Wiki Research

Wiki can help teachers create lessons and present to their classes. For example, for a History teacher who gives handouts of notes, they can place the notes in a wiki and have the students refer to that page to get the notes. Teachers that give study guides can also post them on a wiki. This allows the student to not have to worry about losing the papers they need and they can refer to the website to access the pages they need whenever it is necessary. A wiki can also allow students to work together collaboratively in one place. This can also help when students study together in groups or are revising each other's essays. Students can also create their own notes or summaries on wiki and make it available to send to the teacher or to other students.

One of the most beneficial things about using a wiki would most likely be the collaboration abilities. A wiki provides all the information necessary all located in one spot. By being able to have multiple editors different aspects of the work can be seen. For example, a student who is studying for a test using a wiki may not be able to find each detail needed, however, another student who collaborates may have found that missing information. A wiki can help find missing details needed because of the ability for multiple people to edit the information.

In this class specifically we can create a wiki giving a description of the class and a list of some of the topics discussed. The wiki can also contain the various links we use during class and some of the classes thoughts about taking the class. Comments on the class could help show what needs more explanation or what the class could improve on. By using a wiki, the whole class could collaborate on one single document, and see what others write as well. For a quiet class, like this one, many of the people who have responses or ideas, but do not want to speak out during class could share their ideas on the wiki.

I have experience creating wikis, however, I have used a wiki before. I haven't used them often for school, but I do use them to look up quick information on a TV show or on a band/singer.

Invisibility Do Now

     If I was chosen to have the ability to be invisible for a whole day in order to do good I would assist others when they appear to be struggling. I would go around the area near me and when I see someone who needs help, I would help them. For example, if I were to see someone trying to lift a heavy box, I would help them carry it so for them it appears lighter. Also, if someone were to drop a paper, or something that can be carried by the wind, I would hold it down so the wind does not take it. 

     I could also help save someone's life. If they were about to fall off of something and they didn't notice, I would prevent them from falling in whatever was I could. If someone was falling asleep and they were cooking, I would turn off the flame so it doesn't catch on fire. I would try to save people whenever possible. I could also help people if their alarm wasn't going off or waking them up, I could wake them up myself so they wouldn't be late for what they had to do. Lastly, if I was in the car with someone, I would make them stop the car if they were about to get into a car accident, or if a sign is knocked down, I would fix it so people could see the sign and not cause any accidents. 

New Class (Do Now)

If I was teacher and could add any class I would add a class on the performing arts. In the class students would learn more about acting and the proper ways to sing and dance for a musical. Each student in the class would learn different methods to get into their character and how to play with the lines in a way that doesn't change the meaning, but makes the line easier to work with. Students in the class would also learn to become more comfortable with being on the stage and performing in front of other people. Often, there will be music to assist the students in their songs and choreography being learned. Each student will learn different types of dance that they will be able to use in their performances.

When in the class, it will be organized and in control, but still fun and lively. The class would meet in the afternoon that way students are awake and not half asleep like they often are early in the morning. The class should meet in an auditorium and each student should be prepared to sing, dance, and act out when told to. Depending on the day students will spend their time learning different aspects of performing. Each day of the week can be given a different thing to work on including learning different styles of dance, singing properly, different ways to portray a character, working on a specific musical, and on the last day of the week, going over the different topics learned over the past week. By the end of the class, each of the students would perform in a musical in front of an audience. This class would prove to the student that they have the ability to succeed and be comfortable in front of an audience.

Samsung Galaxy Gear (Technology Article #4 10/4)

• Galaxy Gear is a type of smart watch
• Samsung developed the Galaxy Gear in a year (released September 4th) 
• Samsung's goal was to shift their place in technology; "Fast-follower" 
• Samsung beat Apple to the smart watch
• A new form of wearable computing
• Originally made in just black, now available in several colors 
• Six colors: Wild Orange, Rose Gold, Black, Silver, Lime Green, and Mocha Gray
• Last minute color (Lime Green) was including the day before release
• First showing was in Berlin at a technology trade show 

See the original article here

Kindle Fire HDX (Technology Article #2 9/27)

• The new Kindle Fire features many new improvements
• Available in a 7-inch and 8.9-inch model
• Improvements made to the screen, processor, software, and more
• The speed is also increased since the Kindle Fire HD
• Depending on the size you choose, the Kindle Fire HDX ranges from $230 & $480
• The previous model (Kindle Fire HD) is now available for $140
• The HDX is now in a trapezoidal shape & is lighter 

To view the original article click here 

3D Printer Can Make a Pistol (Technology Article #2 9/20)

• "Liberator" Pistol- Creation by Cody Wilson (TX law student) 
• Once the design is downloaded, anyone with a 3D printer can create a gun 
• Models can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum and The Science Museum (London)
• (V&A Museum) 2 models are being shown & one is disassembled to shown the parts inside
• U.S. Government forced take down of the plans

  Click here to read the complete article

US History II Honors

       This year as a sophomore I take US History II, which is taught by Dr. Minocci. Throughout the course of this year I expect to continue learning about American History, spanning from the Cold War to modern day. From the first two weeks of this class I noticed Dr. 

 Minocci  teaches quickly, but in an interesting way. Not only does he give us a Do Now, but he also gives a funny Do Now, which is a joke or a riddle.

       
       One of my favorite parts of Dr. Minocci's class is that he keeps it moving and makes jokes. I normally do not enjoy history classes, however Dr. Minocci makes history a much more fun and interesting class. Many times in history the teacher moves slow and the class becomes very boring and monotonous however, Dr. Minocci keeps everyone focused by jumping to different topics and taking comments from all the students in the class. 

        Dr. Minocci uses technology each day; some days he shows PowerPoints from the projector, and other days he refers to the online textbook to teach. Many of the students also have used technology in order to complete the summer assignment. Other than US History II Honors, Dr. Minocci also teaches AP US History, Economics, Current Issues, and Law. Dr. Minocci has basic class expectations and requirements including showing others respect, completing the work given, coming to class, and more which can be found on his website here.