Final Blog:An 80yr old Graduate w/an Online Marketing Degree Kept His Promise

Robert Titus is an eighty year old that recently earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing management online. He graduated from W.G.U Texas, which is an online nonprofit that was created in 2011. He recognizes that he will probably not obtain a job even with his degree. However, all of that is fine because he did not attend school in order to obtain a job. His motivation was the promise he made to his mother several years ago. Robert stated “I promise my mother many, many years ago that I would get my degree.” It is apparent that Robert is a man of his word. This was not his first attempt of pursuing a college degree. He enrolled in college after he graduated from high school, but then enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. Once his arrival back home he started a long career in sales, occasionally enrolling in a nearby college, but he could never remain focus. Unfortunately, Robert was not able to attend the graduation in Austin, Texas this month. However, this did not affect his positive attitude because he proudly displays his diploma above his fireplace.

This story is very motivating because it shows that age is just a number.  Robert Titus honored his promise he made to his mother several years ago. He did not allow his age or pass attempts at earning a degree determine his decision for trying again. This whole article is about keeping your word, overcoming obstacle, and never giving up. What he did was extremely commendable and courageous at the age of eight years old. He is an example not only senior citizens, but to anyone that desires to pursue their goal.   This article is inspiring because attending college is difficult for a young person. Remaining focused, having good time management, and remaining motivated are all challenges in college. In addition, the fact he went to college with knowing he would not get a job in his field is wise. Its shows his real purpose was to simply keep his promise to his mother. Robert Titus is a role model for me because his story is extremely inspiring and shows that it is never too late to fulfill your aspirations.

Posted at- 2:45AM
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/us/80-year-old-graduate-of-wgu-texas-kept-his-promise.html?ref=education

Blog 12: Swedish School's Big Lesson Begins with Dropping Personal Pronouns

Swedish schools are trying to dismiss stereotypes based on gender. The teachers avoid using pronouns such as him, her, boy or girl. They call the students "friends" or call them "hens" because it does not have an association with boy or girl. The children are encouraged to play with all toys and are treated fair. The teachers read traditional fairy tales, but also read books involving single parents, adoption, and same-sex couples. The schools have received criticism via mail, blogs, and letters. Some critics believe the school wants to turn boys into little girls and vice verse.

I think the schools are making the students diverse. It shows that a girl or boy can become anything he or she wants to. They do not limit the students to what toys he or she can play with. At an early age children are taught that certain things are for certain genders. Stereotypes are present everywhere in schools, media, and households. Girls and boys can cry and receive comfort from their teachers. The schools create freedom and diversity for each student. It shows equality for everyone no matter race, ethnicity, or gender. This article can relate back to the education discussion board. These schools can be considered in a "perfect" education system. The teachers read books that are not just involving "Cinderella" or "Snow White." These books are teaching girls that they have to be saved by a boy in order to find happiness. The critics automatically think the teachers are trying to make the boys to feminine and vice verse. In reality the teachers are making the students well-rounded and open minded. I believe the schools are teaching valuable lessons and morals.                                          
1:20PM
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/world/europe/swedish-school-de-emphasizes-gender-lines.html?ref=education

Blog 11: In S. Korea, the best education means a sacrifice for parents

In South Korea families have to separate in order for their children to receive the best education. Choi Seo-yoon and her husband, Kim Ho will live in different towns and homes for the next eleven or twelve years. Their six year old daughter got accepted into a elite international school that is faraway from their current home. Choi Seo-yoon and her daughter will buy a house close to the international school, while Kim Ho stays in Seoul. While the child and mother move closer to the school, the husband remains at home and work. A lot of the schools in the Korean school system are crowded and the students school day is not over until 8 or 9pm. The parents understand that sending their child to a international helps them in the future. Majority of the families that separate to provide their children a better education, say they are happier living a part. The parents have freedom from one another and take time for their self. Kim Ho, said its not a sacrifice because he does get to spend much time with his daughter anyway.

I believe that what the parents are doing for their children is wonderful. The parents are altering their lifestyle for their children. The mother plays a major role in this situation because she actually moves with the child. I can understand how the parents enjoy their time a part from one another, but not for that long period of time.. It seems like spending approximately eleven or twelve years apart could hurt a marriage. The child does not really have quality or bonding time with his or her father. The situation has a lot of positive aspects, but negative ones as well. Children that attend international schools have an advantage to the children that attend regular Korean schools. It seems that the family will have financial issues because they will have more bills. The sacrifice is not only seen in the parents, but in the children as well.

