Google offers online personal health records

This week’s blog will be the last for this school year. The article is not long, but it should lead you to think about the social and ethical issues involved. Google is now offering to store personal health records online. There are implications to this that involve security concerns and questions of accurate information. Go to the first link below and read the article. Then, go to the second link and view the tour of Google Health. Write a reflective comment that demonstrates you have read both Web pages and have addressed my questions.

Keeping personal health records on the Web has potential good and bad aspects. What do you think would be the greatest advantage to this system? What do you think would be the greatest disadvantage? What personal information would you be willing to put in your online personal health records and what would you want to withhold? How much control should your doctor have over your online records?

Google Health Article
Google Health Tour

Parents Are Unsure

This week instead of reading an article you will view a presentation that has been converted to a PDF format. To see this file you will go to the assignments section of our course on Blackboard. View the presentation, think about what it says, and write a reflective comment on this blog.

The presentation summarizes a survey of parents that was conducted by Common Sense Media and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. As you read the results, think about how digital media use relates to you. Which of the parent opinions do you agree with and which ones do you think are wrong? Do you agree with the parents’ opinion about communication and collaboration and how well the Web helps students learn these skills? Respond to the following quote: “Our kids are adapting to change at breakneck speed. Adults who nurture children are trying to catch up to ensure that the new, ubiquitous digital diet is balanced and educational.” What can you do to help your parents? How should we help your parents understand the potential and the risks of digital media? Do you agree with the teachers’ opinions about video games, MP3 players, and cell phones? What recommendations would you make to educate parents and teachers? Can you think of any creative uses for video games, MP3 players, and cell phones in education?

Blackboard Link

Virtual College Fairs

Virtual College Fairs

The thought of going to college is exciting. It is a major change in your life and a de facto step toward independence in your life. The preparation for this requires research, resources, and resilience. Going to visit colleges is part of the process, but that can be expensive – especially if you want to visit a college that is far away. One company has a potential solution: virtual college fairs. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your thoughts about the topic.

How useful would a virtual college fair be to you? When would be the best time to have one? We missed the fair that was held in March, but there will be another one next fall. Go to the CollegeWeekLive website and look at the information that they offer on their Web pages. Identify some aspects of the website that would be beneficial and some that would not be worthwhile. What do they need to add to make their virtual college fair better? Should our school make students aware of this website? Seniors, even though you probably have already decided on a school, your input would be helpful for those who are coming after you. Would you recommend that students investigate this website?

Virtual College Fairs Article
CollegeWeekLive website

Video gamers keep spending despite downturn

Video games are popular with people of all ages. This week’s article may provide some surprising facts about gamers in light of recent economic changes. Go to the link below and read the article. Write a reflective comment that addresses my questions and expresses your views about the topic.

Were the reports of software and equipment sales over the past year surprising to you? Have you played Grand Theft Auto? Do you intend to purchase Grand Theft Auto IV? Do you consider yourself to be an avid computer game player? What would you give up to purchase a computer game that you really wanted? Do you agree that these games are addictive? Are any of your friends addicted to some computer game? What do you enjoy as a form of relaxation to take a break from studying?

Video Gamer Article