Harold Rheingold makes the following point in his opening chapter of Why You Need Digital Know-How—Why We All Need It:
One tool that I do feel comfortable generalizing about is the importance
of questioning my own communication practices—recognizing which
media and mediated social activities I tend to avoid, which ones attract or
distract me, and which lead and mislead me, and reflecting on why I react
in these ways. (8)
I want you to mine your Net habits and write a detailed self analysis of your own attention regarding use of social media and interacting within and on the fringes of online communities. What activities capture your attention the most, and to what end is your attention being utilized? How are you deploying your attention? When your laptop is open and you are at a lecture, how are you focusing your attention (or) how are you not? What can you do to be more mindful of your attention in online spaces?
___________________________________________________________________
For the second portion, post links to two essay contests you are interested in pursing for your essay contest piece. After each link, post a brief description of the contests you are looking at.
For the second portion, post links to two essay contests you are interested in pursing for your essay contest piece. After each link, post a brief description of the contests you are looking at.
Your blog posting is due no later than January 27th before 11:59pm
If you have questions about this posting, please contact me:
Joseph.Longhany@UCF.edu
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDacotah Roeber-ENC 1101-OM06
ReplyDeletePart 1- Having the ability to look up anything you can dream of in a matter of seconds is one of the many good things about having such advantage technology, but it can also be a great distraction in work or schooling. When I am online the things I get drawn to the most are any top news stories, mainly sports, or checking emails. I am not a very big social media person and I rarely ever put statues about how I am feeling today or take pictures of the food I am about to eat. I know that when I need to get things done in a timely manner and I put aside all of the unimportant things and get to work right away. If I ever bring a laptop to class I never stray away from taking notes or the lecture. I am very confident in my ability to keep on track even with the vast possibilities I have on the internet.
Part 2-
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This essay prompt is to explain your thoughts on how we can move on from the tragedy in Newport. Explaining what gun laws, if any should be in place, or how the government can make kids feel safe going to school again..
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
The prompt asks your opinion on how sports can help foster non-violence in the youth today. They would like to know what you think coaches can help do and what policies should be put in place for bad fans or sportsmanship.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSara Heitzenroeder
ReplyDeleteENC 1101- 0M04
Part One-
Technology has been a great advantage to society and I can’t wait to see what the future holds when it comes to technology. It is amazing to see how much we have evolved since the first computer even came out. The computer brought about a huge benefit in my generation by providing the world of the internet. I do remember burying my face in encyclopedias to make a book report when I was younger, but now I don’t even think you can really buy a set of encyclopedias, except maybe a dated one from the library. And those would probably be free. It’s perfectly acceptable to find and use articles and books online. Aside from research, when it comes to bringing my laptop to class, that never poses a problem. I try to write my notes the old fashioned way by hand so I can avoid wanting to do other things on my laptop, such as play games or search the internet. When I am required to bring a laptop to class, I only use it for what my professor allows me to use it for. I grew up with manners and feel like it’s rude when I don’t give attention to my professors when I am on their time. This holds true even if they are extremely boring or if I have absolutely no clue what they are saying. I might daydream in my head, but I won’t ever do anything to intentionally be impolite, including using my laptop for inappropriate reasons during class time. When I am not at work or in class, I do feel like I engage too much of my time in social media sites. Social media plays a big part in the today’s world. There’s Instagram, Twitter,YouTube, Myspace, and Facebook to name a few and are great sites to market a product or business. I know it sounds crazy, but I am proud to say I am not a part of any social media sites besides Facebook. I used to have a Myspace account, but then found it to be rather annoying and “upgraded” to Facebook. I find this site to be extremely addicting. I can’t seem to stop checking to see what people have posted. The funny thing is, most of the posts are far from interesting, but I still feel the need to read them. That is power. I know millions of people have caught the Facebook syndrome. I can’t see too many benefits from it, but I do have two that make me still keep my account open. One reason would be that I am able to keep in touch with my family without having to talk on the phone, because I hate that, and the second reason would be that I can pick up or give away a shift at work by simply posting a comment in our work group. There is no longer a need to have everybody’s phone number at work and to text or call each and every individual when you just want the day off. The important thing is, like Harold Rheingold, I do recognize which aspects of social media hinder or distract me so I really do try my best to avoid them. I am just very happy I never created a Twitter account.
Part Two-
http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2013/01/dentalplans-launches-2013-dental-makeover-contest-on-facebook.html
This essay contest has a prize I would really like to win! It is a short essay contest consisting of 400 words or less on why you feel that you need a dental makeover this year. Being someone who hasn’t had dental insurance since I’ve moved to Florida two years ago, I’m sure I could come up with some reasons for this makeover.
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This second essay contest was found on another student’s post, but was interesting to me. I don’t really care for sports other than ice hockey, but found still found this contest very appealing and something I wouldn’t mind researching. You have to write an essay on the role sports play in fostering non-violence.
Michelle Padilla
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
Part 1
Technology has been both a negative and positive impact on society. It is really great to have because technology makes doing activities easier and simpler, but it can be a huge distraction at the same time. At school if I bring my laptop to class, I will only use it for appropriate reasons. I would not just be gazing at social media sites or playing games while a lecture is going on. At home when I am trying to do online homework, it gets so hard to concentrate. I get easily distracted. I procrastinate on all my home assignment. At home I love going on Facebook or Instagram. Sometimes I’ll just go on Netflix and spend hours watching shows when I should be doing school related assignments. The way I tried to not being distracted by the net is to give myself a limit on the internet and actually get off when my limit is over, but actually saying it is easier than doing it. I try my best though; the only thing that stops me from net distractions is the due dates to my assignments. I think Harold Rheingold makes a good point, because if you know what sites distract you, then you shouldn’t go on those sites when you get on your computer. You should try to finish the important stuff and then spend your free time on the sites that distract you.
Part 2
http://www.fromfailuretopromise.com/Essay-Scholarship-Contest-.html
This essay you have to read the book "From Failure to Promise" and write an essay on how this book impacted your life. You have to also write about what is your goal to improve the lives of other people once you have reached your “destined promise.”
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html
For this essay, you have to interview a grandparent or an elder and listen to their life story and write about the theme of their life
Justin Kennedy
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 Mo3
Throughout my day, social media finds its way in it in almost every way. Whether I am bored going from class to class, simply walking somewhere and decide to look at my phone to see what is happening with my friends or I heard from a friend that something really interesting just got put up on the social medias I use and I go check it out. Either way I think it’s safe to safe that my life as well as an average teenager is engulfed by the social media today. Instagram, Twitter, iFunny and even when I’m really bored Facebook is an option to browse when I’m bored. As of now Instagram has got most of my attention, it’s interesting to see what kind of photos people I’m following put up of themselves, something they’ve seen or something they may have found online. If I’m doing a homework assignment and I can’t think of what to do to write or finish it I’ll simply hop on my phone and get my mind off in the social media for a bit before returning back to the assignment. Sometimes though it even helps, it calms my mind down from the stress of having to do so much or in some cases I’ll get an idea or grasp the concept to be able to finish the assignment. Depending on which class I’ll whip out my phone to surf my applications to grab my attention because I’ll be bored, in a lecture like for biology this would happen. I’m not as bad as some people I know with online social medias, I don’t think the degree in which I use it is bad. It doesn’t affect my school work or when I’m actually at work. I’m in a pretty average range when it comes to social media with my age group.
The first essay contest: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/
This contest is asking an individual to write about a past mistake and how it has turned a person into who they are today.
The second essay contest: http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQQDoCqF9AM
This is a contest asking for a submission for a sports related themed essay that brings to the table both the mental and physical aspects of the playing field.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePart One-
ReplyDeleteThe use of social media has become a big part of everyone's life. Personally, every day I'm in some kind of social network, checking for news, gossip, and the latest information. Social media interacting is much more than just conversational. It has become a source for news, information, advertisement and much more. Businesses have even taken up using social medias to find a way to reach out to the community, as well as their current and potential customers. Activities that capture my attention the most now-a-days are picture sharing through social medias. There is a new trend of sharing pictures through websites, profiles, etc. Pintrest, for example, is one of my favorite sources for picture sharing. People out there are constantly sharing new information, creative ways to do routine things, and quotes attached to pictures which reach out to kinesthetic learners who need such a medium to comprehend facts. My attention is being utilized for commercial value, there is no doubt about that. Our attention is being focused and geared to only be interested for an average of fourteen-minutes, then commercials pop-up everywhere. Everywhere you go now, Facebook, E-mails, websites, there are more and more personalized adds just to fit you. Based on your current searches, and memberships advertisements are becoming more geared to utilize your short attention span. When my laptop is open and I am in a lecture, my at attention is everywhere at once. I am listening, and taking notes, but when there is a short break I check Facebook, my email, look up something I'm curious about, so on and so forth. What I can do to me more mindful with my attention in online spaces, is learning to focus on the task at hand. Knowing that everything I see is being processed in my brain, but it's important to juggle one thing at a time. So learning more focus skills while on the internet, can certainly help me focus my skills better, and hopefully make me more efficient while online.
Part Two-
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/contest2013.aspx
- This essay contest is asking applicants to "articulate with clarity an ethical issue that they have encountered and analyze what it has taught them about ethics and themselves"
http://writersviews.com/writing-contests-short-story.php
- This essay contest asks for a short story (10pages or less) on any subject, theme, or genre whether fiction or non-fiction.
Ralph Mahalak
ReplyDeleteENC 1104 oMo4
Part I- As far as social media outlets go, Facebook is the only one that I use. I have only had it for 3 years now and it consumes the majority of my time spent on my computer. It is entertaining, practical, and useful. When I log on, I can watch videos that others have posted. It easily allows me to store and view my photos and it also allows me to easily communicate with numerous people. It is a tool that I think I utilize quite well. My other time spent online is split between a multitude of things. My current bookmarks on my safari browser consists of; WEATHER, CIA, NHL, E*TRADE, EBAY, GQ, and CHASE. I love looking up facts as well as using Google earth. Even though I cannot be there in person, I can look up maps, videos, laws, attractions and all sorts of info on anywhere in the world. Some may call it day dreaming but hopefully I will be able to one day visit these places, and do the things I have read about. The world is a big place but the Internet allows you to explore as much as you want. Information is literally at your fingertips. By the way, once you are in a position to go travel, you will come back to the Internet to book your plane tickets. If I woke up tomorrow and there was no more Internet, things would get tremendously more difficult for me. If you took away my cell phone as well, I would feel like a child and not know what to do. It’s a scary concept to wrap your head around but that is the way we live.
Part II- http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/AtlasShrugged.aspx?theme=blue
I have recently found an interest in Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged. I have never read the book nor seen the film but have been reviewing some major points in Rand’s philosophy. This essay calls for you to understand the novel, and connect minor points with the overall theme of the novel.
http://www.nradefensefund.org/contests-scholarships.aspx
This essay is sponsored by the NRA and has the theme “The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation." With the gun debate happening in America today, I believe this is a great topic.
