Programing computers, and education

After reading the post by Feross, it made me realize how much people put towards their creations such as webpages. I have always been around a computer, for as long as I can remember, and I've been there when websites started to grow, but until the article, I never thought about what exactly had been put into it. I remember when I was younger I thought about making a website, but never went through with it, and just forgot about the idea. I know now that if I were to try and do this, I would more then likely fail at it almost as soon as I begin. With all the codes, time, and frustration, I know I would become discouraged and give up quickly. I had thought about taking a computer class while in school, but at the same time, I feel comfortable enough with what I currently know, and don't plan on needing to knowledge to build websites in the future, that at this time a computer class is of no interest to me. However I know that if I were to take one it could help me learn the smaller details of how my computer runs (for if I happen to get a virus in the future, or something of that nature) or to even help me realize how to find the smaller details in how things are created. Even if I don't plan to look to much further into this, I am grateful to those who have taken the time to make such websites like 'Google' 'Facebook' or my email that I use daily.

Paper on Education & Lewis Black video

                While watching Lewis Black’s video on education, there were two parts that really gained my attention. The first part was on the clip of ‘Teach Tony Danza’. Since I’ve had the experience of attending different schools across America and Europe, I have seen different teaching styles used. I feel that there are times when teachers either aren’t that familiar or comfortable with what they are teaching, or that they just don’t put forth the effort to make sure every student is at the same level of understanding as those around them.  There are a lot of times when students either have no interest in the subject, or are just too lazy to put forth the effort while in class. I think that something that would help on that topic is for the teachers to make their lectures worth listening to. Examples of that are having the class act out certain skits relating to the lesson, games such as jeopardy to quiz their knowledge, or just taking two or three minute breaks throughout the lecture, and do something random or funny. This would get everyone a chance to absorb the information, and to make sure that everyone is still awake and focused on the information being discussed.

                Another part of the video that stuck to me was the powerball clip. I like the idea that it gives everyone a moment of wanting to have something greater happen in their future, but at the same time they went about it the wrong way. No one’s future should be determined by luck, everyone should earn it through their work. Since there are a lot of people who put hours of work into their studies, and then there are those that just barely get by, a powerball would end up discouraging those students that studied more, since it has become a 50/50 chance for their future.  Powerballs should only be used for playing the lottery, and random games. The powerballs should never be used to determine someone’s future education. It also sets the example that when facing a decision, you should gamble your chances instead of figuring out how to take the correct path. I think that for those who cannot afford to attend school, they should continue working hard and earn scholarships. For those that didn’t work as hard during school, and didn’t have the opportunity to receive scholarships, should work on the side, save money for their future, as many people currently do.

                I feel that education in America has changed drastically over the years, but especially recently due to the influences of reality television. The current television programs set the example that anyone can succeed in life and become famous, especially those with a limited education. With the younger generation constantly being exposed to those programs, they will grow up thinking that the actor’s/actress’s behavior is what is expected of them, and won’t try to act more civilized. If adults would take the time to show the younger generation the positives and negatives that they learn from their role models, then they may be more open to wanting to grasp new things in their future.

                In conclusion, there are a few things that I believe people should change, whether it is their study/learning habits, or teaching habits for America’s education system to become greater. Until that happens, I believe everyone should know they are capable of achieving something higher than what they set out, they just need to open their minds, and put forth the effort.