6:20PM
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-s-korea-the-best-education-means-a-sacrifice-for-parents/2012/11/05/6adb0564-256f-11e2-9313-3c7f59038d93_story.html

Blog 10: Chilliwack parent asks education minister to boot Bibles out of schools

On Monday, October 29 Richard Ajabu asked Education Minister Don McRae to stop the distribution of Bibles in the Chilliwack schools. Free Bibles from Gideons International are being handed out to children in the fifth grade. Richard Ajabu is a parent and believes that the passing out of the Bibles are a violation. He believes it violates the B.C School Act that states public school is secular. He thinks it violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A columnist thinks Richard is making a big deal out of something so small. The columnist Jon Ferry does not understand why Richard wants to stop the distribution of the free Bibles. A similar situation occurring in Ontario and is commonly reported in the newspaper. Rene and Anna Chouinard have been fighting to distribute a book about atheism to fifth grade students. They believe that passing out free Bibles is not fair because they cannot pass out their books.

I can understand the perspective of Richard Ajabu. Handing out Bibles to fifth grade students should not be allowed. Most of the students are probably not going to use the Bibles or really focusing on religion yet. Gideons International are wrong because public schools are not suppose to teach or discuss religion. Rene and Anna Chouinard argument is stupid to me because why would someone want to promote not believing in God. They have been fighting the district for two years and still has not reached their goal. Elementary students should not be focusing on religion, but their school work instead. The Education Minister should stop the distribution of the Bibles because its going to create more problems. The free Bibles should be passed out in schools that teach religion or to college students. Richard Ajabu has a valid argument and facts to prove his argument.

Source: http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/10/29/chilliwack-parent-asks-education-minister-to-boot-bibles-out-of-schools/
3:40PM

Blog 9: Pushing For Girls Education In Pakistan: Gordon Brown's Last Stand?

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is going to Pakistan to discuss girls and young women education rights. They are calling it a "day of action" to discuss the problems of education. This event is caused by Malala Yousafzai's act of bravery against the Taliban. Gordon Brown and Pakistan's President are trying to find methods to get five million Pakistan children into school. The "day of action" is focused on providing universal education for all genders. Gordon Brown will visit Pakistan on November 10, 2012 and hopes all of their citizens will support. According to factual data sixty-one million children do not attend school worldwide and over half of that number are girls. Pakistan has a large number of illiterate adults and most of them are females.

This article shows that the importance of education still suffers. Pakistan alone has fifty million illiterate adults and majority being women. It is clear to see that education has never been one of Pakistan's top priorities. It is good to see a man fight for cause that was originally started by a girl. It is also good that Brown and Pakistan's President are concerned with education worldwide, not just in Pakistan. Malala Yousafzai has caused a chain reaction of events that will help the education problems in Pakistan. Pakistan has five million children that do not attend school. This made me wonder what the children were doing, since they are not in school. Its easy to understand why the children are not in school because it seems they have no role models. The children are surrounded by poverty, violence, and no education. Living life with no education is common in Pakistan, but Malala Yousafzai has changed that. Malala proves that a voice is powerful and can ignite change. Negative things are being said about Gordon Brown, but he is trying to fight for a significant cause. Hopefully, the "day of action" will go well and have a positive result.

October 24, 2012
5:30pm
Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/pushing-girls-education-pakistan-gordon-browns-last-stand-853057

Blog 8: Angelina Jolie's charity donates $50k in honor of Malala

The Oscar- winning actress Angelina Jolie was moved by Malala Yousafzai's act of bravery. Malala stood up to the Taliban expressing her feelings that her and others should be allowed to attend school. The Taliban shot Malala in the head and neck because of her statement. Angelina felt the need to explain why and what happened to Malala, to her six children. Her children did not fully understand and began asking questions about Malala. Her children suggested that the world should build a statue in honor of Malala, they asked why did the men want to kill her, and wondered if she had any pets. The answer Angelina told her children was that "an education is a powerful thing." Angelina decided to donate fifty thousand dollars in honor of Malala to to Tina Brown's Women in the World Foundation. The organization is creating a Women of Impact Award for Girls Education in honor of Malala Yousafzai and all donation will go toward girls education in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Malala Yousafzai has inspired all genders and people everywhere are praying for a fast recovery.

