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No Red Pill, No Blue Pill

     This composition written by Ana Cristina Pratas was very interesting. I liked the details Ana put into talking about learning from every angle. From involving technology to autonomous learning, she covered all of these subjects very well. The images Ana incorporated into this piece of writing matched really well with the words. For example, when she was talking about learning like wool, " I wish I could say that learning is a delightful, warm, easy, fuzzy experience. Soft as the finest of wools, simple to weave meaning, silky and smooth when putting into practice." She put a picture of a sheep. 

     I had many connections while reading this composition. The connection I felt was the most important was from the digital learning part. Many people in this school, like she said, have little or no technical skills, and they don't wish to acquire them. I help as much as I can, with the technical problems everyone has. But I believe it will be a better school, better for me too, if people took the time and effort into acquiring technical skills, or help. It would help me a lot for my body and mind, if I knew people are getting the help they need. 

    I Think the audience for this topic/essay can be anyone that is learning. No matter how old you are or where you are, this essay really helps open the eyes of people everywhere; this essay even affects us in this class. We use technology in our course everyday, from the projector to the iPads. But what would happen if we didn't know how to use these things? How would our course have turned out then? I enjoyed reading this composition and hope Ana will write more like this in the future.

If Students Designed Their Own School

The idea of “Students Design Their Own School” would have its pros and cons. For some kids, this would be the best program, but not for all. Some kids, like me would need a little motivation to stay on task and stay focused. Others would need no motivation to stay on task all the time. I would also need a teacher in the room because I need someone to put pressure on me while I’m doing work or else it won’t turn out that good. I would stay neutral on this idea because this can greatly benefit one and possibly harm the other. I know what you’re thinking, “How about the kids who need that motivation to work don’t take this program.” Well, I have something to say. Some kids don’t take school seriously, so they would join this program and slack off. For my benefit, I wouldn’t take this program, but for others this could possibly make their life. I have a feeling that this could be abused by kids who don’t take school seriously, so its hard to put a one sided opinion. After all looking at the pros and cons, it’s hard to say "yes" or "no" because they have equal advantages and disadvantages, in my opinion. Since everyone is different I would stay neutral on this idea.

No Red Pill No Blue Pill Response 


      Well the story/poem is referring to learning, using passion, working for what is needed and for the effort to be in that work. I think the story is saying the more effort you put into something that you love or in school the farther you  will get in life but if you take the blue pill you'll wake up and believe what ever you want to believe or in other sayings, you will continue life without a purpose. And if you take the red pill you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes or in other saying, you gave up and you having nothing else to do. But the story or poem goes on and states about "learning" and how it hurts but at the end it will be worth while.

      I think this story/poem or what ever this article is, is purposely a message to students to do what they love to continue in school. To push, to work, to use passion in school, to improve.

     The author's style of writing is different because talking to you about not giving in, it's like the wording of the article is meant for you and no one else. To be honest the pictures are sort of in the way and if you don't read properly you can miss some words. But the No red pill No blue pill is a great example it reminds you that you have choices that aren't good for you and the only choice is to try.
    In conclusion, the article is really, really good. At the beginning it says about the red and blue pill and at the end it ends with it too. (Just pointing that out)

Speech - Revised

What Free Samples?

          Just a normal day enjoying a drink at Starbucks, suddenly a wild tray appears! Filled with delicious cups of their newest product; even smelling it makes me want to go buy it. I quickly approach the table then realizes… There all gone! I just wanted to try a free drink from the famous Starbucks, now I feel sad that I missed a great opportunity. Then I started to wonder… Why are they giving out free samples? This is what gave me the idea to write this speech.

          What is the point of a free sample? Well, it is just a way for the company to get buyers by giving the customers a taste of what they have to offer. For example, the deodorant you received from the mail. The company does not give you free products because they feel like it; they give you their products because they want to get your attention. So next time you walk into a store, the first thing you notice will probably be their product. “Oh hey! Is not that the deodorant I received in the mail?” Your friends will either agree with you or think you’re weird because you use deodorant from the mail. On the other hand who does not like free stuff?

