A powerful agent is the right word.
---Mark Twain
Words well chosen have the power to inform, influence, educate, and entertain. One of the beauties of the Internet is the ability to communicate across states, countries, oceans, etc. We can now share ideas and communicate with one another across the globe--we can send words of encouragement, we can share ideas and prompt change, and we can leave a legacy about who we are as people.
---Mark Twain
Words well chosen have the power to inform, influence, educate, and entertain. One of the beauties of the Internet is the ability to communicate across states, countries, oceans, etc. We can now share ideas and communicate with one another across the globe--we can send words of encouragement, we can share ideas and prompt change, and we can leave a legacy about who we are as people.
Over the past two weeks you've experienced just a small part of what blogging is about--what it can allow people in the world to do. I'd like for you to visit the below sites--read, listen, and watch. The first site is about the impact blogs will have in the future--in business. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_18/b3931001_mz001.htm
The next site shares the power of communication--how no matter our circumstances we will find a way to communicate. Think about how far we've come.And the last two sites--I hope will inspire a continued connection with the world via the Internet. You are a part of a global society--and your voice matters. Be sure to watch both videos (One World and The Message) at the bottom of the article. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/207640/youtubes_the_message_video_sends_message.html
Tell me--what have you learned about yourself, your world, your peers by blogging the past two weeks. What changes in the world do you hope to make? What are you passionate about changing that you haven't been able to voice just yet?
24 comments:
I have learned that in this world, there are so many things that happening and many of us aren't even aware of it. Blogging informed me about events like the draft and what’s happening in Africa. Most people think that this world seems to be perfect but it's only in an imaginary world that we all wish to have, I mean peace on earth? I wish it would happen. But honestly it's not. The world will always have its obstacles to endure. Because many people don’t see eye to eye.
With blogging, I learned that words can be such a simple thing but then complex at the same time. Four letter words like love and hate have such different meanings, but they are both words. Words don't have to be spoken to make a difference in someone's life. Writing it down, using your hands, or even the emotion you have in your eyes can reveal what it really means. Everyone in the world has a voice, but do they all have the courage to speak it?
Look at this site and her eyes just say it all: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text
In the future, blogging will be a form of communication in. I don't think i'll change the world but it maybe a factor to help change it by having awareness about the topics.
I learned that everyone has a voice or opinion for something they strongly believe in. I think that many of us want to make a difference in someone's life. I honestly want to do that. When I grow up I aspire to become a pediatrician. It's a simple thing but I want to watch little kids grow up and make them better when they are sick. It's the little things in life that makes it worth living and to work hard for.
Though blogging I have learned how our world is so divided whether if it is in the classroom or on the other side of the earth. I have also realize that I can add my voice to pretty much anything I want to. Whether it is blog or something that will make the world better. Which is the reason why I want to become an engineer. So I can make things that can better our planet and make life a little easier for everyone. I believe everyone should value education and be able to go somewhere in life. How far will you go to put your voice or your dreams and accomplishments out there?
I feel that it's easier to express myself in the blogs. I think that's true for a lot of people as well. It's easier to have voice when your writing then when you are talking out loud at least that's true for me. I think that voice is something you have to find and for some people it takes longer to find while others are born with it. When you are talking to somone its not always as easy to express your voice as it is to write them a letter. I have learned about a lot of things from the blogs the past two weeks like slavery, boy soldiers and the treatment of soldiers. I don't think I will dramatically change the world but I at least hope to influence/ change a few lives. I absolutley agree with the comment about valuing education. Its so important to want a good education in order to better yourself and in turn better the world. I want to be a pediatric nurse when grow up because I like helping others especially children. I think that it is important to help others because if you don't help them why on earth would they want to help you. It's like the saying treat otheers the way you want to be treated!
Over the past weeks of blogging, I've learned that blogs can be tools to spread awarness, if used properly. The first time I heard about "blogging" was a couple years ago and I was told that it was a sort of online diary. Well, obviously, it's much more than that.
