Google +

When we started, I had no idea about Google +. I have to say that it is amazing. I have been wondering why I did not find out about this sooner. It is a great  to communicate with friends, family, and fellow students. It allows for us  to stay in touch and know what is going on in class. It was very helpful for the times when I could not be in class. I would just get on my computer from home and sign in to class and it was like if I was right there in class. I was able to blog and respond to my fellow students. I wish more classes utilized this.

Google Drive

When we started this class I was not familiar with Google drive, now I love it. I use it for all of my papers and other classes. It is a great way to create groups with fellow students. It is also a great way to communicate with co-workers and friends. I love the document features, the fact that you can research your subject material and get the citations is an added bonus. I like that the documents that are created are secure until you decided to share them and that they are stored with Google drive and not on your computer. I am sure that we have all had an issue with computers crashing and losing those important papers, then stressing out trying to rewrite them. It is such a valuable tool, I don't understand why more professors choose not to use it. I plan on using from now on with the rest of my classes and with my job in healthcare.

Blogging

Well as we are nearing the end of our course, I find myself a little sad. I have enjoyed this class more than I thought. It has been a learning experience and has been fun. I have finally learned APA, yeah!!! I have enjoyed being able to post blogs about different topics and communicating with fellow students. I have also enjoyed reading my fellow classmates blogs. I find this is a great way to express different viewpoints on different topics. I wish that other classes would do this. I plan on trying to continue with this as I go foward with the rest of my time here at South. I want to wish everyone good luck with the rest of their time here at South and in the future.

Personal Learning Networks

When it comes to personal learning networks, I find them to very valuable. They can help with getting a better understanding of the material. If you are in nursing classes, for example, having fellow nursing students to study with can be key to passing or failing that particular course you are in.  They can help you with understanding some of the material that you are having trouble with. They can also be a great support system. I know that when I was taking classes in the military to become a medic, I utilized personal learning networks with my fellow medics. It is what helped all of us get through the 12 weeks of intensive medical training that we had to complete. These networks can also be applied to your everyday job. Where I work I am considered a role model for my fellow employees. They come to me everyday asking questions about different medical procedures, on the same token I also go to them for things that I may not understand. It helps to create a teamwork atmosphere and makes for a more efficient medical office.  

Statistics

When using statistical data to support your argument, you need to do your research on it. It needs to be reliable and come from experts. When I am researching, I look for studies that have been done and have either the charts or the actual data in the in the study. I like using data that comes from clinical studies. I have worked in clinical research and know that the data collected is vital and accurate. Having sound and verifiable data can make or break an argument.

Net Neutrality and Comcast Deal

I just read an article about the pros and cons of net neutrality and the deal Comcast is currently involved with. They are trying to buy Time Warner Cable for 45 million dollars. If this happen, Comcast will have over 60% of the internet. With control like that they will be able to charge whatever they want for access. The FCC is setting up rules that will help prevent this from happening. The FCC also will have the authority for the first time to police disputes about congestion on the Internet. That power could allow the agency to address Netflix's complaint that Comcast and other large Internet providers have been charging exorbitant fees to load traffic onto their networks. If the deal goes through, it will also allow for Comcast to eventually take over the country when it comes to the internet.

More police violence

I just read about another occurrence where the police where involved in a deadly shooting of a black teenager in Wisconsin. The media is reporting that the preliminary investigation did not find a weapon at the scene. Once again this is going to exploited for the next few weeks fueling the fire for more protest and more violence. I wish that the media would just let the agencies do their investigations and then report the findings. While I do not condone police violence, we need to have all of the facts before making a conclusion about the whole thing.