Online Journal 21

Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision. ~Ayn Rand

Collectivism.  Individualism.  Conformity.  Independence.  Anthem certainly does make us stop and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy every day in our society.  In addition, it has been described as having a "parable-like quality" which calls to mind many other associations we may have.  I have already heard several comparisons to events in other books and movies or even to different events from history.  Besides being insightful and provocative, Anthem has also been called the most "accessible" of Rand's works, meaning many people--especially young people--can easily relate to it.  So for this week's journal entry, tell me:  What thoughts does Anthem inspire in you?  Do you think of politics and philosophy, like Rand herself?  Or does it remind you of a book you've read, a movie you've seen, a person you've known?  Does it make you consider yourself and your place in society?  Your rights and responsibilities as a student?  As a citizen?  Describe what you think of as we read (it can be about the whole novel or one specific incident in the story), and then (since we have some extra time for this entry) go back and reply to at least one other person's comment as well.  Be sure to add to the conversation "I agree" will not suffice.  Contribute something of interest:  add to their thoughts, compare their ideas  with yours or to something else from the story (or from another story or from life itself!), or take an opposing point of view.  The options are limited only by your effort and imagination!  Part 1:  Comment.  Part 2:  Discuss.  You get a grade for BOTH parts.  I can't wait to see what you all have to say!  :)   

Online Journal 20

The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. ~Ayn Rand

As we read Anthem, can you imagine how it would be to live in a world where the Council of Vocations determined the path of your future? How would it would feel to live in a world where you could have no preferences, no say at all, in what you would do for the rest of your life? And then, as you consider how important it is to you to have the freedom to choose your own future, share your plans with us. You may already be set on a course for the future (and you may still have no idea), but give us at least an idea of the direction you are considering right now because--as today becomes tomorrow and tomorrow fades into the next day--the future will be here before you know it! And besides, you get no points for just saying you don't know!! :)

Online Journal 19

Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact. ~Honore de Balzac

"Harrison Bergeron."  Can you imagine the horrors of living in such a society?  A society where, instead of helping and encouraging everyone be the best they can be, your talents and strengths must be covered, hidden, brought down.  If you lived in Harrison Bergeron’s world, what sorts of handicaps do you think that you might be given? Why? Why do you think these are your strengths? What sort of weaknesses do you have that would force other people to be given handicaps, to bring them down to your level?  And finally, what is your opinion of poor Hazel?  How would you feel if, in such a society, you were left perfectly alone, un-handicapped, free ... to be ordinary, unexceptional in every way?

Extra Information

•BOOK

Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication.

•DATABASE

Junge, Wolfgang, and Nathan Nelson. “Nature's Rotary Electromotors.” Science 29 Apr. 2005: 642-44. Science Online. Web. 5 Mar. 2009.

•WEBSITE

Editor, author, or compiler name (if available). “Title of Page or Article.”  Name of Site. Version number. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available). Medium of publication. Date of access.

Here is a little extra information for those needing to finish their papers beyond the bounds of our class time.  All of your databases should have had citations (which you saved on your Works Cited page); these will need to be alphabetized and reformatted to MLA specifications:  double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, 1 inch margins, and a reverse indent for all lines except the first.  As for your books and websites, you already have the information, just plug it in to your citation, in order!  If something is missing (like an author), just go to the next thing on the list (like the Title).  Be sure to use the same punctuation as the examples, and--as always--italicize the name of all books and put the titles of articles or web pages in quotation marks!  For more help, come see me before school or during pirate time!

BTW, Blog 18 is still here and due Friday, so don't think you are off the hook!

Online Journal #18

 

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. ~Bertolt Brecht

Technology.  It's all around us.  You use it every day in an innumerable amount of ways.  Right now, there are some exciting technological opportunities in the works here at Branson High School, especially with the introduction of BlackBoard!  Whether used in entirely virtual classes or just in a more blended curriculum, BlackBoard brings many exciting educational possibilities for the coming years.  In fact, some schools in the area are actually going to be providing students with either tablets or laptops next year.  Though we are still a few years away from anything like that, for this week's journal entry, I would like to know your thoughts on the subject.  Do you think you and your peers could handle that much technology in an educational setting?  Productively, I mean.  Do you think there would be more learning or more surfing going on?  Do you think some subjects would be easier with your own computer every day?  Would some subjects be more difficult?  Do you feel the curriculum of English classes would be improved?  If so, in what ways?  What things would you like to see happen with BlackBoard if all your wireless dreams came true, and you suddenly had web access every hour?  Would you change what you learn (Keep in mind, we have state standards to uphold!) or just how you learn it?  As technology is the 'hot topic' around here right now, here is your chance to voice your opinion!