April 08, 2008
Presentations
I think last class was really interesting to get up and see everyone talk about what they were researching. What I think was the most cool about all of it is that everyone is so different. The topics varied so much. From globalization to gay window-dressing, everyone had original and unique ideas. It was really great to see.
What possibly made was just as interesting as people's ideas was how they decided to present them. Everyone had a different approach to their material. What was nice is that there is no one right way to present. Some people chose to do powerpoint while others really just got up and spoke passionately about their project. I thought every way has pros and cons, but that they were all very effective.
I think I'm really gonna enjoy the next couple of classes seeing what people have to say!
Posted by amyljb at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2008
OLPC
What impresses me most about the OLPC program is that it really seems as if every small detail has been thought out. Of course, ideas to give and reach out to communities around the world are always wonderful, but it is much harder to put it into action.
Everything from the design to the plan behind the laptops really make them accessible. The friendly green color invites children in welcoming them. The internet problem has been solved and is easy for kids anywhere to access the internet. They can be used in the sunlight. They are easy for kids to use and carry around. Hearing all this is extremely exciting. Because I do really think that it is about education and not just technology. However, in this case, technology helps further kids' education worldwide, so the two really come together.
I think the next step is - how does the world get these laptops out to children everywhere. And the "Give one Get one" program has answered that question. I'm not sure if that is the best answer. Or if it will work. I can see it seeming pretentious and almost like Western Countries are trying to "save the world" but I can also see it having a significant impact. Who knows. I feel like only time will tell.
Posted by amyljb at 12:10 AM | Comments (1)
March 26, 2008
Research
Research. What a frustrating word. It deceives you. It sounds kind of fun at first and then it just gets long and tiresome. Working on my project, I have spent so much time finding sources that are NOT helpful. I think this is also because I don't really know what I am looking for until I find it. I have to get more specific with my search. At the same time, all the time and energy going into researching definitely does force me to think about what I want to find and do and say. It's almost like a HUGE HUGE brainstorm before you actually do anything to do with writing a paper etc..
Finally I would like to say that research has dominated my life so much - that it forces me to loose track of time... For example, the fact that it is Wednesday and I should have written about this research on Monday on my blog I did not realize. I have been in research coma! ( I know...excuses...excuses..) But it's kind of true!!
Posted by amyljb at 01:02 PM | Comments (1)
March 17, 2008
Ugh.
I think there sometimes comes a point for everyone where they really just want to give up. Well that’s not possible. I know I can’t. Whether it be trying to hit that note, nailing the extension in the grand jete, or doing a reasonable job on research for this project, there just is not the option of giving up. Even though I just want to curl up into a ball and go to sleep.
I want to plow through it all positively. I really do. But that’s unrealistic. There are just too many things on my mind. And then I feel like an idiot because I see people like Thomas Friedman, a great journalist, doing great work. His documentary reached out to people and looked at a situation from different perspectives. To be honest, I don’t even know what point I want to make or what connection to my life and stress this has. I just know that it adds to my confusion.
Sadly, I can’t say Friedman’s video made me stop and re-evaluate my stress and life and be grateful. I am grateful for everything, but this blog isn’t going to have a corny realization ending because it just wouldn’t be true. I’m in the same place I was when I started. Except I don’t really know where that place is or what I need to do next.
Posted by amyljb at 08:58 PM | Comments (2)
