Monday, December 17, 2012

Current Event #15: 2012 Year End Wrap-Up


2012 Year Ending Current Event # 15



Due: Friday, December 21, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment will be one of reflection. You should select a topic that will pertain to a thought provoking event/issue that will surely be written and recorded in the history books for 2012. We've experienced and witnessed a lot of historical events that helped shape 2012. What world event will you choose to end the year on a historical note? Be sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Be sure to research to find information regarding varies topics and issues that left a mark or impression during 2012, which will be discussed for years to come. Your post should adhere to the following format:

What You Will Do:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant)

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

** *Be sure to write specific, detailed, complete paragraph sentences, when writing your current event.***

HAPPY NEAR YEAR!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World


Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World
Douglas Rushkoff says computer class must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.
Due: Friday, December 14th, 2012

This week is Computer Science Education Week, which is being observed around the United States with events aimed at highlighting the promise of digital education. Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist, author, and digital media advocate, says we live in a digital age but computer science is not a priority in schools; which causes the United States to lag further behind other countries in this field. Rushkoff also states that digital literacy helps us see that kids are not Facebook's customers, but the product. His argument on Capitol Hill this week will focus on the need for individuals to think critically about promoting digital media environments, as a liberal art to teach students about the world.

What You Will Do

1.      Read the CNN article found at the following link address: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/opinion/rushkoff-code-writing/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7 , in order to address the accompanying tasks.

2.      Select 3 of the author’s 10 talking points to discuss in detail, your view of support to help the author's argument, for further advancement regarding the need of digital education in today’s society.

3.      In what capacity do you envision our school/district accomplishing the desire to make our students competitive in the digital education race? How can our school/district improve in order to meet the specific needs mention by Douglas Rushkoff?


***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***




Monday, December 3, 2012

Current Event #13: Saving Afghan Women before U.S. Exit


Current Event #13: Saving Afghan Women before U.S. Exit
Afghan schoolgirls study in an open air school in Jalalabad. Violence against women is a major problem in Afghanistan.
Due: Friday, December 7th, 2012

Violence against women is a major problem in Afghanistan. A recent incident happened last week, where a 14-year-old Afghan girl was beheaded and killed in an attack by two men, one of whom apparently asked her to marry him. The attack happened last Tuesday, a day before new legislation was introduced in Congress calling on the U.S. government to take steps to help protect Afghan women and girls as the U.S. military prepares to exit Afghanistan.
The girl was fetching water when she was accosted, according to reports. The men, who have not been identified, were arrested by police. The girl and her parents had refused a marriage proposal by one of the men, according to the Amnesty International report. This was the 15th deadly attack on a female victim in Kunduz in 2012, the human rights organization said.
Daisy Khan, a women’s rights advocate, suggests that a key measure of U.S. success in Afghanistan will be the extent of women’s rights. She states that, “If girls can’t go to school, women can’t reach goals, which means nothing will have changed”. Women must be in talks to fight forcefully for rights, they must vote, go to school and all parties must promote women’s rights.

What You Will Do:

Students will read the CNN article found at the following link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/03/opinion/khan-afghan-women/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7 . After reading the article, you will need to answer the following questions in complete, detailed paragraphs to convey your thoughts and opinions about the issue being discussed. Be sure to cite examples given in the article to support your opinions in addition to any other resources you might utilize.

1.      In your opinion, explain in full detail whether or not you think that the United States military has a moral duty and responsibility to protect Afghan women against the injustices which are presently happening to them?
  

2.      As mentioned in the article, these offenses toward Afghan women will escalate further once American troops exit. Express your opinion regarding the (4) major goals which must be accomplished before the United States loses its bargaining position in Afghanistan after our troops withdraw. List each goal and provide your analysis for each as you explain your position.