you want to get a higher education, why you’re taking the time and financial resources and investing them in this higher education. Because if a person is unsure of their motives or reasons behind obtaining a higher education, they might want to discover them.
Writing Strategy #1 - What points does Bass make through personal anecdote? How else might she have made these same points?
Bass delivers through her personal anecdote the idea that many people believe going to college will fulfill all of your life long dreams and goals. Because of the influence her fourth-grade teacher had on her, she says that she believed that life would be easier once she obtained an education.
She could have made this same point by instead of using personal anecdotes, using another person as the example in her narrative. She could have addressed it with facts, shedding light on what really happens when you obtain an education. And how that education comes about.
Exploring Ideas #3 - What class or experience helped you to develop your concept of education?
I grew up being home-schooled by my mother, so I've always had a slightly different idea about education than many of the people who have gone to public school all their life. I was taught that obtaining an education was going to be hard work, that I would have to dedicate myself to going to finishing high school and going to college. I would say that my mother has been the greatest influence in my concept of education. And rather than a single event or occurance, this mindset of mine has been nurtured over the years to become what it is now.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Greatest Gift: response
Of the three assigned essays we were given in English class, The Greatest Gift stuck out to me in more ways than one. I believe this is partly because I can relate, not in the sense of motherhood or fatherhood, but in the sense of despair, envy, and loneliness she had felt. In Samantha Tengelitsch, the woman who wrote this essay, I also found a person I can admire. For in spite of everything she felt and everything she had to go through, she endured. And not simply endured, but was able to expand her limits, knowledge, and wisdom. And in the end was able to come to terms with her responsibilities, and her role in life.When Samantha first found out she was pregnant, she was a bit insecure I think with this new prospect. And yet at the same time, she was determined to do everything right. She tried to compare her life, and that of her daughter’s to books and media. To people like Martha Stewart, and her next door neighbor who had given birth to a girl as well at around the same time. She tells us that she was married, and her husband tried desperately to help. In one such case, a few weeks before Christmas she says he brought home a puppy, in the hope it would bring Samantha out of her depression.Samantha’s feeling of elation from having the puppy, soon turned to a realization that she now had yet another burden. It was in her decision to get rid of the puppy, that she gained acceptance of her new role, and finally brought Samantha out of her depression. She discovered later, that it was unfair to herself, and to her child to compare her life to that of someone like Martha Stewart who had seemed so perfect before her arrest. Or to that of her neighbor, who had been far more emotionally and financially prepared than Samantha had been. In Her experience she discovered perfection in her own uniqueness. But above all, she tells us that her greatest gift was the wisdom she received through her experiences.
Writing strategy #3 - How is the essay's title a unifying device throughout the essay?
What you expect to read about after first reading the title, is what Tengelitsch's greatest gift was. She slowly reveals it throughout the essay, hinting at the gift in several paragraphs. First she tells you about the birth of her daughter. This is what I presumed to be the greatest gift. Later in the essay her husband gives her a puppy a few weeks before the holidays. This also however was not the greatest gift. The last 2 paragraphs begin leading up to what she says was actually the Greatest Gift before finally stating it outright in the final paragraph "The real gift I received that holiday was not the little puppy, but what my experience inspired: growth, wisdom, the aility to stretch further than ever before, to be swallowed whole, to surrender, evolve, and accept my new role as mother. This wisdom alone was the greatest of all gifts."
Exploring Ideas #3 - What other roles in addition to motherhood are a progressive transition, an evolution of acceptance of self?
The first that comes to mind is a person who lost a limb due to an accident or in a war. They would have to come to terms with their appearance, the way they looked physically with the missing limb. But the person would also have to come to terms with the inability to do as many things physically, whether it was walking, lifting heavy objects, driving, or many of the things they were able to accomplish before they had lost their limb.
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