Web 2.0: Multimedia Blog Pre-Posting

AP Literature

     This year, one of the three AP courses I am taking is AP Literature with Ms. Green. In this class, we will be reading and analyzing various classic literary pieces in preparation for the AP exam in May. In addition, we also study vocabulary from the Wordly Wise book. Most importantly, we write several in-class essays to adapt to writing under time pressure and thinking quickly on your feet, so that we are well prepared for the AP exam at the end of the course. 

     This year, I expect to expand my horizons in regards to literature, and learn more about the lives of respective writers. So far, we have gone through one word list and have written two in-class essays. We have also gone through our first piece of literature: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. The AP grading policy is as follows: 50% for tests, 25% for quizzes, 15% for projects and informal assessments, and 10% for homework and class participation.

     Technology is certainly of use in this class. I use websites such as Sparknotes to aid me in my understanding of literature and analysis. Additionally, I use Purdue Owl for references for MLA guidelines. 

     I personally think that Ms. Green is wonderful at lecturing. Her dry humor keeps me engaged and she is very thorough in her literary analyses. Although I personally do not enjoy reading, I have an appreciation for literature that many non-readers lack. I love learning about how the lives of writers influence their work, and I love analyzing symbolism and the tendencies of human nature within literary works.

Learn more about the AP Lit exam:

To access Ms. Green's website, copy and paste the following web address:
http://wood-ridge.schoolwires.net/Page/585

To access the complete set of word lists, copy and paste the following web address:
http://www.wordlywise3000.com/games/book12.cfm

Educational Technology & Copyright Law

     Copyright is a United States federal law that protects original “works of authorship” which include literary, written, dramatic, artistic, musical and certain other types of works. When anyone creates any kind of writing or illustration, it is automatically copyrighted. Even if one takes a picture it is copyrighted. The four exclusive rights one has to his/her copyrighted work include the following:

1. The right to reproduce the copyrighted work
2. The right to display the copyrighted work publicly
3. The right to prepare the derivative works based on the copyrighted work
4. The right to distribute copies of the copyrighted work to the public by sale, rental or lending, and/or to display the image

     However, according to fair use, one is allowed to use copyrighted work within their project, presentation, etc. as long as one does not sell the material or claim it as his/her own. It is okay to use copyrighted work for nonprofit educational purposes. The copyright law states the following:

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—

(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;

(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

     However, there are exceptions to the fair use policy. For example, if a photo is licensed, it cannot be used unless stated otherwise. 

Technology Article 9/12

Head to Head: How Apple's New iPhone, Watch Compare to Samsung's Products

• Apple and Samsung revealed new products to be released just within a week of one another; there will be great competition between the two.
• Apple's iPhone 6 and new iPhone 6 Plus will be in the market on Sept. 19.
• Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge will be on the market later this year.

~The Battle Between the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S~

    Apple Watch

• starting at $349 and will be on the market in 2015
• requires iPhone 5 or newer as a companion mobile device
• potential for health: can help users track exercise, daily movement, standing time, etc.
• personal style: different watch modes, and watch strap can be switched to match different outfits

    Samsung Gear S

• does not require a companion mobile device
• customizable screen faces and changeable straps as well
• large (measures 2 inches diagonally)
• more capability than the Apple watch; has a digital keyboard
• potential for heath as well: pedometer, heart rate monitor, and exercise tracker

~The Battle Between the iPhone 6 Plus and the Galaxy Note Edge~

    iPhone 6 Plus

• giving Samsung competition in regards to large phones
• reachability: a double-touch slides the whole display down so that anything can be reached from the top of the phone, making it great for multitasks
• $299-$499

    Galaxy Note Edge

• slightly larger than the iPhone 6 Plus, with the screen at 5.7 inches
• more aesthetic value than practical advantages
• comes with a stylus as well

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/head-head-apples-iphone-watch-compare-samsungs-products/story?id=25385809