Reading response paper

Giovanny Thompson

Ingrid Kelly

English 120

9 Aug. 2012

Educators vs. Computers

 

Before I read the article and read the title, it implied to me that Education is staring to shift to more technology than hands on learning, which I don’t agree with. I believe that technology can’t replace an all-around college experience. An online course just isn’t the same feel as actually having another human being challenge your mind, explain and help you explain material. An educator can challenge your mind in ways computers can’t because it’s a more hands on approach to learning. The whole learning process is different for, you lean by questioning yourself and not by reading and regurgitating information on an exam or quiz

I feel (as well with the author) that what technology is doing is taking the most important part out of education, the educator. As stated in the article, “A set of podcast is the 21^st century equivalent of a textbook… not a teacher. “Technology shouldn’t replace the way we learn, it should be sued as a tool for learning. I can agree that technology is making great leaps and bounds in education but computers can’t truly challenge your opinions and your work like an educator can.

Educators question your work and do a lot more than grade papers they create better thinkers, which is the true meaning of education. A hands on education has done more than just educate me in English, Math, and Science, it has helped me develop the proper skills to interact with another person. Discussions in real life are completely different than having one online because in a classroom you can be put on the spot and it allows you to question yourself, evaluate information that you know, and then you create a response. Without going to a class room and talking to a teacher and students in person, I don’t think I would be able to communicate or convey my ideas in person rather than posting a comment on a forum or blog.

A counter argument would be to say that college is (extremely in some cases) expensive, and take up time for those who can’t attend a regular scheduled class. When I hear this, I believe all that may be true in some cases, but you have to ask yourself is the quality of your education more important or the price of it? I definitely have trouble putting one on my experience so far.

Giovanny Thompson

Professor Kelly

English 120 12:40-2:00

25 October 2012

Pollutants in Our Water

In the article “Some bottled water toxicity shown to exceed law” the author makes the argument that bottled water companies don’t maintain the quality that they are advertising. The author uses a study done by the Environmental working group, located in Oakland that did a study on eight different brands of water. I agree to a certain extent but believe the companies do purposely not know what is going in their water.

The article also talks about how an environmental group filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart charging that it failed to warn consumer’s that its product was contaminated. Most companies that sell a product especially in bulk are trying to make the cheapest product for the most profit so cutting corners in the production is to be expected. Not every water bottle company does though, and anyways most water bottles water comes from tap water found in that very community it is sold. In the article Wal-Mart is puzzled by the findings; “Both our suppliers' tests and tests from an additional external laboratory are not showing any reportable amounts of chlorine or chlorine byproducts. We're disappointed that the EWG has not shared more details with us as we continue to investigate this matter," Frederick said.” If there were something wrong with Wal-Mart’s water I don’t think they would speak out against their own product because that could probably cost themselves in millions in recalling their product from their stores.

Wal-Mart uses water from the Las Vegas Valley Water District and so I think it thought since the water met federal standards that it would be okay to sell without extensive testing for pollutants. I don’t think that Wal-Mart doesn’t care about its product and if it is safe for the public but like every other big corporation in the United States, they want more and more money.

Bottled water creates a problem not really discussed in this article. Where does the bottle go after the water is gone? It can take hundreds of years for a plastic bottle to degrade and traces of the bottle can get into the environment and pollute habitats for animals. There are even traces of plastic miles out in the middle of the ocean. Why spend so much money that negatively effects the environment in such a profound way just to use a container one time.

The best way to get around knowing what your buying from stores is safe to drink is purchasing a filter for your tap water. The article has a guide to having safe water by how to properly store your water and which filters you should buy. There is less of a chance of pollutants because less people aren’t treating your water like a product and putting it in plastic bottles. I don’t understand why even buy water, walk to your water hose or sink and get all the water you want for free!...Well kind of.