Reflection Paper 2

The article suggests that there is both a positive and negative view
on how man’s inventions have changed the way he thinks, learns, and sees the world. In the positive view examples are mentioned of how we have evolved in doing what we do in out daily lives. In the negative view it is mentioned how these inventions have come at a detrimental cost. I agree with these views, both the positive and negative. I think it is amazing what we have accomplished throughout the decades. We started out with rocks and digging sticks, now we have shovels and automated machines to dig massive holes. We have come from a time where there was no other way, to a time where there are many options and infinite choices. With our advances in technology we would never have known that there were other planets let alone that we are only a microscopic speck in this universe without the Hubble Telescope. Man’s inventions have brought us unimaginable possibilities that help make our lives easier. These inventions do come at a disadvantage and that brings up the negative view point. Everything that we create has its pros and cons, some have more cons than pros. We have built some of the greatest weapons the world has ever known. In the right hands they are used to protect us as citizens, in the wrong hands, they are used to kill and destroy lives. The internet may seem like nothing could be harmful about it but the internet harbors an enormous source of information. There is so much stored on the World Wide Web and anyone can access and source of information, such as chemicals used to make a bomb. Even our appliances which we use daily can be harmful to us. The electromagnetic waves in our microwaves, cell phones, etc, could cause harm to our bodies over time without us even knowing it. Even if we ourselves don’t intend to use them for ulterior motives someone else will Man’s inventions are a gift yet a curse at the same time with both positive and negative outcomes.

Reflection Paper 1

Teacher preparation programs have evolved from colonial times to the
present day because in colonial times all that you basically needed to teach were the basics such as reading, writing, and a little math. Not all teachers were as educated as they are today; some scarcely even knew how to read. Teachers in the world of today are required to know all major subjects thoroughly as well as other things such as classroom management, social skills, etc. Nearly 70 years ago the number of teachers that had a degree was less than half. In today’s society, teachers must have at least a college bachelor’s degree or even higher to be even considered obtaining a job as a teaching instructor. Things have advanced so much that what was required in the early years would never be accepted in today’s world. Now, we have to go through many years of schooling as well as having the proper training needed to fulfill what is required. With the 1980’s reform effort and the controversial role of teach for America in the preparation of teachers, I would have to disagree with the statement that undergraduate programs make teachers with limited capability. I think that undergraduate programs are a perfect way to gain experience to become a great teacher in the future. To be in an environment where you’ll be in the future will help one to understand the responsibilities of a teacher and learn the basics to manage a class room. They will be able to experience what being a teacher is really like and will be able to see if it is what they are really interested in pursuing. If there weren’t any undergraduate programs I don’t think that we would be able to get a true grasp of what being a teacher is all about. I think that it is always good to have an example or be apart for something you want to do in the future. At least then you have a better understanding of what to expect when the time comes for you to be in that position later on.

Hillary Pilon's Bio

My name is Hillary Pilon, I am of European decent but I was born in Miami, Florida. I graduated from Doctors Charter School of Miami Shores and I am 18 years old. I love to play all types of sports, I love all types of animals, and I consider myself very good with technology. I first became interested in teaching when I realized how beneficial and outstanding teachers are. They mold and shape our minds with knowledge that we will carry on throughout our lives. I want to major in Art Education because I think a person's creative ability makes them who they are and I want to bring out that ability in the upcoming youth. Schools mainly focus on the basic classes such as English, Math, and Science but Art is where the student’s personality emerges and you get to see exactly what type of person they are. With art there is no right or wrong, no essays or equations to solve its simply just being yourself. To be able to make something with your own two hands gives oneself a sense of accomplishment and joy. You can create whatever it is you choose and it can never be considered wrong or unsightly. It also is a way to relieve stress; it gives you the chance to lose yourself in your artwork and escape reality. What they create is that of their own and something they can be proud of. Even if the student believes that he or she had no artistic ability at all I would help them to break down that barrier and find something that they are exceptional at whether it is photography, painting, sculpting, etc. Becoming a teacher would give me this phenomenal opportunity to reach out to the students and bring out their inner artist.