Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Today's Progress
Today in class I finished 2 paragraphs. I plan to try to write at least 2 more paragraphs tonight after America's Next Top Model is over at 8.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday, November 26th in Class Work
Today I worked on refining my topic and finding articles that are more specific to my topic. The next step is to read and analyze my new sources and figure out how I want to use them in my paper.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thesis & Working Outline
THESIS:
Many experts argue that restrictions should be placed on marketing directed toward young children, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, advertising directed at children under a certain age is unethical. On the other hand, parents have a certain amount of responsibility regarding monitoring what their children watch on television and what they buy them.
OUTLINE:
Intro:
Introduce the argument.
--Thesis
Answer the questions who cares? and why does it matter?
--Who cares? = marketing companies and parents
--Why does it matter? = our youth are our future
The Problem:
Describe the problem
--Advertisers are marketing children who are too young to understand- unethical
--Children watch a ton of TV and see a ton of commercials
--Advertising has a negative impact on children in terms of eating habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, violence, and body image
--More
Show the studies & facts
--Study of pre-school age children showing brand loyalty to McDonalds
--Children under 8 cannot distinguish between commercials and television programs
--More
The Solution:
Present suggestions and solutions from my sources
--Restrictions should be placed on marketing toward young children
--What some companies are already doing
Present my own suggestions and solutions
--Suggestions should be placed on marketing toward young children
--Parents should take some responsibility
Conclusion:
Restate the problems and solutions
Many experts argue that restrictions should be placed on marketing directed toward young children, and I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, advertising directed at children under a certain age is unethical. On the other hand, parents have a certain amount of responsibility regarding monitoring what their children watch on television and what they buy them.
OUTLINE:
Intro:
Introduce the argument.
--Thesis
Answer the questions who cares? and why does it matter?
--Who cares? = marketing companies and parents
--Why does it matter? = our youth are our future
The Problem:
Describe the problem
--Advertisers are marketing children who are too young to understand- unethical
--Children watch a ton of TV and see a ton of commercials
--Advertising has a negative impact on children in terms of eating habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, violence, and body image
--More
Show the studies & facts
--Study of pre-school age children showing brand loyalty to McDonalds
--Children under 8 cannot distinguish between commercials and television programs
--More
The Solution:
Present suggestions and solutions from my sources
--Restrictions should be placed on marketing toward young children
--What some companies are already doing
Present my own suggestions and solutions
--Suggestions should be placed on marketing toward young children
--Parents should take some responsibility
Conclusion:
Restate the problems and solutions
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Revision Plan!
To revise my annotated bibliography I will:
*Add a title
*Expand more on my annotations and add specifics
*Revise my introduction
*Add a title
*Expand more on my annotations and add specifics
*Revise my introduction
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Rough Draft of my Annotated Bibliography
Introduction: We know that advertising has an effect on children, but the questions to be addressed are to what extent does advertising affect children and should restrictions be placed on marketing targeted at children? I am writing this paper for those students studying in the field of business, specifically marketing. The sources I have found will probably surprise both marketing students and parents of young children because they suggest children ages 8 and under are not able to tell the difference between a television program and the commercials. The sources are also in agreement that some sort of restrictions need to be put on marketing targeting children because it is thought to be linked to issues such as childhood obesity. The good news is the sources I have read have a few suggestions in terms of marketing restrictions. There have also been some companies that have put their own restrictions on how and what they market to children. The body of my research paper will present the facts and different opinions. The conclusion will focus on potentials solutions to minimize the effects of advertising on children and on suggestions for parents.
Surveys & Studies
Hein, K. (2007). Report: consumers split on ad limits. Brandweek, 48(30), 4. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article relates to the article, “Limiting ads of junk food for children.” It discusses a survey given to consumers on their opinion on letting marketing to children by food companies be governed by the food companies themselves. Similar to what I found in the “Limiting ads of junk food for children” article, many people believe companies are putting their own regulations on marking towards children out of their own self-interest. These companies do not want lawsuits or government regulations put on their use of advertisement. This article is important because it shows the general opinion of the public. I will use this article to show what companies are currently doing and what the public opinion on it is.
(2007). How food ads might affect children's taste preferences. Child Health Alert, 25, 2-3. Retrieved October 31, 7007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses how advertising affects children’s food preferences. It talks about a study done on preschoolers from low-income families and their preference for brand name foods. This article is important because it shows just how powerful advertising is on children. I will use this article to show how much marketing impacts the preferences of children.
Current Situation & Potential Solutions
Barnes, B. & Olson, E. (2007). Limiting ads of junk food for children. The New York Times, July 18, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses the steps food companies are taking regarding advertising to try to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Eleven different companies have decided to stop advertising certain junk foods to kids under 12. The reason these companies are doing this on their own is because they do not want government regulations put on advertising. The article also discusses loopholes the companies are taking. This article is important because it shows what companies are doing currently in terms of advertising directed at children. I plan to use this article to show the current situation and the loopholes that are exposed.
Campbell, C. (2007). How Kellogg will kick its sugar habit. Maclean’s, 120(25), 37. Retrieved October 31, 200 from Academic Search Complete database.
This article focuses on Kellogg and their new approach to marketing towards children under 12. They have set guidelines for themselves which their products have to meet if they are going to be advertised to children under 12. These guidelines are on the number of calories, grams of saturated fat, grams of sodium, and grams of sugar. The reason for the sudden change is the threat of lawsuits and pressure from parents’ groups and nutritionists. This article is important because it shows what steps Kellogg is taking and it sets a standard for what other companies should be doing. I will use this article to show what is being done and to give suggestions for what could be done.
Hertsgaard, M. (2002). The eagle’s shadow: Why America fascinates and infuriates the world. New York: Picador. (I’m only using one page, but I don’t know if I am somehow suppose to note that here, or just in the in-text citations.)
The passage from this book depicts the excessive use of advertising in America. Hertsgaard informs readers that about one in every three minutes of television in America is advertising. He also notes that in 1998 marketers began targeting children as young as one year old and that by age seven the average American child watches just shy of four hours of TV a day which would mean they see around 20,000 commercials each year. This is important because it gives some good, solid numbers. I will use this passage from Hertsgaard’s book to illustrate just how prominent advertising is in America.
Stanley, T. L. (2007). Babies in brandland. Brandweek, 48(37), 28-32. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the ethical aspects of advertising targeted at children ages 8 and under. Stanley’s argument is that marketing toward young children needs to in some way change. Either stricter regulations must be put in place or we need to come up with a way for marketers to promote their brands to children without exploiting them. According to a 2004 study by the American Psychological Association that was cited by Stanley, children ages 8 and below are not able to understand the motives behind advertising and believe everything they see to be factual. This is important because due to this information companies may have stricter restrictions placed on their marketing towards younger audiences. The author does a nice job presenting both sides of the argument. This article will help me introduce the issue and also the “naysayers.”
