Clean Freak Survey

For Scientific Inquiry Q-200 Students:

Please select one answer to the following question!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DM7DHWN

Internet Communications

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Internet Communications

View more presentations from Katie Jackson.

Scrapblogging

http://www.scrapblog.com

For my Emerging Technologies Post #3, I tested out a website called www.scrabblog.com.  Scrapblog.com is a site designed for users to make creative looking projects.  These projects can include making cards, calendars, slides, videos, etc.  I would advise this website to anyone looking to take their pictures and make something memorable out of them.  This was the first time I had ever used scrapblog.com.  I found the website somewhat difficult to get used to in the beginning.  However, after messing around with the technology for several hours I finally figured it out and began to enjoy it.  I would recommend, to anyone using this website, that you play around with the technology and take advantage of the step by step process it provides to you.  In addition, click around, there are several buttons that could help you find what your looking for. 


Here is one of my latest projects from scrapblog.com...

This was a pre-made format and all I had to do was add my own photos and some text!

Emerging Through Picnik.com

For my second Emerging Technologies Post, I decided to build off my first podcast and continue on with the technology known as Picnik.com.  Picnik.com is a interactive website that allows you to edit your photos in a new and creative way.  Such features of this website include being able to auto fix a picture, change it's color, change it's quality, change it's appearance,  doctor discrepancies, downsize, and creatively enhance.  


I first learned about this technology when I started college at IUPUI.  A friend of mine introduced me to the website after I commented on how good a picture of hers looked, come to find out, the reason it looked so amazing was because she used Picnik.com.  Prior to my Picnik days, I had been trained to use a program called Adobe Photoshop.  Photoshop is both very expensive, and quite confusing to get used to.  Picnik.com however, is a breeze to get used to and includes lot of guided instruction.  


If you would like to learn more about Picnik.com and how to use it, you might try listening to the podcast in my previous post.  There, I go over some basics of Picnik and how to get started editing!  I must also add that Picnik.com is a website that has some limitations.  Some of the more advanced features can only be utilized by a means of registering and paying to be a member.  However, there are tons of functions that are free and allow for a great photo to be created! 

Here is a photo of me on Halloween before and after editing with Picnik.com!  I changed the color to black and white, added a frame, and added some text!  This totally changes the look and overall feel of the picture!

Here are some other photos I've edited with Picnik.com:

This is a picture of my friend Sarah and I at our Senior Cook-Out!

  This is a picture of my friend Stacie and I at our Senior Cook-Out!

This is a picture of my friend Taylor and her boyfriend while bowling!

This is a picture of my boyfriend's sister after her dance recital for Alice in Wonderland!

This is a picture of my boyfriend and I at our high school prom!

My friend Taylor and I at the Pacers Game!

 
 

Podcast- How To Use Picnik.com!

Here it is!
https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/katijack/Emerging Technologies Podcast 1.mp3

My podcast is about how to use a specific website called Picnik.com!  I decided to use this as a lesson because it is a very useful means of technology! This website allows you to take your ordinary photos and turn them into extraordinary photos through a means of editing and enhancement.  I use this website everyday when editing pictures that I either print out or upload to facebook.  I highly recommend this piece of technology for future photo editing needs!

Something Smells Super Delicious!

Check out my bookmarks at:
http://www.delicious.com/katie_jackson09

Enjoy!

Critical Thinking Module 2

Katie Jackson
EDUC-W 200
September 11, 2010

Have You Ever Questioned Your Technology Usage?

            If asked, “What is one thing you could not live without?” most people would probably respond by listing their family, or a favorite pet.  However, a number of people would immediately answer this question with, “my cell phone”.  Some people cannot leave a room without their cell phones; some people actually never put them down.  By analyzing the articles, “Top 10 cell phones for students” by Anonymous, and “The Pros and Cons of Texting and IM” by Kelley Loftis, one can more easily uncover what it is that draws people to this form of technology.

            In the article, “Top 10 cell phones for students”, the author identifies the criterion for devices making the list.  It states, “Factors considered included affordability, popularity, and functionality”, but how does this tie in with students?  Student, as defined on dictionary.com, is “a person formally engaged in learning”.  So, should a 2^nd grade student who is 7 years old really be worrying about the affordability, popularity, and functionality of a cell phone?  Most schools do not allow students to have cell phones in their classrooms.  They are not a part of class learning, nor are they used to aid it.  Therefore, this article should have nothing to do with “students” and should be directed more towards teenagers and young adults who do consider these factors when purchasing a mobile device.

            Regardless of the audience direction, “Top 10 cell phones for students”, is a list of features and costs for ten specific cell phones.  The most common capabilities of these phones deal with messaging, taking pictures or videos, and listening to music.  All of these qualities are great to have, but once again, none of these are necessary for students.  However, having these features on your cell phone are useful for everyday life.  Through messaging, you can easily let a friend know you will be running late.  With a camera/camcorder, you can capture/record moments in your life that you would like to remember or share with others.  Last but not least, with a music player, you can tune in a soothing song and tune out a stressful day.

            On the other hand, “The Pros and Cons of Texting and IM” reveals a negative side of this device and its features.  Loftis wrote, “According to several studies by insurance companies, distractions in general are the leading cause of teenaged crashes, not drunk driving as so many thought”.  Loftis also talks about a survey conducted in Sanford, NC where students were asked, “Do you text message while driving (if you can drive)?”  The results from this survey concluded that out of the 59 students who answered the question, 22 students said yes, that they did text while driving.  When it comes to this situation, the cell phone is no longer a helpful device.  Messaging has become such a big deal that people no longer use their best judgment.  A person would never think twice about trying to type something on the computer while driving, but since a cell phone is smaller and less hassle, people think one little “hey” is worth looking away from the road.

            When I was in high school, there was a girl who lived in a town near mine that got into a car accident.  She survived, but her two best friends who were in the passenger and back seat, died instantly.  It was concluded that she had been texting while operating her vehicle when she collided with another car and ran off the road.  She was not intoxicated or trying to hurt her friends, she was simply looking down to respond to a text message.  Communication through text message has spiraled out of control.  Texting while driving is among the leading cases for deaths and it is still not outlawed in every state.  People who are going to get drunk think twice about getting behind the wheel because they know what can happen if they get caught because it is against the law.  This form of thinking should occur before picking up a phone while driving as well.

            After evaluating both sides, one can conclude that technology is very valuable when used appropriately.  Cell phones have no place on the road, but they are useful to have if you ever run out of gas.  Every piece of technology is designed for the greater good of human kind in order to make our lives flow more easily.  However, when you abuse the gift of ease, you only get kicked in the knees.