GIS

What is GIS? How is it useful? Before class on Monday, March 22, I asked myself these questions. The GIS Research and Map Collection (GRMC) is an included GIS lab and customary map collection found on Bracken Library’s second floor. This collection consists of a wide range of resources, including over 145,000 paper maps, GIS data, atlases and more. I had no idea GIS had so many maps and atlas. We learned how to locate, and make a map that all of us have access to. Maps could be used for papers, speeches, and especially our facebook project.

Located under our classes GIS section there are useful resources that we could use for our projects. For my project I used the “smoking location maps” (left) and “a photo of Carmiacheal and Johnson B building.” Both are photos on our page!

Also this week we had a timed writing on Friday, which was a controversy about Alaska's governor Palin, and American's animated sitcom Family Guy. (right) In this writing were to demonstrate our progression in our writing and our knowledge about logos, pathos and ethos. I really like the article, and thought it was easy to write about, and it allowed students to have different views to write about.


Furthermore, projects will be presented on Monday, and I believe my teams progress is quit well. We are following the time line and the page was created pictures are up, a video is up, and fan are being added!


--Work Cited--
GIS under Ball States Website.

Carmichael smoking section

Our group has chosen to do Carmichael smoking section for our facebook project. Our strategy for deciding upon this area is that there are a lot of smoker at Ball State University and we could get them to become a fan of our page. I myself do not smoke, but a lot of my friends and family members do. The first thing I thought to do with this project is research Ball State smoking policy. Ball State University is committed to the health and wellness of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. On March 17, 2008, Ball State became a smoke-free campus, creating a healthier environment for living, learning, and working. Smoking is prohibited in all university buildings and outdoor campus areas except designated locations. Anyone who fails to comply with this policy may be fined $50 per occurrence.
According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year. Indiana has the fifth-highest smoking rate per capita in the United States, and smoking-related diseases cost Indiana residents more than $2 billion each year. A smoke-free campus is important for the health and vitality of the university community.
Ball State is among dozens of other colleges and universities around the country that are smoke-free. (“Smoke Free Campus”) This is one of the most common yet nicely and conveniently hidden smoking sections. I decided I wanted to observe this spot twice once during the day and get a nice look around the place, and once late at night, and observe more of the actions, and people there. On Wednesday around 4:30, I went there and took my picture. (Above) It was a nice day out and there were about eight people sitting on the picnic tables, smoking, talking, and hanging out. This area is surrounded by a brick wall, and has a few trees. While I was sitting there observing I had a conversation with a few people at the table. I ask if they enjoyed coming to this smoking section? They replied “ It’s not bad, you meet alotta people and can even bum a cig here or there.”
This project is actually a lot more fun then I attended it to be. Next week should be good, when I go to observe the nightlife!

--Works Cited--
"Smoke Free Campus". Ball State University Website. 18 Mar. 2010.

Facebook is addicting...

Facebook is everywhere! Before you go to bed, between classes, and even during classes students are on facebook and updating their pages. Facebook can be very addicting, many of my friends are always on online checking status and know the latest gossip about everyone. Before facebook, news took longer for it to get out then the news or in newspapers. Now with facebook news goes around instantly. People all around the world learn things a lot sooner, then having to wait for the news to come out. In addition, it is not just news, its all gossip, and this could lead to drama. “OMG did you see that status or that pic?” It also allows people to stay in touch with people you normally do not see. Facebook is what socially is in.

Everyone has one. Facebook is a great way to use it for academic purposes. It is a way for teachers to understand students and get on their level of learning. This could catch on if more educators see this as an effect way of learning. Facebook is a social networking site, but making it for educational purposes would be a great idea. I am excited about project four and to see how it goes.