I've always been overly aware of the hatred in our world. Accompanied by this awarness was a want to calm the war within us all. I can say that through these blogs I've realized that I'm grateful for the distruction, the terrible things that I've witnessed and experienced because it's only made that want inside me grow. I think that's when this world will be in peace, when we all feel the same want, when we all are working towards the same goals. And if getting there means we have to endure years, decades, centuries to get there, then I say bring it on.
It's not the big changes we make that matters. It's the little ones. To bring peace to our world, we don't need everyone to donate half their income to children in Africa or spend months of their life rebuilding structures. We just need to love each other. To quote The Beatles "All you need is love".
I think this starts by tolerating people different from us, then accepting them. By accepting them, you love them. That's when change starts.
Communication. It's everywhere. It comes in many forms, such as sign language, verbal and/or written language, formed with facial expressions, and even drawings. Blogging is just another form that can be added to that growing list.
Blogging has taught me to express my opinion in a educated form. How to give it without coming across as harsh or timid, but to form my words in a way that hopefully will enlighten others and make them think.
The power of words are strong. A single four letter word can easily hurt or help a person. Once you say your words, you can't take them back; and once they are on the internet, it's even harder. When we speak or write, we need to think about what we're trying to communicate. That's what I've learned.
i always thought that blogging was just like instant messaging, or myspace, or something like that, but its different... I didn't know I would get so many opportunities to argue! I can honestly say i will continue to do this outside of school, and I don't think it will make any significant changes, but over the course of two weeks, ive learned so many new pieces of information to put in the puzzle inside my head. I think that the spreading and distributing of knowledge is, at this point, a positive thing.(I usually say ignorance is best in most situations) I would like to educate others as well... learning and observing opposite views from mine is and always has been a hobby of mine, and this is one of the most efficient ways of absorbing voice. the average human being acts as a chameleon... changing opinions to fit the most convincing argument, generally following the best voice. i want to absorb as much as possible, in the hopes that one day i can be one of the few voices that will be followed
I have found blogging to be quite Ironic. We've all uncovered a bit more of our voice, and yet we're not speaking at all. Blogging has taught me that you can argue and debate and plead with your voice but, if you don't do anything, nothing happens. I think the more we blog the more people will be educated, but what we do with that education is key. My point is, actions speak louder than words. Now that we've found our voice within this blog, we need to share it. We need to put this knowledge and voice to good use in our world.
One day I'd like to put a band-aid on the world and say Ta Da! it's fixed...but that's not going to happen. I've learned events such as human trafficing are happening because no one has stood up and stopped it. I've learned, we can't let our voices stay here in this blog and die, we have to use them to change the world.
When we speak, are we really speaking? What is speaking? I think there's a definitive difference between speaking and actually saying something. Blogging has demonstrated this difference to me, and hopefully it will continue to enlighten minds as it did mine. If thought about, it's not different from many other types of communication. It spreads ideas and shares knowledge; it keeps the world in check with itself. It's openmindedness, however, that I believe really fuels the benefits of blogging. If your mind is not open, then dicussing only becomes arguing, persuasion is ignorance. Through the work of blogging, common minds and common ideas, could become common knowledge. If only what is discussed in these blogs were applied in the real world, as mentioned before. As blogging has enligtened and broadened my mind, it has also given me a chance to express myself, my voice. In blogging, voice is everything, it creates the discussion and strengthens it as it goes on. In similar ways, blogging is like the world in a smaller form. If voice is implemented, then progress and change can come. If not, then the conversation ends, just as the world would do so. It's an adaptation, as the discussion changes, your voice could change, and so could the world.
These past few weeks have been a very good experience. We have found a new way for our voices to be heard. Some people are too shy or just don't feel like talking. Through blogging, we are now able to hear the voices of EVERYONE. In the future, I would like to continue blogging because it is very interesting to hear the diffent opinions of people around the world. By blogging, we can get our voices heard throughout the world.
