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Kohle Bello is a boss.

The Slendermen are coming! And they bring digital literacy!

Well, this week in GECHS we learned about a lot of stuff, for instance digital literacy, being courteous and respectful online, even how to edit photos! It was loads of fun, but what else do you expect from a place like GECHS?

New vocab:

Reputation: how the general public perceives you.

Persist: to continue, endure.

Context: different factors around the photo that help determine its meaning.

First off, digital literacy: it’s how we act online. We have all acted like someone we're not, whether online or in person. It just happens, whether it was a white lie about being busy, or a huge lie, as in taking credit for someone else's work. But think before you do, because you wouldn't want folks starting rumors or posting embarrassing photos of you, so why do it to others? For example, take this photo of some guy dressing up like a slender man, now look at the edited ones. See how a few words can change someone’s reputation or hurt others feelings?

 this photo is the "stock" photo, 2012

 the negative one, edited by me 9/21/2012

the positive one, edited by me 9/21/2012

In case you were wondering, the photos I used were obtained from Flickrcc, a cool open source photo site. The edited photos were edited using piZap, a cool site that lets you edit your photos in browser. Did I mention it’s free? You don’t even have to sign up! Check it out along with a few other sites here

We also went over this program called digital drivers license, which is pretty much a crash course guide to online safety. Personally, I think it was pretty easy, but then again we are only on middle school level lessons. But I need the points, so no arguing here!

I for one don’t do this often, seeing as I’m almost always offline. But I will admit to being a jerk to people at times, and ESPECIALLY commenting on stuff with a less than positive attitude. But after seeing that it hurts others and some people actually get really hung up over a few words I have decided not to be so negative.

This week I have learned a lot, from digital literacy, to how to edit photos. All in all it was a pretty good week, but I can’t wait to go home and try out some of those editing sites!

GAHHHHH. I KEEP GETTING LOST?!?!?!

Apparently I have no sense of time, because I thought it was like WEDNESDAY! But, I guess its cause time flies when you’re staring at a screen so long you forget you’re awake!

This week we learned about digital citizenship, and how just because you think a Facebook post is harmless, it could hurt someone’s feelings.  So next time someone is making you really mad and you want to just purge your feelings on Facebook, think.  How would that make you feel?

We also looked at Animoto, this cool website that lets you make an amazing little video presentation, just add pictures and text! It’s got a neat and polished interface that allows complete dinguses (or is it dingi?) to use.  A simple browse feature lets you find your photos with ease, click and drag functionality is always helpful, and the quick load time always helps. Check it out here.

Need a place to get easy, open licensed photos? Try Flickrcc! It’s like normal Flickr, except ALL open source and free-to-share stuff. It really makes presentations easy and fun when paired with Animoto! Some of the photos are even of professional quality! Not at all what I thought they would be. As far as the content they have HUGE range from silly Star Wars stuff, to moving photos of child hunger. I suggest you give it a look, here is the link.

We also went over online privacy, and how you should never share information with anyone you don’t personally know. And especially never share information about your personal info with anyone. Never share your address, name, and ESPECIALLY not social security information. You never know what sort of creeper is on the other side of the wire, it’s like sticking your arm down a huge black hole filled with spiders! Just stupid!

RUN AND TELL THAT HOMEBOY.

Google Glasses.

Topic: Google Glasses.

Title: This Entire Video Was Shot with Google Glasses

Source: Gizmodo 

Summary: So Google has come out with a little add-on to glasses that pretty much makes sci-fi seem real. They are often associated with "holo-glasses", or "HUD's" (Heads Up Displays), but in non-geek terms, it is a device that can take first person video, and supposedly, operate like a portable, wearable, 

computer!

Reaction: I. AM. AMAZED. Augmented reality goggles have been around for years, but now Google has made a sleeker, lighter, and all around more chic design. In my personal opinion I think it will help us run day to day task, apps, and read, all in one device. This brings me to the fact that, unexpectedly, the video came out crystal clear! On the page I linked above, its got some blur, but also, think about how much less there is on the Google glasses than there is on your smart phone.

World impact: This will make the world stop. It will either help or hinder, think about how many wrecks are caused by texting? Yeah its a hands free device, but it also takes your vision too. But on the flip-side, think about how many hours you'll save by doing everything you would usually have to do on a monitor, doing it EVERYWHERE. Oh, the wonders of technology.

Mmmmmmm.........burrit- I, I mean Payseurs blog post...... yeah.

This past week we have gone over a lot of stuff! (Either that or I just don’t get it.) Anyways, we discussed RSS (really simple syndication) which lets you keep up to date with current events by auto updating links with the latest info. 

 We also learned about email etiquette and all the requirements for not looking like a neophyte on the internet. (Neophyte means “noob” to all those who were not paying attention.)

 A huge positive about RSS is now instead of having to go back and forth, back and forth, between all these blogs daily, I can have one page to rule them all! (LOTR ref.) But what shall this glorious page be called you may ask? Why, elementary Watson, Google Reader, one of Google’s neat little add-ons that make life bearable, seeing as it checks, refreshes, and alerts you of new activity on blogs or sites you have followed! How cool is that!

 On a more personal note, school has been an overall good experience, aside from the mass sobbing in our auditorium Friday evening. Rachel's challenge, is this touching, soul wrenching, presentation that made almost our entire school cry. I will admit, it made my cry, but unfortunately, I have to say our "fun friday" was a bit more depressing that time around.

 So I think this is done, so I wish you a happy belated Friday, and all that other cheesy stuff on cliche blogs. Later hombres.

ERMAHGAWD.

1. Topic:

using the power of your mind to blow up melons.

2. Article Title:

Exploding watermelons with your mind.

3. Article Source:

[source]

4. Summary:

 So there was a game called Star Wars Force Trainer, where if you concentrated on something hard enough it would turn a fan on and blow a ball into the air. Well someone took that idea and made the much more exciting prospect of.... well, smashin' melons!

 

5. Reaction:

  I think this is really cool! Every kid likes explosions, and video games, and every adult wants their kids to focus! so they found a happy medium with "mind over melon." I think that this could be the beginning of a new era of mind powered games, with the addition of maybe even a musical side. think about a tune you always wanted to play but never could get just right except in your head, Voila! Maybe in the future, but for now I think we are all content with explosive produce.

6. World Impact:  As I said above, this extends way beyond just gaming, with potential of being a universal device, but, with that splendor comes a darker side, what happens when this is utilized for war. the devastation a missile that can detonate, steer, and halt at a masters will. Well, we have some weapons similar, but nothing as fast as a human thought. On the brighter side, imagine playing Skyrim with your OWN hands.