Blog #2 1.24.16

      I have had to use Microsoft word all throughout high school to do essays or projects. I can remember using it in middle school for history fair and science fair as well. (My partner and I went to the next stage of competition with our project in seventh grade, Whoop Whoop). I use Microsoft word just about every single day now. I've used it in the past to make lesson plans for VBS and I use the notebooks layout to take notes everyday in my lecture style classes. I was involved in a program at my high school called Business Entrepreneurs and my teacher had us complete little assignments using Microsoft word as well. I know my teachers use it to make their lesson plans as well.
      I haven't really had much experience with copyright and fair use of materials so far. I've always known that you have to cite your sources in a bibliography or 'works cited' page but that is about it. I just learned more about the copyright laws in my introduction to education class last year. I know it is very important to give credit where credit is due. So, as a teacher I know it is my responsibility to follow these fair use rules and set a good example for my students. Plagiarism as we know is a huge deal and should not be taken lightly. Even accidental plagiarism can be very bad so it is best we learn how to cite properly. Textbooks and videos are copyrighted but if I obtain a license, I can use them. As teachers, we should go ahead and assume that everything has a copyright, just to be safe.
       Twitter really is an incredible outlet we can use to reach out and stay connected with people in the world. Most college aged people have a twitter to keep up with what is going on in their friends' social lives and to post funny content hoping to get a few likes or retweets. But twitter really is so much more than that. The hashtag (#) was born on twitter and it was helps connect conversations. When a big world event happens it is a way for people to come together and share their voice, opinion or support. For example when Paris was attacked just a few short months ago, the hashtag #PrayforParis gained so much momentum from victims, families, and celebrities. Twitter can also be  powerful tool if you are trying to reach a powerful audience. If a certain tweet directed to a local official or governor gets 10,000 retweets and is basically seen by 10,000 then eventually this person can see it and hopefully listen to what the people are trying to say. The good thing about twitter is that you can follow and be notified about the certain things you want. It is very easy to block people, anti is very easy to find out information. Following accounts that have to do with education can help with questions you have or provide valuable insight.