Gabriela Lozada
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
Part one:
No day is ever exactly the same, but the one thing that never changes is my dependency on social media outlets. I am willing to admit that I do spend an embarrassingly large amount of time scrolling through social media applications like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. As a matter of fact, the first thing I do when I wake up after turning my alarm off, is go on my phone and see if I have any notifications from the social networks I am a part of. I can acknowledge the fact that if it weren’t for the internet and my smart phone, I probably would get things done a whole lot quicker. I am definitely one to procrastinate and my phone is a huge culprit. I am aware that I need to start using my time more wisely, especially now that I am working. Work has definitely taken away from the free time I had to be on my phone and chat with friends. Although I have less time to be on the internet, I can still recognize how beautiful it is to be able to look up anything that may cross my mind. However, when I am in class, it’s a whole other story. I do my best to keep my phone in my bag and keep my laptop at home. I know myself; if I were to bring my laptop, I know that I’d somehow end up on Facebook or Twitter. I just try avoiding that situation all together because school is more important than anything I could read on Twitter or see on Pinterest.
Part two:
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/entercontest.aspx
This essay contest asks you to write about a time where you had to pick between right and wrong and what that situation taught you.
http://heyugly.org/Contest%20Essay.php
This essay contest asks you to write about why it is so important to have a good sense of self worth.
Orane Walters
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
Part 1
After growing up in such a technologically-advanced world like that of today, I have the advantage of using a variety of applications and online resources by just the swipe of a finger or the touch of a button. There is no need to drive myself to the library, or go to the bookstore to purchase an encyclopedia. Mostly everything can be found and frankly, done, on the Internet, which has also led to the advancement within the social media world. Social media can range from a blogging website to Facebook, YouTube to Wanelo, Pinterest to Instagram. It is a form of online communication, whether that is through text, picture, audio, or video, it is the idea of an individual interacting with others locally or even internationally.
One of my favorite forms of social media is Facebook. I enjoy this website because it gives me a chance to take a break from the chaos of life and to see what my friends are doing. I can chat with them, comment on anything they decide to post, or even send and receive invites to events. Although this activity captures my attention the most, I sometimes go on auto-pilot when I scroll down my newsfeed because going on Facebook is a repetitious activity for me. My attention is deployed between what’s going on around me, Facebook, and even a conversation I may be in. When I am listening to a lecture and I have my laptop, I focus my attention by trying to keep my Internet browser closed the entire class. The only application I try to have open is Microsoft Word in order to take notes. Although a challenge, I can be more mindful of my attention in online spaces by restricting myself from going on the internet at all and adhere to beneficial applications that I need for class.
Part 2
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6944
For this essay topic, you are to write about a horribly, wrong future. The essay must incorporate a form of dystopian style such as the hunger games books for example. Your creativity can include any type of future but it must be malicious.
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6734
In this essay, you are to write an essay about a main character or characters locked in a room. The character must then use certain objects to escape the room to get his/her freedom. Some of these objects must include historical artifacts of some sort in order for the character to find the key to freedom.
Brandon Lee
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M04
Part 1
In todays world, almost everyone interacts in some form of social media. The vast variety of choices available nearly make it impossible for a person to not find one kind of social media they are compatible with. My main use of social media definitely has to be Facebook, because the usefulness and entertainment. Now that Facebook has attracted companies for advertisement, the diversity of uses has became much broader. Even the basic components are more than enough to cause distractions during class and homework. I know this because I fall a victim to many scenarios such as seeing what your friends are doing, planning your weekend, or just talking to others. Aside from this, when you add companies displaying new products and promotions it's hard not to be distracted. I do have a self control over all this when a specific time does come, because in the end you have a task that needs to be completed. For instance, if I'm at a lecture using my laptop to view slides and take notes I can't mess around. I can't go back and watch the same lecture again because I only have that one class. Straying off in an important instance would be harder for me to do and not the best of ideas. While at home though, I mix homework with social medias to give myself a break or to make the work load seem lighter. Although there are a lot of negatives of social media, not all are just distractions to mislead your work. Sometimes ideas can be gathered from certain groups or pages on Facebook, which may help out your assignments. Social media has its ups and downs, but in the end you just need to realize when it's an important time to use.
Part 2
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/entercontest.aspx
This essay prompt asks to describe an ethical issue you've encountered that has taught about ethics and yourself.
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This essay asks to address how the role of a sport fosters non-violence.
Lauren Helinger
ReplyDeleteENC1101-0M06
Part 1: I am huge on social media. I am constantly checking my Instagram and Facebook and scrolling around Pinterest. Being able to see what everybody is doing, look up pictures of anything, or search for information about anything you could ever imagine is definitely one of the positive things that come from going online. However, it can become a problem when you are trying to have a conversation, pay attention in class, or get work done. I try to only bring my laptop to class when I need to because I know if the class starts to get boring I will stray away from taking notes and start surfing the internet. I also try to keep my phone in my bag as much as possible during class. When I'm at home trying to do homework is a whole different story. When I'm trying to do work on my laptop I will say I probably utilize 25% of my time towards Facebook, Pinterest and other websites of the like while the rest of the time is used actually doing work. I really should learn to use more self control when it comes to keeping my focus while trying to work because I feel that it would definitely make my work at least a little more of a higher quality.
Part 2: http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx This essay contest focuses on what we think America should do in response to the Newtown shooting. I think this is a huge debate topic recently and would be interesting to write about.
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/entercontest.aspx This essay requires me to describe an ethical issue I have encountered and then analyze how it affected me and what it taught me.
Tara Gray
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 OM06
Part 1 -
Over the past decade, the internet has made a huge impact on society. For me, the internet has had both negative and positive effects on my social life, schooling, and work ethics. When I am on the internet, I do spend a lot of time looking up tops news stories, usually worldwide news, which keeps me up to date on things going on in the world. So I would say this is a positive impact on my life. I also spend a lot of time on Facebook and Pinterest, which can be very distracting when trying to study or get any type of school work done. For the most part, I am pretty good at knowing when to log out of Facebook and Pinterest and get some work done. Other things that capture my attention on the internet are things that have to do with new inventions. Since I am planning on being an engineer I like to keep up with things that are going on in the engineering world. As for lectures, I never bring my laptop to class. I did a few times at the beginning of fall semester and found that I was spending more time on different websites or playing games than I was spending taking notes and listening to the lecture. So now I just stick to pen and paper to take notes so I do not get distracted. I think in order for me to be more mindful of this that I do on the internet, I could make of schedule of time that I can spend just browsing the web and social networking and time that is used to study, do school work, and look at other things that are beneficial to me.
Part 2 -
http://www.wyzant.com/Scholarships/
For this essay contest, I am required to write about how I will use my education and degree to impact and better the lives of others.
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/entercontest.aspx
This essay contest requires me to write about an ethical issue that has impacted me and what I learned from it.
Madison King
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-OMO4
Part 1:
Not too long ago, before Facebook and all the other social media networks, I was rarely ever on the Internet. Occasionally, I would check my email, but that’s seriously all I would do. Then, I remember being addicted to my first social network which was Myspace. It was extremely addicting, and I didn’t even realize it until my sister brought it to my attention about how much I would log on. Now with Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and several others society uses today there is definitely no turning back.
When I click on my laptop, I immediately go on Facebook. I don’t even take time to stop and think if I want to, it just happens! I want to see if anyone has posted new pictures, or if someone has commented on my status. It’s entertaining to see what other people are doing in their lives and more importantly if they notice what I’m doing. What has made my habit become even worse is the fact that I got an iPhone for Christmas this past year, and it’s my first smartphone so I’m not only limited to texting and calling anymore. With that said, I don’t have to wait to get home to check Facebook on my laptop, I can check for notifications any time anywhere now that I have my phone. Plus, smartphones have even more social network features like Snapchat and Instagram, which adds to my time of being eye-glued to the internet. Since I am so addicted I don’t bring my laptop to lectures unless it’s required. Focusing in college is so important and I do have enough common sense to know not to let social networking stand in the way because college is way too expensive to allow that. I also leave my phone in my backpack and put it on vibrate during class. I won’t even go near it so I’m not tempted to use it. There are certain situations other than class that I make sure I’m not on my phone like if I’m eating a meal with other people, or I’m visiting my grandparents because I don’t get to see them often. I feel that it can be rude, and there is a time and a place for everything.
Part 2:
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/rules.htx?selected=zombie
This essay contest requires a story of 250 words or less about what I would do if zombies attacked our school.
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/rules.htx?selected=flavor
This essay contest requires a story of 250 words or less about an ice cream flavor of my choice that describes my personality the best.
Taylor Beam
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 OM06
Part One:
Being able to look up anything on the internet is very convenient, but it tends to be a distraction towards my school work. Personally, I like to go on Facebook to talk to some of my friends back home and see what they are up to. However, my favorite distraction is Pinterest. I like to make home made crafts and make things that not everyone else has. This past weekend I was putting off my math homework and instead I was working on a ribbon photo board and searching for ideas for it on Pinterest. The result was Pinterest distracted me from working more on my math homework. Other than Facebook and Pinterest, I don't have any true distractions for when I need to do school work on my laptop. I don't take my laptop to any of my classes, but If I would I think that I would need to try not to use the internet if possible so I would not get distracted. After this weekend I learned that I need to utilize my laptop more for school work and less for personal interest.
Part two:
http://www.sreducationgroup.org/scholarships/womens-scholarship
This essay contest is actually a scholarship that I am eligible for and am interested in writing in because I think It would be a good challenge for me.
http://galvanizeit.org/resources/scholarship/application/
This essay contest is also a scholarship that I am eligible for because I am a Civil Engineering major. I would also be interested in doing this one because it seems challenging.
Robert McKamey
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M06
Part 1-
The internet and social media constantly find a way to appear throughout my daily routines. Whether I am at my job, waiting for my next class to begin, or relaxing at home after a long day, I frequently find myself checking the latest sports scores on ESPN.com or scrolling through the news feed on Facebook. Although I am not a huge social media person, I do enjoy the great features it has to offer. You can re-connect with friends you haven’t seen in years, catch up on the important news, and even find social events. On the other hand, social media has one huge downfall: it can be very distracting. Personally, I try to find a balance between social media and focusing on the task in front of me. For instance, if I am working on homework, I will check my Facebook or Twitter before I start the assignment. This type of discipline helps me stay focused and complete my task.
Part 2-
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This essay requires you to write about the role of sports in fostering non-violence.
http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQWR82fNnTp
The prompt for this essay has to involve a sports-related theme but requires you to dig deeper and explore the emotions and perception that extends beyond the sport itself.
