A year in review...

The year winding down to an end "Top 10" lists continue to pile up reviewing what was hot and what was not for 2011.  Yahoo made a bunch of top 10 lists to recap the highlights and lowlights of the year.  Pick 2 things off those lists and briefly explain how you think they affected society.  Then pick on topic and explain how you could relate that topic to technology.  BE CREATIVE!

http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/

Solar power....something you've considered?

"Solar Power" is a term most people recognize but few people fully understand the market behind the term.  Recently many of the manufacturers of products to generate solar power have saw a steep decline in business and as a result are facing bankrupcy.  The following article will discuss some of the factors leading to this decline.  Have you ever considered how intricate the energy field is?  What do you think the declining solar power market will mean for the economy and the US in general? What do you think a difference maker would be in the situation?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/30/technology/solar_power/index.htm

Course Evaluations

Please take a few minutes to complete this online course evaluation.  Thanks :)


Tuesday/Thursday Class - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DMCN6YD


Monday/Wednesday Class - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DMSNF58

The survey will reference the course outcomes.  Here is a list of them. Be sure to think outside the box when analyzing how they were achieved.  For example: "Mathematics" - no we did not discuss how to add, subtract, or solve equations however we regularly would incorperate "use of logical processes" such as the day we talked about hackers effect on stocks.  These are little things to keep in mind, please let me know if you have any questions!

(1)Mathematics - including numerical literacy and knowledge and use of logical processes.
(2)Analytical thinking - gathering, organizing, and evaluating information.
(3)Analogical thinking - using former knowledge and experience to help comprehend and explain new situations.
(4)Critical thinking - the ability to identify and define criteria, understand biases, and construct objective judgments.
(5)Problem Solving - the ability to analyze situations and synthesize solutions.

MERGER....good or evil word?

Mergers are a normal part of the business world.  They often help large companies gain more power by eliminating some of the competion.  The small business owners have the option to keep their individuallity which means assuming the risk that goes with owning a business or sell out to the larger company and aquire the settlement funds.  What would you do if you were a small company? Why would you do this?  AT & T is attempting a mobile take-over essentially.  In this area they already merged with Alltel and their next plan is to merge with T-Mobile.  The second stage is not going as smoothly.  Read the following article.  Do you think the people behind the operation really have everyone's best interest at heart?  Have you been part of the Alltel merge? What are you thoughts?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/29/technology/fcc_att_t-mobile/index.htm

Final Project

Write a two-page, size 12, double spaced, 1" margin paper on "How Technology Affects My Life".  Please use specific examples as well as broad statements. Be sure to discuss various aspects such as communication, ethical factors, advancements, etc.  Papers are due by the specified times.  All final projects must be handed in as a hard copy.

MW Class - Due by 2pm Monday, December 12
TR Class - Due by 2:30pm Tuesday, December 13

Cyber Monday Trend

Have you ever heard the term "Cyber Monday" before?  It is the new trend taking over the consumer world.  What effects do you think this will have on our society? From communication and personal interaction to transportation and the economic outlook.  Challenge yourself to think outside the box.  What do you think of Cyber Monday and other similar trends? Did you take part in the sales? Read the following article for more information.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/business/cyber-monday/index.html

Black Friday helper :)

Friday is one of the largest shopping days in the nation and here are a few aps to help you make the best of it! Which one would you be the most likely to use and why? 

Happy thanksgiving!!!

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/technology/1111/gallery.black_friday_apps/5.html