I believe what Malala Yousafzai did took courage, strength, and faith because she was brave enough to say what others were thinking. The Taliban had no right shooting her and they should be punished immediately. Angelina Jolie's choice of donating money was wonderful not only for Malala, but girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Women of Impact Award creates hope and encouragement for girls across the world. This proves that one voice can affect millions of others directly or indirectly. I believe that Malala should be honored with a statue because she did a powerful and fearless thing. Education is the key to success and being denied that only results in failure. This causes me to be thankful that I was always allowed a free education through K-12 grade. This situation caused me to stop complaining about all the work and papers I have to write and just be grateful that I was able to further my education.  Malala Yousafzai has inspired and impacted millions of people. Like many others, I am also praying that she has a fast recovery.

Source: http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/17/angelina-jolies-charity-donates-50k-in-honor-of-malala/
September 17, 2012
5:41pm

Blog 7: Before a Test, a Poverty of Words

This article discusses the differences in intellect among children from different economic backgrounds in the state of New York. Children whose parents are professionals have a higher chance of receiving a better education than children from low income families. The children with a better economic background know thirty-two million more words by the age of four than a child growing up in poverty. The majority of children that attend elite public high schools are not black or Hispanic. In order to get accepted into an elite public high school, students have to take a Specialized High School Admission Test. The three sections of the test include math, reading, and critical thinking. The NAACP and other organizations argue that the test is unfair against black and Hispanic children. The organizations do not agree that a decision should be determined by a single score on a test. People are complaining because they believe the children from better economic backgrounds are more prepared for the test. New York's Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg defends the the Specialized High School Admission Test process because children from lower income families can receive free exam preparation. Children that are from families of poverty have a disadvantage compared to children from middle or high class families. The main topic of this article is to explain that a successful education begins once the child is an infant. The way to start children off in the right direction is to talk, read, and teach children.

The Specialized High School Admission Test reminds me of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The SAT is the main factor in determining where someone gets accepted to attend college. Like the test in New York, the SAT consists of three sections. Children with free or reduced lunch can take the SAT two times and send their SAT results to colleges without paying. I did not have free or reduced from K-12. When it was time to take the SAT, my parents paid forty-nine dollars and ten dollars to send my results. It's easier to take the SAT for children with low income backgrounds, but harder for other children because they have to pay for everything. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has a valid point stating that children from low income families receive free preparation. The children from low income families usually are not focused on taking an exam and receiving free preparation. It's not that the children do not want a good education, it's their environment that influences their decisions. Most kids from poverty do not see role models in their community with a education. So comparing children whose parents are professionals to children that are from low income families is not fair. Every parent has to start teaching their children minor things when they're younger in order to help them in the future.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/nyregion/for-poor-schoolchildren-a-poverty-of-words.html?ref=education
October 10, 2012
8:55PM

Blog 6: Cheerleaders With Bible Verses Set Off a Debate

In a town in East Texas there is a heated debate involving middle and high school cheerleading squads. The cheerleaders are making banners with bible verses displayed at Friday night football games. The cheerleaders believe that the bible verses are less negative than the typical slogans on the banners. The parents and the cheerleaders are suing the Kountze Independent School District and its superintendent, Kevin Weldon. The cheerleaders argue that the school district are prohibiting their freedom of speech and religious rights. On Thursday, October 4 the parents, cheerleaders, and Kevin Weldon went to court to discuss their issue. Kevin Weldon said his decision to prohibit the cheerleaders from putting Bible on the signs violated the school's policies and discriminated against the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders attorney David Starnes argued that the cheerleaders Bible themed verses are protected by private speech. The squads do not understand why the school district is upset because the banners do not require school funds. The cheerleading squads understand that people of other faith maybe offended, but they are just supporting their football team.

