Monday, February 22, 2016

Safety In Our Schools


Safety In Our Schools

Read the following article, about a New Jersey school district that now has armed police officers stationed at their schools:


What do you think about this?  Do you think it's an effective way to protect our schools? Why, or why not?  What might be some other steps schools can take?

Would any of these measures have helped in the recent shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon? (Click HERE for info.)

Note: Be sure to post thoughtful responses to blog questions - both the initial question that I post, AND to the posts of your classmates.  "Yeah, I agree," or "Good point!" is not a complete response. 

Remember, you're carrying on a conversation, that you are contributing to!

Sunday, February 7, 2016

The Cloud


"The Cloud"

You've probably heard it said that the world has gotten smaller.  This is true because, since the development of the Internet (the 'Cloud') and such things as Tweeting, texting, instant messaging, social networking (Facebook, MySpace), we've grown much closer.  The distance between us, geographically, doesn't matter near as much anymore.

In many ways, this is a good thing.  But, in some ways - not so much.  While the world has grown closer together, we're also closer to those people who would try to hurt us or take advantage of us.  Most people are good - but it's easier than ever for those that aren't to target people who aren't prepared, or aware of the dangers.

So, you've just met a student who has NEVER been on the internet.  Their family just moved to the area, and just signed up for internet access at home for the first time.  Knowing what you know right now, what would you warn that person about?  What would you tell them to be careful of, when they're on the Web?  How would you tell them to behave - what precautions should they take?

You don't have to look this up - base it on what you already know - what you've already learned.  You CAN research a little on the internet, if you need to...



Monday, February 1, 2016

The Computer of the Future


The Computer of the Future

In 20 years, what will computers look like?  (20 years is an eternity when it comes to developments in technology!) Will they be tablets? Phone-size? Flexible?  Will they even be solid or tactile (meaning you can touch/feel them) at all? Will they resemble the Google Glass that the man is wearing in the picture, or maybe, a watch?

Search the web for developing technologies as they relate to computers. Describe IN DETAIL what you think the computer of the future (well, at least 20 years from now) will look like.

When you respond to classmates, challenge them to predict what advancements will be necessary to create the computer they described - or predict what those will be yourself.