"The Machine is us/ing us" Bobby B

Summary Response Outline

Summary: “The Machine is us/ing us” by Michael Wesch illustrates the idea that technology is getting stronger and smarter while humans are giving the machines the power to do so.  Wesch supports his ideas by showing that humans are coding machines to think/do things smarter and faster.  Additionally, Wesch supports his ideas by showing that each time we post a picture and tag someone, we are teaching the machine/computer.  Making it smarter.  Throughout these examples, Wesch demonstrates that humans are programming computers to become even smarter than they are now, maybe even smarter than the human itself.  

• Topic sentence: title, author, strong verb, main idea
• Supporting ideas and explanations to prove main ideas
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

Response:

• Topic sentence: title, author,,correctly portrays/ incorrectly portrays___(Main Idea)________ because ___________ .
• Claim 1: “The Machine is us/ing us” by Michael Wesch correctly portrays the idea that machines are becoming smarter and more diligent than humans because there are many things computers can do that humans can’t do as quickly or even do at all.  According to “Will computers overtake humans in intellectual ability?” by Jonathan Strickland, “Were these losses signs that computers had become smarter than people? It's true that computers can perform calculations at a blistering pace” (Strickland).  Statistics show that computers can do things in significantly less time than humans can.  Such as hard calculations, analyzing data and coming to conclusions quicker, and even helping make warfare safer as crazy as that sounds.  Those are just a few examples of how machines are becoming smarter from the coding of humans.  Humankind is depending more on machines to not only help us in certain parts of jobs but, in our everyday lives.  However,  “Xcel power outage repaired in Littleton” by TheDenverChannel.com Team proclaims that even one of the most succesful energy companies can have issues with their machines.  TheDenverChannel.com Team states “Xcel Energy says more than 6,000 customers were without power for several hours in the Littleton area Friday due to an outage” (DenverChannel).  Customers were frustrated towards Xcel Energy because many people could not get their work done without the power they needed to charge their laptops or other electronic devices.  In summary, “The Machine is us/ing us” by Michael Wesch correctly portrays how machines are becoming smarter and faster due to human coding.  

• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (Shakespeare 1.2.13-17).
• Explanation of quotation to prove claim: explain quote, connect to claim
• Counterclaim 1: However, ....
• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (       )
• Explanation of quotation to prove counterclaim: explain quote, connect to claim
• What are the strengths/ flaws of this argument? (use rebuttal progression language)
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

A common view is that technology and machines are not reliable.  This position seems reasonable because at any given point the machine/piece of technology could have a power malfunction.  Machines/technology are also not available everywhere meaning that technology can only work in certain places in the World.  However, its more complicated than that, machines are becoming a big impact on our lives today.  Whether people like it or not technology is regular sighting in everyday life.  It is used for many purposes and it seems machines/technology is only going to get bigger.  In conclusion, machines/technology is becoming smarter and quicker due to the fact the humans are coding them to do these things.

The Case Against High-School Sports, Bobby B

Summary Response Outline

Summary:  “The Case Against High-School Sports” by Amanda Ripley illustrates the idea that high schools would be better off without sports.  Ripley supports her idea by showing that a school in Texas could save $150,000 by suspending sports for one year.  Additionally, Ripley supports her idea by showing how playing football is a lot more expensive than getting them a math education,In fact, it would save $682 per student.  Throughout these examples, Ripley demonstrates that times are changing and this could lead to high schools making a change, even if that means the absence of sports.

• Topic sentence: title, author, strong verb, main idea
• Supporting ideas and explanations to prove main ideas
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

Response:

• Topic sentence: title, author,,correctly portrays/ incorrectly portrays___(Main Idea)________ because ___________ .
• Claim 1: “The Case Against High-School sports” by Amanda Ripley incorrectly portrays the idea that high schools should banish sports because there are many perks when it comes to playing sports in high school.  According to “10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students” by Grace Chen, “ The Science in sports and Exercise found that students who were active in sports like soccer, football and even skateboarding performed 10 percent better in core subjects like math, science, social studies, and language arts” (Chen).  Data shows that students who participate in an after school clubs have higher a GPA than students who aren’t involved with sports.  Students who play high school sports learn the attribute of working hard and staying focused.  However, “The Case Against High-School Sports” by Amanda Ripley proclaims that high school sports should be terminated for several reasons.  Ripley urges schools to be focused on academics rather than sports.  Ripley states, “When Marguerite Roza, the author of Educational Economics, analyzed the finances of one public high school in the Pacific Northwest, she and her colleagues found that the school was spending $328 a student for math instruction and more than four times that much for cheerleading—$1,348 a cheerleader” (Ripley).  School are finding it more important to pay significant amounts of money towards sports rather than using that money for academic purposes.  Ripley feels that schools are taking away from students education by spending money on clubs/sports and not school improvements. In summary, “the Case Against High-School Sports” by Amanda ripley incorrectly portrays that high schools should not allow sports.
• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (Shakespeare 1.2.13-17).
• Explanation of quotation to prove claim: explain quote, connect to claim
• Counterclaim 1: However, ....
• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (       )
• Explanation of quotation to prove counterclaim: explain quote, connect to claim
• What are the strengths/ flaws of this argument? (use rebuttal progression language)
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

