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Stay tuned for future class communications! Scroll down for earlier postings!
(Today's posting is not the first!.)
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For persons who don't like animated icons (e.g., dancing tomatoes or smiling apples) or background photos (e.g., rainforest photos with a lot of leaves, or artistic interpretations of nature by the instructor), set your browser preferences so it will NOT display icons and graphics. You will then get a clean text page with the background color you have specified in the preference -- if you want the feeling of reading a book, specify white (sorry, you must still scroll to move down the page).
Scroll down for a clean picture of the rainforest!
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Saturday, November 14, 2009.
Case Study 1 (online class only)
All submitted case studies postings have been graded. The very simple grading criteria (possible deductions and points deducted) are listed in the Case Study Instructions (as you already know since you should have read the page with care before you submitted). The following grades were possible: 100 = no deductions; 60 = 1 deduction; 40 = more than one deduction (40 was the lowest grade any student could EARN, no matter how many deductions).
Grades will not be posted. If you have received a reply from the instructor to your case studies posting with the subject 'Deductions', you need to read it and then go to the Case Study Instructions and read it with more care then you did before you submitted the assignment. I recommend that you do this before you submit Case Study 2.
Most students did not have any deductions -- in other they words read the instructions and paid attention to them before submitting the assignment -- and therefore did not receive a "deductions message", and consequently EARNED 100. Excellent!
Note that the Case Study Instructions have been updated. If you didn't EARN a 100, pay special attention to possible deduction note number 3: If you REPEAT the same (one or all) mistakes on Case Study 2 (as you did on Case Study 1) it will EARN a ZERO (0) on Case Study 2.
Have a good Sunday!
Dr. Nilsson
I literally brewed a jar of coffee and had about 5 every time I sat down to work on this class, I knew all the reading that was awaiting me. ... I read them all (or so I think), until finally at the end I get it! ... Unfortunately I belong to the group of students who are "coached" for every test or assignment, reminded by the teacher every day of deadlines, so at the beginning this class I thought it was hard because there was no coach guiding my every step, but a teacher who took the time to put the most reading assignments I had ever had (even in classes combined) in one class. I had never read so much for a single class. ... I didn't even know I could store so much information in my brain in so little time! ... only the people that actually use their brain will pass this class; only the ones that care and dedicate the time. Finally, a real class! I got this now, keep the challenges coming!!! (Student, Environmental Biology, Fall 2009.)
... and here is some more to read!
Thursday, November 12, 2009.
Linking Class Discussions
What has evolution, space, and education to do with each other? Let's link these discussions (and perhaps some more) with the help of the article below. Click on the article to read it. I know, so much to read in this class. Do as the student who wrote the text in the box above -- BREW SOME COFFEE! Again, Diana, thank you, for the class evaluation.
The Catholic Church has a very strong scientific research program. I guess that is one use of the money you give to the church every Sunday, if you are a Catholic. So, who cares, you are not Catholic? Well, if you are not, I hope you belong to one of the denominations that value QUALITY EDUCATION and CRITICAL THINKING, and not one full of BLIND 3000-YEAR-OLD-BOOK WORSHIPPERS. Never-the-less, the article is not very long and discusses some things that might be worth thinking about.
"Also, the dedicated pursuit of scientific knowledge deserves our respect, and we should never be close-minded or dismissive of scientific claimsif ever they seem to threaten our understanding of God's revelation to us." (Bishop Raymundo Pena)
We are on the brink of destroying our planet by global climate change caused by greedy, materialistic, self-indulgent, and "anything goes" human behavior, and I claim that the main reason for this behavior is an ever-increasing poorly educated superstitious faith based human mindset -- not understanding how the real world works -- allowed to rule and control interaction with the planet. Dr. Jan A. Nilsson
Is this India? If you missed the Evolution MidTerm Key Quiz you missed a map question. What map do you see above? Many students in this class apparently don't live in the United States -- according to the answers given in the Evolution MidTerm Key Quiz many live in India, while some live in France, and a few live in California. OK, the latter is in the United States. Since I am from Sweden I have always wondered why they have a map of India on highway signs in Texas?
We are getting closer to the "Reply to The Serve". The Town Hall information page is about to be updated. Stay tuned! Students who participated BEFORE the midterm, or AFTER the midterm or both BEFORE and AFTER will be able to participate. But if you have NOT participated in any of the discussions you cannot participate in the "Reply to The Serve" and you will EARN a zero on the Town Hall Assignment. I am not sure, but I think the students who had not participated at all in the evolution discussion left the class with the students who missed the Midterm Exam.
Pop-Posting
Pop-posting is similar to a pop-quiz. Surprise! Students don't know when a pop-assignment will show up. That is the purpose! Usually pop-assignments are given for attendance checks, to see if students are participating / studying / paying attention.
In a regular classroom class a pop-quiz would affect your grade if you missed the classroom meeting when the quiz was given. Since online classes don't have classroom meetings, and the classroom meetings in hybrid classes are limited, the pop-posting assignment FLAGGED on this page (on Friday, October 30, and opened up on Sunday, November 01) -- was available for a week (until Sunday, November 07).
Some students appear to think that they can "leave" an online or hybrid class (and "disappear"), and then come back as if "nothing has happened" to continue with the class several weeks or even more than a month later. If you adhere to such a "method" you risk loosing grade points -- in addition to not learning what the instructor intends for you to learn.
If you are a student who thinks that you don't have to participate in college classes on a weekly basis, you need to change your habits and attitude. In this class you just lost the points for not "posting in all bulletin boards". If it did not mean loosing points, it would not be fair to students who participate EVERY or EVERY OTHER DAY throughout the semester, the word would soon be out that one does not have to do anything for a couple of months in the class.
The instructor posts new messages (like this one) several times a week FOR A REASON -- on the Class Communication Page or on the Blackboard Town Hall Content Page. I don't like to "talk to myself". When I "talk" I want students to listen -- especially those students who repeatedly asks questions via e-mail or in the Class Help Desk about what has already been explained.
Now, if you don't READ what the instructor posts, and you don't really care what grade you get -- if a C is fine with you, then I am not going to be the one who insists that you participate more. This class is easy if you just wish to earn a C, but if you desire an A, you need to remember the "rule of thumb" for work in college classes, and participate as is expected by an A student.
A couple of students who pop-posted appear not to have read the description of the pop-posting assignment posted on the class communication page, but rather discovered the new bulletin board by using the eyes, something 75 percent of the students in class didn't do. So I am not going to speculate if they did or did not read the instructions on the Class Communication page -- all students who posted something in the pop-posting folder will "receive the points". Since this was a discussion "bulletin board" assignment located in the "Class Discussions folder" in the Regular course shell, the grade affected is the Class Discussion grade called "posting in all bulletin boards", listed in the Grading criteria under "Minimum Postings Category I". If you did not "pop-post" the highest number grade you now can EARN in this class is a 96. The students listed below -- unless they have missed previous deadlines -- might still EARN a 100.
As with the grade posting earlier during the semester (for the Class Discussion/Reflection midterm grade), the grades below were not listed to inform students that they "earned" a grade for posting in the pop-posting bulletin board. These students already know if they posted. As with most assignments in this class the pop-posting was an "all or nothing grade". You post -- you receive full credit. The grades were posted TO WAKE UP THE OTHER STUDENTS IN CLASS -- students like those who almost missed submitting the Midterm Exam, students who missed the midterm deadlines (7th and 8th weeks of the semester) for the two discussion assignments we are having in this class, and students who (by November 01) missed the required quiz for the continued evolution discussion because they did not sign in to Blackboard -- OR -- did not visit the new evolution bulletin board -- OR -- did not read the Class Discussion page flagging the quiz ( on October 19, and again on October 23) for over 15 days (that is half a month).
Since the postings were spread over 7 different classes, I like to post a message that captured the philosophy of this class. It wasn't exactly what the pop-posting assignment was looking for, and I suspect this student didn't read the pop-posting instructions. (Yes? No?) To those of you not used to "a challenge" because of a high school system that failed you -- with TAKS coaches telling you what to do every day -- in this 140 words twitter world this class may be a "nightmare". You have to read! You have to write! You have to spell correctly! You have to start sentences with a capital letter! You have to put a period after a sentence! You have to recognize the map of the state you live in! You have to do things without being told what to do every day. You have to pay attention! You have to think! Excellent!
Subject: The TAKS world we live in...
Topic: Pop-Posting
Author: Diana Trevino
Date: November 4, 2009 8:26 PM
A lot of people might not believe much less agree with me, but so far this class has been the MOST interesting in my three years in college. This is the class I always talk about to my friends and family and the one that doesn't let me sleep comfortably. It is the most challenging class so far and I LOVE IT!
I'm not trying to get extra points or anything because grades are not given they are earned, I'm simply stating the truth. Never had I been more cautious of what I write, or even worry about what makes sense, until this class. I literally brewed a jar of coffee and had about 5 every time I sat down to work on this class, I knew all the reading that was awaiting me. It took me HOURS to figure it out, link after link, after page, I read them all (or so I think), until finally at the end I get it!
Unfortunately I belong to the group of students who are "coached" for every test or assignment, reminded by the teacher every day of deadlines, so at the beginning this class I thought it was hard because there was no coach guiding my every step, but a teacher who took the time to put the most reading assignments I had ever had (even in classes combined) in one class. I had never read so much for a single class.
I was always told what was going to be on the tests, what exactly to study and the following year I forgot what I was ³coached² to do. Not this class, I'm glad I have an actual professor now not a coach.
I didn't even know I could store so much information in my brain in so little time! I also didn't know I actually had an opinion about evolution, and that it was going to create such a controversy with the people I know. If only there were more professors like Dr. Nilsson, only the people that actually use their brain will pass this class; only the ones that care and dedicate the time. Finally, a real class! I got this now, keep the challenges coming!!!
Thank you, Diana, for one of the strongest positive class "evaluations" written by a student since I started teaching this class. Dr. Nilsson
Excellent!!! With an OPEN MIND coming to college it is easy to "store so much information". I am very happy that you have had to spend more money on coffee this semester because of this class. Don't worry if you don't "sleep comfortably" -- you can sleep during the Christmas break! I lift my hat to you, and also to the other students who pop-posted:
GY2 (3)
Deyanira Garza
Maria Olivarez
Norma Ramos
PY1 (3)
Maria Perez
Roberto Reyna
Graciela Sandoval
Total: 25 students pop-posted, out of 101 students remaining in class (= submitted the Midterm Exam).
