New and Improved Learing.

Was my learning experience different, with blogging rather than pen and paper? Well, I actually absolutely love blogging. To me, it's much better than assignments on pen and paper, and I feel like I have more initiative to do my assignments. In addition, it's more opinion based, and I actually do my research when it comes down to weekly articles. Also, students are able to view eachothers work, and we can see others opinions, and share ideas, which leads to a broader learning experience. BLOGGING= AMAZING. It's also a really nice break from all the other classes pen and paper assignments. I can do them easily while im on Facebook (;

My Fave (:

My favorite blogging topic from first quarter, by far was, week six: "Moving West" The reason for this is, because all the options were all interactive, such as playing the game, watching the episode of gunsmoke, and listening to a song. They were fun, and interesting, and I enjoyed the blogging experience. The weekly article wasn't too bad either!

...we finally made it. Now what?

Immigrants that arrived at Ellis Island were probably relieved that they had made it safely but anxious and excited and scared all at once about starting up a new life in a completely foreign country in which they do not know the language. They must have felt a slight bit intimidated by all the questions and examinations, and the thought of possibly being sent home. Though, in the end most immigrants were happy and ready to start up their lives anew, to ensure a better life for themselves and their families.

stitch, stitch, stitch, stitching is a b....

The women that worked in these textile factories, worked under terrible conditions, that no one in present day can even imagine. They worked day and night, and were underpaid, and their job was tedious. They would sing in order to relieve their minds, and push them through the long work day. As there were no labor laws in this time period, there were no limits on how long their boss could keep these women, and they were working in dangerous environments also. Also, in addition to their hard work day, they had to go home and take care of their families. Life for women working in textile factories was most definitely a hard one.

"YEE-HAWWW"..... or not.

Hollywood depicts the average cowboy as a handsome rugged, rough around the edges rebel, sitting in a saloon playing cards and drinking up a storm and causing havoc. The light that is shed on them is usually negative.

Going to bars, and picking up pretty women was not all the glory for these men. Their initial job was to herd cattle.Cowboys endured many hardships, and their job took dedication. The men who chose this lifestyle, virtually lived in isolation. Usually men who chose this job were young and single. Cowboys were usually not settled in one place, they traveled from town to town. Their lifestyle definitely took a toll on their health.

The types of jobs cowboys did were, herding cattle, breaking horses, and tending to other agricultural jobs. Nothing was handed to these men, and they had to find work for themselves.Cattle driving was a long and tedious task, as a cowboy had to travel long distances to find cattle, and then all the way back. It also wasn't just a straight journey, it was important to let the cattle stop and rest to keep them well enough to sell. The trek was slow and difficult. Breaking horses was also not an easy task, which could also be dangerous, as wild horses tend to get aggressive.

The conditions in which they worked were ruthless, long days and nights in a dry climate. They didn't have public restrooms, or an ensured place to sleep at night, and sometimes not even clean drinking water. Cowboys were vulnerable to catching diseases such as cholera, which was widespread amongst them. This came to be a problem, as there were not many doctors available. Also, for the doctors in those days, the remedy for sanitizing was alcohol, and infection was a huge risk. In addition to diseases, the men usually chewed tobacco which obviously contributed to many health issues, and bad teeth! If a cowboy lived past 35, they were considered lucky.

A large part of the cowboy culture, was rodeo. This was a chance for skilled cowboys to show off their talents. This was also a form of entertainment, as events included Bull Riding, Calf Roping, and the like. Most of the events were dangerous. Rodeo is a legacy that is still prevalent today, it is a highly commercialized sport in the U.S. today.

So, as you can see the life of a cowboy was rough, and tedious. It was not a job for the weak hearted

 Hollywood obviously has been illustrating the life of a cowboy wrong. They were not just trouble makers who lived life on the edge. Hollywood has romanticized their lifestyle, and most people don't know about the work in herding and agriculture that these men really did. In western movies, cowboys are usually shown picking fights with indians, or outside a bar about to duel, with a tumbleweed blowing around in the background. This was not the reality of a cowboys life. Being a cowboy was a job, which took hard work and dedication. It was a lifestyle choice, once you were in, there was no backing out.


“Sit tall in the saddle hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live
like you ain't afraid to die, don't be scared just enjoy your ride”- Chris LeDoux

Image Source
http://www.cartermuseum.org/collections/smith/collection.php?asn=LC-S59-078&mcat=9&scat=28

play and learn?!

Gaming can be used a learning tool. When a student plays a game, it helps them memorize what happened, and during a test or quiz they can think back to the what happened during the game to deduce what the answer is. It provides new way to gather information, rather than rote learning methods, such as reading, or flashcards. Students will also be enthusiastic about learning. What kid doesn't want their homework to be playing a game?

Oregan Trail revealed the reality of just how difficult it was for the families that were on the journey west. I personally learned how hard it really was, as I ran out of food, and one of the members of my family got sick. Personally, I believe gaming is an effective method to reinforce learning and study habits.

Six word story

Family, hope, and 2000 miles west.