I think that our blogging experience was a positive experience, because it got us to hear more from people who are too timid or too tired and so on to spread their opinions in public. Although this is a public blog, it is essentially private. We have the ability to read and reread and edit what we are going to post. In real life we usually don't have that opportunity.
I think that blogging allows us to get inside the heads of people more than we can in public-real life. We get to see how people act when they have time to think about what they are going say; which I think says more about that person than how they act in a social situation, when they have no time to prepare what they want to say.
I don't feel like I have learned a whole lot about myself however. Maybe I just haven't gotten into the blog enough or I just haven't realized what I have learned yet.
I believe blogging is the new generation of voice. It is convenient to where people don't have to go anywhere to express their opinions. If you think about, blogging is no different than having a conference on a certain topic- such as in school. However, like I previouly stated, blogging is convenient for oneself to bring out their voice. Personally, I don't talk a lot in class so I like to share my views on specific topics through blogging. I hope to continue blogging thoughout my life and blogging WILL eventually catch on with everyone to be the new generation of voice.
Blogging can be a very good and usefull way to use voice, just as we have learned. It gives any kind of person the potential, and the chance, to speak up. With that you get time to read over what you type, make sure you mean what you're saying, and that you're saying it right. You don't have to worry about thinking and your toes and saying things you might not mean. But at the same time you can think on your toes if you want too, nothing is stopping you, so you get the greater aspects of both things.
I believe that spreading knowledge is of much importance in our world, so being given the chance to do so in such an easy way should be taken advantage of. Ignorance can lead to bad reoccurances. If something is learned, people can share their knowledge to make sure others know not to do the wrong again. This is a way to strengthen human knowledge as a whole and should not, or will not, be forgotten.
I think blogging is an easy efficient way to spread views and voice on any topic imaginable. It can be accessed from the comfort of our own homes. I've always liked how voice can be expressed and heard from miles away over the internet. I've been able to look at such topics in a different light and was able to gain a lot of perspective. We may not be able to see each other, but maybe that's a good thing because we're put onto the same level playing field. We have an equal opportunity to express our views and I find that to be something special.
I think that blogging is an excellent way to share your opinions, and views on the world.
I have learned many things over the past few weeks. Mostly things that i didn't know about the people in our class. Some things that are just make you go wait who just said that?
A lot of the issues that we discussed, i really didn't know what the whole extent of it was. I sort of knew the porblem was there, but i didn't know enough of it that i could reall have a good grasp of it, but this has really helped me understand some things.
I could say that oh i'm passionate about this or that, and most likely it wouldn't be something real, like something you can really step up and change, or take action for. There is one thing that i am completly and totally 100% for is going green, and trying to change our environment. I have really been into that, and not just because it's the new trend. I think that we should just try our best to just be bit more consious of whats going on around us.
When I first heard of blogging, I thought that it was just a place where I make simple comments. Throughout these past few weeks I have realized that it is more than just makeing comments about something. It's a way to express your feelings and get your voice heard. I believe that it helped alot of people who struggle with expressing their feelings in front of people.I know that blogging has changed the way that I view people. I have realized that things that are said are other peoples opinions, and I'm starting to respect that. (I still have to work on it.)Blogging also helped me to be able to express myself and organize my thoughts clearly. Although I am very outspoken and opinionated, I have a difficult time organizing my thoughts while speaking and even writing. So, I feel that I'm getting better at that because of blogging.
In the future, I think that blogging will be helpful and benificial to people with writing and organization skills. I also think that it will be hurtful because people may spend sooo much time blogging and on the internet that they loose their verbal social skills. They actually forget how to speak with people in an appropriate manner. So, I think that people should not depend on it as only for a means communication, but for knowledge.