Sebastian Brinkerhoff enc 1101 0m03
ReplyDeletePart one
It is impossible to say that technology has not been an advantage to the modern society. We are now able to gather information at a much faster rate, send messages around the world, and capture photos with a device that fits in our pocket. I do have a problem with technology because I feel that I personally and too dependent on it. Even though I am not one of those who take their laptop to class I still find myself missing about half of what my professor says in big lecture classes due to my smart phone. Not only is texting a problem it has become an addiction to most people of my age. I am not one of those people who live on social media but still I find myself checking it multiple times a day. I feel that our generation is losing touch with human on human communication. Whenever you have a group of kids it feels like most of the time one of them is on their iPhone and if not one all of. I feel that when you take the smart phone out of the equation it is becoming harder for kids to have regular conversation because they are not able to find topics or support information without using their phones. I by no means suggests taking away this great tool that we have but I do suggest that we learn how to live without it when we don't need it. I find it astonishing when my little cousins don't go outside to play football or soccer but they rather stay inside and play on an iPod. Whenever I have an assignment due I usually try to turn off my phone and only have one window open on my computer at a time because if not the temptation is to go on Facebook or on any other site that takes time away from my project.
Part two
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/
Everyone has made one choice in their life that they wished they could change I feel like this is a perfect way to examine how I would change it and what I would change.
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This is a very important topic to me as a person because I have friends that would have been completely different if they did not play sports. And I have some that would have not ended of the way they are if they did.
Part 1
ReplyDeleteHaving always been very busy and occupied I have never really spent too much time being involved in online communities. That doesn’t mean, that I never sit in front of my laptop just reading through different communities, but I would definitely deny being somebody who spends more than an hour per day in internet. Having said this, I think about having access to internet through my phone and therefore actually continuously being connected to internet. However, I don’t consider this fact as being in internet the entire day.
Talking about social media and online communities I would say that the main community I’m involved in is Facebook. I mostly use Facebook to keep in touch with my family spread all over the world. Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to be up to date about what is happening within my circle of friends, especially those back home. For me, Facebook is a huge opportunity to, as I mentioned, keep in touch and therefore not having to spend excessive amounts of money on phone bills.
The next social media which forms part of my daily life very often is Skype. Similar to Facebook, I use Skype to be in touch with my family, especially my parents. I use Skype nearly every second day to talk to one of my family members at home. Even if we haven’t really got anything to say to each other, it is still extremely comforting and reassuring just hearing their voices and knowing that they are all happy and healthy.
Other than these two social media, I’m hardly involved in any other communities. Not being interactive with other communities doesn’t mean that if I haven’t got any assignments and papers to write or an exam set for that week, I do enjoy spending time on my laptop just surfing and looking at a multitude of different entertaining sites, be it a new YouTube clip, an online shopping website or something similar. I do admit that whatever I look up at that time mostly isn’t really important. It’s just relaxing not having anything specific to do and therefore ‘being allowed’ to not think about anything in particular but to just look at all kinds of things. Additionally, when I’m sitting in a waiting room, for example or I am simply waiting for somebody or something I usually spend time on Pinterest, a pin board-style photo sharing website.
Having talked about me being continuously connected to the internet, this is another basic aspect which shows my interaction with mediated communication. I’ve downloaded the application called ‘What’s app’, which works through internet and allows me to text my parents and send them any attachments I wish to send them, like pictures for example. For me, this kind of communication is very important, since by doing this I am always accessible for my family and am continuously in contact. I never thought that ‘What’s app’ would have such an impact on my ‘new’ college life here in the US. I only noticed it when I didn’t have a phone for the first 10 days after the Christmas break and consequently wasn’t able to contact my parents other than through Facebook or Skype, which always required a set time to meet and talk.
ReplyDeleteConcerning the aspect of using laptops for lectures, I am unable to offer an opinion, since I usually don’t take my laptop to class. I can however imagine that I probably would be tempted to quickly check my emails and Facebook messages or indeed would look something up that comes to mind at that moment. I never really have considered taking notes on my laptop, since I find it easier to study when I have my handwritten notes in front of me.
Especially in mathematical classes like Statistics it is a lot easier and quicker to copy the tables and graphs from the board in a notebook rather than trying to keep up whilst figuring out how to create a similar graph in a statistical software program.
A similar situation occurs when I study. If I am sitting at my desk, trying to memorize certain definitions for example, were my laptop to be switched on and in front of me, I would almost certainly be distracted by it. Even though in that respect I am disciplined, it is always very easy to succumb to temptation and do anything else but schoolwork. I have decided for myself that whenever I study, my laptop is turned off. I have to be completely focused on my schoolwork to be able to successfully study, learn or memorize.
Coming to a conclusion, I would say that I am very dependent on a few online communities and mediated communication possibilities. However, I think I can say that I’m very aware of the distracting factor of such communities and therefore know when it is better to try to avoid the access to internet and all its’ associated possible distractions.
Part 2 - Essay Contest Topics:
ReplyDeletehttp://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQHfbh1fDko
The Sports Fiction & Essay Contest, carried out by the Winning Writers institution, is a contest where everybody is allowed to compete for a $ 3,000 award. The submitted essay must be sports related. Whether it’s a report about a personal achievement, somebody writing about a game she or he has experienced or a fan writing about his desire to support his particular team, everything is allowed. Other than the mentioned relation, no other requirements are given. The idea behind this contest is to try and manage to bring the two categories sports and literacy together.
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This Essay Contest invites students and non-students to write an essay concerning ‘The Role of Sport in Fostering Non-Violence’. There are five age related categories from which each the best essays are going to be published on National Sportsmanship Day. The winners will receive a framed certificate. The ‘Institution for International Sport’ discharges this writing contest for people to write about how sports can be used to support non-violence, about different coaching strategies to avoid violence and to talk about how bad fan behavior can lead to violence.
Peyton Schlosser
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
PART ONE: Technology is such a big distraction for me. I am on my phone almost constantly through out the day. Whether it's Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Tumblr, I always have some type of social network to keep me entertained. I don't even know why I make social networking such a big part of my life, but there's just something about always being connected with my peers that's a comfort to me. I rarely bring my laptop to classes just because I know that it will be easier for me to pay attention without the added distraction of the internet right at my fingertips. Although my phone is basically a mini computer, I try my best to stay off of it in class. Even though I'm easily distracted by the internet and social networking, when I have an assignment like a paper or something, I am very good about blocking everything out and focusing on the task at hand. If I'm really having a hard time staying on task because of other technology I simply turn it off, put it away, and make up some type of reward for myself after the work is complete.
PART TWO:
http://writersviews.com/writing-contests-short-story.php
This essay contest is being put on by Georgetown English Literature Institute and Winchester Creative Writing School. It allows you to write anything you want whether its fiction or non-fiction no more than 10 pages. Its free to enter and you can win up to $5000! Submission starts on October 1st of this year.
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6535
This writing contest allows you to write about what you find after breaking into a locked room in a vacation home you rented (fiction of course). Maximum length is 7,000 words. First place gets $100. I like the idea of this because it gives you a topic, but it allows you to determine what you want to happen in the end. I like creative writing the best, so I feel like writing contests of that nature would work best for me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Cramer
ReplyDeleteENC1101-OMO4
Technology is an element of life that has provided us with not only convenience but also a massive amount of information, communication, and entertainment. Although it comes with many benefits, it also has its disadvantages, one being that the use of technology is an open door for distraction and the redirection of attention I could be using more productively. I admit, a significant amount of my time is invested in the use of social media to connect with others and communicate ideas. I find that it can be so habit forming for someone like me, who is extremely technologically literate. I would have to say that one of the first things I do when I wake up every morning is check my phone for new notifications, text messages, and the like. I feel like I am completely disconnected from the outside world when I don’t have my phone on me.
Most of the time, when I am using my computer or cell phone, I find myself looking up psychology articles and looking at photography blogs and tutorials, which is and isn’t a good thing for me. I become inspired and because of that, I immediately have to use the creative energy in order to be able to focus on other tasks later on, like homework, studying, and cleaning/organizing my room. My addiction to creativity is one that can almost never be satisfied, so I am consistently looking for things to do, and create, and discover. I have a thirst for knowledge that isn’t required of me, and could only wish that it would come to use to me for my schoolwork. If that were the case, I am positive that I would be much more focused than I am.
I try to avoid being online altogether when I’m in a lecture because it keeps me from finding other things to do. I usually just keep one word document opened and keep my Internet closed to stay focused and resist the temptation of distraction. I am continuing to learn how to refocus my energy into more efficient uses other than social media and my many hobbies.
Part Two:
http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
For this contest, you write a short story (on your choice of topic). I feel like this will allow me to explore my creative flow.
http://heyugly.org/Contest%20Essay.php
This contest covers why it is important that the younger generations understand their self worth and its importance in all elements of their lives. I think this is very relevant to me, because it covers this perception through the issue of bullying, which I, along with many others, have experienced.
Courtney Williams
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 OMo6
Technology is a tool that is constantly evolving with time. In today’s world, it is almost impossible to avoid using technology when completing certain tasks; this can be viewed as both beneficial and harmful. To me, the computer and Internet have made a huge impact on my life providing me with both entertainment and scholarly resources. For instance, Facebook and other social networking sites have provided me with the opportunity to connect with friends in a fun and enjoyable way. Whereas, search engines websites have assisted me throughout my high school and college careers when completing assignments. However, it is important that I utilize my time wisely on websites such as Facebook especially when using the Internet to complete class work and homework assignments. At times, opening the computer can be distracting and can lead to procrastination of more important tasks. When at a lecture, I sometimes find myself drifting away from the power points I should be and instead opening Facebook or online shopping websites. In order to be more mindful of my attention when it comes to the Internet, I should first complete my assignments or priorities before exploring the leisure sides of the Internet.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This essay prompt asks you to express your thoughts and feelings concerning the Newport, CT shooting and/or express any new propositions for the Government or gun control policy.
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/
This essay contest asks you to think back on a decision in your past that you regret and explain what lessons that mistake has taught you.
My laptop is the center of my life. I use it for EVERYTHING I do. You can pretty much do anything you want a computer. Which is a terrible thing to be able to do, because not only can you do the things you are supposed to do, you can also procrastinate a lot easier than you can by just doing your work by hand. Computers are the links between humans and all the information we have ever received as humans. But how come when I try to find some of this limitless information I always find myself on Facebook? I cannot use my computer for the right purposes, and I hate that. When I am anywhere I am either 1 of 2 places. Pandora or Youtube. That is it. I never do anything I am supposed to. I know what I am supposed to do and where I am supposed to be but I can never do it if my computer is nearby.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html
This is an essay that you have to interview an older person and write the theme to their life.
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682
This Essay asks you to think about a past decision that you have regretted making. And it tells you to list the reasons you regret making it.
