Google SketchUp

Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program which can be put to use in applications such as architecture, video games, and interior design. Also, the program is said to be relatively easy to use. Google has released most of the program installments and updates, but another company, Trimble, came out with SketchUp Pro 2013. Personally, I think this program looks really cool. From what I have seen on the website, one can make some pretty interesting things on this program. I've see people designing things such as cars, scenes, and even houses and buildings with SketchUp. Also, I believe that this program shows great promise in today's world, since it is very versatile and adaptive to this tech-savvy age.

MakerBot

MakerBot is a 3D printing system which is capable of creating tangible, 3-dimensional objects. Catholic Memorial is planning on getting one in the next year. This device looks pretty cool to me. It can be used in engineering and physics classes during lab studies. It might also be used by something like a robotics club. However, although the MakerBot does look very cool, I do not think it is entirely needed at Catholic Memorial. We have bigger issues to put money toward. For instance, we should work on getting the Wifi fixed before anything else. Also, our computers are not up to par with other schools, so these need work as well. In conclusion, although MakerBot does have its fair share of benefits and educational value, Catholic Memorial simply does not have the time or money to invest in such a device.

Project Fiona

Project Fiona is a gaming tablet that is designed to play PC games. One of the most recent versions comes equipped with an Intel i5 chip, 4 GB of RAM, Windows 8, and a 64 GB SSD. It is capable of connecting to other devices such as a keyboard, an HDMI cable, and anything that connects via USB port. This device is capable of running even high-end games such as Dishonored at a staggering 59 frames per second. This device seems pretty awesome to me. Although I have never really gotten into PC gaming, I'm sure this device makes gameplay very enjoyable. The best part is its portability. This allows a gamer to take the joys of PC gaming on the go. The one downfall Project Fiona has is that it is very expensive. The most basic model costs close to one thousand dollars, and higher-end models can cost up to twelve hundred. This can be a major turnoff for most buyers. But, if I had that kind of money to spend on a gaming device, I would seriously consider making this purchase.

 

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ROTC

I actually plan on doing ROTC for the Navy, or NROTC. I am applying for the NROTC Scholarship to five different units, or schools. These schools include the University of Maine, Florida State University, Boston College, Villanova University, and the University of Virginia. My number one choice is Villanova University. I really hope to get the scholarship, since it is a full ride. ROTC for any branch of the military is an excellent program to be a part of. It can do many things for a person. It can teach them leadership, hard work, and discipline, qualities that are important to have in the real world. It also is a near guarantee that if you do ROTC, you will have a job coming out of college. And this job does not necessarily have to be combat-based. Your job could be something like a nurse, a doctor, a mechanic, and electrician, a firefighter, a computer programmer, the possibilities are endless. I plan on being a nurse after I graduate college. Although it may be a very big commitment, you get officer's pay while you are in whatever branch you choose to be in. In conclusion, ROTC is an excellent choice, since it can give you skills and benefits that will last a lifetime.    

DGBL in Education

Digital game-based learning, or DGBL, is now being employed in classrooms across the nation at all levels of education. Digital game-based learning is in many ways, a good thing. Digital games can encourage students to employ skills such as problem solving, strategy, and free thinking. Digital games can also help students work toward achieving goals, and give them the competitive edge that they need in order to succeed in the real world. Education research analyst Patricia Deubel has found that digital game-based learning helps to develop vocabulary skills and enhance mental quickness.However, digital game-based learning does have its fair share of limitations, as well. For example, many games can be distracting, and actually inhibit learning in the classroom. Also, there is only so much that digital games can teach. For instance, a video game cannot give a student the extra help he or she may need to excel in a certain subject.

Blue Pill or Red Pill?

This is a very different decision to make. Both choices have their pros and cons. On one hand is the blue pill. This pill sends you back to the way things were before, like nothing even happened. If you choose this option, you will not have to be subjected to the horrors of the truth. On the other is the red pill. If you choose to take this pill, you will learn the truth, and work towards freeing humanity. I would take the red pill. I have always wanted to know what the world really is. Taking the red pill would allow me to see the truth, and maybe even free the enslaved human race while I am at it. I would be able to see what the real world really is, and be freed from the illusions that this world creates for us. I also feel that I would reach Enlightenment, because I would learn everything that this world has to offer, and thus gain the knowledge needed to overcome the obstacles in my way.

Bandwidth in Education

Bandwidth is the bit-rate at which an internet connection operates. This can be extremely important in education, because very often it will control how fast a classroom can obtain information. If the Bandwidth is slow, then a classroom may suffer, since it will not be able to do things such as gather research, watch videos, and compile data at efficient speeds. I have experienced a slow Bandwidth myself, and it was very detrimental to me getting the information I needed in order to do my schoolwork. A fast Bandwidth, on the other hand, can help a classroom to excel. A classroom with a faster bit-rate can operate with both speed and efficiency, and this will reflect on the impact to the students.