Thompson, S., Macarthur, K., & Teinowitz, I. (2007). Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry. Advertising Age, 78(2). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the issue of obesity and its effect on marketing. The marketing practices of many companies towards kids are being reviewed. This article is important because it discusses a few of the issues with marketing aimed at children and how limitations may need to be set. This article will help me show some of what is being done currently regarding advertising aimed at kids.
Trebilcock, J. (2007). Boxed in by television? Times Educational Supplement, 4736, 46-47. Retrieved October 31, 2007 from Academic Search Complete database.
This article describes a program called Media Smart. It is a way to help teach children about advertising and the intentions of it. It is suppose to be used as a solution to help lessen the effects of advertising on children by increasing their knowledge about it. This article is important because instead of bashing marketers, it offers a solution. I will use this article in my conclusion where I talk about possible solutions to minimize the effects of advertising on children.
Surveys & Studies
Hein, K. (2007). Report: consumers split on ad limits. Brandweek, 48(30), 4. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article relates to the article, “Limiting ads of junk food for children.” It discusses a survey given to consumers on their opinion on letting marketing to children by food companies be governed by the food companies themselves. Similar to what I found in the “Limiting ads of junk food for children” article, many people believe companies are putting their own regulations on marking towards children out of their own self-interest. These companies do not want lawsuits or government regulations put on their use of advertisement. This article is important because it shows the general opinion of the public. I will use this article to show what companies are currently doing and what the public opinion on it is.
(2007). How food ads might affect children's taste preferences. Child Health Alert, 25, 2-3. Retrieved October 31, 7007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses how advertising affects children’s food preferences. It talks about a study done on preschoolers from low-income families and their preference for brand name foods. This article is important because it shows just how powerful advertising is on children. I will use this article to show how much marketing impacts the preferences of children.
Current Situation & Potential Solutions
Barnes, B. & Olson, E. (2007). Limiting ads of junk food for children. The New York Times, July 18, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses the steps food companies are taking regarding advertising to try to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Eleven different companies have decided to stop advertising certain junk foods to kids under 12. The reason these companies are doing this on their own is because they do not want government regulations put on advertising. The article also discusses loopholes the companies are taking. This article is important because it shows what companies are doing currently in terms of advertising directed at children. I plan to use this article to show the current situation and the loopholes that are exposed.
Campbell, C. (2007). How Kellogg will kick its sugar habit. Maclean’s, 120(25), 37. Retrieved October 31, 200 from Academic Search Complete database.
This article focuses on Kellogg and their new approach to marketing towards children under 12. They have set guidelines for themselves which their products have to meet if they are going to be advertised to children under 12. These guidelines are on the number of calories, grams of saturated fat, grams of sodium, and grams of sugar. The reason for the sudden change is the threat of lawsuits and pressure from parents’ groups and nutritionists. This article is important because it shows what steps Kellogg is taking and it sets a standard for what other companies should be doing. I will use this article to show what is being done and to give suggestions for what could be done.
Hertsgaard, M. (2002). The eagle’s shadow: Why America fascinates and infuriates the world. New York: Picador. (I’m only using one page, but I don’t know if I am somehow suppose to note that here, or just in the in-text citations.)
The passage from this book depicts the excessive use of advertising in America. Hertsgaard informs readers that about one in every three minutes of television in America is advertising. He also notes that in 1998 marketers began targeting children as young as one year old and that by age seven the average American child watches just shy of four hours of TV a day which would mean they see around 20,000 commercials each year. This is important because it gives some good, solid numbers. I will use this passage from Hertsgaard’s book to illustrate just how prominent advertising is in America.
Stanley, T. L. (2007). Babies in brandland. Brandweek, 48(37), 28-32. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the ethical aspects of advertising targeted at children ages 8 and under. Stanley’s argument is that marketing toward young children needs to in some way change. Either stricter regulations must be put in place or we need to come up with a way for marketers to promote their brands to children without exploiting them. According to a 2004 study by the American Psychological Association that was cited by Stanley, children ages 8 and below are not able to understand the motives behind advertising and believe everything they see to be factual. This is important because due to this information companies may have stricter restrictions placed on their marketing towards younger audiences. The author does a nice job presenting both sides of the argument. This article will help me introduce the issue and also the “naysayers.”
Thompson, S., Macarthur, K., & Teinowitz, I. (2007). Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry. Advertising Age, 78(2). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the issue of obesity and its effect on marketing. The marketing practices of many companies towards kids are being reviewed. This article is important because it discusses a few of the issues with marketing aimed at children and how limitations may need to be set. This article will help me show some of what is being done currently regarding advertising aimed at kids.
Trebilcock, J. (2007). Boxed in by television? Times Educational Supplement, 4736, 46-47. Retrieved October 31, 2007 from Academic Search Complete database.
This article describes a program called Media Smart. It is a way to help teach children about advertising and the intentions of it. It is suppose to be used as a solution to help lessen the effects of advertising on children by increasing their knowledge about it. This article is important because instead of bashing marketers, it offers a solution. I will use this article in my conclusion where I talk about possible solutions to minimize the effects of advertising on children.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Intro!
Introduction: We know that advertising has an effect on children, but the questions to be addressed are to what extent does advertising affect children and should restrictions be placed on marketing targeted at children? I am writing this paper for those students studying in the field of business, specifically marketing. The sources I have found will probably surprise both marketing students and parents of young children because they suggest children ages 8 and under are not able to tell the difference between a television program and the commercials. The sources are also in agreement that some sort of restrictions need to be put on marketing targeting children because it is thought to be linked to issues such as childhood obesity. The good news is the sources I have read have a few suggestions in terms of marketing restrictions. There have also been some companies that have put their own restrictions on how and what they market to children. The body of my research paper will present the facts and different opinions. The conclusion will focus on potentials solutions to minimize the effects of advertising on children and on suggestions for parents.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Annotated Bibiolography
Barnes, B. & Olson, E. (2007). Limiting ads of junk food for children. The New York Times, July 18, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses the steps food companies are taking regarding advertising to try to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Eleven different companies have decided to stop advertising certain junk foods to kids under 12. The reason these companies are doing this on their own is because they do not want government regulations put on advertising. The article also discusses loopholes the companies are taking. This article is important because it shows what companies are doing currently in terms of advertising directed at children. I plan to use this article to show the current situation and the loopholes that are exposed.