Have a good week!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
STUDENTS: Please study the cartoon above with care: When a cartoon artist makes a cartoon about something -- that something has become a serious problem in society. Just like the artist drawing a cartoon is usually not doing it to be mean or disrespectful, the educational cartoons on this page, and other pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice, are not included to be mean or disrespectful to students. Flag burning is not required, because they are included as tools for critical and reflective thinking. They are included to challenge the students to take their college education seriously, and to hopefully make students understand that diminishing academic standards, and increasing problems with grade inflation are major problems in the United States today. Poor academic standards have global implications as to the role of the United States in a world with a global economy. Please read the cartoons and think (and smile if you think they are funny).
Wednesday, November 04, 2009.
Not Interested in the Temporary Opening Of
Class Discussion Quiz
? or ?
Not Paying Attention
I estimate that about 1/3 of all students in class have at this point finished what so far has been available for you to submit of the course. Excellent, excellent!!! You guys, and those of you who are close to finishing, don't need to read the rest of today's posting. Keep up the good work! Keep paying attention, keep posting in discussions, and study for the Final Exam.
The below was posted on October 30, 2009. I believe there are about 10 or so students who missed the Class Discussion Quiz at the beginning of the semester and are still remaining in class. Some of them have send messages asking if the quiz can be opened again be opened up. Well, it is open! So far 1 (ONE) student has taken the quiz after it reopened. Two students have complained about being blocked and not allowed to complete the course. Have they taken the quiz yet? Nooo!
Perhaps it is time to stop snoring and start paying attention? Reading or at least checking this page every day for new messages would be a good start.
The quiz will close FOREVER as per the Semester Calendar at the end of this week. If you are one of the students who are lagging behind with class assignments, and if you haven't looked at the Semester Calendar for a while -- you might want to click on the link. Here is the October 30 message again:
---- Begin copy of old posting ----
As I promised some students -- who missed the deadline for the Class Discussion Quiz earlier in the semester -- I will again open up the quiz for postings for the remainder of the semester (these students have missed the points for the first part of the semester).
Deadlines are real in this class. Several students missed the quiz deadline. However, as a new experiment for this semester I will allow sleeping students access to the Class Discussion Quiz again -- for a short window of time. However, that means that they have already missed 50 percent of the class discussion grade that was tallied during the midterm reading (for posting after the midterm -- see Grading Criteria for details). But remaining 50 percent (for posting after the midterm) is better than nothing -- unless they miss that deadline also...
The Class Discussion Quiz will open on Sunday, November 01, 2009, 1 PM, and remain open for a week, and close again, Saturday, November 07, 2009, 10:59PM.
---- End copy of old posting ----
The cartoon above really tells a good story. Some of the students act like they don't have any classes: When a cartoon artist makes a cartoon about something -- that something has become a serious problem in society. Just like the artist drawing a cartoon is usually not doing it to be mean or disrespectful, the educational cartoons on this page, and other pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice, are not included to be mean or disrespectful to students. Flag burning is not required, because they are included as tools for critical and reflective thinking. They are included to challenge the students to take their college education seriously, and to hopefully make students understand that diminishing academic standards, and increasing problems with grade inflation are major problems in the United States today. Poor academic standards have global implications as to the role of the United States in a world with a global economy. Please read the cartoons and think (and smile if you think they are funny).
Online students, see you online! Hybrid students, see you in the classroom!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
STUDENTS: Please study the cartoon above with care: When a cartoon artist makes a cartoon about something -- that something has become a serious problem in society. Just like the artist drawing a cartoon is usually not doing it to be mean or disrespectful, the educational cartoons on this page, and other pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice, are not included to be mean or disrespectful to students. Flag burning is not required, because they are included as tools for critical and reflective thinking. They are included to challenge the students to take their college education seriously, and to hopefully make students understand that diminishing academic standards, and increasing problems with grade inflation are major problems in the United States today. Poor academic standards have global implications as to the role of the United States in a world with a global economy. Please read the cartoons and think (and smile if you think they are funny).
Tuesday, November 03, 2009.
Not understanding the difference between the Class Discussions/Reflections and the Town Hall Discussion about Evolution
? or ?
Not Paying Attention
While high school to some students might have been a four year long party -- with TAKS coaches now and then nagging students to "study" so they could pass tests -- this is not what STC is about, and especially not this class. This is a WORK CLASS and it trains students to think, pay attention, work hard, and obtain knowledge about the world we live in -- in order to understand it so that we can take better care of it.
This was also posted as an update to the list of grades posted on October 15, 2009, on this page.
The Class Discussion/Reflections grades posted were the grades indicated in the subject title. PLEASE READ THE SUBJECT TITLE AND PAY ATTENTION! (To read it scroll down to October 15.)
Class Discussion/Reflections grades were posted on October 15 the week before the Town Hall Evolution discussion midterm grade reading deadline -- WHEN THE EVOLUTION DISCUSSION WAS STILL ONGOING AND HAD NOT REACHED THE GRADE READING DATE POSTED IN THE SEMESTER CALENDAR.
Since then, the Town Hall Evolution midterm grades have NOT been posted and will NOT be posted - never, nunca, aldrig. It is the students responsibility to remain updated and keep track of their own Town Hall postings by accessing "My Progress", or "count" your own messages in the bulletin boards. For postings in the Town Hall you must also remember that your Class Help Desk postings will be included in the numbers given in "My Progress". Perhaps counting your own messages -- or better yet, keep backup copies of them to help you keep track of what you have posted -- is not such a bad idea.
If you don't understand that there is a difference between the assignment for which grades were posted on October 15, and the Town Hall discussion (grades never posted) I strongly recommend that you spend more time reading the (this is a link -- click on it) Grading Criteria (this is a link -- click on it) . On that web page the question, "What is the difference between the Category IV: Class Discussion and Category VIII: Town Hall Meeting?" is answered.
Finally, the Class Discussion/Reflections grades posted on October 15, were not posted to assist students to see if they were "paid" with a grade for doing a class requirement, and it was not posted to help students keep track of their postings -- you use "My Progress" for that purpose, and the "payment" is EARNED at the end of the semester when you receive your grades from STC. It was posted to wake up students who didn't participate in the class.
I hope this was helpful. Have a good week! The Midterm Exam clock is ticking... Online students, see you online! Hybrid students, see you in the classroom!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon is used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, downloaded, from http://www.thismodernworld.com/.
Sunday, November 01, 2009.
Blackboard problems
There have been intermittent problems with Blackboard all weekend. To hopefully solve the problem and to speed up the Midterm Exam taking for student still struggling with finishing that exam (some students have had problems with chapter quiz 6, some with the password for the exam), I will REMOVE the password as soon as I again have access to Blackboard. (That may or may not happen until tomorrow since the Blackboard Help Desk is not open.) As with anything done on a computer -- these things happen. It is NOT a good method to procrastinate! Stay tuned!
New Month!
It is November and summer daylight savings time is over. I hope you are keeping an eye on the Semester Calendar!? We are approaching the end of the semester.
Except for the discussions, some students have already finished what can be finished at this point. Excellent!!! But don't forget the Semester Calendar, new assignment deadlines are at the horizon.
HYBRID CLASS. The hybrid classes meet again this week. Excellent! This is GENETIC ENGINEERING WEEK. See below for details.
WORKSHEET QUIZZES. The worksheet quizzes required this semester was the Darwin (Natural History Museum Visit) Worksheet Quiz, and the Evolution Worksheet Quiz. The due date was Thursday last week, as noted in the Semester Calendar.
DISCUSSIONS. The REGULAR Class Discussion/Reflection (Reaction) is not due until December, but if you think 40 postings is much you could possibly miss the grade points by posting only 39 or less. Keep posting. Most students post around 80, double the required minimum. You cannot come at the end of the semester and complain that you lost the points if Blackboard only has you recorded for 39 postings. 40 postings are EASY (an elementary school level requirement) and most students post much more. Excellent!
The Midterm grade for the REGULAR Class Discussion/Reflection (Reaction) has been posted on this page. All students who had the MODIFIED (watered down) minimum 15 postings, BY THE GRADE READING DATE, received the points as noted in the Grading Criteria. All other students receive a zero. Again, THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED ON THIS PAGE!
After the midterm reading the TOWN HALL discussion has changed topics. Some students participating actively before the midterm have so far been markedly absent on the new topics. Remember, the discussions are graded separately. Also remember that the evolution Town Hall discussions end at a date EARLIER than the regular course shell discussions. In about 3 weeks we will end the evolution discussion with the 2-day Town Hall Meeting. All three Town Hall parts (before midterm, after midterm, and town hall meeting) are graded separately. ALSO NOTE THE FOLLOWING GRADING CRITERIA: A student who has not participated in at least ONE of the preceding discussions will not be able to enter the Town Hall for the final 2-day discussion (Blackboard will block participation).
This is to prevent UNINFORMED postings, since the discussions preceding the Town hall Meeting are EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSIONS to LEARN about evolution. (You do not have to have participated in both -- you will already have lost points for that if you didn't participate in both, but for the final Town Hall Meeting you MUST have participated in at least ONE of them...)
The Midterm grade for the TOWN HALL Evolution Discussion has NOT been posted on this page and will NEVER be posted on this page. Grades posted by Blackboard will normally not be posted. To keep track of your Town hall postings you must go to "My Progress", or "count" your own messages in the bulletin boards. All students who had the minimum 10 postings, BY THE GRADE READING DATE, received the points as noted in the Grading Criteria. All other students receive a zero. Again, THIS HAS NOT BEEN POSTED (and will not be posted) ON THIS PAGE! If it was necessary for you to know your grade you should have made sure that you had posted 10, and checked "My Progress", BEFORE the grade reading week started. (See the Semester Calendar for the dates of the grade-reading week.)
Apparently some students are confused about the discussion assignments. If the grading is confusing -- DON'T WORRY I KNOW THE GRADING AND THAT IS WHAT COUNTS. The only thing you need to know is POST, POST, and POST in all bulletin boards. YOU WILL NOT GET A GRADE DEDUCTION IF YOU POST TOO MANY!!! If you post 1 message in each Town Hall BB every day this week you will easily pass the minimum with no need to know what is the minimum. It will take a little more for the Regular discussion, but those discussions will continue into the month of December. If you don't know how many discussion assignments there are, then READ THIS PAGE AGAIN, or go to the Grading Criteria and count them. If you look at the "assignment overview" is should be fairly clear.
Talking about elementary school level. As you have noticed I have posted "tomorrow cartoons" by Tom Tomorrow. If a student, as observed in this class, cannot recognize a map of Texas, do you think that student had a good high education? Hmmm!!!??? Look at the education cartoon below and start thinking. Hmmm!!!??? Something to discuss in the education discussion?
MIDTERM EXAM. The midsemester point was in the middle of October -- which is really when all students SHOULD have finished the Midterm Exam. However, you have until the day given in the Semester Calendar, which is this week.
