Summary


 * Technology and My Life**

Over the course of my life, technology has shaped who I am as a person. Technology such as the Internet, computers, facebook and cell phones have made me a more rounded individual and made me more proficient in my writing as well. Through these technological advances I am able to find sources more efficiently, write essays faster, and get instant feedback on all of my work within minutes of posting it online. Technology provides me with the means to perform at a much higher level in school by allowing me to quickly accomplish tasks that would otherwise take hours to do. I can only imagine how new technology will aid me in the upcoming years.


 * "Hidden Intellectualism" **

In “Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff, the idea is presented that schools rely solely on a students book smarts and not their street to determine how intelligent they really are. This statement is completely true and I believe it is a detriment to the educational system that only students who succeed in the classroom, and not the ones who possess so called “street smarts” are thought to be more successful later on in their lives. When young children possess “street smarts”, I believe that they have a leg up on the competition, yet they may do poorly in school, simply because the material they are forced to learn is nothing they are remotely interested in. These kids who are actually very intelligent, are seen as the failures simply because they aren’t able to connect with any of the material that the teacher forces upon them. I wholeheartedly believe that if the educational system refined their system and created curriculums that children could actually connect with and enjoy; that the teachers would not only see the “book smart” kids succeed, but the “street smart” children as well. Simple changes to the school day to include subjects such as public speaking, sports analysis, or anything a little uncommon that wouldn’t normally be taught in school would be extremely beneficial to all the children. The children who possess “street smarts” would see a dramatic boost in their grades, while the kids who are more “book smart” could begin to learn how to survive in a world outside of the classroom. With these changes I believe the educational system would be taking huge strides towards a more successful future for the young children, and our world would become a better place.