Stanley, T. L. (2007). Babies in brandland. Brandweek, 48(37), 28-32. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the ethical aspects of advertising targeted at children ages 8 and under. Stanley’s argument is that marketing toward young children needs to in some way change. Either stricter regulations must be put in place or we need to come up with a way for marketers to promote their brands to children without exploiting them. According to a 2004 study by the American Psychological Association that was cited by Stanley, children ages 8 and below are not able to understand the motives behind advertising and believe everything they see to be factual. This is important because due to this information companies may have stricter restrictions placed on their marketing towards younger audiences. The author does a nice job presenting both sides of the argument. This article will help me introduce the “naysayers” into my research paper.
Thompson, S., Macarthur, K., & Teinowitz, I. (2007). Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry. Advertising Age, 78(2). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the issue of obesity and its effect on marketing. The marketing practices of many companies towards kids are being reviewed. This article is important because it discusses a few of the issues with marketing aimed at children and how limitations may need to be set. This article will help me show some of what is being done currently regarding advertising aimed at kids.
(2007). How food ads might affect children's taste preferences. Child Health Alert, 25, 2-3. Retrieved October 31, 7007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses how advertising affects children’s food preferences. It talks about a study done on preschoolers from low-income families and their preference for brand name foods. This article is important because it shows just how powerful advertising is on children. I will use this article to show how much marketing impacts the preferences of children.
Hein, K. (2007). Report: consumers split on ad limits. Brandweek, 48(30), 4. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses the steps food companies are taking regarding advertising to try to help in the fight against childhood obesity. Eleven different companies have decided to stop advertising certain junk foods to kids under 12. The reason these companies are doing this on their own is because they do not want government regulations put on advertising. The article also discusses loopholes the companies are taking. This article is important because it shows what companies are doing currently in terms of advertising directed at children. I plan to use this article to show the current situation and the loopholes that are exposed.
Stanley, T. L. (2007). Babies in brandland. Brandweek, 48(37), 28-32. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the ethical aspects of advertising targeted at children ages 8 and under. Stanley’s argument is that marketing toward young children needs to in some way change. Either stricter regulations must be put in place or we need to come up with a way for marketers to promote their brands to children without exploiting them. According to a 2004 study by the American Psychological Association that was cited by Stanley, children ages 8 and below are not able to understand the motives behind advertising and believe everything they see to be factual. This is important because due to this information companies may have stricter restrictions placed on their marketing towards younger audiences. The author does a nice job presenting both sides of the argument. This article will help me introduce the “naysayers” into my research paper.
Thompson, S., Macarthur, K., & Teinowitz, I. (2007). Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry. Advertising Age, 78(2). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article examines the issue of obesity and its effect on marketing. The marketing practices of many companies towards kids are being reviewed. This article is important because it discusses a few of the issues with marketing aimed at children and how limitations may need to be set. This article will help me show some of what is being done currently regarding advertising aimed at kids.
(2007). How food ads might affect children's taste preferences. Child Health Alert, 25, 2-3. Retrieved October 31, 7007, from Academic Search Complete database.
This article discusses how advertising affects children’s food preferences. It talks about a study done on preschoolers from low-income families and their preference for brand name foods. This article is important because it shows just how powerful advertising is on children. I will use this article to show how much marketing impacts the preferences of children.
Hein, K. (2007). Report: consumers split on ad limits. Brandweek, 48(30), 4. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Library Day
Elmhurst Library Database Sources:
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=27079245&site=ehost-live (Babies in Brandland)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26427026&site=ehost-live (The effects of television advertisements for junk food versus nutritious food on children's food attitudes and preferences)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26703168&site=ehost-live (How Food Ads Might Affect Children's Taste Preferences)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26289947&site=ehost-live (Report: Consumers Split on Ad Limits)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25781598&site=ehost-live (Limiting Ads Of Junk Food For Children)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25600413&site=ehost-live (How Kellogg will kick its sugar habit)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25137061&site=ehost-live (Boxed in by television?)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24844000&site=ehost-live (Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24844378&site=ehost-live (Tear down this wall: Bud.TV held to ridiculous standards)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=7584427&site=ehost-live (Dear Santa: The effects of television advertising on young children)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=27079245&site=ehost-live (Babies in Brandland)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26427026&site=ehost-live (The effects of television advertisements for junk food versus nutritious food on children's food attitudes and preferences)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26703168&site=ehost-live (How Food Ads Might Affect Children's Taste Preferences)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26289947&site=ehost-live (Report: Consumers Split on Ad Limits)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25781598&site=ehost-live (Limiting Ads Of Junk Food For Children)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25600413&site=ehost-live (How Kellogg will kick its sugar habit)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25137061&site=ehost-live (Boxed in by television?)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24844000&site=ehost-live (Obesity fear frenzy grips food industry)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24844378&site=ehost-live (Tear down this wall: Bud.TV held to ridiculous standards)
http://proxy.elmhurst.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=7584427&site=ehost-live (Dear Santa: The effects of television advertising on young children)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Primary Sources
Topic: The Effects of Advertising on Children
For a primary source I could interview or survey parents. To collect the information I could create a survey and e-mail it out to parents that I know.
I could ask questions such as:
-How old are your children?
-On average how many hours of T.V. do they watch a day?
-Have you noticed any brand loyalties developed by your children?
-Have you noticed any effects (good or bad) of advertising on your children?
---If so, explain what you have noticed.
And more as I think of them...
For a primary source I could interview or survey parents. To collect the information I could create a survey and e-mail it out to parents that I know.
I could ask questions such as:
-How old are your children?
-On average how many hours of T.V. do they watch a day?
-Have you noticed any brand loyalties developed by your children?
-Have you noticed any effects (good or bad) of advertising on your children?
---If so, explain what you have noticed.
And more as I think of them...
Friday, October 26, 2007
More Research Paper Stuff
Topic: The Effects of Advertising on Children
So far I've found that advertising has a negative effect on children in terms of violence, eating habits, body image, tobacco use, alcohol use, etc. I just changed my topic yesterday, so once I get more information I'll have a better idea of how I want to narrow down my topic.
I'd like to find statistics and reports from studies done on the effects of advertising on children.
Researcher Roles:
Synthesizer of Current Best Thinking on a Problem- What is the current view of experts regarding the effects of advertising on children?
Advocate in a Controversy- Should restrictions be placed on the use of advertising targeting children?
So far I've found that advertising has a negative effect on children in terms of violence, eating habits, body image, tobacco use, alcohol use, etc. I just changed my topic yesterday, so once I get more information I'll have a better idea of how I want to narrow down my topic.
I'd like to find statistics and reports from studies done on the effects of advertising on children.