A common view is that sports in high school should be banned.  This position seems reasonable because high school sports are getting very expensive.  The money that goes to sports could be put towards making improvements for student's education.  However it’s more complicated than that, high school sports have many perks and it would almost seem silly for administrators to take sports away.  Students who participate in sports learn communication, time management, increase academic scores, multiple other qualities.  Majority of athletes in high school have a higher GPA than those who don’t participate in sports.  Sports gives students a sense of pride.  When they put on that jersey they know they belong somewhere.  They know they are representing something they care about.  In conclusion, high school sports have many perks/benefits and schools would be hurting students if they banned sports

Bobby's summary outline "Footprints in the Digital Age"

Summary Response Outline

Summary:  “Footprints in the Digital Age” by Will Richardson illustrates the idea that teachers, mentors, and parents need to help students reach their full potential by adapting to what students use now for information.  Technology is increasingly getting smarter and students can now look up what they need to know instead of going to a class and actually trying to learn.  Richardson supports this idea by saying that students are teaching themselves on online websites and then tuning out in classes.  Furthermore, Richardson supports his idea by comparing students to driving a bus without instruction or guidance and trying to learn how to navigate as they go.  Parents, mentors, and teachers need to be there for students and help them with hands on learning.  Throughout these examples Richardson shows that students are learning more from technology rather than going to classes and learning from a professor/teacher/mentor.  

• Topic sentence: title, author, strong verb, main idea
• Supporting ideas and explanations to prove main ideas
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

Response:  “Footprints in the Digital Age” by Will Rachard correctly portrays that students are learning differently than before and adults need to adapt and help students reach their full potential by giving them first hand experiences.  In the article RIchardson demonstrates his point by showing how students use social media to talk about classroom things.  Richardson proclaims, “Whether we like it or not, social Web technologies are having a huge influence on students who are lucky enough to be connected, even the youngest ones.”  20 years ago people would have never imagined how powerful technology could have become.  Even 10 years ago people wouldn't have guessed how greatly technology would affect education.  However, technology does have it’s pros and it’s cons. “Top Hat Blog” by Gene Montano states, “Creating expectations and guidelines for the students, and sticking to them, will be important for them in respecting your boundaries.”  Teachers will have to trust that their students are doing what they are supposed to be doing on their computer, phone, and tablet.  It is a trust issue just as much as it is an integrity issue.  

• Topic sentence: title, author,,correctly portrays/ incorrectly portrays___(Main Idea)________ because ___________ .
• Claim 1:
• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (Shakespeare 1.2.13-17).
• Explanation of quotation to prove claim: explain quote, connect to claim
• Counterclaim 1: However, ....
• Set-up
• Evidence: Lead-in  “ quotation” (       )
• Explanation of quotation to prove counterclaim: explain quote, connect to claim
• What are the strengths/ flaws of this argument? (use rebuttal progression language)
• Concluding sentence: restate main idea

college presentation Bobby,Baltzer

Bobby Baltzer

Language Arts

2nd Period

What Could You Do With $20,000?

What Am I Watching?

Is a college degree still worth it?  The video clip  “What Could You Do With $20,000” by Blake Boles, addresses this topic. Boles presents an alternate view concerning options and opportunities for students to receive college experiences without physical attendance.

What matters From This Video Clip?

The common belief today is to complete college and receive a degree.  Do you have to have a college degree to be successful?  If I don’t know exactly what I want my future career to be, I learned that spending a lot of money for college may not be the best choice.  If you go to college without a plan, or knowledge of a career path, the result could be failure, and/or major financial debt.

How Does It Relate To The World Around You?

I am actually very familiar with this situation as my family and I have experienced this first hand.  My brother, excited to get out of High School, was looking forward to college until he got there and realized he didn’t know what career he wanted to pursue.  He switched his major several times, tried a variety of classes, and still was non decisive.  My family spent a lot of money for him to attend an out of state university, and after 2 years, my brother is taking a year off and still struggling with his future goals.

How Does This Connect To What We Are Doing In Class?

This video connects directly to what we are learning in class.  We as students need to be focused on our future.  Throughout High School, we should have an idea on what we want our jobs to be when we become adults.  If there are concerns about college, consider other options…there are many trade schools that aren’t as time consuming and expensive.  Take a hard look at what subjects you’re passionate about, and weigh your options.  Ultimately you want to set yourself up to be the most successful person you can be.