I used to think that blogging was a way to share your thoughts- like a journal. However, until recently I have learned it is a place for much more than that, for ideas and opinions for example. It helps people break out of their shell and speak their mind. I for one am never really balanced when it comes time for confrontation. I would much rather write down my thoughts or ideas than have to argue to get my point across. Writing is my passion, so for me blogging felt real, natural. When I was younger I kept a journal and would express my thoughts there, but would never share it with anyone. Now I realized it's important to stand up for what you believe in and spread your knowledge.
Honestly, there's really nothing I'm 100% passionate about, just like Mary stated. There are little things that I would like to change, but no major ones. For example, after I wrote my research paper I came to realize that I'm all for public schools and hearing people talk bad about them is one thing that upsets me. If they never went there they have no right to talk bad about it. Plus, I think they are just as good as private, if not better (but that's for another argument). Other than that blogging has really helped me express my mind, and for that I'm grateful.
I think that through blogging I've learned that the world is an even worse place by seeing all the statictics and problems going on.
But then you also find out there are people willing to stop atrocities from happening trying to get their naked voice heard.
Changes in the world I hope to make? Coming up with something original and altrulistic would be swell.
I'm not sure what I want to change. Yes there are many a thing I want to make happen or end but really, none of them have held my attention for too long. I guess I need a more serious drive/project.
But there is something that I've been into for awhile now.
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
It's awesome how people share their lives.
These past couple of weeks has been a very different experience. Before Mrs. Holloway told us about blogging I had no idea what it was or even that it existed. It has been a great experience though. Many of the students are too shy to talk in class and this enables them to get out their opinion in a comfortable way. At first blogging seemed really dumb and I didn’t want to do it but now I actually enjoy communicating with my classmates and letting my voice to be heard. I would like to continue this through the summer and hopefully the rest of my life. This is a great way to let your voice be heard and gain knowledge of others.
The quiet, shy person that just sits in the back of the room can have the most intelligent thoughts, but no one would know. That person is too afraid to speak their views on subjects, in fear of being derided by their fellow classmates. Blogging, however, you can form a new identity and let your thoughts be heard without even speaking to another individual.
Just let yourself be heard though. Even if it is through the internet, you are still having a voice. There is nothing worse than sitting back and watching your world fall apart around you and you do nothing about it. People sometimes deem their thoughts not as intellectual as another’s, but that does not mean they are not as worthy. Everyone has a title to an opinion and you should let it be known.
Personally, I think I am an extremely vocal, opinionated person and I realized that I can take my view points to the internet to share with others. Most of the blogs I posted, like the one about the soldiers in Iraq and the U.S. involvement in Africa, I did not right my true thoughts about them though. I wrote to argue. This is ok on the internet to spark the conversations.
An issue I feel strongly about is the rights of animals. I feel that as people we hate to hurt and feel pain, so why should animals have to be tortured and put through it?
Over the past few weeks that we have been blogging I have come to realize what a wonderful tool blogging can be. It is just one more way we can express ourselves. This experience has brought about my attention to several different important scenarios. Like Nancy said, “words can be such a simple thing but so complex at the same time.” It is amazing to see everyone getting so into this opportunity and contributing their ideas with all the skills we have studied throughout the year. We have learned to share our Ideas intelligently and professionally
I think it is a great way for people to express their feelings in another way. I love the fact that the shy students, have been able find their voice on the blog. This is a great way for them to let out what they really think and want to say, but simply don’t have the self-confidence. It gives them the chance to stand up and make a statement I have learned and grown as I have read their comments.
When I first learned we were going to be blogging I thought it sounded like a bore however, it has turned out to be kind of fun. I enjoy reading the intense blogs and trying to comment back.
I think blogging is a very useful resource and I don't see how anyone can despise them. Have they given it a shot? It could be perhaps that they haven't found the blog for them. Contributing to a blog with a "flamer" can make it unintelligent and some what useless so, I think it's important to make sure you are on a safe or controlled blog where you are pretty sure there will not be any flaming.
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