Since the online warning last week I have notice student's hurrying activities -- by students who have not yet passed chapter quiz 1, 2 or 3. Excellent!
To the students who finished the Midterm Exam two weeks ago -- BY THE MIDTERM -- or earlier, I lift my hat. Keep up the good work! Excellent!
As posted above, there have been intermittent problems with Blackboard all weekend. To hopefully solve the problem and to speed up the Midterm Exam taking for student still struggling with finishing that exam (some students have had problems with chapter quiz 6, some with the password for the exam), I will REMOVE the password as soon as I again have access to Blackboard.
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE!
Genetic Engineering
The first part of this genetic engineering note is directed primarily to the HYBRID class students. But even online students should read the posting because there are some notes that may be useful, since online student will have the same class discussion -- with or without the video. (It is a great video, I recommend renting it or buying it. It can often be found in the $5 box at Wal-Mart.) The latter part has comments for the whole class about the topic.
Hybrid classes meet in the classroom this week. We will view GATTACA, a futuristic Hollywood movie about genetic engineering. Agenda for the class is below. To get to the reading assignment, click on the button below.
Class Meeting Agenda:
10 minutes after scheduled start of class -- to end of the movie.
Movie: GATTACA (Length of the movie, 1 hour 50 minutes. There will be a 20-minute break after about 1 hour.)
-- I am sure you know when your class starts. Whatever is your regular scheduled class time -- the video starts 10 minutes later. BE ON TIME! Students arriving late, after the movie has started, will NOT receive any points for viewing the movie!
-- I usually start the class a few minutes late to give students a chance to get from the parking lot, but the video will start exactly on the dot, at the time indicated10 minutes after the official class start-time!
Starr County students meet in the auditorium -- unless there is some at this point unknown activity that takes precedence.
10 minutes after the end of the movie -- to end of class.
Question session about the class. Students who are doing fine and don't need any help do not have to attend. .
A bit of teaching philosophy for this course:
Video Attendance
Most students in all hybrid classes were on time last time (unlike the first class meeting). I appreciate that.
This was discussed during the first classroom meeting, but to avoid having you miss grade points, keep in mind the following:
Only student attending the videos, on time, not leaving the room during the videos, or not leaving early, will EARN video attendance points. This includes returning on time after the break.
-- Again, I usually start the class a few minutes late to give students a chance to get from the parking lot, but the video will start exactly on the dot as explained above!
Students who had problem finding a parking space last time -- plan ahead!
You are not graded on whatever reason it was you missed a class meeting for, nor on some sort of make-up. You EARN your grades on assignments and participation in the course as intended by the instructor.
Every semester there are students who think that showing up for class on time is not important. For this reason here is a comment about tardiness:
If you miss the start of the video -- with 1 second -- you miss the points, so it is probably best to show up early. BE ON TIME -- as per the teaching philosophy of this instructor I will not let students disrupt the videos by walking in an out the door after the video has started! If you walk in late I cannot stop you -- we live in a free country, but you will not receive any grade points. Remember this, if you are one of those students who always show up a couple of minutes late: (I am using the 6PM class as an example. Your class time may be different.) If the class starts at 6.00pm, in reality -- if you miss the start of the video with only 1 second, you are already 10 minutes late! (The video starts 10 minutes after the start of the class, as noted in the agenda.)
If you don't understand this teaching philosophy: Students who don't show up on time for a class, or leave early, or leave the room to make a phone call, demonstrate to the instructor that they are not really interested in what this class is about -- the phone call is more important. If you are not interested, at least pretend that you are, because a negative behavior will affect the learning atmosphere of the class.
You registered for the class; you know when it starts -- for a grade you must attend as noted in the Semester Calendar and/or the Grading Criteria.
When this is said -- sometimes students may show up late, because of no fault of their own. If so, you don't have to be embarrassed to walk in late -- but you will NOT receive any attendance points.
You have the option to go to another class to make up the points...
Also, YOU MUST WATCH THE VIDEO. Students doing homework or writing love letters in the dark will be asked to leave the room!
Soon after taking over as president Obama overturned Bush policy on stem cell research. Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/09/obama-administration-stem-cell-funding. "By signing yesterday's order, the president said, he was making "the change that so many scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones have hoped for and fought for these past eight years". Mr Obama has made few more important changes than this in his seven weeks in the White House. With one mighty bound, the United States has rejoined the 21st century." Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/10/obama-stem-cell.
After living in religious opium fog (using Karl Marx expression) in the Middle Ages for 8 years under President Bush, the photo below illustrates how President Obama, with his signature, moves Americans and the United States back to the 21st Century. It is nice to be back -- living in the year 2009. I am tired of all that talk about letting God decide our life...
Now, it would be nice if we could do the same thing in this class, when discussion Adam and Eve...
Noted in GATTACA? "You have specified brown hair and blue eyes, and fair skin." (GATTACA Movie- Columbia Pictures) What is the future? Is it already here? Not yet in the U.S., but in Canada and United Kingdom! View the YouTube Video below.
Genetic Engineering Discussion
As posted earlier, at the beginning of the semester, the Genetic Engineering Class Discussion/Reflection in the Regular course shell is a little different than the other discussions. One difference is that it will start closing BEFORE the other class discussions. Genetic Engineering one will close soon after the hybrid classes have had their class meeting at the beginning of November. Start posting!
Have a good week! The Midterm Exam clock is ticking... Online students, see you online! Hybrid students, see you in the classroom!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon is used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, downloaded, from http://www.thismodernworld.com/.
Friday, October 30, 2009.
Happy Halloween!
Temporary Opening Of
Class Discussion Quiz
As I promised some students -- who missed the deadline for the Class Discussion Quiz earlier in the semester -- I will again open up the quiz for postings for the remainder of the semester (these students have missed the points for the first part of the semester).
Deadlines are real in this class. Several students missed the quiz deadline. However, as a new experiment for this semester I will allow sleeping students access to the Class Discussion Quiz again -- for a short window of time. However, that means that they have already missed 50 percent of the class discussion grade that was tallied during the midterm reading (for posting after the midterm -- see Grading Criteria for details). But remaining 50 percent (for posting after the midterm) is better than nothing -- unless they miss that deadline also...
The Class Discussion Quiz will open on Sunday, November 01, 2009, 1 PM, and remain open for a week, and close again, Saturday, November 07, 2009, 10:59PM.
In The News
As if it was planned there were some articles of interest to the class in the Monitor this week...
Is it freedom of speech to make fun of religion?
The authors of newspaper articles do not set the headlines/titles. The headline of the article below is incorrect and misleading. The article has nothing to do with "U.S. speaks out for religious freedom. The correct title should be: U.S. speaks out for freedom of speech -- against Islamic nations that wish to suppress criticism of religion. I bet that the person setting the headline only read a small portion of the article.
The article is about the right to criticize religion!
Like this:
Like this:
We are presently discussing this topic in this class. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, a 56-nation block of Islamic countries are trying to push the United Nations to adopt a resolution that would condemn "defamation of religion" -- e.g., criticizing religion by drawing fun faces of Muhammad. President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton, both claims that this would be a violation of free speech. The people in these Islamic countries obviously don't understand this viewpoint, since there is no freedom of speech in these countries.
Would "What Not To Say", be as popular reality show as "What NOT TO Wear"?
This Ardis Commentary fits right in with the EDUCATION discussion we have in the Regular course shells. I especially like number 6: "Do we have to read the whole thing?" or do we have to read the class instructions, or "Do we have to read the reading assignments?" (or "I rather read printouts of quizzes given to me by students who have already taken the class"), or "There is a Semester Calendar? I didn't know that!", or "I get headaches when I read!".
"The reading you will do in high school pales in comparison to
the reading you'll do in college." (Chris Ardis, 2009)
Imagine that! This instructor is not the only college instructor requiring students to read instructions and reading assignments? Hmmm!!!???
"You can learn so much through reading." (Chris Ardis, 2009)
Imagine that! Is that why students are reading in this class? To LEARN, facts about the REAL world -- and also so that they understand how this class works. Hmmm!!!???
"Whether it's a magazine, the newspaper, a book about vampires
or a comic book... READ!" (Chris Ardis, 2009)
Imagine that! Hmmm!!!???
I have, already earlier this semester, posted Chris Ardis' commentaries for you to read. Below are a few more:
Poem by Chris Ardis
Chris Ardis' poem below was written as a response to a "similar" poem by a high school principal blaming the teachers for bad grades at "his/her" school. Clearly this principal wants education in the Valley to be a facade -- a facade hiding a failing educational system that forces colleges like STC to provide developmental courses to more than half of its students. To read the whole commentary and the principal's insulting poem to the teachers, click on the small copy of the commentary above.
Raise Him Right
Can't you give a re-test? Give this child a break.
He can't be accountable. Oh, for heaven's sake.
He didn't do his homework? He failed a test you gave?
Do not harm his ego. This child you must save.
He's absent, tardy, rude? We all know the game.
Whatever's wrong with kids today, the teachers are to blame.
Did he come to tutoring? Is he present every day?
Does he pay attention? Or is school a place to play?
What if I teach daily, and expect from him his best,
But because he does not study, he does not pass my test?
If a teacher is not teaching, of course that is a shame,
But since you are the principal, you, too, are to blame.
When high school is over, to the real world he must go.
He'll have a great big ego, but nothing else to show.
You do this child no favors, when "Oh poor thing" you say
Raise your expectations, high standards all the way.
So give me back my red pen, and let me teach him right.
If he's held accountable, his future will be bright.
Poem by Chris Ardish. Posted on this page EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College. Published in The Monitor, McAllen September 23, 2008.
Thank you, Chris, for all the columns you have written over the years fighting for quality education in the Rio Grande Valley! This poem was a masterstroke! I am impressed with your artistic poetry, and hope to see more "education poems" in future Monitors! I lift my hat! Jan A. Nilsson, Ph.D. Biology, South Texas College.
Another article I highly recommend is Dr. Wiesenfeld's commentary in Newsweek Magazine! What was it he said again? "But what happens once she or he graduates and gets a job? That's when the misfortunes of eroding academic standards multiply." Hmmmm?!?
Perhaps you should also read this article published in the Monitor in August 2008? Notice the last underlined sentence! Does that sentence explain why so many students think this class is hard? Online and/or hybrid classes are not classes where you come to a classroom to sleep...
MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK
A comment about the paragraphs below that was originally posted on the Class Help Desk on October 26. A student has commented and said that I (the instructor) made up that "excuse". Well, yes, but note what is said in the parenthesis: "or a variation with the same meaning". Below the two paragraphs are some EXCUSES used by spring 2009 students for missing the Final Exam. How many students will miss the final exam this semester? Hmmm!!!???
Start from the Class communication page October 26, 2009.