Researcher Roles:
Synthesizer of Current Best Thinking on a Problem- What is the current view of experts regarding the effects of advertising on children?
Advocate in a Controversy- Should restrictions be placed on the use of advertising targeting children?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Three Sources that are Appropriate for Academic Research
http://www.apa.org/releases/childrenads.html
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;95/2/295.pdf
http://www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/03_advertising.htm
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;95/2/295.pdf
http://www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/03_advertising.htm
New Research Paper Topic
The Effects of Advertising on Children
1. Identify the issue or problem that you plan to focus on in your research project.
Sould restrictions be placed on advertising aimed at children?
Does advertising have a negative impact on children?
2. What is your personal connection to and interest in this topic?
I am interested in studying business, and advertising/marketing is a big part of business. I also work with young children 35 hours a week during the summer, teach a pre-school Sunday school class, and lead a 3rd-5th grade youth group at my church.
3. What opinions do you already hold about this topic?
There should be some restrictions put on advertising towards children because children are not able to recognize advertising until they reach a certian point in their development therefore they believe everything they see to be true and factual.
4. What knowledge do you already have about this topic? What are your main questions about this topic? What are you most curious about?
I don't know a whole lot about the subject other than businesses are targeting young children who lack the ability to understand the difference between a TV show and a commercial. Businesses take advantage of these children and manipulate them. I'd like to know more about this topic, specifically what negative facts advertising has on today's youth. I'd also be interested in seeing some statistics.
6. Within what scholarly discipline (such as history, biology, psychology) do you expect to do most of your research? How does this discipline approach or study this topic?
I would probably look at the topic from the business/advertising/marketing point of view so that would go under business. I'd probably also look at the topic from a psychology point of view in terms of what children can and can't understand and how these advertisements are effecting them. I would also look at the ethics of targeting young children when advertising.
7. How could you research this topic outside the library (for example, through interviews and/or observations)?
I could observe young children and see how they are influenced by advertising.
Part II: Focusing
Write an initial claim, or an open-ended question, to guide your research on this topic. Make it specific but exploratory. Remember that a good claim opens up an area of inquiry about a topic; a claim should invite evidence, support, and debate.
Advertising is everywhere. We can't avoid it no matter how hard we try. How is today's youth being impacted by advertising?
Search Terms:
"effects of advertising on children"
"advertising and children"
"advertising and kids"
A few websites that looked good so far:
http://www.apa.org/releases/childrenads.html
http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_tobacco.shtml
http://www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/03_advertising.htm
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun04/protecting.html
http://www.preventioninstitute.org/CHI_food_advertising.html
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/118/6/2563
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040049/04x1187q/0
http://www.focusonyourchild.com/entertain/art1/A0000228.html
http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/advertisingtricks/
http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2005/04/14/Opinion/Column.Cookie.Monster.Forced.To.Cut.Down.On.Cookies-923345.shtml
Google Scholar Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2005-03-30-sesame-street-healthy_x.htm
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007486/00p0404k/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007469/00p0163q/0
http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/1/1/3
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007453/00p0004g/0
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/JCR/journal/issues/v29n1/290101/290101.text.html
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040108/04x2782z/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007466/00p0129k/0
http://www.jrsm.org/cgi/content/full/97/2/51
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040049/04x1187q/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007476/00p0253s/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007496/00p0012l/0
http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov00/advertising.html
1. Identify the issue or problem that you plan to focus on in your research project.
Sould restrictions be placed on advertising aimed at children?
Does advertising have a negative impact on children?
2. What is your personal connection to and interest in this topic?
I am interested in studying business, and advertising/marketing is a big part of business. I also work with young children 35 hours a week during the summer, teach a pre-school Sunday school class, and lead a 3rd-5th grade youth group at my church.
3. What opinions do you already hold about this topic?
There should be some restrictions put on advertising towards children because children are not able to recognize advertising until they reach a certian point in their development therefore they believe everything they see to be true and factual.
4. What knowledge do you already have about this topic? What are your main questions about this topic? What are you most curious about?
I don't know a whole lot about the subject other than businesses are targeting young children who lack the ability to understand the difference between a TV show and a commercial. Businesses take advantage of these children and manipulate them. I'd like to know more about this topic, specifically what negative facts advertising has on today's youth. I'd also be interested in seeing some statistics.
6. Within what scholarly discipline (such as history, biology, psychology) do you expect to do most of your research? How does this discipline approach or study this topic?
I would probably look at the topic from the business/advertising/marketing point of view so that would go under business. I'd probably also look at the topic from a psychology point of view in terms of what children can and can't understand and how these advertisements are effecting them. I would also look at the ethics of targeting young children when advertising.
7. How could you research this topic outside the library (for example, through interviews and/or observations)?
I could observe young children and see how they are influenced by advertising.
Part II: Focusing
Write an initial claim, or an open-ended question, to guide your research on this topic. Make it specific but exploratory. Remember that a good claim opens up an area of inquiry about a topic; a claim should invite evidence, support, and debate.
Advertising is everywhere. We can't avoid it no matter how hard we try. How is today's youth being impacted by advertising?
Search Terms:
"effects of advertising on children"
"advertising and children"
"advertising and kids"
A few websites that looked good so far:
http://www.apa.org/releases/childrenads.html
http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_tobacco.shtml
http://www.youngmedia.org.au/mediachildren/03_advertising.htm
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun04/protecting.html
http://www.preventioninstitute.org/CHI_food_advertising.html
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/118/6/2563
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040049/04x1187q/0
http://www.focusonyourchild.com/entertain/art1/A0000228.html
http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/advertisingtricks/
http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2005/04/14/Opinion/Column.Cookie.Monster.Forced.To.Cut.Down.On.Cookies-923345.shtml
Google Scholar Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2005-03-30-sesame-street-healthy_x.htm
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007486/00p0404k/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007469/00p0163q/0
http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/1/1/3
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007453/00p0004g/0
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/JCR/journal/issues/v29n1/290101/290101.text.html
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040108/04x2782z/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007466/00p0129k/0
http://www.jrsm.org/cgi/content/full/97/2/51
http://www.jstor.org/view/00222437/sp040049/04x1187q/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007476/00p0253s/0
http://www.jstor.org/view/00935301/di007496/00p0012l/0
http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov00/advertising.html
Friday, October 19, 2007
Background Research
Search Terms:
"Smoking Bans"
"Smoking Regulations"
"Effects of Smoking Bans"
Sources:
(Primary)
Surveys
Restaurant Owners
Katie (my peer tutor)
(Secondary)
Websites so far:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_ban
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/QuitToLive/story?id=1292456
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5307a2.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/04/AR2006010401310.html
http://www.nycclash.com/CaseAgainstBans/Introduction.html
http://www.smokefreeworld.com/usa.shtml
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-11-27-smoking-bans_x.htm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/247635_smoking09.html
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=44459
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-04/uoc--sps032603.php
http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2005/09/18/healthy_effects_found_in_irish_smoking_ban/
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0861141.html
Articles so far:
The library database thing is being really slow, so I'll look for those another time.
