RefWorks

RefWorks is an online database that allows you to import references from multiple sources while also organizing them for you.

With RefWorks you can:

• Create your own personal database
• Import data directly from specific websites, saved text files, online catalogs or databases
• Convert references from other bibliographic management products
• Import from RSS (Really Simple Syndication*)
• Organize and sort with folders and attached files to specific references
• Format a bibliography from a list of references
• Quick/ advance searches available
• Helps format citations "Write-n-Cite"

          * RSS: Standardized format such as blog entries, news headlines, audio and video

Main headers above from: (http://www.refworks.com/Refworks/help/Refworks.htm#Overview_Building.htm), Feb. 22, 2011

RefWorks is also accessible to individuals with disabilities, working with both Window's JAWS* and MS Narrator**.

          * Program for individuals with poor vision or learning disabilities. Special "text to voice" converter.
          ** Also for the visually impaired, full-function screen reader.

Information source: (http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_jawsinfo.asp), Feb. 22, 2011

RefWorks is compatible, and runs properly with the following operating systems and programs:

• Internet Explorer, (version 7.0 or higher), Windows
• FireFox, Mac 
• Safari, Mac
• Word Processor, Windows and Mac
• Mac OS X
• Microsoft Word

Above list as stated from:
Feb. 22, 2011, (http://www.refworks.com/Refworks/help/RefWorks_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf)

My 20

What was the hardest thing about transitioning to the U.S.? (Culture shock)

Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?

What are the school systems like in your country?

When and how do you start learning English in your country?

How does the climate in your home country compare to here?

What are some cultural differences between your country and here?

Who takes care of the finances in your family?

How do you get money for schooling and living expenses?

Who all lives in your home back in your country? (Family members)

What has been the most challenging part about living in the US? Why?

Where are you currently living here in the US?

Have you lost proficiency in speaking, writing or reading in your language since coming to the US?

Are you self-conscious about your fluency in speaking and using the English language?

What are your personal experiences with racism since coming to the US?

What were your preconceptions about the US before coming here and how have they changed?