Every semester I hear the same old, same old from the high school educated students, now taking college courses: "Why do I have to spell correctly?" -- or -- "Why do we have to spell check our messages before we post them on Blackboard?" Related to the attitude of spelling I also hear, "Why do we have to turn in things on time?" Actually, the question posed is usually more like this (or a variation with the same meaning):
"I know I missed the deadline for the Midterm Exam, but could you spend some time over the weekend to change Blackboard settings to open up the Midterm Exam assignment for me so I can turn it in? I didn't think the assignment was important (nor the class) and therefore I didn't pay attention to the deadline, but I think YOU (the instructor) should think it is important to allow me to turn in the assignment even if it is late."
End from the Class communication page October 26, 2009.
Here are some EXCUSES used by students spring 2009 for missing the Final Exam. Enjoy!
Student :
I simply overlooked it -- I was online so I could easily have taken the exam
"I did not take part 2 of the final because, 'I simply over looked it'. Now is there any way that I can still take that part of the final... ? I was online last night reading the postings from my classmates so I could of easily had taken the part 2 to the final."
Instructors comment: Simply? Part of the grade in this class is based on students reading the instructions for each assignment. Why did you not? And, if you didn't read the instructions for the final exam, how many other instructions have you not read during this 10-week semester?
"If I were a teacher I would allow a student to take the quiz or the final because not allowing him or her to take the test might be the one incident keeping them from dropping out of school. I think that we should encourage students to continue with their education and we should do everything we can to promote that. My point is that as an educator, I don't think it is our job to discourage students. Not allowing a student to take a test is just that. "
Instructors comment: Discourage? And how do we teach consequences?
In the real world when you missing deadlines, there is something called
C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Student :
Heck its my birthday today and maybe you might grant me this wish
"I completely forgot about the final... heck its my birthday today and maybe you might grant me this wish. Is there any way you can open the final exam whether is just be for 1 hr or 12 hrs. I just thought it wouldn't hurt to ask, the worse that can happen is you say 'Heck no' and laugh it up."
Instructors comment: Heck? I don't give birthday presents to students -- it is unethical.
"Or just maybe something to do for extra credit to earn points for those who need or want extra credit points. Just an idea."
Instructors comment: Extra Credit? This is not high school.
In the real world when you missing deadlines, there is something called
C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Student :
I organized my brother's wedding in two days and I was very busy I totally forgot
"I was just wondering if the final was open because it was not working and i didn't take it sorry for the inconvenience.
Instructors comment: It was not working? What was not working?
"because in my house my computer wasn't working that well and I called my neighbor to user his computer"
Instructors comment: Your neighbor's computer? So why did you not take the final exam on the neighbors computer?
"because like I told you we organize my brother wedding in two days and I was very busy I totally forgot and when I realize that the final was due I remember too late.
Instructors comment: Your brother's wedding? You first appeared to say that you missed the final exam because Blackboard didn't work. Then you told me it was because the computer didn't work (you said you even asked if you could use your neighbor's computer). Now you are saying you missed the final exam because you organized your brother's wedding (which is more important than your education) and "totally forgot" and when you "realize that the final was due I remember too late". Which of the three explanations should I consider?
In the real world when you missing deadlines, there is something called
C O N S E Q U E N C E S
You cannot miss the Midterm Exam,
if you wish to still have a chance to pass this class!
Students who do not submit the Midterm Exam on time, on or before the deadline -- most students submitted the exam a month or more ago -- is not participating in class as intended by the instructor and will be BLOCKED from further access to Blackboard -- both on the Regular class shell and the Town Hall class shell!
To get access to the Midterm Exam you must first pass Chapter Quiz 1 - 6 with a minimum 94 and Geography Drill 1 with a minimum of 94. One student took the Midterm Exam after 3 days! The day of the deadline students will have had ten (10) WEEKS to gain access, take and submit the exam. If you miss the deadline you must face the consequence. There will be no exceptions. The consequence will be an F for the course or removal from the class roster (drop) by the instructor.
In the real world when you missing deadlines, there is something called
C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Pop Posting
As some of you might have noticed I try to use this page to help students to help themselves -- the same principle as used in the Class Help Desk, as cleverly noted by this student:
--- Begin quote ---
"One more thing, I have to say that the unique way Dr. Nilsson answers questions or doubts is very detailed and perhaps the best way I have seen to make us learn and really think about what we are writing and asking. What I am really trying to say is that he doesn't answer the question he makes you think! Perhaps this is the only way an educator can get students to think on their own." (Environmental Biology Student, Spring Semester 2009.)
--- End quote ---
How many students have not yet found this page? Experience from previous semesters indicates that after about a month to 6 weeks of the semester about HALF of the students have not yet read ANYTHING on this page. Imagine that! So for this reason I posted a direct link on top of the Blackboard Home (Content) Page. Les see if this has changed things!
In addition, after studying Blackboard visitation statistics I know that there are "students" (?) WHO STILL CONSIDER THEMSELVES STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS WHO HAVE NEVER ACCESSED THE TOWN HALL COURSE SHELL. Imagine that!
In other words, these students think that this class consists only of the regular course shell -- they have no idea about Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice with at least 2/3 of all class information, they have no idea about the Town hall with Class Help Desk and Evolution discussions.
It is POP-POSTING TIME! Just like you can get pop-quizzes I am going to give you all a pop-posting. We are going to do a little fun experiment: A new bulletin board has opened up on the Regular Course Shell. Some of you with good eyes might have noticed it in the Class Discussion/Reactions folder.
This new bulletin board also coincides with the TEMPORARY opening of the Class Discussion Quiz in the same folder. It will open on Sunday, November 01, 2009, 1 PM, and remain open for a week, and close again, Saturday, November 07, 2009, 10:59PM.
To show that you are participating in the class, and to show that you have read this page, I want you (ALL STUDENTS) to post a comment, in this bulletin board, about the cover page of "Advocate" posted September 27, 2009 (with a photo of a TAKS coach). You must say something so that it is clear that you have looked at the Advocate cover and visited the Class Communication page at that date. (I do this "pop-posting" every semester, and some students find the bulletin board -- but have not read this page, but just post something after reading other students postings. If I suspect this, your postings will not receive any points.) How much is this posting worth in grade points? Look in the Grading Criteria.
As you know, if you have read the online instructions, you are not graded on your opinions in this class -- you are graded on if you state your opinions or not -- your own opinion, not plagiarized from someone else's opinion statement -- in an educated way, minimum 50 words and following the general posting instructions for the class discussions (spell checked and following punctuation rules). My own interest in this pop-posting, as the instructor, is not so much what you say, but for practical/educational purposes how many students in class will have found this page and read the pop-post instructions, when the pop-posting bulletin board closes.
Let's have fun! Again, have a
Dr. Nilsson
Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
Most students in this class are approaching the end of all assignments they have to do for this class. Many have even finished all they are allowed to finish up to this point. Excellent! And if you are studying for the midterm exam or working on Textbook Quiz 6, you are a "plenty slow" (we have passed the midpoint of the semester and quiz 6 is not even the MIDDLE quiz), but just make sure that you don't miss the deadline NEXT week.
However, there is a large group of students who have done very little, some ALMOST NOTHING -- several students have not yet EARNED minimum 94 of Textbook Chapter Quiz 1 and/or Geo Drill 1, and by some mysterious thinking they still consider themselves students in this class. Hmmm!!!???
I have sympathy for the one or two students who struggle while trying hard.
Most students, who have done very little, almost nothing, are not struggling -- they just don't care. They think they should not have to do much to pass college classes -- because that is how it was in high school.
Often I have students that end up taking this class two or three times -- and when they finally pass the class they have matured. The finally get it. College education is hard work.
I am writing this while there still is time to wake up! If you don't want to take this class again, read this page with care!
1. As those of you who follow the Semester Calendar know -- no hybrid class meetings this week.
2. As those of you who follow the Semester Calendar know -- the last day to submit the Darwin Worksheet Quiz is this week.
3. As those of you who follow the Semester Calendar know -- the last day to submit the Evolution Worksheet Quiz is this week.
Most students have passed the Evolution Worksheet quiz -- excellent! Some have not, and appear to still consider themselves students in this class. Many more students have NOT yet passed the Darwin Worksheet Quiz. Some have not even attempted it.
Every semester I hear the same old, same old from the high school educated students, now taking college courses: "Why do I have to spell correctly?" -- or -- "Why do we have to spell check our messages before we post them on Blackboard?" Related to the attitude of spelling I also hear, "Why do we have to turn in things on time?" Actually, the question posed is usually more like this (or a variation with the same meaning):
"I know I missed the deadline for the Midterm Exam, but could you spend some time over the weekend to change Blackboard settings to open up the Midterm Exam assignment for me so I can turn it in? I didn't think the assignment was important (nor the class) and therefore I didn't pay attention to the deadline, but I think YOU (the instructor) should think it is important to allow me to turn in the assignment even if it is late."
Well, there are many ways to answer these questions and this kind of attitude, one would be:
Duh!?
This attitude about what is a quality education (spelling, submitting things on time, and more...) would actually be funny if it wasn't such a wide spread problem.
As you might have noticed (hmm!!!???), in this class, as taught by this instructor, students are "required" (hmmm!!!???) to read "educational cartoons", so a better way is perhaps you just say:
"You don't want to sound like Papa Crocodile!"
There are, however, several reasons why our society promotes education, which means that you submit things on time and learn how to spell so you don't sound like Papa Crocodile. It has to do with "learning about the world" by "reading" and "paying attention":
Is reading a lost art?
Clarification: When a cartoon artist makes a cartoon about something -- that something has become a serious problem in society. Just like the artist drawing a cartoon is usually not doing it to be mean or disrespectful, the educational cartoons on this page, and other pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice, are not included to be mean or disrespectful to students. Flag burning is not required, because they are included as tools for critical and reflective thinking. They are included to challenge the students to take their college education seriously, and to hopefully make students understand that diminishing academic standards, and increasing problems with grade inflation are major problems in the United States today. Poor academic standards have global implications as to the role of the United States in a world with a global economy. Please read the cartoons and think (and smile if you think they are funny).
Here is the problem (and it is not my problem, it is YOUR problem if you don't take this class seriously): Students who don't do the assignments and don't do them on time will end up with an F or be dropped from the class roster.
I know EXACTLY on the second how much time each student has spent on Blackboard, and how much time is spent on each assignment. That is what Blackboard do. GREAT TEACHING TOOL! And that is why I know that most of the students who have not yet submitted the Midterm Exam, spend way too little time on Blackboard. Often these students disappear for several weeks, and when they come back they log in for just a few minutes. How much can you do in 5 - 10 minutes? Some students are apparently addicted to "Who's Online" and that is often the only Blackboard location they visit that day. Have you heard of something called ASSIGNMENTS? I know what you are doing, and if you are doing nothing or very little you are not getting any sympathy from this instructor.