Week 4 Blog
ReplyDeleteKevin T. Bhim
ENC 1101-oMo4
Part 1
My net habits regarding the usage of social media is pretty minimal now as in I don't use it as much as before but I still do use to keep in touch with close friends and family so I can communicate or pitch important information to them that they would really need. I usually use computers a lot to do homework, notes, projects, etc. and most of the time I don't get distracted only when there is nothing to do or I'm tired of doing something I will go on a social site to keep me entertained in a way. Other websites I look at are the news and sports websites because those are the things that interest me the most when I do get distracted and I use them just to stay informed in those areas. My attention to these things are highly valuable because I know I will learn something new everyday just by reading the articles, posts, and comments made by others.
When my laptop is open in a lecture I always try to make sure that I am on task at school because I don't like if other people would do that to me if I was teaching a lecture so I wouldn't do it to them. This also is how I go by when I'm at other places with my phone too unless it's a dire emergency then I might have to go outside of being considerate to see what that emergency is. To be more mindful in online space is to know your surroundings at that time so you don't distract yourself and others around you. I would just make sure that if I am on a online website that I know the time I can spend on it and what I can do to not be a major distraction to myself and others
Part 2
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
I would go into this essay contest because of the way sports helps with non-violence on the playing field and with the help of the coaches and players on the teams.
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/contest2013.aspx
This Contest has you write an essay about personal ethics and how that can change your life and other peoples lives around you.
Kyra Nori
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-OMO3
At this day and age, and especially at this age in my life, technology proves to be very beneficial, however very detrimental to learning as well. I'm constantly on my phone checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and text messaging, however none of this proves beneficial to my learning. However, on the flip side, other technology such as laptops, nooks, or iPads have encouraged me to expand my knowledge in other ways such as reading, writing, and researching. Technology at this point can either make or break a student. There have been countless times I've been in a lecture, looked around and seen my peers on their Facebook, rather than taking notes, just like there's been times where I've seen someone typing ferociously away on their laptop ensuring they take quality notes for the class. I will admit I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to school and utilizing my time wisely. I'm that one girl in the lecture that prints all of her notes off of her laptops and then color coordinates them with highlighters to illustrate the most important parts. However, I will admit whenever I'm writing a paper, or researching the web, it becomes very easy for me to become distracted by my other open tabs. I will find myself on Facebook, checking my email, or searching my favorite online stores for new arrivals. Technology is at the disposal of the user, it can either be a tremendous aid to education or a terrible distraction.
The first essay contest I found interesting was an essay about ethics. In this essay you have to identify one ethical issue and then analyze the issue and how it has taught you about yourself as well as ethics.
http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/entercontest.aspx
The second essay contest that intrigued me was The Commonwealth Essay Competition. It allows you to submit any kind of writing, from poems, to short stories, to a letter which really opened up a lot of opportunities for me.
http://www.thercs.org/youth/429
Technology is an extensive part of today's society and can be seen both as an advantage and a disadvantage. While I am online I usually am checking emails, getting up-to-date on what my friends are up to on Facebook, or researching and getting homework done. I find myself struggling to stay focused while working on homework sometimes; it only takes one wrong click to become distracted. Most of the time though, I can get myself back on track and work to get my assignments done. The Internet is a huge help when researching topics. It is easy to search for what you want to find information. To develop my attention I try to set aside time only for homework. For my classes, I usually do not bring my laptop to class. I find it easier to take notes by hand, and to not carry around my laptop all day. Although I do observe that some of my peers take advantage of class time and spend their time on Facebook or other distracting websites. I can only try to stay focused on myself and what I am doing to be successful in my schooling.
ReplyDeleteThe first essay contest I found was a short story contest. It is open to anyone ages 8-21 and you can write a story about anything you want. I chose this as one of my contests because it allows me to be creative.
http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
The second contest I chose was an essay that allowed me to explain what I would "do-over" in my life. In this essay I can explain what I would do different in my life. I feel like a lot of people would choose to do things differently and that is why I chose this contest.
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx?selected=do-over
Calyn Beese
ENC 1101-0M03
Part: 1
ReplyDeleteHaving technology can help you a lot in life today in this economy. While using social media it’s a lot of things that get my attention. I always use twitter to keep up with family and old friends I use to hang out with in high school. You able to access link, pictures, and comments you want to share with friends. I Deploy my attention to the amount of resources I can get online at any time to get a lot of feedback in turns of school related subjects as well as social interests. When using my lab tap it can be very difficult paying attention to what is going on doing class because you got your social media right in front of you and it’s going to be hard paying attention and listen to the teacher why you on twitter or anything else, but I don’t like taking notes on a lap top I rather write my notes out. By using our lab top we should be using it to research lecture material that we don’t understand so we are able to get the idea to keep up with the lecture.
Part: 2
http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/
The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest
Since 1982 the English Department at San Jose State University has sponsored the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, a whimsical literary competition that challenges entrants to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels.
http://www.pw.org/writing_contests/paterson_poetry_prize
Passaic County Community College
Paterson Poetry Prize
Simply a poetry contest where a collection of your poetry is reviewed. Winner will get to speak in front of audience members and receive a prize.
Taylor Brown
ReplyDeleteEnc 1101-OMO4
PART 1: It is believed that people nowadays have an attention span of two minutes. TWO MINUTES?! Though it is hard to believe, it’s the truth. Think about how instantaneous Internet and other technologies provide information. I am also affected by the social media “disease”. It is nearly impossible not to rely on technology in some way shape or form. I am constantly on my phone, whether I am checking instagram or twitter. It is almost as if it is an addition, that one or two minute lapse in class may be subject to quickly scrolling on an online social media sight. Even at times when I don’t want to be looking online it just is an instinct when I pick up my phone or laptop. I am terrible when I am at home about procrastinating and losing my focus in other unnecessary topics. Even though I might not be on a social network, I still can procrastinate on the UCF website, my bank activity, writing for scholarships, and even by playing repetitive and pointless games on my phone. I try very hard, especially near due dates, to just shut my phone off in order to accomplish a task. Even this blog, I must have attempted to start four different occasions and every single time my attention was deferred whether it was online or even watching Netflix. However, when I am at a lecture it is completely different. I am the complete opposite. I never look online on social media sites or any other distraction, I find it to be very rude. I was raised to always respect your elders, and blatantly disregarding what they are speaking about is a slap in the face to them. If the professor is going to spend his/her time to educate you and explain circumstances that you might need at a later date, the least you can do as a student is listen to them. I only open what is told to whether that is a website or the book or even if I’m just taking notes in a word document. I focus 100% on the information in front of me, otherwise what is the point in showing up for class? However, just because I do it doesn’t mean that it is easy. I constantly fight the urge to check what is going on in social medias; even if it is just scrolling down the screen without reading anything. The ability to search ANYTHING and EVERYTHING in a matter of seconds is the prime benefit to technology. However, there are some more personal ones, I personally use Facebook as a way to talk to family that live thousands of miles away. I personally hate talking on the phone and that is a way that a conversation can still be instantaneous. I am currently working on a way, that best suits me, which I can manage my online time without getting distracted. It is a work in progress.
Part 2:
http://winningwriters.com/contests/tompoetry/tp_guidelines.php#.UQa7x4XgJZ0
This is contest for any style of poetry there is no minimum or maximum number of words.
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6947
In this flash fiction contest we are challenging writers to write a flash fiction piece that is between 500 and 800 words on the topic provided. The topic is "Hope".
ENC 1101 Section OMO4
ReplyDeleteBlog Post Week 4
Part 1: I am not going to lie I use my laptop mostly to watch funny cat videos or online shop, but there are times that I make good use out of it. When I am on my laptop things that capture my attention are pretty typical of an 18 year old girl, but one thing that always captures my attention are facts. Just random facts about anything, I find them so interesting. They always give me something to think about. Like did you know you can hear a lions roar from 6 miles away? That is crazy! I am definitely deploying my attention not like I should be most of the time, but I do enjoy spending hours learning about stuff I find interesting. So I guess it evens out. I do not bring my laptop to my lectures because I would not be focusing on my professors at all. Plus I tend to learn better when I write the notes by hand. I can limit myself to 2 cat videos a day and spend more time on educational websites, or just cut the amount of time I am on my laptop all together.
Part 2: http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html. This essay contest is about interviewing an elderly person about what experiences they had in their past. Maybe being in a war, or witnessing an important day in history. Since I work in an assisted living facility this would be a good contest for me.
http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/030113-ncw-short-fiction-contest.php. This is a short story contest that I can write about whatever I want. It can be a love story or a scary story. I like to make up stories and having the freedom if it being whatever I would like is nice too.
Alexandra LaRoche
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
Part 1:
As far as my attention to social media goes I am always on Facebook or Pintrest on Instagram, whether it be on my laptop or on my phone. There is always something new and different to catch my attention so I find myself spending hours upon hours on these sites and even sometimes chose to surf these sites instead of doing important things such as homework or studying. When in class I usually take notes on my laptop but I find myself surfing the internet as the topic that the lecture is on gets boring. I think the best way to stop me from getting distracted by the internet in class is to not connect to the internet unless absolutely needed and sitting towards the front of the class so I am always in the teacher’s view.
Part 2:
http://www.fromfailuretopromise.com/Essay-Scholarship-Contest-.html
I am very interested in this essay contest because I too have be influenced by God and God following people to pursue my dreams with school and my future career and I have always loved helping the community.
http://www.wyzant.com/Scholarships/
This essay calls you to write about how you will use your education to help others. I believe this would be a perfect essay for me to write.
Matthew Simpson
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M04
Part 1:
I am usually on a couple of social media sites at a time when I have my laptop open, although I am not always paying attention to what is going on with them. I currently own a profile on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, and my attention to them will decrease or increase based on what is going on in my life. If I am doing something fun or important, I will use them a lot less often than when I have nothing to do. I essentially only use these sites as a time waster. The only thing that is different is Twitter because I us it to stay up-to-date on what my favorite musical artists are doing and what is happening with my favorite sports teams. I only bring my laptop to class when it is required of me because I find it a huge distraction in the classroom. I find that I even get better grades when I only use my laptop and other internet accessible devices for when I need them.
Part 2:
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
I find this essay interesting because I find sportsmanship in different sports on the decline.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
I find this essay interesting because gun control has been a very big issue lately in our country and it is important to voice our opinions about it.