Books so far:
"Smoking Bans"
"Smoking Regulations"
"Effects of Smoking Bans"
Sources:
(Primary)
Surveys
Restaurant Owners
Katie (my peer tutor)
(Secondary)
Websites so far:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_ban
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/QuitToLive/story?id=1292456
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5307a2.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/04/AR2006010401310.html
http://www.nycclash.com/CaseAgainstBans/Introduction.html
http://www.smokefreeworld.com/usa.shtml
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-11-27-smoking-bans_x.htm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/247635_smoking09.html
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=44459
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-04/uoc--sps032603.php
http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2005/09/18/healthy_effects_found_in_irish_smoking_ban/
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0861141.html
Articles so far:
The library database thing is being really slow, so I'll look for those another time.
Books so far:
Audience & Purpose for Research Paper
Audience:
I don't really know who I want my specific audience to be yet. Maybe politicians in places where smoking bans haven't been put in place yet...?
Purpose:
I want to convince my audience that there should be regulations on smoking in public places by comparing places that already have smoking bans to places that do not. I also would like to look at the before and after of places with smoking regulations to see the effect that the regulations have. I'd like to look at the effects on health, business, and the use of tobacco.
I don't really know who I want my specific audience to be yet. Maybe politicians in places where smoking bans haven't been put in place yet...?
Purpose:
I want to convince my audience that there should be regulations on smoking in public places by comparing places that already have smoking bans to places that do not. I also would like to look at the before and after of places with smoking regulations to see the effect that the regulations have. I'd like to look at the effects on health, business, and the use of tobacco.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Research Topic Questions
Part I: Exploration
1. Identify the issue or problem that you plan to focus on in your research project.
What types of regulations of smoking in public places should the legal system impose?
2. What is your personal connection to and interest in this topic?
I just hate going to restaurants or even just walking outside my dorm and being bombarded with smoke. I think it’s disgusting and it gives me headaches.
3. What opinions do you already hold about this topic?
I think there should be some regulations on smoking in public places.
4. What knowledge do you already have about this topic? What are your main questions about this topic? What are you most curious about?
I know some places have ban smoking in restaurants. I want to know where (geographically) smoking has been banned in restaurants, and what other public places it has been banned in.
6. Within what scholarly discipline (such as history, biology, psychology) do you expect to do most of your research? How does this discipline approach or study this topic?
I would probably do most of my research in medicine (for the effects of second hand smoke and whatnot) and in law (for the laws that have already been put in place and the laws that have been proposed). I’d also want to do some of my research in business for a counter argument (restaurants, particularly bars, believe they will lose money if smoking is banned).
7. How could you research this topic outside the library (for example, through interviews and/or observations)?
I guess I could interview restaurant owners on their opinion on smoking bans. In places it has already been banned, I could interview the restaurant owners about their business (if they lost business, got more, or it stayed the same).
Part II: Focusing
Write an initial claim, or an open-ended question, to guide your research on this topic. Make it specific but exploratory. Remember that a good claim opens up an area of inquiry about a topic; a claim should invite evidence, support, and debate.
With the effects of smoking being so prevalent, is it the responsibility of the government to put restrictions on smoking in public places?
1. Identify the issue or problem that you plan to focus on in your research project.
What types of regulations of smoking in public places should the legal system impose?
2. What is your personal connection to and interest in this topic?
I just hate going to restaurants or even just walking outside my dorm and being bombarded with smoke. I think it’s disgusting and it gives me headaches.
3. What opinions do you already hold about this topic?
I think there should be some regulations on smoking in public places.
4. What knowledge do you already have about this topic? What are your main questions about this topic? What are you most curious about?
I know some places have ban smoking in restaurants. I want to know where (geographically) smoking has been banned in restaurants, and what other public places it has been banned in.
6. Within what scholarly discipline (such as history, biology, psychology) do you expect to do most of your research? How does this discipline approach or study this topic?
I would probably do most of my research in medicine (for the effects of second hand smoke and whatnot) and in law (for the laws that have already been put in place and the laws that have been proposed). I’d also want to do some of my research in business for a counter argument (restaurants, particularly bars, believe they will lose money if smoking is banned).
7. How could you research this topic outside the library (for example, through interviews and/or observations)?
I guess I could interview restaurant owners on their opinion on smoking bans. In places it has already been banned, I could interview the restaurant owners about their business (if they lost business, got more, or it stayed the same).
Part II: Focusing
Write an initial claim, or an open-ended question, to guide your research on this topic. Make it specific but exploratory. Remember that a good claim opens up an area of inquiry about a topic; a claim should invite evidence, support, and debate.
With the effects of smoking being so prevalent, is it the responsibility of the government to put restrictions on smoking in public places?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Possible Research Paper Topics
What types of regulations of smoking in public places should the legal system impose? (Business, Medicine, Science, Law)
What prevention techniques and/or penalties should be applied to child molestation and child abuse? (Law, Child Care, Education)
To what extent should individuals have the protection of the law and the assistance of the medical establishment in terminating their own lives? (Medicine, Law, Ethics)
Should tobacco companies be held responsible for smoking-related illnesses and deaths? (Medicine, Ethics)
What prevention techniques and/or penalties should be applied to child molestation and child abuse? (Law, Child Care, Education)
To what extent should individuals have the protection of the law and the assistance of the medical establishment in terminating their own lives? (Medicine, Law, Ethics)
Should tobacco companies be held responsible for smoking-related illnesses and deaths? (Medicine, Ethics)
Monday, October 1, 2007
Sythesis Sources and Summary of One
The sources I've found so far:
http://www.thesocialedge.com/archives/other/3artsandculture-mar2002.htm
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=117&sid=118f1471-7fcf-4895-8e9f-a5921835f984%40sessionmgr104
http://search.atlaonline.com/pls/eli/ashow?aid=ATLA0001459527
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=117&sid=118f1471-7fcf-4895-8e9f-a5921835f984%40sessionmgr104
http://search.atlaonline.com/pls/eli/ashow?aid=ATLA0000870481&offset=5&lcookie=3285493
Not all of the links work for some reason, so I printed all of the articles off. All 5 of them look interesting at a glance. I'm not sure which ones I'm going to use for sure, and I might search for more depending on how these work out.