The deadline for the Midterm Exam is coming up NEXT week. Several students, who apparently still consider themselves students in this class, are still "working" -- Hmmm!!!??? -- on Textbook Chapter 1, 2, or 3! You cannot take the Midterm Exam until you have passed Textbook Chapter 6 (with a minimum 94). You know that right? One student submitted the Midterm Exam after three (3) DAYS! The day of the deadline students have had over two (2) MONTHS to finish six textbook chapter quizzes and take the exam.
Students who think they will be able to submit the exam after the deadline are living in a dream world.
As posted at several places, DEADLINES are REAL in this class -- that is the REAL WORLD. If you have not yet submitted the Midterm Exam you must start working EVERY DAY for this class -- and I don't mean just 5 minutes per day...
You cannot miss the Midterm Exam,
if you wish to still have a chance to pass this class!
Students who do not submit the Midterm Exam on time, on or before the deadline -- most students submitted the exam a month or more ago -- is not participating in class as intended by the instructor and will be BLOCKED from further access to Blackboard -- both on the Regular class shell and the Town Hall class shell! The consequence will be an F for the course or removal from the class roster (drop) by the instructor.
To get access to the Midterm Exam you must first pass Chapter Quiz 1 - 6 with a minimum 94 and Geography Drill 1 with a minimum of 94. One student took the Midterm Exam after 3 days! The day of the deadline students will have had ten (10) WEEKS to gain access, take and submit the exam. If you miss the deadline you must face the consequence. There will be no exceptions. The consequence will be an F for the course or removal from the class roster (drop) by the instructor.
In the real world when you missing deadlines, there is something called
C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Dr. Nilsson
Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
According to Young Earth Creationists the Earth is 6013 years old today!
Today October 23, 2009, is CREATION DAY, when a supernatural being started the process described in Genesis in the Bible. According to Bishop James Ussher, the Earth was
created this morning at 9:00AM, 6013 years ago. Live long and prosper Earth!
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ussher_chronology)
Again, Happy Birthday!
Upcoming Deadlines!
NOTE UPCOMING DEADLINES IN THE SEMESTER CALENDAR:
Week 9. Oct 25 - Oct 31
Last day to submit the Darwin Worksheet Quiz, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:59PM. Last day to submit the Evolution Worksheet Quiz, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:59PM. NOTE FOURTH CRITICAL DEADLINE: Student who has not passed the Evolution Worksheet Quiz with a minimum 94, by Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10.59pm cannot participate in the Town Hall Discussion -- and will EARN a ZERO for the assignment at the end of the semester. Remember: You must have posted a minimum of 10 Town Hall messages by the midsemester point set by the instructor. (It was LAST WEEK, but exact date not disclosed. In other words, if you submitted the Evolution Worksheet Quiz this week you have missed at least 50 percent of that grade, BUT you can participate for the last 50 percent of the points.)
Week 10. Nov 01 - 07
Last day to submit the Evolution MidTerm Key Quiz, Sunday, November 01, 2009, 10:59PM. NOTE FIFTH CRITICAL DEADLINE: Student who has not passed the Evolution MidTerm Key Quiz with all 12 "key questions" answered correctly, by Sunday, November 01, 2009, 10.59pm cannot participate in the second part (after the midterm reading) Town Hall Discussion -- and will EARN a ZERO for the other part of the assignment at the end of the semester. NOTE SIXTH CRITICAL DEADLINE: Student who has not submitted the Midterm Exam with a minimum 0 (ZERO), by Friday, November 06, 2009, 10.59pm. will not be able to access the Endterm (Final) Exam -- and will EARN a ZERO for the both the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam at the end of the semester.
Have a good productive weekend!
Dr. Nilsson Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
The cartoon dated 1927 -1938
is used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, reposted here, from http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/projects/ejn/ejn_comics/. For further source information and fair use statement see bottom of page.
Sunday, October 19, 2009.
Swine Flu and Hybrid Class
As those in the hybrid classes know (?) we have a couple of "back-up" class meetings in case of a swine flu outbreak. As can be seen in the Monitor article, the flu is still around, but at this point there is no change in the semester calendar. The back-up meeting will not be used next week -- there is no classroom meeting. Instead, see you online!
For source and large picture of article, click on the article.
Second Part of the Town Hall Evolution Discussion
We are soon ready to enter into the second part of these discussions. This time we will have two bulletin boards. I expect hectic discussions in both BBs. The discussions will be going on until it is time for the 2-day "Reply to The Serve" Town Hall Meeting -- as per the Semester Calendar. Reading assignment for Discussion 5, pages 263 - 265 in your textbook (ed. 5), pages 265 - 267 (ed. 4). Reading assignment for Discussion 6 is The Serve -- Chapter 6: We must be free to criticize religion. To make sure students read the reading assignments there will be a 12-question "key quiz" requiring a score of 100, before the discussion BBs open up. The quiz is in the folder that contains the bulletin board. (You have 2 weeks -- actually almost 15 days -- as of this writing, to EARN 100 to open up the discussion BBs.)
Education III
The evolution bulletin board is locked for postings, but you can still read messages! Lost of good messages. Here is one I liked:
Subject: Dr. Nilsson is not trying to convince us, but teach us!!
Topic: Discussion 3: Are we primates or are we related to Adam and Eve?
Author: Ariana Lopez
Date: October 18, 2009 1:49 AM
After reading almost every single one of these messages I just want to say that I get the feeling that "some people" not all but some, do not get the point of this course!
Some people claim that Dr.Nilsson is "trying to make them believe" or "is trying to change their belief", and I just have to say that is completely untrue people! I'm not trying to "kiss some up to the instructor" but I can make a distinction between someone who is trying to convince me and someone trying to teach me.
All I have to say is that Dr.Nilsson is trying to teach us because that is his job. So next time anyone proclaims that Dr. Nilsson is "trying to convince us or change our belief" just keep in mind that we are in a Biology class and he is the instructor so this makes it his job to teach us what we need to be taught. Dr. Nilsson is not trying to convince us, but teach us!
I have to say that when I first started this course I was not convinced we were primates at all, but after watching informative videos that are backed up with facts and other information I must say I'm completely convinced that we are primates, that we evolved. And like Selina I must say I as well thank God for evolution! =)
Education is a wonderful thing! Have a good productive week!
Dr. Nilsson Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
Source: Huston, T. Teaching by the seat of your pants. Academe (27:1). October 2009. P. 5
Friday, October 16, 2009.
Education II
"I am going to teach English, I do not believe that this topic will come up throughtout my teaching career." (From a message posted in the Town Hall evolution discussion.)
Teachers, who believe that Santa Claus and all the interesting characters -- e.g., Adam, Eve, and Noah -- in the 3000-year old Bible stories are real, and think that is OK because they are not going to teach Science -- "just" English, or Math, or Art -- so evolution will therefore not come up as a topic throughout their teaching careers -- and therefore their scientific ignorance will not affect students or other parts of society.
Heard of the state senator in Arizona who thinks the Earth is 6000 years old -- now in a position to decide whether Arizona should mine for uranium and destroy the environment?
Heard of the state senator in Texas who thinks evolution is evil and wants the subject removed from school textbooks?
But what happens when you're called upon to teach subject matter that's outside that area of expertise?
Think this topic is not going to come up throughout your teaching career? Well, we are not going to take any chances that you will destroy students or the environment with your uneducated ideas, so as Neil deGrasse Tyson (Astrophysicist, Director of The Hayden Planetarium) said: it's about the need to separate ignorant, scientifically illiterate people from the ranks of teachers. Or as STC English professor Stephen Morrison said: "I wonder how we as a nation can casually attack the concept of science and at the same time truly believe in education."
It's a professor's dirty little secret. "Perhaps it will come as a surprise or perhaps you from lived experience exactly what I'm talking about." Teachers often teach outside of their expertise.(T. Huston. Academe. October 1009. P. 5)
I dread the day my son (now in 4th grade) will come home and say, "My English teacher (or Math teacher or Art teacher) said that evolution didn't happen and that Adam and Eve and Noah are real people that used to live many years ago." Since it is not possible to fire a teacher on grounds of religious beliefs -- like believing in Adam and Eve and denying that we have common ancestry with the Chimpanzee, or other such ideas, no matter how stupid these ideas are (like the Earth is only 6000 years old) -- the senator in Arizona comes to mind -- I do my best trying to educate students in this class about the REAL world. That way I hope the day with my son will never come. But I fear for the future and the influence IGNORANCE will have on the ENVIRONMENT and EDUCATION. (Did I say stupid? Sorry! But that is what Susie Smartypants -- below -- calls it. Do you prefer ignorant, badly informed, uneducated, untaught, poorly educated, misinformed, uninformed, not learned, in the dark, unqualified, science illiterate, naive, or some other word -- like close-minded -- that indicates that you refuse to open your mind for new knowledge and therefore don't understand the REAL world? Or how about IRRESPONSIBLE -- because your ignorance and close-mindedness contributes to the problem with education and the environmental?)
This IS a SERIOUS PROBLEM! One of the reasons for the problem, is people thinking that a book written 2000+ years ago can still today, the year 2009, be a description of the real world -- as if humankind has not learned anything since the Bronze Age. As students, teachers, parents, and administrators, we need to take responsibility for the low quality of education! Just like an ALCOHOLIC, if one doesn't accept that one has a problem one cannot cure the disease. For the same reason, if we as a society don't accept that we have a problem we will never solve the problem of poor quality education, and the "dumbing-down-of-America-spiral will keep going down, down, down...
Just so that there is no misunderstanding, this has NOTHING to do with your belief in God. This is about 3000 year old uneducated ideas, and the need to separate ignorant, scientifically illiterate people from the ranks of teachers (as stated by Neil deGrasse Tyson Astrophysicist, Director of The Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History).
We are on the brink of destroying our planet by global climate change caused by greedy, materialistic, self-indulgent, and "anything goes" human behavior, and I claim that the main reason for this behavior is an ever-increasing poorly educated superstitious faith based human mindset -- not understanding how the real world works -- allowed to rule and control interaction with the planet. Dr. Jan A. Nilsson
Have a good weekend!
Dr. Nilsson Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
Thursday, October 15, 2009.
Class Discussion/Reflections Grades
The Midterm grade deadline week started Sunday, October 11. The grade reading was done early this morning (October 15, after midnight). Blackboard has a 24 - 48 hour lag period, which means that the messages counted was from a time between Tuesday and Wednesday. The following students had at that time a minimum of 15 posted messages and EARNED 4 points (100 percent) as the Midterm Grade (all other students with 14 or less posted messages EARNED a zero):
Updated November 03, 2009.