Connor Waugh ENC 1101-0M04
ReplyDeletePart 1-
I spend, without a doubt, too much time on social networking sites. Whether I’m in front of my computer or even out with friends, I am constantly refreshing my facebook feed or looking through any number of social networking sites. It’s gotten to the point that I will even be on my computer doing homework or watching Netflix and will pull out my phone to see what’s going on with friends and acquaintances on these websites. I feel like I am constantly multi tasking and even now, while writing this essay, what would normally take me about an half an hour to an hour, is taking me much longer because after every other sentence I have managed to stop and check my phone. I’ve noticed myself getting drawn into the most remedial things that really have no relevance to me at all, but for some reason it all just seems so interesting. When actually monitoring my use of social networking, I have noticed that I use it at such a constant rate that, even when I know nothing has changed, I still look at it and wait for something to happen or someone to update a status. So far, I have not taken my laptop to a lecture, so I cannot say exactly what I would do in that situation, but I can admit that I do occasionally look at Facebook on my phone when I’m in a lecture. I know that the only way to break this habit is to put restrictions on myself. I should probably turn off my phone before classes and while doing homework and give myself time on these sites only as a reward for completing my homework so that I don’t distract myself, but I also know that it’s easier said than done and will take a lot of self restraint in order to actually follow through with these restrictions.
Part 2-
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html
In this essay contest, they want you to interview an elder, whether it be grandparent or an elderly friend, about their life and write a story about it that sends a message.
http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
This contest is for a short story about anything. It must be 1000 words or less and is a good opportunity to express one's creativity.
Brittany Callarman
ReplyDeleteENC1101 0M04
Part 1-
Throughout my life so far, the development of technology has just continued to grow and grow year by year. In my younger years, technology consisted of big, heavy televisions, huge slow computers, house phones with cords, and beepers. Now and days, technology has improved drastically on so many different levels. I feel as a college student that it has both negative and positive outlooks on our society. Yes we are capable of surfing anything on the Internet, but is all of this information necessarily correct? The Internet is a great place for looking up information, socializing with friends, shopping, blogging, and much more. It has grown to an extent that nobody would have ever thought about it growing to. Instead of sending letters in the mail, we can now send emails that are received instantly. Instead of waiting by the tv for the news to start, you can instantly look up online what is going on around your neighborhood. The big thing that the Internet is now known for is social media. Many believe that social media is just consisted of MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, when reality is it consists of way more. Social media is in everyone’s life now and days, whether its for school, work, church, or friends. Major companies use it to promote, Schools use it for study groups and even homework. I believe that the social network aspect of technology has both negative and positive effects on our society. It is extremely beneficial for many reasons. First off, social networking is great for communication. Instead of waiting for phone calls, or letters in the mail, or beepers, all communication is done almost instantly. Also, social networking is a great way for communication worldwide. Its great for meeting new people, working with people in different parts of the world, and also for catching up with old friends or classmates you might have never thought you would hear from again. Some negatives that social networking has brought to our society would definitely be distractions. When individuals tend to go on the Internet they drift more towards their social lives than whatever they intended on going online for. Also, another negative would be false information that just anyone could put on there. Not everything on the Internet is true, and it’s difficult for some individuals to grasp that.
Part 2-
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6909
This essay is to write about visiting a zoo and noticing something that is not right in one of the cages. I chose this one because I am not a serious person and can be creative into writing this essay.
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6924
This essay is just about writing a personal non-fiction essay. I chose this one because personally my favorite thing to read and write are non-fiction stories and I think it would be a great experience to write one of these.
ENC 1101 Section OMO4
ReplyDeleteBlog Post Week 4
Daniel Keegan
Part 1: Social media is a huge part of my life, and I am blessed that I'm growing up in an era where technology is becoming so advanced. As far as my experience with social media there's been positive and negative influences. The main negative impact social media has on me is its ability to distract me from the task I'm trying to complete. For example I'm trying to complete this blog post right now, but I am also busy chatting with some of my friends on facebook. Other social networking sites such as: twitter, tumblr, and instagram also divert my attention away from the original task I set out to complete. These sites are not all bad though they allow me too keep in contact with my friends, stay updated on local and national news, help me keep in touch with the newest technological inventions, and allow me to be entertained when I'm bored. I would argue social media in general has a way bigger positive impact on me then a negative impact. I may be distracted with facebook 30 minutes a day, but social media also allows me to email my teacher when I have an important question, or get in contact with a friend from my class if I need help with homework. When my laptop is open in class I may be distracted from time to time, but for the most part it allows me to actively participate in class. It also allows me to stay up to date with all of the technological changes UCF is incorporating within itself. The world is changing, and social media is becoming an important part of that change. Social media is a great thing to have in your life, and will allow you many opportunities that weren't given to people 10 years ago.
Part 2: http://www.floridastatepoetsassociation.org/Irish%20Poetry%20Contest This contest has to do with poetry. There is a 40 line limit, and it along the lines a poem dealing with Irish history. You can go any direction with the poem, but if I enter I'm hoping to go in a humorous direction.
http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/030113-ncw-short-fiction-contest.php. I was looking at the other blog posts and found this. I don't mean to copy, but this contest allows the writer to create a fictional story and really gives freedom and room for creativity.
Jasmine Tagle
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 - OM06
Part One -
The internet is a treasure trove for the world to discover. There are countless of websites to visit to keep someone entertained as well as keep someone learning about the world and it’s endless changes. As for me, well, I’m a college student so my main uses for the internet are social networks. It’s a blessing and curse all in one. If I’m ever bored I can just log onto any social website through my cell phone or laptop. Social networks can also prevent awkward situations. There is no college student in sight that hasn’t used their cell phone to look less alone or awkward by scrolling down their timeline on Twitter or going through their newsfeed on Facebook. Although I do consider myself to have somewhat of a short attention span at times, this is when the curse comes into play. I usually take my laptop with me to every class because I type much faster than I write; it helps me take better, more detailed notes. Sadly, if I do get too bored of the subject or that teacher just keeps rambling about the same topic for a while, I start to surf the web. Even when I’m home doing homework, I might take a break and check my social networks. I do use the internet for learning purposes as well. Google is a girl’s best friend. Why is the sky blue? Google it. When does the next season of Dexter premiere? Google it. Anything and everything you need to know can be found on the internet, you just have to make sure what you are ready is the accurate information.
Part Two -
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx
Both of the contests I would like to enter are on the same website.
The first contest is the I Have a Dream Scholarship. The topic is about dreams. The program wants to know what the contestant dreams about, either a dream from last night or plans for the future.
The second contest is called Fifth Month Scholarship. It asks for the contestant to write a letter to the number 5 explaining why it’s important. It allows the contestant to be funny or serious and I’m a May baby so 5 is a great number and I wouldn’t mind writing a witty story about it.
Part One:
ReplyDeleteThe Internet and all of the habits of the typical teenager on the net have definitely become an essential part of my life. It seems that the involvement of social media have all become important tools and resources that are beneficial to my life, however, can be detrimental to certain aspects as well. I feel that my social media involvement is most attracted by Facebook, allowing me to connect with friends on a minute-to-minute basis, looking at pictures and talking in related social groups about anything from schoolwork to making weekend trip plans. This type of directed attention to Facebook is also applied to other social media programs such as Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Although I am involved in social media on a regular basis, I do keep track of my time and responsibilities very well.
I feel that my attention on the Internet is not only consisting of social media, but also on school websites and my email, where I feel that my attention is more serious and direct. This is especially applied during class time when I have my laptop out. Typically, I have my school email and canvas opened during class time, but I know better than to not to involve myself on social media sites and other sites that are unrelated to my class.
I intend to become more mindful with my Internet usage, although I do have it under a good control. I think that it’s important to feel that minimizing time on facbeook, instagram, etc., will maximize my attention on school related work and websites. So, I intend to work on managing my Internet involvement by paying less attention to social media and more on educational purposes.
Part Two:
http://www.chegg.com/my/scholarships/private-enterprise-essay-contest?matches=College+Freshman
The Americanism Educational Leaders (AEL) provides scholarships for undergraduate students to stimulate young minds about issues facing the nation. Out of a choice of three questions, I chose the prompt: Would a reading and civic knowledge test before a person is eligible to vote be beneficial? I find this to be a very interesting and intriguing question posing an important question about our rights in the voting system. This contest is from the AEL, an organization that intends to inform and educate all students about their birthright responsibilities as Americans by distributing educational materials, videos, and cash-award programs to millions of students and thousands of schools at all levels throughout the country.
http://www.chegg.com/my/scholarships/b-davis-scholarship-0?matches=College+Student
This scholarship essay is through the Student Award Search Aid to help inform students about the importance of an education, and although it can get expensive (especially in college) it’s vital to your future. The topic of the essay is “how your education has contributed to who you are today, or how it will affect who you will become.” I find that this is a very important topic, and will help adolescents realize the importance of an education, pre and post secondary.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M03
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love the internet, social media and technology, it is a prominent distraction in my day without a doubt. I can argue for it and come up with a vast number of reasons why it is helpful to society and how it keeps people more informed. Right now however, I’m not a huge advocate for social media because it is distracting me from my work. When I’m bored or have free time its great to connect with my friends through Facebook, instagram, or twitter but when I have homework or other important work that’s needs my focus then the social media becomes a problem. I’ve found that I have somewhat of a short attention span. For example, I almost always have Facebook running on my computer and if I don’t have my computer then I’m connected through my Iphone. About at least 80% of what I’m on the net for is social media, shows, music and games. The other 20% is when I have to sit and concentrate on schoolwork. This is time though is usually spent in my own dorm and not with my laptop in a lecture hall. During a lecture if my laptop is open, then there is a very good chance I’m paying attention to something else. I like taking my notes by hand because writing the information helps me recall it later. So, when my computer comes out its either because I’m bored and want to surf the web or I’m bored and I want to work on another classes’ assignment. This is usually why I do not go to a class with my laptop and avoid getting distracted. I have found that simply avoiding the internet and media for a short period of time helps my attention span much better when getting work done, rather than trying to do both at once. Of course I can multitask but the work I produce is better when I’m not focused on 20 different things going on around me.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This website has a new topic or theme for an essay contest every week.
http://www.newfrontiersinastronomy.org/student-essay-competition.html
This contest is to write an essay based on science and to delve into the large unanswered questions about the universe.
Part one- With technology growing every day there are more and more sites and things to do on the computer. With the growing social media websites they can get very distracting. In my personal experience I am on three different social media sites and use them just for entertainment purposes. When I go onto the websites I look at what my friends have been doing when I don’t get to see them and how they are doing. I do not bring my laptop to class because if I have it in front of me and the professor might be talking about something that is not that interesting to me I will just log onto one of those websites and get engulfed in other websites. I do not like being distracted in class even though I tend to get distracted easily that’s why I like writing notes and things in a notebook.
ReplyDeletePart two- http://contests.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=contests&cdn=hobbies&tm=25&f=11&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//figment.com/contests/seventeen/%23rules-tab
-I would like to consider doing this contest because it looks fun and is also fictional writing, which is easier for me than a set rubric.
http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/031513-stella-kupferberg-short-story-prize.php
- Another contest I would be interested in because it also seems like it would actually catch my attention and be fun to write about.