I agree with the cheerleaders because they are not doing anything negative. They are simply supporting their team in a different way. When attending a  football game the banners usually has a phrase like "Take them down" or "Beat the Bulldogs." The bible verses are more encouraging, not only to the players, but fans as well. The banners with Bible verses offer the fans a different perception of school and the cheerleaders. I believe Kevin Weldon, the superintendent knew it was wrong when he prohibited the cheerleaders. The squads have valid points such as, the banners do not use school funds and the district is violating their freedom of speech. If I was the superintendent of a school district and cheerleaders from my district were making themed Bible verse banners, I would be proud. To me the banners prove that the cheerleaders are mature and know the real meaning of a team. It's not about how much weight training you do, how many tackles you have, or who wins the game. It about knowing the God really gives you strength on and off the football field.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/05/us/in-texas-cheerleaders-signs-of-faith-at-issue.html?pagewanted=2&ref=education
October 5, 2012
12:51pm

Blog 5: ASU joins global education program

More students from the continent of Africa will be attending Arizona State University. On September 25, the United Nations recognized a global education program. Arizona State University will receive approximately twenty-eight million dollars in the next seven years to educate one hundred and twenty students from Africa. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is sponsoring the program and there goal is to educate fifteen thousand students from Africa. The program will help less fortunate students earn a bachelor's degree and then go back to their country to work. Many of ASU's staff want to work with the students in person and their communities. A lot of the students plan to major in engineering, math, and science. There are six universities participating in this program such as, Duke, Stanford, and University of California at Berkley.

This program gives students from Africa the opportunity to improve their life and communities. It shows them different parts of the world and how America truly is. This program shows that the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is aware of the education problems in Africa. Through this program America is caring about the advancement of others that are not from the United States. I believe it is good and effective that ASU's staff wants to work with the students physically. It seems working with them in person will make it easier for the students to learn and receive guidance. Students that are apart of this program are hope and encouragement for younger generations. They are a living witness that it does not matter where someone comes from, he or she can still make it. Hopefully, this will cause more universities to join the program because they will see what it can do for African students and their communities. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is the pathway to success for African students and their surroundings.

September 26, 2012
11:32pm
Source: http://www.kjzz.org/content/1209/asu-joins-global-education-program

Blog 4: Western Union unveils new education initiative

The Western Company, UEFA Europa League, and the Western Union Foundation want to support secondary or vocational education in countries worldwide. On September 19 they announced they would send a child to one full day of vocational school with every completed pass in a UEFA game. The program is fitly titled PASS. One of the supporters is Patrick Vieria who is a international football star. He was and raised in the country of Senegal until he was eight years old. He saw the struggles and knows that football was his only way out of Senegal.  PASS hopes to reach one million students within the next three UEFA seasons. The program will provide training for teachers and student scholarships it will focus in eleven main countries: Brazil, Senegal, Jamaica, Mexico, Colombia, Morocco, Russia, Romania, China, Nigeria, and Turkey. Everyone worldwide can contribute to PASS online by donating money. Many of the UEFA players are happy about this program because they can give back to their communities.

I believe the PASS program is effective and creative.The PASS program will effect many children globally because it focuses on particular countries. It tries to help children's life in general not just for the moment .The PASS program helps children in some of the worst countries. Many children idolize professional athletes and know little about their struggles. By athletes like Patrick Vieria helping in PASS shows children that athletes do care about their well being. Patrick Vieria can be an example to children in those eleven countries because Senegal is his hometown. He can relate to their struggle and be encouragement to them. He says that "football was his ticket to success, but education is the key." By Vieria making that statement proves that he values education. He realizes that every child is not athletic or desires to be an athlete.

September 20, 2012
1:31 am
http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/western-union-education-initiative-442793

Blog 3: At Harvard, Suspects in Cheating Take a Leave

Harvard revealed that they are investigating a cheating scandal as known as "academic dishonesty." In one undergraduate course almost half of the students are accused of cheating on a take-home final exam last spring.  Students were directly told to work alone on the exam. The students worked together on the final or plagiarized the answers. The course has not be revealed, but some students say it was a government course called Introduction to Congress with 279 students. The course was well known for being easy and did not require a lot of effort to be successful in it. So far many of the students have took voluntary leave. Some students said there answers were the same because they shared class notes or received help from graduate teaching fellows. If the students are found guilty they could be suspended for a year. Some of the accused students are athletes and face worse consequences than others. An athlete is eligible to play for Harvard a maximum of four years. If an athlete played in only one game and then suspended for a year he or she has used up one of those four years. On the other hand if an athlete takes voluntary leave before he or she plays in a game, they could save year for the future.