This was also posted on the regular date, November 03, 2009, on this page.
The grades posted are the grades indicated in the subject title above. PLEASE READ THE SUBJECT TITLE!
The grades were posted on October 15 the week before the Town Hall Evolution discussion midterm grade reading deadline -- WHEN THE EVOLUTION DISCUSSION WAS STILL ONGOING AND HAD NOT REACHED THE GRADE READING DATE POSTED IN THE SEMESTER CALENDAR.
Since then, the Town Hall Evolution midterm grades have NOT been posted and will NOT be posted - never, nunca, aldrig. It is the students responsibility to remain updated and keep track of their own Town Hall postings by accessing "My Progress", or "count" your own messages in the bulletin boards. For postings in the Town Hall you must also remember that your Class Help Desk postings will be included in the numbers given in "My Progress". Perhaps counting your own messages -- or better yet, keep backup copies of them to help you keep track of what you have posted -- is not such a bad idea.
If you don't understand that there is a difference between the assignment for which grades were posted on October 15 (below), and the Town Hall discussion (grades never posted) I strongly recommend that you spend more time reading the (this is a link -- click on it) Grading Criteria (this is a link -- click on it) . On that web page the question, "What is the difference between the Category IV: Class Discussion and Category VIII: Town Hall Meeting?" is answered.
Finally, the Class Discussion/Reflections grades posted on October 15, were not posted to assist students to see if they were "paid" with a grade for doing a class requirement, and it was not posted to help students keep track of their postings -- you use "My Progress" for that purpose, and the "payment" is EARNED at the end of the semester when you receive your grades from STC. It was posted to wake up students who didn't participate in the class.
To the students -- 27 of 125 students -- who take their education seriously and don't sleep in class, who came up with the originally minimum 20 required postings -- and especially those students who came up with 30 or more postings: Excellent work! Keep up the good work!
To the other 98 students: Are you going to be teachers? You couldn't even come up with 15 messages. Hmmm!!!
Next reading will be the final reading where a minimum number of postings must be 40 and a minimum 10 must be posted after the midterm reading. (In other words students who have not posted anything must post minimum 40, and students who have already posted 40 must post minimum 10.)
In addition, at this point the grades will determine for "posting in all bulletin boards" -- Minimum Postings Category I -- and demonstrated interest in reading other student's messages -- Minimum Reading Category.
This is the result of a 12-year public education system that has failed the students:
A just out of high school teenager, indoctrinated by outdated 3000-year old religious views, denies that humans are Primates, and instead believe that we are related to Adam and Eve.
"I am going to teach English, I do not believe that this topic will come up throughtout my teaching career." (From a message posted in the Town Hall evolution discussion.)
Hmmm!!! Interesting. I wonder, then, why professor Morrison, English Instructor at STC, was the person taking the initiative in 2005 to start the South Texas College Evolution Task Force?
I was teaching full time at the Starr County Campus back in 2005 when he sent the message below, initially to the other Biology Faculty at the Starr County Campus. That message was the start of the STC Evolution Task Force including faculty from not just the biology department at all STC campuses, but also faculty from other departments at the Pecan Campus and the Weslaco Campus.
Why would an English instructor start an evolution task force? Hmmm!!!???
Could it have something to do with EDUCATION?
English? Hmmm!!!??? Biology? Hmmm!!!??? Could it be that not accepting evolution -- denying that we are Primates and "believing" that we are related to an original couple, Adam and Eve, who never existed?
Might have something to do with trying to do something about this:
A SERIOUS LACK OF SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TEXAS???
From: Stephen D. Morrison
Sent: Wed 10/12/2005 9:36 AM
To: Jan A. Nilsson; Tom Patterson; Luci Nell Simpson
Subject: evolution presentation
Good morning -- I'm Steve Morrison, and English instructor here at Starr. I'd wanted to stop by your offices but I'm only here twice each week, and apparently we're missing each other.
I've been reading some info recently that is rather disturbing to me. A Gallup poll showed that that 2/3 of U.S. residents believe that humans were created in our present form within the last 10,000 years. Most believe that evolution is not backed up by scientific evidence. And more and more people are advocating a return to teaching creationism in a traditional or revised form. Just the other day there were a series of letters to the editor in the San Antonio paper that claimed there is no fossil evidence of transitional forms, and that the eye could not happen through evolution. And I'm sure you' ve heard about the schoolboard in Kansas and the various disclaimers being legally required on textbooks around the nation.
And I'll mention now -- I obviously don't personally know any of you, and perhaps you don't believe in evolution either. If that's the case, feel free to ignore this mail.
However, it disturbs me that fundamentally non-scientific (anti-scientific, even) ideas are being promoted by our school boards. Of course, if only a few people believed them, then it wouldn't be a big deal, but it seems that 2/3 of people do buy into the false or misleading attacks on evolution. And I wonder how we as a nation can casually attack the concept of science and at the same time truly believe in education.
So what I was thinking about was some sort of presentation that dispelled the myths used to attempt to discredit evolution. I think it would be nice to have an event here at the campus for both students and the general public that explains the general concept of Darwin, and then presents some of the evidence, and is particularly targeted at discrediting the attacks on evolution.
Please talk to the other biology instructors and let me know if something like this interests you or others. Clearly it isn't my field, but it's something that matters a great deal to me, and I'm eager to get something like this going.
Thanks,
-Steve Morrison
Below is one of those the Gallup polls that disturbed professor Morrison. This one is from 2007.
Since we are on the subject EDUCATION, this particular poll points out that there is a relationship with education. The MORE EDUCATION one has the more likely one is to believe in EVOLUTION.
Post graduate education74 percent believe in evolution College graduate48 percent believe in evolution Some college50 percent believe in evolution High school41 percent believe in evolution
It would have been interesting to see the numbers for high school dropouts and for other persons without a high school education. There is also a relationship with church going, in that prople frequently attending church are much less likely to believe in evolution.
Attend church weekly24 percent believe in evolution Attend church monthly52 percent believe in evolution Attend church SELDOM71 percent believe in evolution
It would have been REALLY interesting to see the numbers for different religious denominations. It would also have been interesting to see how much influence inadequately trained teachers have on the students they teach. Perhaps we will see such future polls?
The need to separate ignorant, scientifically illiterate people
from the ranks of teachers
"This case is not about the need to separate church and state; it's about the need to separate ignorant, scientifically illiterate people from the ranks of teachers."
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist, Director of
The Hayden Planetarium
at the American Museum of Natural History,
New York, (an evil "evolutionist")
In 2008 Spain's parliament approved a new law giving the right to life and freedom to apes.
The legislation makes it illegal to keep apes for use in animal experiments, circuses, television commercials and filming. It is the first time any national parliament has called for such rights for non-humans. The move is all the more surprising given longstanding criticism of Spain by animal rights groups over the treatment of bulls and donkeys. The Spanish parliament's environmental committee has now approved resolutions to comply with the Great Apes Project, devised by scientists and philosophers who say our closest genetic relatives deserve rights hitherto limited to humans.
Pedro Pozas, Spanish director of the Great Apes Project, said:
"This is a historic day in the struggle for animal rights and in defense of our evolutionary comrades, which will doubtless go down in the history of humanity."
So, religious students in class who thinks apes are not related to us. Human rights to apes? How do you feel about that? Perhaps humans instead should be granted the same rights as the other apes?
The midterm reading for the Class Discussions in the regular course shell is coming up (Class Discussions/Reflections also called Class Discussions/Reactions)! Since we still have problems with the YouTube video discussions in some classes, I will lower the requirements for the midterm reading to 15 postings ("compose" and "reply" combined in ALL bulletin boards TOGETHER). The grade reading date is posted in the calendar to be taken anytime during Sunday October 11 and Saturday October 17. If you have posted 15 messages by the reading date you EARN 4 points (50 percent of the Minimum Postings Category II grade). If you have posted 14 or less you will EARN 0 (zero). Have a good weekend! See you online!
Two students have pretty much finished the course! (Final Exam cannot be taken until the end of the semester, and the discussions are of course ongoing and will still require the participation of these students, and the semester project). Excellent! Good Work! Congratulations, Martha Pena, V01 and Ariana Lopez, V03.
Number of students who have submitted the Midterm Exam:
"Move over, Lucy. And kiss the missing link goodbye. Scientists today announced the discovery of the oldest fossil skeleton of a human ancestor. The find reveals that our forebears underwent a previously unknown stage of evolution more than a million years before Lucy, the iconic early human ancestor specimen that walked the Earth 3.2 million years ago." Oldest "Human" Skeleton Found--Disproves "Missing Link"
"Researchers have long argued about whether our early ancestors passed through a great-ape stage in which they looked like protochimpanzees, with short backs; arms adapted for swinging through the trees; and a pelvis and limbs adapted for knuckle-walking (Science, 21 November 1969, p. 953). This "troglodytian," or chimpanzee, model for early human behavior (named for the common chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes) suggests that our ancestors lost many of the key adaptations still found in chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas, such as daggerlike canines and knuckle-walking, which those apes were thought to have inherited from a common ancestor.
Evidence has been hard to come by, however, because there are almost no fossils of early chimpanzees and gorillas. Until now, the oldest known skeleton of a human ancestor was Lucy, who proved in one stroke that our ancestors walked upright before they evolved big brains. But at 3.2 million years old, she was too recent and already too much like a human to reveal much about her primitive origins. As a result, researchers have wondered since her discovery in 1974, what came before her--what did the early members of the human family look like?
Now, that question is being answered in detail for the first time. A multinational team discovered the first parts of the Ar. ramidus skeleton in 1994 in Aramis, Ethiopia. At 4.4 million years old, Ardi is not the oldest fossil proposed as an early hominin, or member of the human family, but it is by far the most complete--including most of the skull and jaw bones, as well as the extremely rare pelvis, hands, and feet. These parts reveal that Ardi had an intermediate form of upright walking, a hallmark of hominins, according to the authors of 11 papers that describe Ardi and at least 35 other individuals of her species. But Ardi still must have spent a lot of time in the trees, the team reports, because she had an opposable big toe. That means she was probably grasping branches and climbing carefully to reach food, to sleep in nests, and to escape predators. Ancient Skeleton May Rewrite Earliest Chapter of Human Evolution
Anthropologist C. Owen Lovejoy of Kent State University said, "This older skeleton reverses the common wisdom of human evolution. Rather than humans evolving from an ancient chimp-like creature, the new find provides evidence that chimps and humans evolved from some long-ago common ancestor ‹ but each evolved and changed separately along the way."
