LCS Wrap up

This class has taught me about the power of information and the role of our media. The way that we view the world is ever changing. We all have different beliefs, thoughts, ideas, interests and experiences that can influence our beliefs and thought process, and as such we have a duty to ourselves to not just rely on what  we’re told, instead we need to be able to think for ourselves and formulate our own opinions by reading between the lines. This class gave me a better understand of who super PAC’s are and their role in our elections, it’s also made me more aware of the Stand Your Ground Laws giving residents “the right to shoot in defense of their life, if they believe that their life is in danger” and the negative effects this can also have on the public, making it difficult for people in these states with the law to seek help from others for fear that they may be mistaken as intruders and get shot when all they’re trying to do is seek help.

I've learnt to identify the different political viewpoints in reporting which allows me to look at the news in a more objective manner by separating the liberal and conservative viewpoints and concentration on the issue, because of this I've come to realize that although the media can be used as a tool to educate the public it can also be very biased in its reporting. It’s changed my views of journalists, it’s made me realized that I have to start looking at them as people who are not always able to leave their opinions out of their articles and it’s up to me to filter out the facts from their opinions

In terms of politics I've learned that I’m more in line with the independents. There are certain issues that I agree with on both sides of the political spectrum like women’s and gay rights, I believe women should have a right to do whatever they want with their bodies, while at the same time I believe people have a right to protect themselves but think we need better gun control laws.  This class has also taught me that there is a difference between news and the power of information.  News is the presentation of facts as it relates to an event or incident that has taken place whereas information is more general, it’s unfiltered and not necessarily important. Everything can be viewed as information but the stories that are beneficial to the public or that’s considered important is news

There isn't anything necessarily about this course that I would change, except maybe setting a time for each person to post his/her initial post on the discussion board. This would make responding to posts easier instead of having to check the discussion board daily only to have to wait until Sunday night to respond and even then you have to keep your fingers crossed when you log on that two other people posted so you can post your response.

This class has taught me the importance of looking at the big picture, that there are many sides to an issue and it’s up to me to decide which viewpoint I believe in. It’s shown me the importance of research, especially on those issues we don’t understand or believe in, because they can offer us new insight which can reiterate or change our viewpoint. It’s also shown me how blogging can be used as a self-portrait of our own experiences; it can be used as an outlet where we can put our most personal thoughts and feelings.

The topic on global warming was one of my favorite topics to write about. It made me realize that we as a society no longer sit outside and gaze at the stars anymore; instead we’d rather sit inside and watch TV or use the computer and text on our phones. It’s made me realize that we need to take a few moments out of our day to enjoy nature as a whole. It also reminded me of when I was younger and how my cousins and I would chase fireflies in the summer, and it made me realize that I haven’t seen any fireflies in a long time; which made me wonder if global warming and pollution is the cause for this.