Learning Curve

straightening the curve

Archive for January, 2009


Highlighting Student Voices–Noah Sanders: DOS 2 GP


The most important technological invention to benefit society is the simple-to- use Graphic Processing. Graphic processing changed the way computers work; instead of typing in DOS command, everything is displayed literally with graphics to make the use of a computer more convenient and easier to use. Present day, a lot of people have access to computers, and a lot of people know how to use them; thanks to the incredible self-explanatory way to use Graphic Processing. In addition to incredible ease, Graphic Processing also overrules the inconvenience of DOS command. Rather than having to type several commands for procedures such as starting the computer, pulling up precious files, or even running a compact disc (CD/DVD), all sorts of tasks are only a few clicks away. Finally, aspects of life fall into place, and weave themselves into the fabric of technology and humans. Communication is a snap, sharing is made easy, and entertainment becomes a breeze. Despite the fact that home computing technology is ever growing at an increasing rate, one can never forget where it all started becoming easier; with Graphic Computing.

Which would be easier; Typing for everything needed; or clicking and navigating smoothly for everything needed? Computers were built to help accomplish tasks. Although all computers are not “home computing” computers, they still help get the job done. In a factory, for example, machines which mass produce. What controls the machines?; computers. With home computers available to the public, surfing the web and finding needed information becomes as simple as a flick of the wrist. Most cellular devices even come equipped with some kind of internet connection. With all the simplicities of Graphic computing, the inconvenience of DOS commands are a thing of the past.

Picture this; a world where writing down as many codes that just cannot be committed to memory becomes a nonexistent obstacle. Tasks like saving valuable documents are all done with a few simple clicks. Sending pictures over the internet is done with the greatest of ease. Running CDs or DVDs is as nonchalant as pushing a button twice; to make it even easier, the same button. Taking a video is done in a few thoughtless steps; and sharing them is even easier. Organizing and relaxing to music takes such little effort. Without having to memorize such confusing codes to make a certain function, life on the computer becomes that of a vacation. Not only does Graphic Processing allow solo activities to become more enjoyable and easy, but also it increases interaction with other people from around the world.

While self activities can be enjoyable and unwinding, Graphic Processing also made it possible for increased communication; via the internet. There are plenty of ways to communicate with another human being through a computer. Chat rooms and Instant Messaging programs come free and by the millions. Another great aspect about the internet is how sharing files takes a matter of seconds. Word documents, multimedia, pictures, spreadsheets, and even slide show presentations can all be sent through the internet thus maximizing the power of sharing. What better way to have a voice heard than through text; where reading is a better way to take consideration of one’s thoughts and words? Other utilities such as Wikis and Blogs are a superb way to share thoughts and information. The internet is a fantastic tool open to anyone who desires to use it; This is all made possible because of the benefits delivered from Graphic Processing.

When a computer is utilized by the user; the common routine would be to turn it on, and log in. Without Graphic Processing it would not be that way. Instead, it would be much more challenging, and could be done a few times incorrect before the computer was successfully turned on. Due to this significant change, more and more people are able to access just what they are looking for without the hassle of memorization. Not only does this allow more people to operate them, but also it increases sharing and interactivity. Think of all the marvelous tidbits of information and discoveries can be shared and passed along on an infinite space in which cannot be seen, and accessed by anyone who seeks it. Just about every computer left on the entire planet is built with Graphic Processing. It is the cornerstone of computers today, and it will always be the biggest technological change in history.






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Websites I Found Interesting 01/27/2009

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Watch What We’re Doing (Studying for the SATs)

Take a look at the following videos, submitted by 11th grade students to the BrainyFlix contest on YouTube.


(Ed. “too” fastidious)

Websites I Found Interesting 01/20/2009

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Highlighting Student Voices: William Kennington

NYC human rights

Image by guzzoe via Flickr

Throughout the next few weeks, with permission, I will be highlighting students’ voices in this column. Topics will vary, but each selection has a distinct sense of voice, an essay worth sharing. I hope you find this read as compelling as I did.

Students in Period 3 were asked to answer this prompt: If the United Nations created a Declaration of Human Rights in prehistory, what would that Declaration contain? Here’s one student’s answer.

Darwinism, the Rights of Prehistory

If there was such thing as United Nations or United Societies in prehistory, the Declaration of Human Rights would be very darwinistic. The people of each society would have the right to life but only to a certain extent. Every society and its people have the power to consume and dominate less developed societies. Not only would they have rights to overtake others, but also have rights to do whatever needs to be done to survive. The people in prehistory were looking to survive and should be given the right to their own life, one they have some control over. For the human race to develop and evolve it is pertinent that the weakest link be weeded out. If a society needs to survive by even the cruelest means, then those means are acceptable. In prehistory the human race is essential and does what it must to develop.

Life is largely important to the people of prehistory. If the people of a society are oppressed and have no value for their lives, then a society will fail to develop and prosper. This does not speak out for every failed society in prehistory though, but the cultures that oppress their people fail to withstand the test of time. If people have a value on life and it is not disposable they will likely live it to the fullest potential. Advancements in medication and sanitation have developed from this value of life. This is one reason why the European cultures prospered. They learned to bury their dead and develop proper sanitation methods to lengthen the lives of their people. Others advents in technology and tools came from people who valued and understood life. These people had a reason to grow and develop, so they created tools to make their lives much easier. As more people in a society learned about these new tools they began to make modifications to these tools. Since then these tools have evolved into what we have today. Life is a largely important factor in Human Rights, but domination and conquest are also necessary for the development of mankind.

The rights of the people are also greatly based off of what is best for humankind. Evolution is huge for the survival of mankind, otherwise, we may never evolve to our fullest potential. The only way for this to occur is through conquering those that are less developed and spreading the way for the more developed cultures. Events such as the takeover of the Moriori by the Maori keep the more advanced societies thriving. Although this may sound cruel, it is necessary for the advancement of mankind as a whole. This allows for the possibility of even more evolution to occur in the dominant and more advanced society. Not only is conquest good for advancement but the wars fought in the process keep the human population on Earth under control. This is not only beneficial for advancement but for survival as a species. If it means the betterment of mankind, then an individuals life is not nearly as important.

The right to survival is almost like that of the right to evolve and conquer. It is different in a sense that it is per individual and because conquering less powerful nations is not always done for survival. People in prehistoric times should have the ability to do what they must if it means survivial. This goes back to the right to a life, in a sense that if you don’t have a value on life, there is not much reason to survive. The right to survival is very important because it tends to have a positive effect on a group of people. If a society is failing and the only way to survive is to kill off part of the society, then that is the course they will take. If a part of a society has a deadly, contagious, and incurable disease that could possibly lead to the destruction of a people, then it is important that you don’t try and help them. Let them die. It may cause the death of a few but will save many. Not only does survival necessarily mean killing people, but it also means doing what needs to be done in the environment. Say for example the Moriori tribe cannot harvest enough fish from the sea, so they need other methods of obtaining food. It is against the laws of the land to hunt the bird that popoulate the island. This gives them the right to hunt them since many will die without the larger food resource. Life is a very important right to have, but if it means the survival of a society or conquest, the right to life is inferior.

Life is very important to a people in a society and a people with the right and value of life tend to develop better and cause society to improve. While a value in life holds importance, a species such as the human race holds precedence of an individual. Survival and evolution are huge rights of a group of people and are the only way for humankind to survive. If there was a United Nations in prehistoric times, the people would be given the rights of Darwinism.







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