Bigthink.com is a new online presence that is increasingly becoming known as the "smart Youtube". Bigthink.com brings experts, celebrities and the public into a conversation about the big questions that face us today. On it you will find the likes of Moby talking about why he is avegan, John Legend discussing Oprah's influence, Senetor Ted Kennedy speaking about democracy and education along side everyday people who choose to join the conversation. Bigthink developers believe that one of the biggest hurdles that they face is the shrinking attention spans of the average person on the net. In our YouTube/MSN/instant noodle world, how can people enter into a deep discussion about such things as poverty, love or the environment if people possess attention spans that last as long as TV commercials? View one expert's discussion on a topic that interests you and then respond to that video on your blog. Finally, talk about the concept of Bigthink.com and its attempt to bring intelligent and interesting conversation to the internet.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ec(h)o...
Grade Ten Blog Entry #6
Well it came and it went and yes we survived and experienced another Mary Ward Art Show! Ec(h)o was a huge success and was certainly a great week for celebrating all of the fabulous talent that you the Mary Ward students possess. For your last blog entry of the year, share your photos, stories and experiences of Ec(h)o!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Are You a Right Clicka or an iBook Flippa?
Grade 10 Blog Entry #5
The war between Mac and PC has been waging for about a decade now. While some swear by their Mac (believeing that its' aesthetically-pleasing design and user-friendly interface is well worth the price), PC followers believe that it is all "iHype" and the the universality of the PC and its' affordability is hard to beat. Watch the following video which pokes funs at this rivalry and after doing some research about Mac and PC specifications (ex: operating systems, hardware, software and typical usage) explain which platform you believe is better and why?
You can also check out their website: www.macorpc.org
Facebook and Education ... a New Partnership?
Grade 10 Blog Entry #4
Well let's face it - facebook is here and it is here to stay. There are few of us out there that don't have a Facebook account. We have been seeing Facebook in and out of the news and once again - there is another news story about Facebook. This time the story is not about students using Facebook for the wrong - but simply as a study tool - an educational resource.
Read the following articles, as well as the comments left by other readers.
What do you think about the whole situation? Do you feel the university is in the right or the student? Do you see how facebook could be used as an educational tool or is it simply a social utility?
When Graphic Artists Get Bored...
Grade Ten Blog Entry #3
Graphic artists are generally known for their sense of humour and their ability to "think outside the box". Watch the following YouTube Video entitled "When Graphic Artists Get Bored" in which you will see the visual wit of graphic artists who use Photoshop to amuse themselves and others.
Which image do you think is the most interesting? Why? Describe step-by-step how you believe the graphic artist was able to achieve this hybrid image in Photoshop.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Music Mania Downloads
Grade 10 Blog Entry #2
Music is everywhere in this school, in particular in the digital format of MP3's all of which are downloaded to our iPods, iTouch and every other "i" out there. MP3 players have become a part of our everyday wardrobe just as downloading music has become the norm when it comes to getting new music.
File sharing programs have made downloading copyrighted material very accessible. Any song, complete albums, video games, movies and software is available right at your own fingertips.
How do you feel about this practice of downloading anything you want for free? Do you have any ethical reservations about downloading software or music? Why or why not?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Your Footprint
Grade Ten Blog Entry #1
This year the theme of our annual art show is Ec(h)o. This can be translated in two fashions: 1 - to echo: a repetition of sound produced by the reflection of sound waves, any repetition or close imitation, as of the ideas or opinions of another; or 2 - eco: concerned with living things in relation to their environment.
One way that we can all get a sense of our relation to our environment is to complete an Ecological Footprint. By completing the survey you will find out exactly what kind of footprint you are leaving on this earth. Now in some cases you may need to (gu)estimate your answers, but try to be as honest as possible. (Google maps can calculate the number of KM's from Mary Ward to your home.)
In your blog, respond to the following questions: What kind of footprint do you leave on our planet? How do you feel about this footprint of yours? If you could change anything about the way you live to lessen your impact, what would it be? Finally, do you think that this interactive website is helpful in bringing about change for our future? Why or why not?
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