Blog Entry #3

I had no idea that I could access so much information through databases.  Even while I was reading about databases I was not really sure how to go about accessing and searching the databases. I had no idea I needed a user name and password to access different databases.  I not only learned I needed user names and passwords, I learned where to find them and what they are. I believe it will help me a lot in my other classes.  I have not had much formal practice writing.  The hardest part for me is having enough information to write about.  Maybe having these databases to access more information while doing research will enable me to write more easily. 

When I first heard the word paraphrase my thoughts were that it was a synonym to summarize. I learned that paraphrasing is very different than summarizing.  I did not know that paraphrasing was still a form of plagiarizing if not done properly.  The paraphrasing exercise for me was very difficult.  I found it very difficult to find my own language and rewrite the information without copying it accidentally.  Knowing what I now know about plagiarizing I am very surprised that more people do not find themselves accidentally in trouble for plagiarizing.  Maybe more people do find themselves in trouble and I just do not know about it.

I would like to know more about how fine the line is between paraphrasing and plagiarizing.  Otherwise besides my difficulty finding enough to say I understand the things we learned in this unit.

                                                                 Thanks Jeremy

Digital or Print?

Is digital replacing print?  Yes, in some areas I  believe digital is replacing print.  Areas such as: research papers, newspaper articles, magazine articles, and general information all belong in digital databases.  As the amount of information in fields like these grows it will become harder to store in print form.  Therefore to me it seems logical that all this information should be stored and made available for free on digital databases. 
  It also seems that businesses would benefit from storing there records in digital form. It would save them from having to store as much paper as well as being more environmentally friendly. They would also be able to create backup information in case something happens to there office.
  As a student I feel it would be a lot easier to have my school books on a digital device or able to access them through digital databases.  If my books were on a digital device I would not have to carry a backpack.  If my books were on a database I could access them a lot easier from a lot more locations.  I would also like to think that maybe without having to be printed the books could be made a lot less expensive. 
  When it comes to doing research I find it really helpful and more efficient to be able to access large amounts of information in one place such as with digital databases.  However when it comes to reading for pleasure I hope that digital never replaces print.
                                                                                    Thank you, Jeremy

Hello English Class

Hi my name is Jeremy Irvin.  I am 33 years old and until last semester I had not been to school since the first couple months of my freshman year in high school.  I struggle a little due to my lack of experience but still manage to enjoy myself some and keep my grades up.

 My girlfriends name is Tonya we have been together for five years. She is a waitress at chili's and has worked there since they opened. She really enjoys her job. I do construction work for a local cable company.  While I do like my job, I hope to one day do something other then construction work. I am not sure what that is. So far in school I have not chose a major.

I love aquariums and exercise.  I have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium full of African Cichlids. I really love watching my fish and working on my aquarium.  I hope that one day soon I will be able to afford a saltwater aquarium.

We have two dogs, Sierra and Diamond. Diamond is not really ours we keep her for a friend. Sometimes my dogs drive me crazy but most of the time all they do is sleep.
During the winter time I dedicate my time to school and work but when summer time comes around it is all about the water. I enjoy swimming, kayaking and camping. I hope to spend as much time as possible this summer doing all three.
I enjoy online classes but have to admit I dread this class mostly because I have a real hard time with writing. The hardest part for me is the word requirements. I always find myself struggling to get enough words on the page. I hope I figure out a way to make that a little easier on me this semester. I am very happy to be getting the semester started.
                                                                           Thank You, Jeremy