Journal #9

On Tuesday when we went into the lab, I learned a lot about being careful with my research. Before the lesson, I found myself spending a lot of time on wikipedia for research. Also, I would navigate on invalid sites, without knowing they were invalid. Now when I research I know my information will be more thorough because I know what to look for to make sure the website is useful.
Although, much of the criteria does not apply to blogs. On blogs such as Tumblr, one can find a variety of pictures. This does not mean that all the pictures or information is true. Even though there is a search box, and most of the links work, everyday people write on these blogs. Meaning much of the information would most likely be incorrect. So I would recommend not to write a chemistry or english paper, with the source being any kind of blog.
One website I often go to (not for pleasure but for school purposes) is CNN.com. Even though the domain name is .com, the website is very well organized and was created by people who know what they're talking about. (Reliable) One can find a wide variety of topics to choose and learn from while on the site.

Journal #8

Nowadays, colleges are looking for a lot more than SAT scores to accept students into their schools. This week we read an article about students creating apps for software such as Ipods and Ipads. One thing that I think would intrigue colleges, would be to see if a student creates some sort of app. The apps that students are creating today, help things are campus more efficient. For example, students being able to notify the school when  things around campus are broken down.
Other than apps, there are many ways to call the attention of college administrators. Being a club member shows colleges that you are interested in  helping the environment, cancer awareness, or whatever your club is about. Lastly, being captain of a school sport can also be an eye opener for administrators. This shows not only how one excells in a certain sport, but it shows leadership qualities which is a good quality to have.

Journal #7

I think the most useful part of POGILs, is that we're put into groups. This way we can put all our brains together to try and figure out a problem. The least useful part of them, is that we are asked to complete them with no prior knowledge of the assignment. I find it very difficult to teach myself the new material. Because of this, I usually am not able to complete the packet to the best of my abilities, since I'm not sure of what I'm doing. This is a challenge because no matter how hard I try, if I don't do well I know that it will hinder my grade.
I would improve these activities by being able to choose our groups. I find it difficult being put into random groups because it's hard to work with people you aren't comefterble with. By being able to choose our groups we can work with people we are familiar with, and we know we work well with. Being familiar with our group members would help me learn better.