Hmmm!!!??? This is a common misunderstanding of evolution. We evolved from chimps or at least chimp like creatures, and the chimps didn't evolve. I look like even a university educated anthropologist think that chimpanzees have not evolved during the 5 million years or so since we separated from them. Of course they have evolved! The chimps today look like chimps. They looked differently 5 million years ago. But humans evolved MORE, because we left the rainforest environment and encountered many different new environments -- and that forced us to evolve faster. The chimp remained in the familiar rainforest environment and didn't have to respond to new challenging environments. But that doesn't mean they stopped evolving. OF COURSE THEY EVOLVED! They even split into two species, the common chimp and the Bonobo -- who clearly looks different from the common chimp (it actually looks more human)! That is evolving!
Ardi doesn't change a thing. It is just more evidence to fill in the gaps of human evolution. And it fits perfectly with Lucy and all the other finds of human evolution. Ardi just filled in another transitional gap between us and our common ancestor with the chimpanzee. What Ardi does is provide evidence that we in our early evolutionary history had feet with opposable thumbs -- which many biologists had speculated about. Now we know! Another nail in the coffin of creationists!
Hey, "Missing Link Students" in class, what do you think? It is just a drawing? No, no, no! WE HAVE THE BONES! Where are the bones of Adam and Eve?
I hope I have "inspired" you to participate in the evolution discussion? Have a good weekend! See you online!
Dr. Nilsson Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, downloaded from Sprattiart
Sunday, September 27, 2009.
Mother Teresa
Was Mother Teresa an atheist? For 50 years she secretly struggled with her faith. Well, it was all over the news when the content in her letters was published a couple of years ago. Below is an article. Click and read!
Geography Drill taking -- a little slow?
The geography drills are apparently harder than the textbook chapter quizzes? Some students have a long way to the passing grade 94 on Drill 1. Is your geography knowledge as good as the little girl in the YouTube video?
Can you locate Texas on a U.S. Map?
We are on the brink of destroying our planet by global climate change caused by greedy, materialistic, self-indulgent, and "anything goes" human behavior, and I claim that the main reason for this behavior is an ever-increasing poorly educated superstitious faith based human mindset -- not understanding how the real world works -- allowed to rule and control interaction with the planet. Dr. Jan A. Nilsson
Let's talk education -- and TAKS coaches!
Until we acknowledge that there is a problem with education we cannot do anything about it. Many of you aspire to become teachers. Perhaps this can aspire to postings in the Educational Readings Class Discussion -- a "little" (hmmm!!!???) slow in most classes?
Last semester a students posted the following on the Class Help Desk:
"Dr. Nilsson, you're making me use every available cell in my brain!"
I replied: A challenging course? Excellent! That is the way it should be, no "coddling", no "teaching the test", no "TAKS coaching". (By the way the student EARNED an A for the course four months after that comment...)
Used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, reposted here, from the cover page of Advocate, summer 2008. For further source information and fair use statement see bottom of page.
Another student posted the following on the Class Help Desk (I am trying to use examples from last semester to avoid "hurting anyone's feelings"):
"Can you guide me through the steps on how to get to the reading so I can start posting on the discussions. I am able to post, but since I can't find the reading I have nothing to post."
Guide? Hmmm!!!??? The student is able to post. Excellent! Some students can't -- apparently -- do that. Some students don't post a single message the whole semester! At present about 60 percent of the 125 students taking Environmental Biology this semester HAVE NOT POSTED A SINGLE CLASS DISCUSSION MESSAGE!
Unfortunately in this TAKS world we live in students have found that they don't have to do anything themselves because the TAKS coaches -- they used to be called teachers, like the person in the picture above -- are so afraid that the school is going to produce low TAKS results. To not risk low TAKS results these TAKS coaches assist students every 30 seconds throughout the school day. What happened to telling students to do the work themselves? Can't do that because there is a high risk that the students would not do anything and that would result in low TAKS scores. These days most students don't do homework in the public school system, in part because they can do it in school while waiting for slower students to finish assignments. And the slower students wouldn't do the homework anyway...
Can't find the reading? Then I suggest you look for it. However, there are several "guided tours" starting on the page illustrated below.
This semester a student sent me the following e-mail (do we have a HELP DESK?):
"I took Ch. 6 quiz and scored a 94, and I passed the Geography drill also with 94 but the midterm has not appeared. Do I have to look for it somewhere else. Or is it supposed to come out in the quiz's link?"
Look for it? Hmmm!!!??? Well, I wouldn't recommend just sitting there and wait until the end of the semester.
There are no TAKS coaches for this class, probably because there is no TAKS test in college! Heard of "eyes"? Heard of "fingers"? Use your eyes and the "clicking-fingers" and try to find it!
Yes, the Midterm Exam is in a very appropriately named folder called the Midterm Exam folder. Imagine that! Several students have already taken the midterm, and if ONE student can find it, ALL students can find it! There is "help" and there is "coddling". If is fine and nice to HELP people, but let's NOT coddle students!
Education in the news
Unfortunately, the public education system is not necessarily challenging. Some students enrolling to STC must, before they qualify to take college level courses, take "developmental courses". The lowest level of Developmental English at STC is 3rd grade level! How can that be? How can students who have gone to school for 12 years write like 3rd graders? Unfortunately part of the answer is, in my opinion, students go through 12 years in a low quality education system where one thing one learns very quickly is that one does not have to care about quality.
In the Monitor on Tuesdays, local columnist and high school teacher Chris Ardis write often about the problem. In the article above she is discussing an article be Dr. Phil Cheifetz, Nassau Community College. Click on the article icon below to open it. Dr. Cheifetz compare community college students to 4th graders! I said 3rd graders above. Doesn't matter who is correct -- UNFORTUNATELY, many of you, after 12 years in a public education system that has failed you, are not qualified to take college courses.
In most Environmental Biology classes every semester more than 50 percent of the Class Discussion postings submitted have not been spell checked. No spell checking, not capital letters at the start of a sentence, no punctuation... Have you heard of something called a period? I am talking about the punctuation mark, not the ovulation cycles of mammal females. These students, a product of the system mentioned in the previous paragraph, obviously don't care one bit about the quality of what they wrote.
I don't have time to grade all postings for spelling errors, but I will remove all postings I discover are not spell checked in certain discussion bulletin boards. They will be placed in a folder marked with this icon.
When I grump about how many students don't care that they write like third graders in this class (or 4th graders as Dr. Cheifetz said), I remember a "Student of the Week" article in the Monitor during the summer semester 2008. I am sure that there are many excellent exceptions, but some of you should read it and take the advice from that student. If for nothing else you may get inspired to say something in the Education Class Discussion. Click on the article icon for a readable page.
On of the things Maria DeLeon stated: "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it!"
Maria DeLeon also stated: "students should... become adults."
Adults? Hmmm!? That must mean that you should not spell like a third grader when you turn in assignments in a college class...
In addition Maria DeLeon stated: "students should be making their education a main priority."
Right, that is what we wish... So, let's do that this semester in this class, folks!!!!
The cartoon is used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned, from The Monitor, McAllen.
Some semesters ago (fall 2007) there was a series of articles discussing the problems with education in the Valley. Perhaps you can use them in the Education Class discussion.
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
To relate this to the just started Evolution discussion in the Town Hall -- which can easily be related to the education discussion as can be seen from the cartoons; I have posted a couple of cartoons (on top, above and below). I hope they will inspired you to post.
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Some semesters a few students engage in a "sport" -- trying to nail spelling mistakes on the instructor. Instead of wasting time grading the instructor, it would be better for their education if they spend that time spell checking their own writing. I try to lead by example, but remember this: We all do spelling mistakes. But last time I looked I was the instructor. I do them, but my writing is not graded. You do them, and your writing IS GRADED. Despite not being graded I use my computer spell checker when I write things. DO YOU?
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Until we -- society, politicians, religious leaders, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students (YOU)-- acknowledge that there is a problem with education (when kids grow up to become adults that cannot write (don't use capital letters, don't use periods, and spell like a 3rd grader), cannot think critically, think that we came from Adam and Eve, and cannot point out the United Kingdom -- or even worse the United States -- on a world map), we cannot do anything about it.
I hope I have "inspired" you to participate in the education discussion? Have a good week! See you online!
Dr. Nilsson Dr. Nilsson, you're kinda cool like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs or Fracture way!" Paraphrased from student, Spring 2009.
We are on the brink of destroying our planet by global climate change caused by greedy, materialistic, self-indulgent, and "anything goes" human behavior, and I claim that the main reason for this behavior is an ever-increasing poorly educated superstitious faith based human mindset -- not understanding how the real world works -- allowed to rule and control interaction with the planet. Dr. Jan A. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Thursday, September 24, 2009.
The Class Communication Page is back!
This page has been quiet for 10 days. The problem has been (and may still be) due to slow-down caused by memory and virus problems on the STC server. Lucky for those of us who use Macintosh, we don't have to worry much about viruses. However, the STC server is Microsoft/Windows based, so even Mac persons will be affected by the server problems -- even though it will not infect/affect our computers.
But the Class Communication page is back. Although I will from now on continue to use the Blackboard content page for some class communication postings, like YouTube "messages" (like the earth is only two days old) and statistics like number of students who have PAYED ATTENTION and passed the Evolution Worksheet Quiz.
Evolution Worksheet Quiz
You will not pass the evolution worksheet quiz unless you start paying attention to spelling and what words are supposed to be in the answer blanks. (Good Luck!)
On the other hand there are some students who have not yet visited the Town hall course shell and -- I believe based on previous semester's students -- don't even know that there is something called the Evolution Worksheet Quiz or a Town Hall. (Good Luck, again!)
Genetic Engineering Discussion
As you might have noticed, the Genetic Engineering Class Discussion/Reflection in the Regular course shell is a little different than the other discussions. It has 4 discussion bulletin boards, each with a question you must answer. Start posting!
The posting in this discussion is extremely slow in some classes -- NO POSTINGS yet. This discussion will start closing BEFORE the other. Genetic Engineering one will close soon after the hybrid classes have had their class meeting at the beginning of November. Start posting!
The STC Ape Club was started February 10, 2009. The Ape Club was initiated because some students talked about ugly apes in the Town Hall, as if ashamed to be Primates and related to the Chimpanzee, the Gorilla, and the other apes. As a result the discussion string became the starting point of The Ape Club -- a club for us who are PROUD TO BE APES. Feel free to join The Ape Club and proclaim your feelings! We are all (including religious students) already apes, but you will automatically become a member of the prestigious STC Ape Club when you proclaim that you are an ape.
If you feel you are not an ape you should not post in the Ape Club bulletin board (it is not for a grade) -- if you do you might actually become an ape...
During the spring semester when the membership list closed for new members on April 17, we were 32 members. After the summer semester we were 58 members! Scroll down for the first members during the fall 2009 semester! First member for the fall is member number 59. The Ape Club bulletin board is on the Town Hall if you want to join.