Summary of "The December dilemma"
In the article, "The December dilemma" Deborah J. Levine discusses the issue of religion in public schools, specifically during the month of December. Levine tells us that superintendents and principals in DuPage County gathered in a courtroom together as they waited for an update on the legal status of observing holidays in public schools. She uses the example of DuPage County as a model for what is happening across the United States. Levine argues that many non-Christians are offended during the Christmas season because they feel their religion is under-represented, especially when compared to the way in which Christianity is represented. Levine explains that it is a hard subject to deal with because there is no possible way to please everyone. One suggestion is to completely take religion out of schools, but this would leave students under-educated about religion which is a very important part of American culture. As Levine herself puts it, "Not to teach students about religion would leave them unprepared for a world in which religion and religious diversity will play an increasing role." Another proposal is to celebrate all the major holidays of all religions. This is unrealistic, though, because teachers do not have the time or knowledge to celebrate and educated students about all of the holidays that would need to be celebrated. Levine suggests teachers “need materials that fit into the existing curriculum and do not single out holidays, materials that would not only give an historical overview of world religions but provide information about contemporary customs, confirmed by the religious communities among us.” By this she means teachers should not have to deal with religious diversity on their own. In sum, Levine’s view is that there is no possible way to please everyone when it comes to the celebration of holidays in public schools, but teachers should be provided with materials which help them educate the children about the diversity of culture and religion.
http://www.thesocialedge.com/archives/other/3artsandculture-mar2002.htm
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=117&sid=118f1471-7fcf-4895-8e9f-a5921835f984%40sessionmgr104
http://search.atlaonline.com/pls/eli/ashow?aid=ATLA0001459527
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=117&sid=118f1471-7fcf-4895-8e9f-a5921835f984%40sessionmgr104
http://search.atlaonline.com/pls/eli/ashow?aid=ATLA0000870481&offset=5&lcookie=3285493
Not all of the links work for some reason, so I printed all of the articles off. All 5 of them look interesting at a glance. I'm not sure which ones I'm going to use for sure, and I might search for more depending on how these work out.
Summary of "The December dilemma"
In the article, "The December dilemma" Deborah J. Levine discusses the issue of religion in public schools, specifically during the month of December. Levine tells us that superintendents and principals in DuPage County gathered in a courtroom together as they waited for an update on the legal status of observing holidays in public schools. She uses the example of DuPage County as a model for what is happening across the United States. Levine argues that many non-Christians are offended during the Christmas season because they feel their religion is under-represented, especially when compared to the way in which Christianity is represented. Levine explains that it is a hard subject to deal with because there is no possible way to please everyone. One suggestion is to completely take religion out of schools, but this would leave students under-educated about religion which is a very important part of American culture. As Levine herself puts it, "Not to teach students about religion would leave them unprepared for a world in which religion and religious diversity will play an increasing role." Another proposal is to celebrate all the major holidays of all religions. This is unrealistic, though, because teachers do not have the time or knowledge to celebrate and educated students about all of the holidays that would need to be celebrated. Levine suggests teachers “need materials that fit into the existing curriculum and do not single out holidays, materials that would not only give an historical overview of world religions but provide information about contemporary customs, confirmed by the religious communities among us.” By this she means teachers should not have to deal with religious diversity on their own. In sum, Levine’s view is that there is no possible way to please everyone when it comes to the celebration of holidays in public schools, but teachers should be provided with materials which help them educate the children about the diversity of culture and religion.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Page 132 Exercise #2
The Effects of Technology in the Classroom
In recent years there has been a rapid growth of technology in the classroom; but is that a good thing? This is a subject that should concern everyone. Today’s children will soon be the leaders of our country. Caring about education now is caring about our future. Would you want a president who spent his school days playing computers games instead of taking notes? The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” explore the idea of technology and its effectiveness in education. Clifford Stoll and Richard Ohmann are skeptical about incorporating technology into the classroom, as both authors believe in a more traditional way of learning.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Libraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
I agree and disagree with Stoll and Ohmann’s views of technology in the classroom. Computers can, in fact, be very distracting, taking away from the teacher. Computers also make it easier to plagiarize and make libraries out dated. Having just argued the negative aspects of technology in the classroom, let us now turn our attention to the many positive aspects. Just as there are many arguments against the use of computers in education there are many arguments for it. For example, computers not only make things more convenient and faster, but they are also an important educational tool. Computers offer programs such as Microsoft Powerpoint to help put presentations together and Microsoft Excel to help organize data. The internet provides an abundance of information including educational videos that cannot be found in a library. Also, computers make it very easy to communicate with people all over the world which is something that can be used for educational purposes. Essentially, I am arguing that there are positives and negatives to incorporating technology in the classroom; but I think if it is used correctly and in moderation technology can be a very valuable resource in an educational setting.
I tried to insert metacommentary in the last paragraph where I talk about my opinion. I also added a title because I didn't have one.
In recent years there has been a rapid growth of technology in the classroom; but is that a good thing? This is a subject that should concern everyone. Today’s children will soon be the leaders of our country. Caring about education now is caring about our future. Would you want a president who spent his school days playing computers games instead of taking notes? The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” explore the idea of technology and its effectiveness in education. Clifford Stoll and Richard Ohmann are skeptical about incorporating technology into the classroom, as both authors believe in a more traditional way of learning.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Libraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
I agree and disagree with Stoll and Ohmann’s views of technology in the classroom. Computers can, in fact, be very distracting, taking away from the teacher. Computers also make it easier to plagiarize and make libraries out dated. Having just argued the negative aspects of technology in the classroom, let us now turn our attention to the many positive aspects. Just as there are many arguments against the use of computers in education there are many arguments for it. For example, computers not only make things more convenient and faster, but they are also an important educational tool. Computers offer programs such as Microsoft Powerpoint to help put presentations together and Microsoft Excel to help organize data. The internet provides an abundance of information including educational videos that cannot be found in a library. Also, computers make it very easy to communicate with people all over the world which is something that can be used for educational purposes. Essentially, I am arguing that there are positives and negatives to incorporating technology in the classroom; but I think if it is used correctly and in moderation technology can be a very valuable resource in an educational setting.