          Is the sample really free? I know it says free samples, but consider the fact that every sample is not free. Think about how the company got enough money to make these samples. Most of the companies spend money on free samples hoping to get the attention of consumers. They are hoping that by grabbing your attention, you will buy their products and refer friends to do the same. The money comes from the company’s own fund, and by making samples it is kind of like investing in stocks. The company can gain customers or they can lose customers because maybe their products are “not up to their standards.”

          Some people misunderstand free samples that come into the mail. They think of it like ads and sometimes even spam. Here’s a good idea to those that hate samples: Donate it. I’m pretty sure there are people out there that need a stick of deodorant or a bag of tea. The truth is, free samples are ads; they really are, but think of it like the good ads, for example, McDonald coupons. That may not necessarily be good to some because they hate McDonalds, but for others, it is like early Christmas.

          In the end, it all becomes your choice if you want to buy the company’s product or not. Free samples are just another way for companies to introduce new items they created to test the quality of their work. For the company, it is like taking a risk, you could like the product and buy more, or you don’t and never talk about it again. So next time when you try a sample at Starbucks, they might just get a new costumer.

digital life response

My response to the digital life video is: I agree totally with Amy Burvall totally that the digital life has taken over everything. We can still be educated with and without the internet. It's just a matter of the way you like to learn and how you've been learning from the very beginning. The flaws of this video is that it was confusing for me with the clips of Neil Armstrong and that woman.

if students were the teachers

i don't think that this would be a good idea for me to do because i don't think that i would be able to stay on task throughout the class. although i might not be able to do this i believe that some other students would probably benefit greatly from this experience.

Speech bobo

                                                                                                Bobo K

                                                                                                          English 10

                             Why crime will never end

          We have all had something stolen from us whether a pencil a valuable treasure or even an idea , Hello class today I will be talking to you about crime and why it is a never ending cycle.

          911 what’s your emergency? The words we hear when we report a crime a law enforcement dispatcher. Crime is a serious offence and is no joke. Now that we have some knowledge on crime, we can break down the different types here are a few. GTA or Grand Theft Auto, Cyber bullying,   Money hacking / Illegal wiring, shoplifting and many more. These crimes all have something to do with each other they are all illegal!

          A mind blowing question that I have always thought about is why do people commit crime?  Because nobody wakes up in the middle of the night and says they want to commit a crime. I have come to a theory as of just why. Greed, lack of moral judgment, boredom, peer pressure, Passion, and belief of not getting caught are all reasons I feel people chose the commit crimes. The people which take pride and pleasure in such activity have no idea that they are ruining not only their future but there inner self they must deal with consciousness issues and self-pity most of the time they must block out the ‘’good angel’’ on their shoulder telling them what is right.

          What are we doing to try to stop it? While others report it others take it into their own hands. When taking it into your owns hands it will sometimes make the situation worse than it already is for you. For example last year in Ontario a shopkeeper was robbed at his family owned fruit store. The perpetrator demanded him to open the cash register and give him all of the money. The shopkeeper acted as if he was going to retrieve the money instead he reached under the behind the counter and pulled out a colt 45 pistol and shot him dead. There was a problem with this scenario , first of all the shopkeeper should’ve called the police and secondly he shot him … while taking actions into your own hands  my sound like a good making you the “hometown hero “it will also leave you in trouble. The shopkeeper was charged with attempted man slaughter and possession of a firearm , while the bandit was free.

Through learning about different types of crimes, back round knowledge and why people commit crime we reach a conclusion. Is it possible to end the cycle of crime? Well let’s look at it this way there are 358,193 babies born a day leaving us with quite a few future criminals on our hands , and with raising crime rates we can’t do anything but sit back panic and call 911.

