“No One Wins” and “A Growing Sensation”

Here is the post for the last two articles from Weber Writes:

In Mi's "No One Wins," what did you think of her discussion of audience in the first two pages? Did she choose a difficult audience to write to, and how do you think it affected the way she wrote the essay?

In "A Growing Sensation," what do you think the main point was? Was the author successful in conveying her ideas and persuading her audience?

"BCS: Bonus or Bust?" and "Star Wars: Timeless Work of Art or George Lucas' Tinker Toy?"

"BCS: Bonus or Bust?" For those of you who follow college football, what did you think of Lunt's suggestion for change in the BCS? Does he make logical arguments?

“Star Wars: Timeless Work of Art or George Lucas’ Tinker Toy?” What did you think of this article? Does this issue matter, even to those who aren't Star Wars fans?

"Waste Not, Want Not" and "I See the Moon, the Moon Sees Me"

And here is the post for "Waste Not, Want Not" by Lake and "I See the Moon, the Moon Sees Me" by Pace.

How did you feel about the introductory paragraphs of "Waste Not, Want Not"? An anecdote or description can sometimes work to introduce a more serious target--is it effective in Lake's article?

Regarding Pace's "I See the Moon, the Moon Sees Me," do you have any experiences similar to those shared in Pace's article? Have you ever found a connection with nature that has led to some kind of enlightenment?

"Obamacare and the Constitution" and "Drug Representatives"

Here is the post for comments on "Obamacare and the Constitution" and "Drug Representatives" from Weber Writes. What kinds of comparisons can you draw between these two articles, in terms of tone and content? Did you find either article persuasive?

"What's the Matter With Kids Today?" and "Can You Hear Me Now?"

Here is the post for your comments on Amy Goldwasser's "What's the Matter With Kids Today?"
Richtel's article "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction" focused primarily on the negative effects of technology on kids and teens. What, according to Goldwasser, are some positive uses of technology that teens (or young adults) engage in?

And....drum roll please...the last reading for our discussion on reading, the brain, and technology: "Can You Hear Me Now?" by Sherry Turkle. Whether or not we agree with Turkle's assessment of the problems with technology, I think she raises some important issues and questions that we need to ask ourselves as we move ahead. What are some of the most significant questions that Turkle brings to this discussion?

Suggested Resources for Essay #1

Here are some possible articles/books/podcasts/videos to use as your second source for Essay #1. This is not a comprehensive list by any means--you are welcome to search on your own and find other related articles as well.  Email me if you need more suggestions!

"Why E-Reading With Your Kid Can Impede Learning"

"Does Great Literature Make Us Better?"

"A Focus on Distraction"

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv (I have a copy of this text you could borrow; it is also available in the Stewart Library. You will want to focus on a single chapter, not the entire book).

The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains by Nicholas Carr

"The Rx for Technology"  (This is the podcast of a Radio West interview of David Strayer by Doug Fabrizio).

"What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains" (Youtube Video)

"Reading Study Shows Remarkable Decline in U.S." (This is the transcript of an interview conducted on NPR. You can either listen to or read the interview.)



"Fiction Reading Increases for Adults"

"Decline of American Reading Culture: Literature’s Struggle in Face of Pop Culture"

"Young Adult Lit Comes of Age"

"Adults Are Devouring Kids' Books For Good Reason"

"The Real Effects of Technology on Your Health"

"Despite Risks, Internet Creeps Onto Car Dashboards"

"How Green is My iPad?"

"Technology Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say"

"Set Students Free With Technology in Schools"

"The Problem With Technology in Schools"

"Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction" and "Outdoors and Out of Reach"

Here are the two articles by Matt Richtel, "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction" and "Outdoors and Out of Reach." What kinds of arguments do these articles raise against Steven Pinker's suggestion that technology is not as harmful as we think? How do these two articles work together to show digital technology's effects on individuals and society?

"Mind Over Mass Media"

Here is Steven Pinker's op-ed article from The New York Times, "Mind Over Mass Media."  Does anyone agree with Pinker that we are basically overreacting to the effects of new technology?

"The ABCs of E-Reading"

"The ABCs of E-Reading"

Here is the link for "The ABCs of E-Reading" by Fowler and Baca.  How many of you own Kindles or read e-books on your iPod or tablet? How do you prefer to experience books, now that so many options are available?

Just for fun, and to supplement our discussion on books vs. e-books, here is a New York Times article that compares the environmental impact of books vs. E-readers:
"How Green is My iPad?" by Daniel Coleman and Gregory Norris

And finally, this graphic sums up how I feel about real books! Is anyone else as nerdy as I am??