-TWENTY QUESTIONS-

The Real 20 Questions

1.       Why did you come to the US, and what made you choose SCSU for a College?

2.       What is the schooling system like in your country? (Teacher centered or student centered?)

3.       Is English taught in School? How early is it taught?

4.       How many languages do you speak?

5.       How long will you be here in the states? (1year or till you graduate?)

6.       What is your family situation like at your home? (Parents, siblings, older family members, etc.)

7.       How often do you get to contact your family? Why?

8.       What are some of your ideas of fun/hobbies?

9.       Did you or are you currently holding a Job? If so, what was or is it?

10.   What religions are commonly practiced in your country?

11.   What is the climate like in your country? Do you have many seasons?

12.   Did you adapt well to Minnesota’s weather?

13.   How did you deal with the culture shock?

14.   What has been the most challenging part of living here in the US? Why?

15.   Have you lost proficiency in speaking, writing or reading in your language since coming to the US?

16.   Do you keep up with your home country's news? If you do, what do you feel about current events involving it?

17.   What system of Government does your country use?

18.   Have there ever been issues with racism? In the states and/or your own country?

19.   What are some of the differences in laws between your country and the US? Are some different from Minnesota laws?

20.   Have your perspectives about America changed or stayed the same since you came here?

Twenty Questions

Twenty Questions

1.       What is your name and age?

2.       What is your nationality?

3.       Why are you here at St. Cloud State?

4.       What is your major? Is it different in your home country?

5.       What are some of your major holidays/festivals?

6.       What are some of the more popular foods in your home country? Are any of them your favorite?

7.       What is the climate in your region?

8.       About how large is the population in your country? Do you have any rules/regulations on it?

9.       What is your family status? (Brothers, Sisters, Mom, Dad, etc.

10.    What are some of the genres when it comes to music? Do you have any favorites?

11.   What are some of the fashion trends in your Country?

12.   Who all lives in your home? Do you like the set up?

13.   What types of jobs does your family hold?

14.   Is there a minimum age regulations for getting/holding a job?

15.   Do you currently have a job? If so what is it?

16.   What is your school system like? (Elementary, High School, Secondary, etc.)

17.   Is English taught throughout your school carrier?

18.   Does your family know English? If so, is it spoken in your house hold?

19.   What are the political policies like?

20.   At what age are you considered an adult? Is this the same age for smoking and drinking in your country?

THE BEST - Group Outline #4

Thesis Statement - Global Communication has enhanced the quality of life in prior decades.

1.       Social Impact

a.       Internet

                                                               i.      Social Networking Sites

                                                             ii.      Messenger

                                                            iii.      Shopping Online

                                                           iv.      Blogs

b.      Phone

                                                               i.      Cell Phones

                                                             ii.      Land Lines

2.       Cultural Impact

a.       Business

                                                               i.      Small Companies

                                                             ii.      Corporations

b.      Politics

                                                               i.      International Relations

                                                             ii.      Laws Internationally

Conclusion – As one can see global communication has affected the world in various ways.

Global Communication

Global Communication

                Global Communication is the process of transmitting and receiving information at a world wide scale and has been around since before anyone can remember. Way longer than any of the current generations could possibly fathom. Some may disagree because in recent years the idea of global communication has become easy to do. Communication on a global scale in the past had been difficult due to distance, time, and language barriers.

                Access to the internet has been one of many factors in why global communication has become so fast and easy. It is a more effective way to communicate to others, even if it is not at a global level. An example of this would have to be Facebook.

                Facebook has only been around for a few years, it started in 2004 as a social network. In the beginning it was only open to college students and college graduates. It was supposed to be an easy way for people to communicate with people who were or had been attending school at Harvard. From there it grew even more, to include other college campuses. Not long after could high school students and the public join. As of January 2011 there are now over 600 million active users.

                This type of communication has made it easy for people all over the world to use this and other social networks as a way to send and receive information. One can communicate with their next door neighbor or a person living across the world in another country.

                 The internet is not the only factor, but technology as well. Technology is always changing. It seems to change daily. These changes do not only affect technology itself, but the people who use it and how it used. It can affect the human social life, cultures, and even political issues.

                Besides the internet, common communication through phone use has changed as well. In the past phones needed to be directly connected to a wall outlet and then phone line. Now with the use of cell phones anyone anywhere can easily communication with someone. Cell phones can be seen used by everyone no matter where they are. From sending someone a text message, to checking the weather, calling someone or even using the internet; the purpose of the phone has not changed, but the way it is being used has. Communication still remains to be the main function.

                Language barrios seem to be little to none in present day society. When communicating at a technological level it has allowed people to translate any language that one would, in the past, know nothing about. The English language has also changed the way that people communicate. It has become a language that is being used all over the world and the web. Just like other languages of the world’s past, English is one that has become well known all over the world. It is taught to students of other countries at an early age and is used by many large corporations all over the world.

                When it comes to communication there are many forms in which it has taken. The internet and use of a cell phone are just a two forms. Communication at a global scale or even to the person sitting to the right has become technological in the way people communication and is what this era is all about. Everyone needs to communicate, even if it is something as simple as hello.

Global communication has and will always be a big part of mankind’s everyday life. No matter what form of communication maybe it will only grow from here. The people of the world want to know what is going on and can’t seem to get enough information; meaning communication will never cease to exist.

Winner?

Top Three Stories

1) Alexandra, http://alexandraholkeren191s11.blogspot.com/
2) Kyle, http://kyleenglish191.blogspot.com/
3) KimSiemsen, http://kimsiemsen-en191.blogspot.com/


Five Final Criteria

1) 12 Objects are found creatively in the story
2) Story holds interest
3) Story flows well
4) To the point, not too wordy
5) Grammar/Spelling