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Journal Entry
for
October 22nd, 2001

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Date: October 22, 2001

Science, Technology, and Society Topic of the Week: Does the Theory of Evolution Explain the
                                                                                                                    Origins of Humanity?

Educational Technology Topic of the Week: Scanning

Science, Technology, and Society Topic Position:

Does the Theory of Evolution Explain the Origins of Humanity?

No.  Personally, after reading what Edward B. Davis had to say in Taking Sides, I feel evolution does not explain the origins of humanity.  Honestly, I hold a strong belief in the "opinion" that the world, and humanity, were created by God and through God.  I agree with Davis when he says,  "Hodge contended that this denial of design in nature "is virtually a denial of God"" (Easton, 2000, pg. 55).

I have grown up in the Presbyterian church, and I have grown to see many ideas of evolution form and be discussed.  To me, evolution makes no sense.  I am not saying the "idea," as some may call it, of God is easy to comprehend, but I am saying that God provides some sort of an explanation to the people of how and why the world was started.  Granted, God is a hard "person" to understand, because no one has met Him/Her, nor have they ever been able to see Him/Her.  To some, God may be just an image, or a figure of speech, but to those who believe, God is a way of life.

 However, in minor defense of the theory of evolution, I must say, I support those who believe this way.  I do not agree with the beliefs of evolution, but if  a person feels strongly that evolution is the way, I have no problems with that.  I do not expect everyone to believe the way I do, and I feel it is important to support this theory.  Some things make sense to me in the way Darwin thought, but many things do not.  I feel, though I do know more about God and religion than I do about evolution, evolution came about as just another scientific investigation.  I personally do not think so many things would have been written about God if He/She did not create the world.

In conclusion, I believe each person is entitled to his/her own beliefs.  If a person wants to support evolution then so be it.  If a person wants to support God, then so be that.  I am not one to judge based on what I read, or even what I hear.  I believe what I am comfortable believing, as I expect others to as well.  I feel both positions have good evidence and support for why they believe the way they do.

Summary of Educational Technology Topic:

Scanning

A recent development in computer technology has been the introduction of computer scanning of photographs, illustrations, and other materials used for show.  In class today, we were introduced to this technique, and different ways we can implement this into our webfolio.

Scanning works much like a Xerox machine, in that it photocopy's pictures and such, allowing them to be saved on the computer.  Therefore, a person can take pictures he/she wants copies of, do this, and not have to worry about making reprints at unbelievable costs from a photo shop.

In order to actually scan a picture, a person must have a scanner hooked up to their computer.  After that, the image is placed face down on the glass of the scanner, a button is pushed and "adjusting" of the picture is done.  When this is complete, the picture is ready to be scanned.  Then, the pictures can be kept in the computer, or even printed out.  This is a great way to adjust the size of a picture, make copies of pictures, send pictures to family and friends over the internet, and even add personal pictures to a website!

Scanning Webfolio Implementation possibilities:

In my webfolio, I am going to use scanning to add personal pictures and images to different pages of my website.  the scanning feature allows me to not have to search for clip art and use copy and paste, and it also allows more of a selection for graphics, pictures, and illustrations.  Scanning is especially useful in the construction of my webfolio, and i am looking forward to adding pictures to my website!

Ways to Improve this Class Session:

Personally, I think this class went really well.  I enjoyed the other half of the Bill Moyer video we watched in class, and I thought the instruction of using the scanning feature went well.  We became familiar with the computers available to use for scanning, and I feel the instruction on how to actually do it was easy to follow and understandable.  I did not get lost, people seemed to know what was being done, and I think I will be able to successfully scan photos on to my website.  The true test awaits!

Reflection on Potential Classroom Use:

I can easily see scanning becoming a part of my classroom, providing I have the appropriate technology.  For students, this is a great way to copy pictures or writings they may have done and send them to family and friends in other parts of the world.  I think this would be a great confidence booster to be able to send these images in seconds and get feedback from loved ones who they may not always be able to see.

I also think students would be able to get more creative with certain projects and assignments.  They would be able to take real photographs of a certain image and portray them as real as possible in their assignment.  Images would appear more natural and "real-life" to the child and others.  Children would be able to get a better sense of what was being illustrated through scanning real pictures, then if they were hand drawn.

However, I feel it is important to still emphasize creativity in the classroom.  I would still allow, and occasionally mandate, that each student show their creativity through their own artwork.  I would not want to get carried away with allowing children to rely solely on the computer, but, I do think it is important for children to be able to use photos and such to illustrate their ideas.

Outside Sources Pertaining to Evolution and the Origins of Humanity:

The following resources will guide you to more information on evolution and its ideas.  Personally, as mentioned earlier, I feel it is a person's personal choice whether or not they believe the world was created through evolution or by God.  Research more and see what you think!
 
 

Outside Sources Discussing Computer Scanning:

The following sites offer information on computer scanning of images and such.  I found these sites to be very helpful and informative in finding out more information on scanning.

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