speech

         Can I get a cell phone? You don't need a cell phone. But everyone else has one. If you have ever asked your parents for a cell phone the conversation might have gone a little bit like this. A more convincing arguement might have gone like this.
         Well first off mom and dad, my social life would be off the charts. I don't think you understand how important facebook is, what if I need to write a status well I am away from my computer,what if someone posts a funny picture, I will have to wait until I get home, by that time the picture will be old so theres no point in liking it. What about instagram, what if I'm in the bathroom and I have perfect lighting for a picture, how will I be able to snap that photo without a phone. How about twitter, say I'm walking down the street and inspiration hits me, my tweet will read "Ms.Lees is so awesome #bestteacher", but I can't tweet it right away because I don't have a phone, now I have to wait until I get home, and I will probably end up forgeting about it before. This a big problem.
          Another big part to having a phone would be the apps and music. Unless you have been  living under a rock for the past 4 years you would know that apps are games that you are going to have to have if you have a cell phone, I'm going to assume that you have heard of angry birds, this is just one of the thousands of great games in the appstore. Also, how else am I supposed to watch my favourite tv shows when I am not at home, same with movies, what if I am sitting in class really bored, then a light goes on in my head. Hey why am I just sitting here doing nothing when I oculd be watching a movie, so I plug in my headphones sit back and watch Ted. I can't think of a better way to spend double block english.
           Finally, there are the emergencies, like calling 911, but the only real emergency that you would need to call 911 for would be if someone stole your phone and how are you supposed to call 911 without your phone. Another reason that you need a phone is so that your parents can get a hold of you no matter where you are, so that they can call and ask you where you are and where your going and also to see how your day at school was. You would also need a phone in order to call the coast guard, what if you are on a boat and all of a sudden a shark starts to attack it, how are you going to get out of that mess without calling the coastguard to come and save you.
           This guide should help convince your parents into buying you a cell phone. Remember get it ASAP, because you never know when a good tweet will come to mind or you just feel like playing a good old game of angry birds.

Speech draft posts?

Where are all the speech drafts for this group? How can Mr D'Argent's class respond without the drafts?

2nd Video Response

         Through out this video the only thing I kept thinking of was, " WOW! This is awesome! I would love to participate in this program!" Then I had other thoughts like, "What am I going to learn everyday?" "What am I going to do when I'm done?" This kind of program, to me, is a great program for anyone because it is a whole semester of doing what you like. I can relate this to the genius hour project; This is just like genius hour, except it is longer and you get to work in a big group. One of the connections I thought of while watching this was related to the music video "Digital Life." I thought, " Did anyone decide to do a music video for their project?" This was kind of the only thought/connection I had because I found it difficult to relate a music video to a self-taught school.

                  VIDEO REVIEW                eric porter   

    I totally agree that digital life has changed who we are without a doubt, but although this video may be educational it is also very annoying. Its very repetitive, I get that digital life has changed who we are but she doesn't have to say it 100 times. I would have tuned in more if it was maybe a teenager talking because I can relate to a teenager more than I can with a teacher. Also, it gave me headache because of the tune being really high pitched. I would have liked it more if it was a more recent song that I might have heard before or a song with a catchy tune.

               Kenny McCormick seems like an average fourth grade student but he has a secret, kenny has been blessed with the power to never die.
    It all started during seasons 1-3, Kenny died in almost every episode, but once the next episode came around Kenny would be alive again. In season 5 episode 513 Kenny is diagnosed with a terminal illness and dies again, but this time there was a twist, Eric Cartman one of Kenny’s best friends mistakens Kenny’s ashes for chocolate milk mix and drinks him. For the rest of season 5 and all of season 6 Kenny was living inside of Eric because Kenny’s soul was trapped inside him, but once season 7 started up Kenny was alive again. there are many theories as to why Kenny always comes back to life, such as he can’t die, he gets reborn, but one thing's for sure its a mystery worth solving.
    The reason that this is important to me is because I’ve liked this show for as long as I can remember, and I think that the audience would be interested in this because its a popular show that some people might have seen before. Our goal is to find out why Kenny dies so often, then he comes back to life as if nothing has happened. We need to find out how Kenny comes back to life. The people that will be interested is anyone who likes this show or comedy. The area of interaction would be social education because its something that my group will have to discuss and also research. We are in a group, we are all interested in this topic thats why we have decided to work together in order to gather more information faster, as we will all be researching and discussing theories so that we can come to a reasonable conclusion. We should have this completed in about 4 or 5 weeks, this is reasonable because it will take us awhile to get all of our information then we will need to put it all together into a presentation format. We are going to have to work very hard and use a computer in order to work quickly and efficiently.