3/12/10 - Current Events Quiz / News Discussion

What's your News IQ?

To test your knowledge of prominent people and major events in the news,  take this short 12 question quiz. Then see how you did in comparison with 1,003 randomly sampled adults asked the same questions in a recent national survey conducted by the Pew Research Center.

Included in the current version of the quiz are several questions relating to the state of the economy as well as other prominent happenings and people in the news. For an analysis of the findings from the poll on the public's News IQ, read the full summary of findings. (No peeking! If you are going to take the quiz, do it first before reading the analysis.)

You'll also be able to compare your News IQ with the average scores of men and women; with college graduates as well as those who didn't attend college; with people who are your age as well as with younger and older Americans. 

Are you more news-savvy than the average American? 

In the comment section discuss one or more of the following issues:

1. What role the news should play in the lives of average Americans?

2. Why should we pay attention to what's going on in our community, state, nation and world?

3. What can we do to improve awareness of current events, especially among young people?

4. What can I do as a teacher to help students understand the news and be more interested in our world?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 5

Much of the video focused on education. 

On one side there was the argument that technology and the distractions that it causes are having a negative effect on young people...poorer reading and writing skills and shorter attention spans. 

On the other hand there was evidence that introducing technology into some schools has resulted in improved student attitudes, higher standardized test scores, and greater student achievement.

How do you think technology should be used in education?  What do you think school will be like in 5 or 10 years in terms of use of digital technology?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 4

 

In recent years digital media such as multi-player online games and social media networks have exploded in popularity.  

Supporters argue that these technologies allow people to become more social and expand their network of friends and acquaintances. Opponents argue that they often lead to abuse, internet addiction, and/or harassment and cyber-bullying. 

In today’s world of technological immersion, in what ways is technology helping us to develop more meaningful personal relationships?  In what way is it hurting our "real-world" relationships with others?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 3

From training soldiers to dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to conducting combat operations remotely from half way around the world, technology is changing the way we wage war.

How has technology helped are military?  What new challenges is it creating?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 2

The video discussed many ways in which the internet has changed personal relationships.  

There was Bubbe, the 83 year old Jewish Grandma with the online cooking show, and the online gaming friendships and romances that have been created by World of Warcraft.  The video also discussed how the internet and use of digital media has changed even the family structure in many homes. 

How is technology changing friendship, parenting and love?

2/19/10 - Digital_Nation Question 1

According to the latest Kaiser Family Foundation data, 8 to18 year-olds are spending more than 50 hours a week with digital media. That's more than a full work week.

Is this too much?  Are kids today actually hurting themselves by using this much digital media?  Why or why not?

2/16/10 - The 2005 Political Typology Test Assignment

The Political Typology is a longstanding effort by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press to sort voters into groups based on their values, political beliefs and party affiliation.

The current report is based on a two-part survey of 2,000 Americans interviewed in December 2004, most of whom were recontacted to follow up on current political issues in March 2005. This is the fourth Political Typology study, following previous studies in 1987, 1994 and 1999.

Unfortunately, this 2005 version is the most up to date survey currently available.  It is due for a 2010 update, but as of now the new survey is not available on the web so we will take the 2005 version.

Click on this link to get to the site.  Then click on the "Where do you fit?" link to take the quiz.

Then answer the questions on the last page of the Political Ideology packet.  You will turn that in for a grade.

In the comments section, tell what political label the quiz assigned to you and comment on the quiz itself.