Ashlynn Allums
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 0M04
After reading the prompt, I didn’t think about how much, the internet and social media, plays a role in my day. But now I realize it’s a hug part of my day. When I wake up, I usually check my phone, and scroll through Instagram and Twitter, and maybe my email. I’ll go to the gym and use Pandora for music. I don’t usually bring my laptop to lecture; I like my handwritten notes better. I see a lot of people in class get distracted by their computers and end up playing games or going on the internet. I can admit that I check facebook more than twice a day. Being in a sorority, with over 200 girls, it’s hard to get in touch with people. Facebook allows you to have private groups where everyone can talk. My sorority soccer team does the exact same thing. Everyone knows where/what time and can ask questions to the group. Also I use it to keep in touch with my family and friends. Coming from high school and not being with a lot of my close friends, social media has helped close the distance between us. I usually try to give myself a limit to how long I spend online, but most of my classes require online time. Last semester all of my classes had the homework, quizzes and tests online. So I guess you could say most of my time being spent on the computer is productive work.
Part 2:
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6947
This is a 500-800 word essay, with the topic “hope.” You can write about anything you want, and I think this would be a good essay for me because I feel like I’ve had to have a lot of hope in my life.
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx?selected=deeds
This essay inquires that you write about something that if you had the chance to do over what would it be.
Part 1: As someone who is extremely tech savvy, as one would say, I see myself constantly using the internet to gain knowledge and information on even the littlest of things. When surfing the web, top news stories, especially sports and breaking world events usually catch my eye. As for social media, I am not that active, unless it’s a Sunday during the NFL season, in which case, my tweet count goes through the roof. When it comes to cracking down and getting work done with a laptop in front of me, I am usually very good at avoiding distractions. At lectures, I am usually able to focus on the notes in front of me, unless I get a message about some type of breaking news, be it sports or world events. As we have recently seen in the media, it is important to be aware of whom you are engaging with in places of social media.
ReplyDeletePart 2:
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
This essay contest is about how sports teaches non-violence. As a coach for a youth team, I feel this would be an appropriate topic for me to address.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This essay contest addresses the 2nd amendment and how the Newtown, CT shooting has affected how we all see gun control nowadays.
Sorry, section is 0M03
DeleteMatt Concelmo
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 - OM06
Part 1:
I use social media nearly every second of the day. When I wake up, I check my Facebook on my phone. In the bathroom, I am browsing Instagram. While I’m eating breakfast I look at my Twitter feed. In the back of my Human Species lecture class; I am looking at Reddit. And the cycle continues the rest of the day. Recently, what has consumed the majority of my Internet time has been Reddit. Reddit is a social news website where registered users submit content that other members can view and up or down vote. Within this website are “subreddits” that are specific categories to post similar and relevant content in. This website has increased my knowledge of subjects that I’m interested like technology, science, and trees.
While in a lecture type class, with over 200 other students in it, my attention towards the professor slowly turns to my laptop and the internet. However, if I am in a classroom type class, like yours, my attention is fully towards the lecture. My attention span is very short, so because lecture classes do not engage students as much as a class with around 30 students in it, I am more inclined to slack off.
Part 2:
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This college writing contest is about the tragedy that occurred in Newtown and asks to take a side and where we go from here.
http://writersviews.com/writing-contests-short-story.php
This essay contest allows you to write about any subject, fiction or non-fiction. I chose this as a possibility of an essay because I can write about whatever and I have a creative mind.
Social media is definitely a huge part in our society and is consistently growing all the time. I like it because it makes information easily accessible and you can see what your friends have been up to and keep in contact with them. It is easy to become so involved with social media that you lose track of time or just neglect your daily duties. I try to only use social media in my down time or when I am just bored, because I know that if I make it a habit of going on all the time it would affect me negatively. Pinterest captures my attention most because you can find everything on there: workouts, recipes, solutions to daily problems, etc. so I like to go on there when I have questions about something because I know Pinterest will help me solve it quickly. I don't bring my laptop to class mainly because I prefer to take notes with pen and paper, but if I did I know that it would be hard for me to pay attention. I would start getting distracted and probably start online shopping. Having an idea of what I'm getting online for before I open my computer would help me focus when I'm online, because if I don't then I would just be on for hours unnecessarily.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/short-short-story-competition
This essay contest is for a "short short story" of less than 1,500 words. The first place winner gets $3,000 and a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City.
http://carvezine.com/esoteric-awards/#.UQckhifs7QI
This is a themed fiction short story contest about a natural disaster. They want a unique insight to it and for every entry $1 will be donated to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy victims. The grand prize is $1,000 and the story will be published in an issue of their magazine.
Allison Serafine
ReplyDeleteENC1101-0M06
Part 1 - There’s no doubt that social media has taken our generation by storm. It’s as if we are socially expected to have a Facebook for communicating, and Instagram for posting pictures, a Twitter for every little thought that can be said under 140 characters and even a Tumblr for displaying hobbies and interests. Even with little to no interest in any of them, the sheer volume of websites and online spaces for social outlet can easily consume ones full attention. In my own experience, I am drawn to the element of entertainment through social media and online communities, whether I am staying connected with someone who I would rather not call or text or watching in the distance as someone else’s life unfolds, even if I am not close to them and nothing to gain or lose by their life. Also, I am somewhat infatuated at the idea of being able to look up anything, anytime, and at lightning fast speed, and in regards to “stealing” my attention away from real life company this is where I am most guilty. I may just look up the actors name, then it turns into to reading about their spouse, then it spurs a thought to look up something else maybe even in another media outlet, and the vicious cycle goes on and on. No doubt that my attention is sometimes all consumed by social media, since its growing increasingly hard to multitask by having real life interactions while staying up the latest tweets, but because the people that I am closest to, my mom and dad and boyfriend, have yet to succumb to the social media scene it’s easy for me to not think of logging on because they aren’t talking about it or engaging in it themselves. In the same way, I purposefully do not take my laptop to class because its way to easy to click on that bookmark at the top of the page and get sucked in, resulting in my missing class information. All in all, I’ve found that efficient control of how much of my attention is deployed into social media is by choosing to surround myself with people who draw me into real life rather than cyber life, and by giving myself less opportunities to be tempted by it (i.e. not taking my laptop to class). I hope that someday we will go back to being people who can talk to each other rather than “message”, because then I believe we would richer as people ourselves.
Part 2 – I have found a few essay contests I am considering using for my assignment. I will explain them below.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx This is a month essay contest by the “Stage of Life” company, who provides college student topics every month. On February 1st they release February’s topic, as it is too late to enter for January’s. But as I looked at theyre past topics, like “Where do we go after the Newtown tragedy?” I believe that it will be an interesting and worthy contest.
http://www.fromfailuretopromise.com/Essay-Scholarship-Contest-.html This is called the “Failure to Promise” Essay contest in which I would be expected to answer what I am planning to with my life and how it would better the global world and how dedicated I would be to this effort, and it would be judged on my research, evidence and writing ability. Although this one seems to be a little more intense, it may be right up my alley of interests.
I’m not sure which of these essays I will choose to do, but I am excited to at least be nearing a decision!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSkylar Summers
ReplyDeleteENC 1101 – oMo4
1/28/13
Social media is all around us and has said to have negative affects on our youth today but also positive affects by interacting with friends and family. Being a college student, many of us are social involved, taking time away from more important aspects of life. While in school I try to stray away from texting in class or catching up with friends on Facebook. In my dorm, I usually have Sports Center on or Pandora listening to my favorite station. When it comes to crunch time, I am always focused on the task at hand. I will put the phone aside, log out of Facebook, shut off the TV, and work in complete silence. I have found out that I complete tasks more efficiently and do a better job on an assignment if it has my full attention. When my laptop is open during a class I do not access the social media like ESPN or Facebook. I try to picture my parents next to me and what they would think if I wasn’t paying attention in class while they are paying for it. To be more mindful of situations like these, I try to think logically. There are various times that I can access the web and chat with friends. I don’t have classes that often and I figure that while I am in class I will make the most out of it and give the professor, my full, undivided attention. Like Harold Rheingold, “I tend to avoid” the social activities that distract me while I am focused on my schoolwork.
http://www.scottspicks.com/sports-writing-contest.htm
This is a sports writing contest on anything sports related. It can be written to criticize sports or to preview a team for next year or to even voice your opinion on officiating.
http://www.stageoflife.com/StageCollege/OtherResources/CollegeWritingContest.aspx
This essay contest is recommends you to reflect on the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. To express your feelings on gun laws, the whole situation, and what we should do in response to the shooting.
Part 1 –
ReplyDeleteToday’s technology has reached great lengths to help advance people in their everyday lives. Social medias help us to keep in touch with distant relatives and friends. They also provide us with a distraction. When I need to get work done using my laptop, the only site I tend to visit before my studies is Pandora radio. I like to listen to music as I write or study. I succeed in staying away from other social media sights until I am finished taking care of my more important priorities. With that said, I typically blog for a short time daily which consists of mostly photos and the occasional text post if something interesting happened to me that day or I want to express some sort of common felt emotion. I hardly ever take my laptop to class and if I do, it is when I am required to do so. It is fairly easy for me to stay away from social media sights at that time.
Part 2 –
http://carnegiecenterlex.org/events/writing-contest-opportunities/
I chose this essay prompt because I enjoy writing about the rights of LGBT individuals. It is something I am deeply passionate about. My older sister is a lesbian who was until recently married to another woman who identified as a lesbian. She is now, after twenty seven years, discovering her own thoughts lean towards identifying more as transgender. I use their relationship as inspiration to make a difference, because in my opinion, one needs to be made.
http://www.artandwriting.org/alliance/
I chose this contest because I have a huge passion for art. I major in studio track and really love to create and express myself through painting and drawing. I like that this prompt allows you to write about your art and further submit a piece you have created. That way, the art can aid the writing, and vice versa.
Kaitlyn Huber OMO6
My net habits usually involve an unhealthy amount of time on social networks, whether it was an SMS I received or checking what's going on in Facebook. What usually attracts me is discussions of miscellaneous subjects, whether for the simple laugh or for the sake of debate. The attention I give to my net habits is quite great, I can spend an entire day just staring at a screen and be fine with it, along with the amount of time socializing, I enjoy reading up on a few miscellaneous things. Although my net habits would be a disaster if I didn't balance it with my academic life, I luckily know how to divide my attention, specifically at lectures. When my laptop is open it's not for the sake of logging in on Facebook or Twitter, it's for the sake of taking notes, I'm not too keen on writing things out. When it comes to lectures my attention fully goes to the professor and the subject, although there are moments of day dreaming that prevent my mental fatigue from hitting an all time high. While that maybe negative the end result is usually beneficial for that brief period of inattentiveness. At the end, my attentiveness is really only given to something that really interests me. The only thing I regret is becoming a social media addict.