I tried to insert metacommentary in the last paragraph where I talk about my opinion. I also added a title because I didn't have one.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Page 97 Exercise 2
In recent years there has been a rapid growth of technology in the classroom; but is that a good thing? This is a subject that should concern everyone. Today’s children will soon be the leaders of our country. Caring about education now is caring about our future. Would you want a president who spent his school days playing computers games instead of taking notes? The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” explore the idea of technology and its effectiveness in education. Clifford Stoll and Richard Ohmann are skeptical about incorporating technology into the classroom, as both authors believe in a more traditional way of learning.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Libraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
I agree and disagree with Stoll and Ohmann’s views of technology in the classroom. Computers can, in fact, be very distracting, taking away from the teacher. Computers also make it easier to plagiarize and make libraries out dated. There are a few negative aspects of incorporating technology into learning, however there are positive aspects as well. Computers not only make things more convenient and faster, but they are also an important educational tool. Computers offer programs such as Microsoft Powerpoint to help put presentations together and Microsoft Excel to help organize data. The internet provides an abundance of information including educational videos that cannot be found in a library. Also, computers make it very easy to communicate with people all over the world which is something that can be used for educational purposes. Although there are a few negative aspects to incorporating technology in the classroom, I think if it is used correctly and in moderation technology can be a very valuable resource in an educational setting.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Libraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
I agree and disagree with Stoll and Ohmann’s views of technology in the classroom. Computers can, in fact, be very distracting, taking away from the teacher. Computers also make it easier to plagiarize and make libraries out dated. There are a few negative aspects of incorporating technology into learning, however there are positive aspects as well. Computers not only make things more convenient and faster, but they are also an important educational tool. Computers offer programs such as Microsoft Powerpoint to help put presentations together and Microsoft Excel to help organize data. The internet provides an abundance of information including educational videos that cannot be found in a library. Also, computers make it very easy to communicate with people all over the world which is something that can be used for educational purposes. Although there are a few negative aspects to incorporating technology in the classroom, I think if it is used correctly and in moderation technology can be a very valuable resource in an educational setting.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Synthesis
Today’s rapid growth of technology in the classroom would lead most to believe it is a sure fire way of learning. The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” would disagree. Clifford Stoll and Richard Ohmann are skeptical about incorporating technology into learning. Both authors believe in a more traditional way of learning.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Llibraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
Stoll and Ohmann believe computers make plagiarism easier. The authors say this is because copying and pasting from an internet site is much easier than copying out of a book or an essay that is in paper form. Both authors also argue that computers take away from reading and libraries. When is the last time a student used a book as a source of information for a school project or paper? Students find all the information they need on the web. Llibraries are becoming obsolete. Another argument Stoll and Ohmann make is computers and technology take away from the teacher. Technology steals attention from the teacher. Ohmann points out in his essay that “students are tuning out their professors while they send e-mail messages, check company Web sites, trade stocks, and otherwise multitask their way through their M.B.A.” In some instances technology removes all face-to-face contact between teacher and student. For example, there are many e-classes, or online classes, offered today. These classes allow students to complete an entire class online without ever meeting the teachers.
Some may argue that computers open up a whole new world of information to students. Stoll counters that by explaining that every schoolteacher he has met tell him that they do not lack information, rather they have “far too much information.” Others contest that computers teach a love of reading. Stoll claims this is not the case because most Web pages contain primarily graphics, not words. Ohmann and Stoll have debated with themselves the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. They have both come to the conclusion that although at first computers may seem like a valuable resource for the classroom, when looked into more closely, they are really more of a hindrance than a help.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Synthesis Activity- Outline
Sources: “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?”
The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” agree that incorporating technology into learning may not be the greatest idea.
Intro:
-Agreement that computers in classrooms are not necessarily the best idea.
Body:
-The areas in which the authors agree.
*Computers make plagiarism easier.
*Computers take away from reading.
*Computers take away from the traditional method of teaching (using an actual person to teach).
Conclusion:
-Wrap-up and re-state
The authors of “Computers and Technology” and “Who Needs Computers?” agree that incorporating technology into learning may not be the greatest idea.
Intro:
-Agreement that computers in classrooms are not necessarily the best idea.
Body:
-The areas in which the authors agree.
*Computers make plagiarism easier.
*Computers take away from reading.
*Computers take away from the traditional method of teaching (using an actual person to teach).
Conclusion:
-Wrap-up and re-state
Thursday, September 20, 2007
"Computers and Technology" Summary and Response
In his essay, “Computers and Technology,” Richard Ohmann issues a caution to schools and universities interested in investing in new technology, namely computers. Ohmann argues that even though there has been a huge movement toward integrating technology in the classroom in recent years, it might not be all that great of an idea. According to Ohmann there has been little evidence so far of students gaining achievement due to the use of technology. He explains that this is because technology is “not well integrated into curriculum and pedagogy.” Ohmann also informs us that many students tune out their professors when there is a computer in front of them. Students would rather e-mail or surf the web than listen to a professor. Teachers are also reluctant to use new technology due to the crashes, confusion, and breakdowns. Another issue with technology that Ohmann speaks about is student plagiarism. The internet makes it much easier for students to plagiarize than books do. Ohmann suggests that schools and universities make sure they understand the technology economically and historically, and are willing to work politically with, against, through, and around it before making big investments towards it.
I agree with Ohmann. Technology is pricey, and a risky investment if not checked into first. I can attest to some of the downfalls of bringing technology into the classroom. My senior year in high school the school I attended launched a “laptop initiative.” The program was designed to equip four classrooms with 30 or more laptops. I had two of my classes in “laptop rooms.” One was a math class, and the other a literature class. To be completely honest, the math class was an absolute joke. The entire hour everyone in the class would either be on Facebook, shopping online, e-mailing, or watching videos on Youtube. Our textbook and notes were online, so the teacher could never tell us to turn out laptops off. Finally in March, seven months after the program started, the school got smart and blocked sites such as Facebook and Myspace. That did not stop students from using proxies, though. On a better note, my literature class was not as bad as math. The teachers was very strict about what websites we could use and when. Also, we actually utilized the technology and learned a lot of new things from it. For example, we created podcasts which we posted to our school’s wiki (another thing my class created), we blogged, and before each book we read we would use the web to find a good biography of the author. In my opinion there are ups and downs to the use of technology in the classroom. As long as it is used in a controlled manner which benefits the students’ learning it is a good tool to have. However, I still agree with Ohmann in the fact that schools and universities should research technology and how they can use it at their institution before they make a hasty purchase.
