John Dewey: Thinker, Philospher, Educator

John Dewey lived his life by the idea that consequences are what actions should be judged by. He applied this ideal to create social reform, specifically with education. Dewey founded many new teaching methods and values in learning, such as "learning by doing." Dewey's thoughts on education were powerful and released in a book called "The School and Society." The notions he stated are still seen in teaching today. His thinking changed education forever. His philosophies were demonstrated through his speeches. He was very active in spreading his beliefs. Without this spread of beliefs, education may have been much more privatized than it is now. We all owe him thanks.
"John Dewey." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 29 Jan. 2010. .

Education- Background Information Entry

Since the time when we first claimed independence from Britain, education has been integral to America. Education was pertinent to Democracy's success. Education has adapted many times, evolving from elementary, secondary, middle, high, public, and private schooling as well as colleges. Federal government has been deeply involved with education as well, going as far as establishing a branch called the Department of Education. Schooling has been the basis for revolution in american society, such as the start of integration and Brown vs. Board of education. Even now as times are evolving we are changing education with this very blog. Using technology has become a key component to learning. We are using the internet to write a research paper! Education is an integral part to being an American. "education." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 29 Jan. 2010. .

Music, Band of Horses, Passion Pitt, Fleet Foxes, and Superdawgs!!!

Just got home from the grand opening of Superdawg in Wheeling and got to say FANTASTIC. I got a Superdawg and Supercheesie on black bread. Maybe the most satisfying meal I have ever consumed. I also talked with the owner for a bit. Great guy, great food, check it out. Also, I want to talk about a band I love called Passion Pitt. They are an electronic-type group and unique in their sound and style. The falsetto singing is offset by the strange yet delightful background music. You may know them from the Palm Pixi commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXdExYKC3bU&feature=related. The song in the commercial is “Sleepyhead”. My favorite song by them is "Smile Upon You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp0mNFr1iNw. Another awesome band is Fleet Foxes. They are a folk band and ZZ Top's love child. They have seriously thought-provoking music and videos. My favorite songs by them are “Mykonos” and “White Winter Hymnal”. You can hear them on YouTube at these two links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-dxG4WWf4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrQRS40OKNE. The last song I adore is “The Funeral” by Band of Horses. It is just super-powerful music and great melody. It is my favorite song ever. Hear it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibE7IqEjni4. Definitely a song I listen to when I'm down. Music is a great way to escape our lives for brief moments or accentuate them. I am wondering what role people use music for in their lives. Comment on your feelings about the music, what music does for you, and what it means to you.

Education-Intial Thoughts

Education in Deerfield can be described as elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. The overwhelming majority of Deerfield High School students go to college. We are priveliged to have such enormous oppurtunities afforded to us but in the rest of America it is not so. Education on higher levels is expensive and people are not able to pay during the current economic reccession. School is a major component in the development of children. Learning, teaching, and schooling have been around since the first days of indpendence on U.S. soil and they have not stopped now. I am looking forward to understanding the history of understanding.

Barack Obama and the State of the Union Address

I just finished watching the State of the Union on Youtube. The entire time President Obama's charisma shined. He speaks with such prescision and confidence. However, President Obama promised DRASTIC change during his campaign. This worries me because the Unemployment rates have increased since Obama's inaguration. The month Obama became our president, unemployment rates were at 7.7% which has since climbed to 10% today. The President did state 2010's focus is creating jobs. the President's hope for 2010 is bestowed in me but I still hold doubts about our economy.

Modern day storytelling and my affinty for it

My favorite thing to do is play videogames. For my 7th birthday my father purchased me a Sony Playstation. I was immediately smitten. Since the beginning of human existence there have been stories. Cave-paintings detailing hunts have been found from thousands of years ago. Storytelling has evolved to the point of gaming. Yes I play games so would argue have no emotional value like Madden Football 10 but I disagree. I have watched football since my days as a boy and will take my passion for it with me to the grave. I appreciate the value of competition and putting your body against another in the ultimate display of power. You can satisfy this by playing real life football as well as Madden. Playing a friendly and competitive game of Madden creates so much emotion. Heartbreak, triumph, suspense, anxiety, and anger are just a few of the feelings that people express through gaming. Gaming and storytelling are both ways to express emotions. Our human nature is to express our personality and react to others. The instant acquisition of feelings is what makes videogames and stories so enjoyable. Making a connection with yourself and the game you are playing is what makes videogames so moving. A book can engross someone so much they never wish to put it down until it is over. Games are the same way. They are addictive because we crave emotional reaction. It is what makes us human beings. Artwork such as the Mona Lisa or Sistine Chapel is so powerful that the image is implanted in our minds. My mind has been implanted with the stories of videogames. Some say that books are more powerful because it is your imagination that creates the character's appearance and settings. I recently have been enjoying the game series Mass Effect 1 and 2. The games are science fiction space operas like Star Trek and Orson Scott Card's Ender series. The story has a strong cinematic feel to it as exemplified in this trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFb4z6YHJqw). Many experts on gaming said the game is revolutionary because of the customization of the characters and dialogue system. The dialogue that your character has with others is determined by a pie chart. On the chart are various responses like "How can I help you?" and "get lost!" You choose an option but the line is not the actual line spoken by your in-game avatar. They say a line based on the thought you chose in effect making your thoughts determine the game. You can be a good-willed hero or a corrupt evildoer but the personality of your character is determined by you. Your imagination actually changes how the game is played by altering your character's abilities and the story Applying my creativity and imagination is an awesome feeling that I achieve by gaming and encourage people, whether they play games or not, to comment on their idea's and belief's on videogames. Also say what you believe games stand for. Stress relief, creativity output, competition, it is all up to you guys. Comment on your feelings.