Georgia Filippides
1. Why does the author, Nicholas Carr, feel like his mind is changing as a result of the Internet?
- Nicholas Car feels like his mind is changing as a result of the Internet. He thinks that the more he is on the Web, the less focused he will be while doing other activities.
2. How does doing research today compare with doing research in a library in the old days, before the Internet? (I know you weren't around 20 years ago, but answer this based on what knowledge you have gathered about libraries in your lifetime).
- There are many differences between getting research in the old days compared to now. Then, they didn't have internet so they would physically have to find books and encyclopedias to at a local library to get sufficient information. Now, you are a laptop away and it takes 5 minutes to find what you are searching for.
3. How have Nicholas Carr's reading habits changed because of the Internet?
- Nicholas' Carr's reading habits changed because of the internet by him not being able to focus after the second or third page he is reading. He feels the need to move around and do something else.
4. How is reading online different than reading a long article or book? Is there a difference? Explain.
- Reading online is different than reading a long article or book because reading online gives more off straight forward and quicker access to it. With articles and books it takes longer to find the exact information you are looking for.
 
5. Do you agree or disagree that our minds think like computers? Explain.
- To a certain extent I feel that our brains are fascinating. we have a significant power of memory and thinking. We aren't exactly like computers but something like it.
6. Do you agree or disagree that the computer "is subsuming most of our other intellectual technologies?"
- No I disagree because no matter what, any individual will experience other technologies regardless. We will adapt to these other technologies without the computer interrupting it.
7. Why do you think The New York Times changed its format? Do you think it was a good idea or a bad idea? Why?
- The New York Times changed its format because the “shortcuts” would give readers a quick sample of the day’s news, sparing them the “less efficient” method of actually turning the pages and reading the actual articles.
8. What does Nicholas Carr mean by "knowledge work?"
- Nicholas Carr means "knowledge work", to depict how the Internet only a machine designed for providing efficient and automated collection, transmission, and manipulation of information that is called "knowledge work".
9. Do you agree or disagree that Google has been successful in its mission "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful?"
- Yes, I agree that Google has been successful in its mission to "organize the worlds information and make it universally and useful". This company provides websites from all over the web to assist any individual around the world with information.
10. How does Google's mission compare with a library's mission in light of the fact that there is no fiction or nonfiction section on the Internet, but there is a fiction and a nonfiction section in a library, and that all the books are organized on the shelves in a library, but "scattered on the floor" of the Internet?
- Google's mission compares with a library's mission because library's only have a certain amount of options that are way less than the internet options they display. Google has so many results that it tends to be a little disorganized.
11. Do you think it would be a good thing if your own brain and intelligence were "supplemented, or even replaced, by an artificial intelligence?"
- No, it would not be a good thing if my brain was replaced by an artificial intelligence. This "artificial" intelligence is obviously a fake brain that never originated in my body. Even if it may be smarter, it still isn't worth an actual human brain.
12. Do you think that the human brain is "just an outdated computer that needs a faster processor and a bigger hard drive?" Why or why not?
- No, I don't think that our brain should be classified as "an outdated computer". Individuals must understand that human brains and the intelligence of a computer have their strengths and weaknesses regardless. They both share a special value.
13. What do you think about your own surfing habits, the links you click on and the pages you view, being an opportunity for "Google and other companies to collect information about you and to feed you advertisements?"
- I am okay with the fact that Google is collecting the information for advertisements. Google is its own company and if they are trying to make money. We use the site for free so we shouldn't complain.
14. How does the above compare to reading a book? Do you agree or disagree that companies online, collecting data about us by what we click on and view, are using subversive tactics to discourage "leisurely reading," and "slow, concentrated thought?" Are you yourself driven to distraction while on the Web? How or how not?
- Yes, I disagree when companies collect data when we click and views things. It isn't fair to the computer user and it is also invading personal property. It seems a bit unproductive as well.
15. Do you agree with Socrates that the development of writing led to people using the written word as a substitute for the knowledge they carried around in their heads? Why or why not?
- Yes, I agree with Socrates thought about how writing led to people using the written word as a substitute for the knowledge they carried around in their heads. The development of writing was the reason for document and stories.
16. Do you think the Internet is doing the same thing? Why or why not? How or how not?
- I think the internet is doing the same thing. The internet is providing new information everyday for many years to have for individuals. Generation by generation the information will be passed down and improved.
17. How do your own reading habits compare to what Nicholas Carr describes in this article?
- I do have some comparisons after reading this article. I do tend to loose focus when I read to long from an article or book. The web may be the cause of this, as Nicholas Carr stated.
18. So, do you think Google really is making us stupid? Why or why not? How or how not?
- I feel that Google is not making us stupid. Stupid is the wrong term. I feel like it is making us more dependent and lazy. Us individuals are heavily relying on Google's information which may become a future issue.

Homework, Part 1:

 1) If you believe that all students should be Web literate, what is the best strategy for your school to prepare you with this skill? Explain.
- Since all schools should be Web literate, the best strategy for my school would be to attend this college research class and ask for assistance to the teacher. This will help you become more aware and experienced with the Web for future purposes. We will definitely be needing as much Web skills as possible because in college, we will be doing many computer tasks that will require past knowledge.


2) What skills should all teachers have to be Web literate? Explain.
- There are quite a few skills that teachers must have to become Web literate. First, they must get a good understanding on how to research information through search engines. Second, they must recognize all types of citation for a students paper. Lastly, they should know academic sources from different websites that students can use for further information.


3) What role should school filtering play in your school district? Explain why schools should block or not block Web sites.
- School filtering plays major role for guaranteeing protection and viruses that can effect the students learning. Social media websites are blocked for purpose. That purpose is to avoid any un academic websites that will prevent the student from focusing on what the task the teacher assigned. Since it also protect viruses, it will prevent the government from having to by more laptops. On the other hand some may feel that there are too many blocks on the DOE laptops. Websites like Youtube are blocked but can be used as a useful website for students.


4) Do you believe the Internet is as big a transformer of culture as the printing press? Explain.
- I do not believe that the internet is as big of a culture transformer than the printing press. The internet was a great turning point to history, but it was not the primary cause of the turning point. Gutenburg's invention of the printing press was first seen to be the start of technology that then after became more advanced. Without the printing press, no one would have been able to start a positive affect on society until many years later. Therefore, Gutenberg's invention was the only official transformation in culture because that's where it all began.


5) If yes, what parts of our culture do you believe will be most affected? Explain.
- Read above.