Does technology improve your life?

The question, “Does technology improve our lives?” is one that Americans have been debating for well over a hundred years.  The American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote in Walden, “We do not ride upon the railroad; it rides upon us.”  In other words, Thoreau felt that instead of enhancing the quality of life, technology actually controlled people’s lives and created a living environment that became more complicated instead of simplified.

In a story posted today at Fox News, a new survey claims that only half of all Americans embrace Internet and cell phone technologies.  The Pew Internet and Life Project report that:

• 31% of Americans are “elite” technology users
• 20% are “moderate” technology users
• 49% have little or no use for technology

What do you think of these numbers?  Are these statistics surprising to you at all?   You can read the report and see the survey at http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/213/report_display.asp .  You can also take a survey and see what kind of technology user you are at http://www.pewinternet.org/quiz/.

What do you think?  Does technology improve your life, or does it cause your life to be busier and more complicated?  Let us know what you think!

Sapere 9th Grade Research Reflections

For the last five weeks, we have been working with Mr. Sapere’s 9th grade English classes on their first major research project.  Now it is time to reflect! 

1.  What was most challenging about this research project/process?
2.  What do you think you did well?
3.  What would you try to do better if you had more time?
4.  How did the library help you with the research process?  What do you think you learned about researching from the media center this spring?
5.  Which resource was most helpful in your research?  Was there a particular database or book that you found to be most informative?

Please share your thoughts in a well composed paragraph.  Remember to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation!  Remember to put your first name and last initial only when you post.   All comments will be moderated before they appear on the blog.  Thank you!

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Robinson’s 9th Grade Research Paper Reflections!

For the last five weeks, we have been working with Ms. Robinson’s 9th grade English classes on their first major research project.  Now it is time to reflect! 

1.  What was most challenging about this research project/process?
2.  What do you think you did well?
3.  What would you try to do better if you had more time?
4.  How did the library help you with the research process?  What do you think you learned about researching from the media center this spring?
5.  Which resource was most helpful in your research?  Was there a particular database or book that you found to be most informative?

Please share your thoughts in a well composed paragraph.  Remember to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation!  Remember to put your first name and last initial only when you post.   All comments will be moderated before they appear on the blog.  Thank you!

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Who reads books anymore?

Yesterday, CNN posted a story about a protest held in front of the offices of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.  The AJC eliminated the position of book editor at the end of April, and many figures in the world of book published believe this change in staffing signals a weaker commitment to coverage of the book world from the AJC.    Those who participated in the “read in” read passages from favorite books as well as favorite poems to show their support for reading and the importance of books in today’s society.   Thousands are also signing an online petition for the AJC to restore the position of book editor as a way of supporting the significance of books in today’s society.  In an interview with Publisher’s Weekly, author George Saunders said, “Somehow we’ve taken to distrusting literature and, for that matter, all things cerebral or difficult or seriously critical.”

For more on the reading protest, you can check out these articles:

• http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/blogs/marquee/index.html
• http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6438995.html
• WAGA Coverage of the Read-In
• An editorial from Joseph Skibell, Associate Professor of Creative Writing and English, Emory University

What do you think?  Do you read books?  Do you believe books are still important in today’s society?  Do you think the AJC’s decision is right?  Do you believe that our society is placing less value on intellectual thought and more emphasis on “trivial” activities?

If you are a student or teacher here at Creekview, would you be interested in having a “read in” during lunch before the end of school to show your support for books and a love of reading?  Would you be interested in reading aloud a passage from your favorite book or poem?

Give us a shout out and share your thoughts on this topic!