2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 5

Much of the video focused on education. 

On one side there was the argument that technology and the distractions that it causes are having a negative effect on young people...poorer reading and writing skills and shorter attention spans. 

On the other hand there was evidence that introducing technology into some schools has resulted in improved student attitudes, higher standardized test scores, and greater student achievement.

How do you think technology should be used in education?  What do you think school will be like in 5 or 10 years in terms of use of digital technology?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 4

 

In recent years digital media such as multi-player online games and social media networks have exploded in popularity.  

Supporters argue that these technologies allow people to become more social and expand their network of friends and acquaintances. Opponents argue that they often lead to abuse, internet addiction, and/or harassment and cyber-bullying. 

In today’s world of technological immersion, in what ways is technology helping us to develop more meaningful personal relationships?  In what way is it hurting our "real-world" relationships with others?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 3

From training soldiers to dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to conducting combat operations remotely from half way around the world, technology is changing the way we wage war.

How has technology helped our military?  What new challenges is it creating?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 2

The video discussed many ways in which the internet has changed personal relationships.  

There was Bubbe, the 83 year old Jewish Grandma with the online cooking show, and the online gaming friendships and romances that have been created by World of Warcraft.  The video also discussed how the internet and use of digital media has changed even the family structure in many homes. 

How is technology changing friendship, parenting and love?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 1

According to the latest Kaiser Family Foundation data, 8 to18 year-olds are spending more than 50 hours a week with digital media. That's more than a full work week.

Is this too much?  Are kids today actually hurting themselves by using this much digital media?  Why or why not?

2/16/10 - The 2005 Political Typology Test

The Political Typology is a longstanding effort by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press to sort voters into groups based on their values, political beliefs and party affiliation.

The current report is based on a two-part survey of 2,000 Americans interviewed in December 2004, most of whom were recontacted to follow up on current political issues in March 2005. This is the fourth Political Typology study, following previous studies in 1987, 1994 and 1999.

Unfortunately, this 2005 version is the most up to date survey currently available.  It is due for a 2010 update, but as of now the new survey is not available on the web so we will take the 2005 version.

Click on this link to get to the site.  Then click on the "Where do you fit?" link to take the quiz.

Then answer the questions on the last page of the Political Ideology packet.  You will turn that in for a grade.

In the comments section, tell what political label the quiz assigned to you and comment on the quiz itself.

1/29/10 - Political Parties Mini Research Assignment

OK, so what do the various political parties in the United States actually BELIEVE?

Let's find out where they stand on at least one issue of your choice.

Choose an issue from the following list.  Be sure to pick one that you feel is an interesting and/or important:

Crime                 
Drugs
Economy and Taxes
Education
Election Reform
Energy Independence
Environmental Issues
Families and Children
Foreign Policy
Government Reform
Gun Control
Health Care
Homeland Security
Immigration
Iraq War
Afghanistan War
Social Security
Welfare and Poverty

Next, using the links below research each party's position on the issue of your choice: 

Major Parties*:

Demcratic Party:  main site /  issues guide / party platform

Republican Party: main site / issues guide / party platform

3rd Parties**:

Libertarian Party: main site / issues guide / platform

Green Party: main site /  platform

Use the information that you find to fill out the chart and answer the questions on the paper given to you in class (a blank copy of the chart can be found here).

* As we discussed in class, the two major parties are really more geared toward winning elections than toward a specific set of beliefs, so on SOME issues (especially the really controversial ones) it may be difficult to figure out exactly where the major parties stand.  But please, give it a try.  Finding out that a party is vague on an issue often tells you as much about that party's belief as a very specific statement.  Third parties are usually more clear on their beliefs and positions because they are trying to appeal to a narrower group of people.

** There are certainly lots of other 3rd parties that could have been included on this list, but the Greens and the Libertarians are currently the two biggest 3rd parties, so let's keep it simple and stick to those two.