I agree with Ohmann. Technology is pricey, and a risky investment if not checked into first. I can attest to some of the downfalls of bringing technology into the classroom. My senior year in high school the school I attended launched a “laptop initiative.” The program was designed to equip four classrooms with 30 or more laptops. I had two of my classes in “laptop rooms.” One was a math class, and the other a literature class. To be completely honest, the math class was an absolute joke. The entire hour everyone in the class would either be on Facebook, shopping online, e-mailing, or watching videos on Youtube. Our textbook and notes were online, so the teacher could never tell us to turn out laptops off. Finally in March, seven months after the program started, the school got smart and blocked sites such as Facebook and Myspace. That did not stop students from using proxies, though. On a better note, my literature class was not as bad as math. The teachers was very strict about what websites we could use and when. Also, we actually utilized the technology and learned a lot of new things from it. For example, we created podcasts which we posted to our school’s wiki (another thing my class created), we blogged, and before each book we read we would use the web to find a good biography of the author. In my opinion there are ups and downs to the use of technology in the classroom. As long as it is used in a controlled manner which benefits the students’ learning it is a good tool to have. However, I still agree with Ohmann in the fact that schools and universities should research technology and how they can use it at their institution before they make a hasty purchase.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hidden Intellectualism
Summary:
In the essay ‘Hidden Intellectualism’, Gerald Graff expresses his concern for students who do not appear to be academically intelligent but succeed in other nonacademic fields. Since society has such a closed-minded view of intelligence, we don’t consider cars, dating, or TV as factors of intelligence. The author believes that students should pursue their nonacademic interests, in an academic way. Graff argues that schools and colleges are missing an opportunity to help students succeed, by pushing away theses nonacademic interests that could benefit the students. He believes, “Making students’ nonacademic interests an object of academic study is useful, then, for getting students’ attentions and overcoming their boredom and alienation…” Overall schools have a stereotypical view of intelligence, but need to realize that intelligence is not limited to book smarts.
Questions:
We used the template on page 14 to help us outline our summary. It seemed to work well, by keeping our thoughts organized. No we did not shift our strategy. Another strategy we could have used would be not to use a template. Two alternate purposes would be to agree or disagree. If we were to agree with Graff we wouldn’t have to revise the summary. To disagree we would have to state the summary and reasons why we disagree, backed up by examples.
In the essay ‘Hidden Intellectualism’, Gerald Graff expresses his concern for students who do not appear to be academically intelligent but succeed in other nonacademic fields. Since society has such a closed-minded view of intelligence, we don’t consider cars, dating, or TV as factors of intelligence. The author believes that students should pursue their nonacademic interests, in an academic way. Graff argues that schools and colleges are missing an opportunity to help students succeed, by pushing away theses nonacademic interests that could benefit the students. He believes, “Making students’ nonacademic interests an object of academic study is useful, then, for getting students’ attentions and overcoming their boredom and alienation…” Overall schools have a stereotypical view of intelligence, but need to realize that intelligence is not limited to book smarts.
Questions:
We used the template on page 14 to help us outline our summary. It seemed to work well, by keeping our thoughts organized. No we did not shift our strategy. Another strategy we could have used would be not to use a template. Two alternate purposes would be to agree or disagree. If we were to agree with Graff we wouldn’t have to revise the summary. To disagree we would have to state the summary and reasons why we disagree, backed up by examples.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
"Don't Blame the Eater" Summaries
Summary #1
In an essay, “Don’t Blame the Eater,” the author, David Zinczenko argues that childhood obesity today is much in part due to the lack of convenient and inexpensive food choices for children. Zinczenko suggests that many children are forced to eat at un-healthy fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. because they cannot afford a healthier alternative. Although I understand where Zinczenko is coming from, I cannot say I agree with him. Subway, for example, is an inexpensive, healthy alternative to somewhere such as McDonalds. They advertise many different sandwiches that are under 7 grams of fat and offer bags of pre-sliced apples as a side dish. Another cheap, yet healthy option could be found at a grocery store. Grocery stores sell pre-made, pre-packaged salads, wraps, sandwiches and more which have the nutritional information right there on the package.
Summary #2
In an essay, “Don’t Blame the Eater,” the author, David Zinczenko, argues that children have the right to sue major fast food companies for “making them fat.” Zinczenko believes that fast food companies contribute to childhood obesity because their only concern is to make money, not how un-healthy the products they are selling are. According the Zinczenko children are looking for convenient, inexpensive places such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. to get their meals at. These children aren’t educated on the effects this food could have on them, for example diabetes, obesity, or cholesterol problems. I agree with Zinczenko that fast food companies are contributing to childhood obesity, although I don’t believe that suing the fast-food chains is the best solution. A better solution might be educating consumers about the risks of fast-food and teaching them about healthier alternatives.
In an essay, “Don’t Blame the Eater,” the author, David Zinczenko argues that childhood obesity today is much in part due to the lack of convenient and inexpensive food choices for children. Zinczenko suggests that many children are forced to eat at un-healthy fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. because they cannot afford a healthier alternative. Although I understand where Zinczenko is coming from, I cannot say I agree with him. Subway, for example, is an inexpensive, healthy alternative to somewhere such as McDonalds. They advertise many different sandwiches that are under 7 grams of fat and offer bags of pre-sliced apples as a side dish. Another cheap, yet healthy option could be found at a grocery store. Grocery stores sell pre-made, pre-packaged salads, wraps, sandwiches and more which have the nutritional information right there on the package.
Summary #2
In an essay, “Don’t Blame the Eater,” the author, David Zinczenko, argues that children have the right to sue major fast food companies for “making them fat.” Zinczenko believes that fast food companies contribute to childhood obesity because their only concern is to make money, not how un-healthy the products they are selling are. According the Zinczenko children are looking for convenient, inexpensive places such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. to get their meals at. These children aren’t educated on the effects this food could have on them, for example diabetes, obesity, or cholesterol problems. I agree with Zinczenko that fast food companies are contributing to childhood obesity, although I don’t believe that suing the fast-food chains is the best solution. A better solution might be educating consumers about the risks of fast-food and teaching them about healthier alternatives.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Finding a "They Say" in an Online Article
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/09/06/opinion/letters/127648.txt
Summary: This was a letter to the editor in response to a previous letter to the editor. The woman who wrote this letter is expressing her opinion on how homosexuals should be treated. She believes everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. She also believes that homosexuality is not a choice that people make and that they should not be judged based on their sexual orientation or anything else for that matter.
They Say: The 'they say' in this letter comes from another letter to the editor (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/08/25/opinion/letters/127481.txt). In this letter a woman is clearly against homosexuality and even calls it "a distasteful and gross lifestyle." The woman in the responsive letter responds to that statement by saying that those "are words that would better describe the lifestyle of a child molester."
Summary: This was a letter to the editor in response to a previous letter to the editor. The woman who wrote this letter is expressing her opinion on how homosexuals should be treated. She believes everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. She also believes that homosexuality is not a choice that people make and that they should not be judged based on their sexual orientation or anything else for that matter.
They Say: The 'they say' in this letter comes from another letter to the editor (http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/08/25/opinion/letters/127481.txt). In this letter a woman is clearly against homosexuality and even calls it "a distasteful and gross lifestyle." The woman in the responsive letter responds to that statement by saying that those "are words that would better describe the lifestyle of a child molester."
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