Believing and Doubting Game Microtheme 1: Posing

¶ … Believing and Doubting Game

Microtheme 1: Posing a problematic question

Is this boy removing rocks from the site or delivering them to the site?

It appears that the boy is removing rocks from the site. It would appear that the boy is carrying several rocks away from the site, cradling several in his arms. The boy's back is towards the rock pile, so it seems he is in the process of walking away from the site with the rocks. But the boy could just be pausing during his work to pose for a picture then resume, facing in the opposite direction.

The rocks also appear to be very clean, like they had not been on the ground, covered in dirt. Therefore, it is possible that the boy is moving rocks into the area, perhaps bringing them from his home into a more natural area. However, the boy's shirt sleeves have dirt on them, possibly indicating that he has been digging and rooting around in this muddy, dirty area to hunt for the rocks.

The boy seems happy as though he is engaged in a worthwhile endeavor, perhaps indicating he is working to clean up a long-forgotten area. He could be helping with a larger cleanup effort. But, he could also be happy because he has found rocks for something he is building at home. The picture is far too ambiguous to be able to determine exactly what is happening and, without more information, the meaning is open to any interpretation.

Microtheme 2: The Believing and Doubting Game

Statement: Facebook is a good way to make new friends.

Using Listing as a believer:

Access to millions of people

Groups to become a part of Easy to find old friends

Many people may be looking for you

Shows hobbies

Shows "likes"

Shows interests of others

Can search for others who like the same things you do

Shy people feel more comfortable not being face-to-face

Can "friend" people you wouldn't normally go up to in person

Can access it on mobile phone even when you are away from home

Makes you feel like part of a large community

Can share your likes and interests with others

Facebook integrates with other sites to create an even larger community

Using Listing as a doubter:

Exposes user to malware

Exposes user to scams from con artists

Give up privacy

People can lie online

May ignore your "real-life" friends

Connections made online don't feel as "real"

Don't get to know people as in-depth

Many people may look for you do not want to talk to Some info posted online may not be flattering for you

May expose your information to many other web entities

Many people spend more time online than interacting with people around them

Possibility of "herd" mentality

Can't consistently contact people

Statement: If students in a large lecture course can listen to a lecture and surf the web or check email at the same time, then they should be allowed to do so.

Using freewriting as a believer:

Being able to surf the web for information may actually benefit a student and help him supplement his learning. The professor may use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar to the student, so he may need to look it up. The students are adults and they should be treated as such. Many lectures can be boring or cover information the student is already familiar with, so he may be able to move one and not worry about paying attention. But, even if he does miss valuable information, that will be reflected in the student's grades when he is tested on the info. It is the student's responsibility to pay attention to the lecture and, if he doesn't, he will suffer the consequences.

Many professors should embrace this new technology and try to incorporate it into their lessons. This would keep the students more engaged and they would not feel compelled to surf the web during class without approval. It is also important to remember that it was because of the prevalence of cell phones that many catastrophes on campuses have been diverted. Students can communicate with the outside world even when they are locked down. Also many students may be able to contribute to the lecture by checking out things on the web or may even be able to correct mistakes made by the professor if they are able to check online.

Using freewriting as a doubter:

Using phones or other devices to access the web and email during a lecture can be a huge distraction. Not only is the student not paying attention, but the use of the device can be distracting to other students around him. It is also rude for the student to not focus his attention on the professor while he attempts to teach him something. The student should be treated the same way as someone who is an employee in a meeting with his superiors. This kind of behavior would definitely not be tolerated in the workplace and college is a training ground for later employment.