ReplyDeleteEssay Contest #1: http://debate-central.ncpa.org/young-patriots-essay-contest/
The topic of this year’s essay contest is: “What is the proper role of the government in insuring people against major social risks?” This year’s topic addresses government social insurance for the risks that everyone faces.
Essay Contest #2: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/
If you could change one decision that you made in the past, what would it be? No, you can't go back in time, but here's the next best thing. Think of a decision that you regret—anything from a ridiculous choice of prom date to a serious lapse in judgment—and tell us what the mistake taught you about yourself.
Part 1:
ReplyDeleteAs a user of many social interfaces online, I become very easily distracted at any given moment. Wether I have my laptop or phone you will 95% of the time see me with an electronic device scrolling through websites like facebook, tumblr, twitter, and Instagram. With so many different ways to socialize with your friends and the world, these distractions are the worst things in college. The activities online and socially that capture me the most are websites like tumblr or an app called Instagram. I love those ways of socializing because its mainly through pictures and I love seeing old faces and even some cool art pieces that are posted. Unfortunately, during lecture times and especially when I’m doing homework I get the most distracted with the social world. I can never take my laptop to class and attempt to take notes that way because I know its a faster access to facebook and other communities. I have gotten a little better this semester in trying to keep my phone away and taking notes with my notebook. The key is to take a plethora of notes just write down everything you hear even if you already know the topic. Constantly writing keeps your head in the game and focused on class, especially if your phone is on silent and there are no electronics to be seen.
Part 2:
http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQcpeeibNVq
An entry is one story or essay on a sports-related theme. Can go up to 6,000 words and may do as many entries as you please. “This contest aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of physical culture and literary culture. We'd like to see the jocks and the writers sit down at the same lunchroom table and discover that they're both on a journey of self-transformation through disciplined risk-taking...and that they both really, really like to win.”
http://heyugly.org/Contest%20Essay.php
500 word essay about why it’s important that kids everywhere see that they are “good enough” and to not let a bully affect you negatively. Unfortunately, I was bullied as one of the shortest kids in high school and I let that get to me, so having some experience this writing piece would be very meaningful and emotional to me.
ENC 1101-om03
DeleteSocial Media is a huge part of today's society because it connects everyone to everyone they want. When I have my laptop in class, I almost always am paying attention to the lecture and not on social media because I could possibly miss something so I just don't do it. But when I am at home I usually have a facebook window up just in case someone tries to contact me and this causes me lack of attention to homework that I'm trying to do then. Some things that could combat this would be to never have a tab open of social media and to just try not to think about it when work has to be done.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.newfrontiersinastronomy.org/student-essay-competition.html
This esssay is about science and the universe and I am very interested in that stuff.
http://www.internationalsport.org/nsd/usa-today-essay-contest.cfm
I have been playing team sports since I was 6 years old and I know how sports impact someone's childhood.
Sorry, my section is oMo3.
ReplyDeleteCody Showers
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M04
Today we live in a world where technology is everywhere, connecting us in ways only dreamt of in our parent’s years. We quite literately can, and do, read about or even watch events as they unfold across the globe. We can send personal messages in an instant and can be connected on any level with thousands of miles away. And even more importantly with the advent of tablets and cell phones, we can experience these things almost anywhere. It can almost be information overload and very distracting.
Personally I am very exposed and subject to these temptations as many of us can be. Though I never have had a strong presence on any social media site, I have consistently had an account and periodically will check in to see news about friends and family. Often when I have a spare moment this is my first or last stop, depending on the time it takes. Where I really get into trouble with these sites and many online communities is that I treat blanket open statements as invitation to discuss. I can lose a lot of time analyzing so-called “profound statements,” or debating overtly political messages. It doesn’t help if that is not an option, losing time browsing new memes or photos will be. Another problem is the availability of superficial entertainment, video games large and small. When I set aside time to work on something where I have the internet as a resource, often I find myself saying “just one more round.” As long as I feel I have the time spare I can fill it with superfluous activities. This time could be spent studying or learning something new. In lectures and when I have deadlines without much spare time I can focus when I need to even with this huge distraction. However, given a spare moment when I am researching something I can often get lost on tangent research. Starting with a single search in mind, with the kind of information overload the internet is capable of, it is very easy for me to lose time reading about some related topic. The next topic brings you to another and before long I sometimes have forgotten what the original search intent was. These such activities can put me behind on the activities that I need to complete, I’m sure nearly as much as many sufferers of internet distractions.
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/AtlasShrugged.aspx?theme=blue
This is an essay contest judged on style, content and relevance to the philosophical views of the book after which the contest is named.
Superpower Scholarship 2013
https://www.scholarshipexperts.com/applicant/showScholarshipApplication.htx?scholarshipAppId=10689
This is a short essay contest to which the prompt is about describing, given the opportunity which superhero would you switch places with for a day and why.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-OMO3
ReplyDeleteThere are many perks to having technology like today for our generation. It allows us to find things within a matter of seconds,without wasting time like you would trying to look through a book for the answer. There are many things to do with the technology we have today, like instagram, facebook, twitter and many other sites to keep us entertained when there is nothing else to do. This technology can also break you when it comes to having to do hw or while you are in class trying to take notes. that is when it becomes a huge distraction that is hard to ignore. I used to bring my laptop to class to take notes but i found myself getting distracted so I stopped bringing it unless I am asked to for an in class assignment. Having a laptop in front of me at all times is always hard to ignore, especially when you are asked to write a paper or read because then everything on the laptop because more interesting that the assignment itself.
this essay topic asks me what i would want to do over if i could go back in time. I chose this because there is always something in your life that you would want to do over whether its good or bad so i thought this would be interesting to do.
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx?selected=do-over
For this contest, we are able to write a short story about any topic we would like to write about. I thought this would be a good essay to write on because I like writing about whatever comes to me rather than a topic someone wants me to do. This essay will allow me to be creative and have fun with it.
http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
I am not generally interested in the use of technology for communication, but when it comes to Facebook I get hooked. From friends’ shared videos to recent family photos, Facebook is difficult to get bored of. I enjoy watching videos of my friend who plays intricate pieces on his keyboard. It gives me motivation to practice songs and scales on my guitar. Sometimes I post videos of myself jamming to songs. This allows me to get feedback from friends, giving me boosts of confidence. Alongside the guitar playing I write poetry as statuses at times. Some people like my statuses, while others comment their thoughts on the matter. Throughout this process of online communication, my friends are essentially giving me tools to make my music and poetry better. Although I love playing music and writing poetry, education comes first. When given an assignment it is my main priority until it is finished, which means no Facebook. Furthermore, when in class I do not think about going on Facebook. I know that Facebook distracts me from class work, so I use this knowledge to my advantage in order to get the best grades that I can.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.engineergirl.org/GetThere/Contest/Winners/2012winners/5319.aspx
Kimberly Klink wrote a winning essay about engineers and potato chips. She says that when she becomes an engineer she will design more efficient potato chip manufacturing machines.
http://lds.about.com/library/community/bldognephi.htm
Thomas Hart brings the reader into the life of Jack. Jack and his family acquire a new dog and want to name it. Jack encounters a woman and her dog while on a walk with the new dog. He realizes that Nephi is the name for the dog.
David Lipszyc
ENC1101-OMo6
Mike Boyd
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M06
Part One - My use of the internet is quite vast compared to the daily user for school, or social networking sites. I have grown up with a computer and spent time building my knowledge of them as I grew up. Not to the point where I would rather stay at home and play video games and nerd out, but to gain knowledge as I realized that it would help me later on in life. My use of social networking sites is no different from anyone else's, aside from the lack of “tweets” or “status updates” I do compared to others. I use them in my spare time to keep me entertained for the most part. I’ve noticed that Twitter and Instagram on my phone are the most used social media sites, aside from the Facebook group for my Fraternity. In class, Facebook is the go to for social networking entertainment. Mostly, because Twitter and Instagram are mostly iOS/Android based. I’ve noticed that being silent in social networking, and being more observant before saying something is a better perspective to come from. Twitter, being a journal of peoples lives it seems like, and Instagram the same as Twitter, but with Pictures. Social networking is what you make it, and personally it is entertainment for me. I use them to communicate with people at times in the way of messages, but for the most part it’s often sarcastic comments on Facebook, Twitter “rants”, and Instagram’s of things I enjoy in life. I think I, as well as everyone else could be more mindful of what we post on any Social Networking site. The internet is written in ink, and that ink can never be undone.
Part Two - For the first scholarship, it is a 300-500 word essay application on flying. The reward is your private’s license training is paid for. My Dad is a pilot for Delta airlines and I would also like to pursue flying, even if it is not my profession. http://www.leroywhomerjr.org
For the second scholarship, it relates to my entrepreneurial desire. It entails writing about the “Next Big Thing” and what would change society as we know it (i.e. iPhone). I would very much enjoy writing this essay as I already have a topic in mind. http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/showScholarshipDetail.htx?scholarshipId=1003834
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVivienne Do ENC-1101 0M04
ReplyDeleteBlog 4
When I was taking European History in highschool, my teacher would let us use our phones and technology advance devices in his classroom. He told us that our generation is blessed with newly found science that allowed us to surf web. In fact, he told us modern watches today have more technology than computers had when he was growing up. Truth be told, I was always distracted when I had my phone out in class. Texting, surfing the web about random facts, checking my eBay account. The possibilities are endless. Even though having a laptop is benefit able to education, one must learn how to control urges and temptation. Whenever i bring my laptop to class, I always open up Words and start taking notes. I have a thing with authority, and I feel like I would be disrespecting my professor by straying away from the topic being lectured. When at home, one innocent URL (Facebook) can easily take away 20 mins of your studying time. The best method I found to avoid distraction is to set aside a ten minute break for every one hour of studying. Also, I tend to surf the web late at night when I finish most of my homework.
Someone once told me the world is much smaller in today's generation, because information is in the reach within finger tips. I mean just think, couple of decades ago, you would have to either break someone's heart in person or by mail. No via email or text! I feel so blessed that I am able to search up virtually any question and receive an answer instantly. Information about any subject is documented on millions of sources for me, without having to flip through pages and pages of paper books. Life is simply put, more efficient and easier with the Internet. When utilizing the power of the Internet, it's best to cite all of your sources and force yourself to only search school material when studying for upcoming tests. You should log off of everything, so you're not connected with the community for your studying time.
Of course all things have at least two interpretation and values. The Internet can be used for educational purposes as well as entertainment and media. Some even abuse the Internet by cyber bullying and cheating. With countless social media networks out they're ;good news,as well as false or bad news, travels fast. I'm not really a social media butterfly and tend to use them sparingly. Although, I have to admit I'm a huge YouTube fan and blogsite. I'm particularly fond of baking and cooking channels and blogs. I could spend up to five hours reading about different ways people prepare dishes and how to present them.