I do not think what the students did was right at all, but I do not understand why you would give a take-home final exam. I know when you are in college you are viewed as an adult, but adults cheat and do stupid things too. The exam was in the spring so everyone was ready to get finished with school and start their summer. With that being said the professor should have known cheating was a high possibility. The course already had a reputation for being easy and requiring little effort. So a lot of those students took the class for credit hours and did not take it seriously. Of course some students are not going to be truthful, but that isn't a surprise either. This threatens the athletes worse because it can affect their chance of becoming pro. I think it was the right decision to take voluntary leave rather than a one year suspension. This should have taught the school and students a lesson. Cheating happens everywhere, but the students in that course just got caught. This incident affects Harvard students because the professors will pay closer attention the work being submitted. The students should learn a valuable lesson, which is follow instructions.

September 12, 2012
1:26pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/education/harvard-cheating-suspects-go-on-leave.html?src=un&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fjson8.nytimes.com%2Fpages%2Feducation%2Findex.jsonp

Blog 2: Learning as Freedom

The Council on Foreign Relations organized a task force in March to discuss national security. The task force believed the problems of public schools threatens national security. With the number of undereducated people it affects the United States to defend themselves against enemies and improve the economy. The task force view students as human capital meaning students learning specific skills so they can work in order to improve the economy. Some conservative scholars do not understand why people that are likely to have a low wage job, should further their education beyond high school. Peter Thiel a capitalist offered upcoming entrepreneurs money if they would drop out of college and take computer classes instead. A hundred years ago the idea of a dual education system was discussed and supported by labor federations. The dual system consisted of some students learning skills for a certain job and other students getting a diverse education that would prepare them for college. John Dewey disagreed with the dual system and had his own view of education. Dewey's view was to learn from life while still receiving a education that will take you beyond high school. By learning like this it will make an individual better overall in the work force and personally. The big picture of John Dewey's view is that learning from what you live or have lived is an important form of freedom.

I agree with the philosopher John Dewey's view of education rather than the dual system or the conservatives view. The conservatives are not teaching you anything to improve your life in a positive way. If you are being taught only skills you need to earn a low wage job, your beginning stereotyped as a blue collar worker. The conservatives are not thinking about someones overall well being in life; however they only care about human capital. The dual system does not seem fair because how would you judge if this individual deserves the right to a better education than someone else. The dual system in my opinion would create tension among students because everyone deserves the right to further their education. John Dewey's view about learning from life while still receiving a education is perfect to me. There are some things you cannot learn in school and there are some things you cannot learn just by living life. I have always heard experience is the best teacher, which it is because you know the consequences once you go through something. Education in general is one form of freedom because if you know what you are talking about, where you are trying to go in life, and what you've been through no one can tell you how to live your life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/06/opinion/john-deweys-vision-of-learning-as-freedom.html?_r=1
September 5, 2012
10:58pm

Blog 1: Education

On Trail, Obama Attacks Romney on Student Aid:

 

On Tuesday President Barack Obama was in Reno, Nevada and Ohio to talk about financial aid for college students. He referred to what his opponent Mitt Romney said about student aid. Romney said for students struggling to get financial help for college "should continue to look around and borrow more money from their parents (Romney, Mitt)." Obama believes that Romney will cut all loans and grants, which will drastically drop the college rate. President Obama doubled the amount of the Pell Grant, which helped millions of people able to get a college education. Romney believes that Obama is increasing students debt by offering them some many loans.They two both come from different backgrounds and have different views of life.I believe Obama can relate to the average person, but Romney on the other hand came from a family of wealth.

 

I agree with President Barack Obama because I am a college student receiving student aid. I know for a fact that without receiving loans and grants I would not be in college. Romney's quote about "borrow more money from your parents (Romney, Mitt)" is stupid to me. Most parents do not have thousands of dollars laying around to pay for college tuition. I am from a middle-classed home and my mother or father can not afford to pay for tuition. I would rather earn my degree and be in debt after I graduate than not have a degree at all. I believe Obama is here to help the middle-classed people and Romney to help the rich people. By cutting loans and grants will deny several people from a college education and a better life in general. This issue is so important to me because it will affect me directly and millions of others. Education is one of the keys to success and if you can not receive it because there are no loans or grants is depressing. By cutting loans and grants will decrease the college rate because many will probably drop out or not go at all. The point is most people need financial aid to further their education and if we are in debt after we get that education than oh well. I would rather have a degree, a career, and debt than working at McDonald's with just a high school diploma.

August 23, 2012
2:56 PM

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/22/us/politics/obama-attacks-romney-on-student-aid.html?ref=education