Innovative Internet Tools

So the BBC had an interesting online article about Google's Earth re-creation of Rome through 3-D technology (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7725560.stm). I've read other articles about Google Earth, and they were ones of precaution about voyeurism, which is definitely a valid point. But this article also makes me see the usefulness of such tools as Google Earth. Used correctly, it can be an incredible educational tool. As a future teacher, I can see how I could use this to bring an interesting aspect to my class--and visual things are always a good way to engage students.

This is also reminds me of Wikipedia, and the doubts people have about it. I remember an English class discussion about how since it can be edited by anybody then it can't be a trusted source. Well, first off, Wikipedia is just a very general source of information, it should never be anyone's primary source--not to mention anything online should be verified by various other sources. But, I find that when I look things up, about things I have some previous knowledge, it is always very accurate, and a study that compared Wikipedia to the Encyclopedia Britannica resulted in about equal accuracy for both. So, yeah, anyone can edit an article in Wikipedia, but anyone can correct a piece of information on Wikipedia. Really, it is about how much do you trust human nature: do you believe people will do the right thing most of the time or do you think people will do the wrong thing whenever they can get away with it? Hopefully, you believe that human nature tends the good side....

Thoughts on Online Writing and the Election

So, after a long hiatus, I've come back to the blogosphere. Much has happened in the world and much will continue to happen. This is just a small world where I can express opinions and/or observations. And perhaps it is only seen by or matters just to me. However, it is empowering to be able to assert oneself in this way. Freedom of speech---something I cherish and try not to take for granted.

This is a good transition into recent election results--in that Barack Obama won. What historical significant times we live in! First African-American president, and a potentially amazing one at that. While he is inspiring and seems genuine, as an Independent, I had alot of qualms about him at first. First of all, he doesn't have alot of experience, having barely served one term in the Senate, but also, I didn't know if he would be strong on national defense. In general, I have always have some doubts about how strong Democrats would be on that issue. So I rooted for Hillary Clinton at first, but as the campaign developed, and Obama won the Democratic primaries, I began to believe in him more.

It seems like when one votes for a President, one is voting for more than agreement on issues or their previous records; one is actually voting for their character. I was voting for someone who I believed would make sound judgements, and who I believed was someone of good ethics which would affect those sound judgements. As I read about him, especially in interviews, and listened to his speeches, I came to believe that he was a great patriot and had the necessary qualities of presidential leadership.

There is much more to say about Obama, but as an officially-diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder patient, my brain will no longer allow me to think so much. ;)