Part 2:
http://www.thecwfestivalatsccc.com/contests.html
I love creative writing, expressing feels through words. I am interested in this contest because it allows the writer to get in touch with their creative side and share their world with others.
http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm
This essay ask to describe an important topic which our generation will have to deal with in 10-20 years. I find this contest relative to society and educational because it opens the writer to think about reality in which they will have to face in the near future.
Khondaker Rahman
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M06
Part I: Blog Response
The internet was the greatest invention in history because it revolutionized sharing information and speedy communication. But it is also very easy to access and abuse should it be in the hands of an abuser. My main attention in the internet and social media is to stay connected on my favorite topics like video games, cars, exciting news or reading various articles from Wikipedia. That is 65% of the reason why I use the inter net. The rest goes to helping anyone else not familiar with the internet or getting school work done. I know that that is not a good thing for a me but I do keep my attention on my work long enough to understand what it is asking for, take notes of the most important bits that I know will be on tests or quizzes, and stay connected with school work so I don’t fall behind. During lectures I usually move potential distractions aside and give my attention to the instructor and take the notes that I need. But if I am lost sometimes I use the internet to find related topics on what the lecture is about and make sure that that is what I need to know. I do sometimes go off track if the lecture is not very interesting but I always make sure I get the notes down and close the distractions in front of me.
Part II: Essay Contests
http://www.sosessaycontest.com/
This essay asks us to write a letter to someone you know that does not smoke and tell them how much you appreciate their healthy example. Or you can write to someone you know that smokes and encourage them to stop for their own good. Although it is for younger students I still find this issue needs to be addressed and I do know some people in my life that I would like to encourage to stop smoking.
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/learn/education/for-students/essay-contests/
This essay is also for younger students but this one interested me because it asks us about how people who disagree can work together. Mainly it asks how we sometimes might disagree but still work together to achieve victory. We must start with how it happened in WWII and connected to our interactions with people today.
As the new age of technology advances the social media is more present in our lives than ever before. For exapmle, I can now search every aspect of the world today by simply opening up my laptop. Although these technological advances have allowed knoweldge to travel more convieniently, in the realm of the classroom the use of this technology can be extremely dertimental because it is too much of a distracion today to have access to all of the knowledge that lies in things such as the internet. Also what distacts me constantly is the new addicting app called Instagram. Despite that you can only post pictures on Instagram it still causes me to lose focus during class on a relatively consistent basis.
ReplyDeletePart 2
http://www.thecwfestivalatsccc.com/contests.
This is a simple creative essay contest. I personally enjoy doing creative writing becuase I can write about things i genuinely enjoy.
http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports
This a contest about connecting literacy to sports or athletics in any way. I would enjoy writing in this contest becuase I wrestled for years in high school and had a good amount of success in the sport
Colby Maynard
ReplyDeleteEnc 1101 - 0M04
Part 1
Social networks and communities entered my life in about 7th grade and hasn't left since then. Some say its a problem with their school work but i believe it keeps friends and family members close to eachother. I'm currently involved with Facebook and Instagram but refuse to pay any attention to Twitter because that website comes off as stupid to me. When I'm on Facebook, I only tend to look at the pictures and status' of people i know well. Anything else on there, i seem to pass without a problem. The only times that i have my laptop open in a lecture is when i have to do other important homework assignments for a class. I never have my laptop open in class for a social network of any kind. No social network should ever get in the way of school. To be more mindful of online spaces, I can limit my time on Facebook and/or Instagram to focus my life more on school.
Part 2
http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQQDoCqF9AM
This essay contest talks about the impact sports and connects it to the literacy culture. Instead of having the "nerds" and the "jocks", this essay contest asks you to write about sports whether you were good at them or not.
http://www.scottspicks.com/sports-writing-contest.htm
This essay contest is simple and asks you to talk about sports in general. Whether it just be about a team you enjoy to watch or a a player you follow, they wanna hear what you believe in the sport fan's world.
Chibundo Egwuatu
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-OM06
P1
I love the internet. It is basically all I do. I love Tumblr, especially. I think it is an amazing medium that really helps people express themselves creatively and in nonrestrictive ways. That being said, my tumblr is just funny .gifs. Other than that, I use Facebook, e-mails, YouTube, and many webcomics and non-Tumblr Blogs. Music and art are what I spend most of my internet time on, other than news articles, social justice issues and dissertations, and dad with baby videos (out of all the YouTube genres one could conceive, I do believe dad-with-baby videos are the best). I read many webcomics, since as a child I hadn’t the recourses to buy my own. But now, I actually enjoy them. As with Tumblr, bypassing the hoops of a publisher and a lucrative fanbase, webcomics are much more creative and the amount of variation between them is exceedingly impressive. I also get most of my media from the internet; movies and books, as well as music. The internet gives one access to many new ideas about known mediums than one would have otherwise. I have heard and seen many things that I think I would be worse off for not hearing or seeing otherwise. I do admit there are some less than admirable parts to the internet, due to the lack of regulation, and parts that I personally dislike (4chan, ahem).
P2
http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
okay, this first one is a short story . It is non-restrictive, and pretty interesting. I think one of the reasons people hate writing is because of all of the boring writing they have been made to do in their schooling.
http://www.wyzant.com/Scholarships/
this one is about how my schooling can benefit people. As an anthropology major, it is a question I am frequently asked and I believe will help me think about my future more.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTechnology plays a vital role in the success of the world today. There is no corner you can look around where you will not find or see technology's impact. It has become the backbone of society in various ways- one could say it keeps us alive. When I am by the computer or on my phone, I am most likely insta-ing or tweeting. I use social media every day to share my experiences with the world, speak my mind, and keep in touch with people back home and family from other countries. I also use the internet to learn which is the intent of having such a vast brain that everyone can access. Not a day goes by where I am not googling something or looking to "read-up" on something that caught my eye and that I am interested in. Sitting in class, my attention is usually focused on schoolwork but I also use the internet to expand my knowledge on what is being taught. I definitely have a procrastination problem where I could sit on the computer all day, doing nothing but browsing around or being a creep. To be more mindful of this, I am going to do my homework during the day like I would a job. I will try not to be on my phone or social media from around 8-5 except on my "breaks."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fromfailuretopromise.com/Essay-Scholarship-Contest-.html
^ This essay is asking you to read a book and then write an essay on its impact it has on your road to success. You must also describe what you will do to impact others once you have reached your ultimate goal.
http://www.coffeeforless.com/scholarship
^ This essay contest would like you to describe the importance of education to you and how this money would help you achieve your goals. The money is for textbooks.
Brooke Almony
ENC 1101- 0M03
Adam Tran
ReplyDeleteENC 1101-0M04
Part 1:
Technology can be extremely useful, but can also be distracting as well. Of course, it all depends on the person and how they use technology. Personally, I love technology and know quite a lot about it. I am most attracted to interesting Youtube videos, technology news, and the occasional Facebook. I am not very active in the social media world. I do not check social media when I should be doing other things, but rather, I occasionally check my social media sites when I am alone and have some free time. I do not frequently update my status, as I personally don’t feel that others should know my exact doing at every moment. I type much faster than I write, therefore, I bring my laptop to every lecture that allows me to do so. I am aware that I am paying for my education and understand how important it is so I avoid straying away on my laptop. Instead, I use it to my advantage and take quicker and more organized notes than I would if I were writing on pen and paper. If I ever feel tempted to stray away, which may happen at times, I purposely make Microsoft Word full screen. By doing so, I don’t distract myself and stay focused on the lecture. Of course, I could easily exit out of full screen mode and browse the Internet and social media, but putting my work in full screen somehow encourages me to stay on task and reminds me of why I am there. I do my best to focus on what is important and needs to be done, and then spend my free time browsing the Internet and whatever may interest me at the time.
Part 2:
http://winningwriters.com/contests/sports/sp_guidelines.php#.UQdZBqUe8zk
This essay contest is a simple essay/story that must be 6,000 words and sports related. Although it is lengthy, it interests me because it is a topic I could talk about on and on, so I don’t assume that word count will be a huge issue. I enjoy sports and play quite often and would be interested in sharing my experience. I also wouldn’t mind the cash prize as well, if I were applicable.
http://heyugly.org/Contest%20Essay.php
This essay contest is about bullying. Over the years, I have learned a lot about bullying and it has become a major concern to me. I would write an essay for this contest because I wish to share my knowledge, as well as learn some. I am curious and wish to become more informed on bullying around the world and how to prevent it.
Part 1: Growing up in a generation where technology has been an integral part of society, it’s hard to imagine what life would be like without it. Using the Internet has become a part of my daily life, as I can look up anything from definitions to who won an important game the night before. It has also been a huge distraction in my life. I have always felt that without the Internet and social media, like facebook, I would have much more free time and more quality relationships. While social media can be used in positive ways, there are also negatives. On the Internet, social media sites definitely capture my attention the most. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all social media sites I use on a daily basis. I used to be on Facebook for hours, neglecting my homework and other responsibilities. I would say my attention was being utilized unproductively on Facebook, for the most part anyway. Once Facebook began to lose my interest, I immediately began using other social media sites. When my laptop is open during lecture, I usually pay attention to the lecture and pull up notes or anything else that could be useful. However, I said “usually” because this isn’t always true. Sometimes my mind wanders and I find myself looking up my work schedule, doing other assignments, or just surfing the Internet. The key to me being more mindful is concentration/focus on the lecture. As long as I stay focused on the lecture, I most likely won’t focus my attention on anything that doesn’t pertain to it. If I catch my mind wandering, I must try to realize this and remind myself where I am and what I should be doing.
ReplyDeletePart 2-
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6944
I know someone already found this essay, but it looks like a very interesting one to me as well. The topic is “A Horribly Wrong Future,” where I am required to write about any type of future, good or bad.
http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=6959
Being a Nicolas Sparks fan, I think I would enjoy writing this essay. This essay requires me to write a romance story, fiction or non-fiction.
Part 1 - I am very fond of technology. I believe the technological advances we are making do in fact benefit us if utilized properly. I love my iPhone and the accessibility to the internet is phenomenal. I can almost be anywhere in the world and still connect to the internet. The Internet's convenience is what is so appealing to me. From looking up common facts such as yesterday's ball game scores to full on biographies of legendary philosophers. Now, although I partake in social media just as much as anyone else, I can see how it could distract or hinder specific tasks. Students, while in class, can access their twitter, facebook, tumblr ect..with literally "one-touch." So the distraction caused by the accessiblity of the technology is, i guess in a sense, one of the VERY few bad qualities I see in technology.
ReplyDeletePart 2 - http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
This is a short story . It is non-restrictive, interesting, and pretty relatable to me. I think the main reason people hate writing is because of all the boring, traditional writing they had to do during school.
http://www.wyzant.com/Scholarships/
this one is about how my schooling can benefit people. As an EE major, it is a question I am constantly asking myself.