--- Fall 2009 --- 10 new members as of this writing
Member 59: Carla Johnson
Date: September 11, 2009 Monkeying Around: Most definitely, I am an ape! ³I viewed my fellow man not as a fallen angel, but as a risen ape²
Member 60: Ana Perez
Date: September 15, 2009 Proud To Be One!: i am so proud to be an ape jajaj!
Member 61: Flor Villarreal
Date: September 15, 2009 Monkey Pride!: I am happy to be a beautiful Ape!ja!ja
Member 62: Mona Garza
Date: September 16, 2009 Proud Monkey: Proud to be a monkey!!!
Member 63: Maria Olivarez
Date: September 20, 2009 I'll join the Club!: So the talk is that apes are our siblings.Ok I'll accept to join the Ape Club and acknowledge to be akin to apes. The good thing is that thanks to evolution our looks have change!
-Desmond Morris
Member 64: Elizabeth Cavazos
Date: September 21, 2009 Proud to be an American/Ape: This class has made me realize that it doesn't matter if I question my self of god and evolution. I am an Ape, and that the truth. No wonder, I look like one, just kidding.
Member 65: Maria Perez
Date: September 22, 2009 4:51 PM MoNkeY Me!!!: No wonder I can never stay still and always wondering around, what can I say I love my MONKEY life. I'll join the club, am a proud monkey.
Member 66: Javier Ramirez
Date: September 22, 2009 4:54 PM Where'd all this hair come from?: Are these Apes the reason for my amazingly hairy legs. Thanks! Been a memeber for a while, didn't realize it.
Member 67: Norma Ramos
Date: September 23, 2009 Glad to join the ape club: Proud to be an ape!!!!!!
Member 68: Martha Pena
Date: September 24, 2009 apes: True member since 2007.
Did someone ask for transitional fossils?
Below are two postings from one of the "young earth creationists" in class -- claiming that scientists have no evidence for evolution and that scientists should, apparently, come up with transitional fossil specimen for all 10 million or so animals and plants on Earth before evolution can be accepted, followed by comments from a student and the instructor.
Subject: Re:Here is some help to understand what happened
Topic: Discussion 3: Are we primates or are we related to Adam and Eve?
Author: Dennis Martinez
Date: September 22, 2009 4:06 AM
Dr Nilsson you said in the serve, seccion 4
"Missing link? Which of a multitude are you thinking of? At each evolutionary crossroad there is a common ancestor that may or may not have been found"
If science is facts, how come the answer you write to Mona is a fact if it's "missing a multitudes of links"
Subject: Re:"if there is real evidence... bible stories are true"
Topic: Discussion 3: Are we primates or are we related to Adam and Eve?
Author: Dennis Martinez
Date: September 22, 2009 4:32 AM
birds, fish and animals were created "according to their kinds"(Gen 1), that means they don't need to evolve. That is the exact reason there are thousands of transitional fossils missing. They haven't been found and will not be found
Comment from a student (Mabel Flores): Having an open mind enables you to learn and research for all the questions in doubt. Fact and evidences are proof of all the true events that have marked out the process of evolution. Bible stories are just that, STORIES, they are not support by any evidence or facts. This doesn't mean you can't have any faith in your religion, but you should be able to have a distinct view between facts, evidence and stories. Having an open mind has allowed me to accept that we have evolved from apes and understand all the evidence to support this.
Comment from the instructor: Scientists don't have to look for the transitional fossils for every species on Earth to show that evolution is real. Creationist like to ask for that, of course, since they want to avoid having people ask them for evidence for their beliefs. I don't think it is too much to ask creationists to come up with at least one evidence for their beliefs, such as fossils of Adam and Eve. Do they? Of course not, because there are none!
A few of the most important ones are enough, e.g., of humans. We don't want to waste research grants to look for the transitional fossils between the dark gray spotted cricket worm and the light gray spotted cricket worm.
Below is a link to a web site blog discussing exactly what Dennis is asking for. Coincidence? No. I searched for the term transitional fossils and got 150,000 hits. Then I clicked on the first -- the one below. Study the figure and click and read the whole blog post, and the answers from several persons below the blog text.
From the blog: A common claim by creationists is that there are 'no transitional fossils', despite advice from their own people to stop using this argument. These claims are often made in a blog or forum comment section rather than on an official website, since it is clearly a ludicrous statement. They also crop up a lot in comments on YouTube videos alongside such gems as 'If we evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?'. (Source: Four Dollars, Almost Five Blog, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.)
Have a good weekend!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Monday, September 14, 2009.
The U.S. Health Care System
This week the hybrid classes will view "Sicko", directed by Michael Moore, and with Michael Moore in the movie. Sicko is a 2007 documentary comparing the highly profitable non-universal U.S. health care industry to other nations (Cuba and some European countries) non-profit universal health care systems.
Suggestion to the Pecan campus students (meeting in a "not-so-comfortable" classroom?):
The movie is 2 hours! If you think the classroom chairs are uncomfortable -- BRING A PILLOW!?
(There will be a 20-minute "butt-rubbing" break after about 1 hour!) Starr County students are meeting in the comfortable auditorium
The present U.S. health care system is considered 37th in the world, below Costa Rica, but BETTER THAN SLOVENIA. Great!!!??? However, notice Cuba only 39. Yet, in the movie Sicko Americans received better and cheaper treatment when they went to Cuba, than they did back home... Hmmm!!!???
The Canadian Health Care System is used as an example in the movie Sicko. Sweden, my old home country, is not mentioned. I found this web site comparing the social indicators between Sweden, Canada and the United States.
Sweden and Canada lags behind the USA in terms of productivity. But both beat the U.S. hands down on most social indicators. Canada still falls well short of the Swedes.
Cost of health care (and education): In Sweden the government picks up 83 percent of the cost of health care and 91 percent of the cost of higher education. In Canada the government picks up 70 percent of the cost of health care and 60 percent of the cost of higher education. In the U.S. the government picks up 45 percent of the cost of health care and 51 percent of the cost of higher education.
Number of low paying jobs: Related to education, 5 percent in Sweden, 21 percent in Canada, and 25 percent in the U.S.
Politically involved: Swedes and Canadians are more likely to be than Americans, though both Canada and the U.S. compare badly to the Swedes: 56 percent of Canadians vote in Parliamentary elections, compared to 49 percent of Americans and 83 percent of Swedes.
The ideas of Tony Benn
In the movie Michael Moore interviews retired, British, Labour politician Tony Benn. The DVD also contains an additional extended interview. Below are five ideas from Mr. Benn, worth thinking about:
A educated nation is in the interest of all of us. Understand that understanding gives you power! (Tony Benn, on education.)
In Europe, the governments are afraid of the people. In United States the people are afraid of the government. (Tony Benn, on governments and "the power of the people".)
Yesterday, because of democracy, the system was changed to meet the need of the people. Today, because of the global economy, the people are changed to meet the need of the system. (Tony Benn, on the political system and the idea of representation.)
A healthy nation is in the interest of all of us. Even in the U.S. the army has universal health care -- because it is good for the country. Why, then, not for all of us? (Tony Benn, on universal health care.)
This is how progress is made. If you have a good idea you are ignored. If you go on with the idea you are mad. If you go on after that you are dangerous. Then -- if pressure keeps up -- there is a pause. Then you cannot find anyone at the top that doesn't claim to have thought of the idea in the first place. (Tony Benn on progress, Nelson Mandela, universal health care and global warming.)
Sicko is a great, thought-provoking movie! See you in class. BE ON TIME!
In some of the hybrid classes the global warming discussion is slowly picking up speed -- perhaps because we watched the movie "An Inconvenient Truth". In some online classes not a single student has posted ANYTHING in ANY of the discussion bulletin boards. That is fine, just remember that there will be a midterm reading (anytime during week 7), and if you have not posted a minimum of 20 postings you will have EARNED a ZERO.
Have you visited the The Town Hall?
Have a good week! Those of you doing class work -- keep up the good work. Those of you who are snoring -- the clock is ticking... See you online!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Monday, September 07, 2009.
New week!
The Blackboard server and the regular STC server where Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice is housed both have been a little sluggish over the weekend due to maintenance. Navigation was slow and sometimes older versions of web pages appearing due to use of the back-up server. Now when the long weekend is over it is really clear we are back to a "faster" normal -- at least on my computer navigation is at a "flying" speed. Even this little green icon is bouncing faster! Although, plan for another maintenance of Blackboard at the end of the week.
The Town Hall has opened. The permanent Class Help Desk is now located there. The Evolution worksheet quiz is also there waiting for you to start. The reading assignments can be reached here:
As per the Semester Calendar -- hybrid classes do not meet in the classroom this week. But we do meet online! Plenty of people who attended class last week have not yet logged in to Blackboard. In the online classes most students have logged in -- many students many, many times. Excellent!
So, many of you have started fine. But those of you who have not, you have to UNDERSTAND THIS: Just because the class only meets once a week does not mean that you only log in once to Blackboard. Unless of course you don't want to pass this class...
Remember what these former student said (from the Blackboard "homepage"):
At first I was overwhelmed by all the links and the assignments, but soon learned how to navigate through the website and manage my time effectively. I learned a great deal of information about our environment, how to read instructions, and the geography of our world. A great accomplishment for me was learning where continents, oceans, countries, and states were located on the map because it seemed almost impossible for me at the beginning of the semester. Everything is possible as long as we work hard and never stop reaching for our dreams. Thanks Dr. Nilsson for a great semester of learning!
Comment from the instructor: "At first I was overwhelmed by all the links and the assignments"... YES, and that is what to expect in a challenging class. THAT is why you need to spend time reading instructions and navigating the class pages until you understand the layout.
As this class draws to a close, I just had to say I'm really going to miss it! This has been such a great opportunity for me to challenge myself after all the classes I have had where professors drive me mad "babying" the students. I really did not expect to have had this class be as engaging as it was. I remember being slightly overwhelmed when I first read the syllabus and grading criteria, but as soon as I got the hang of it all I have to say it was so much fun! Even my husband loved to read the postings and watch the videos! We looked forward to reading your replies (especially for some of the ridiculous postings!) I appreciate the opportunity to speak my mind about real world topics and debate with others. Eugene and jacqueline with a little j...I have so enjoyed reading your postings as well! Dr. Nilsson, you are one in a million...you are truly a breath of fresh air!
Comment from the instructor: ... "after all the classes I have had where professors drive me mad "babying" the students"... Correct, we don't want babies in college classes. THAT is why you need to spend time reading instructions and navigating the class pages until you understand the layout.
One of the online students THIS semester posted the following a couple of days ago:
I have taken about 10 classes over the Internet but none compares to this one. I don't know about you all, but I got a head ache when I started to took into this class. I hope to start getting a clear picture and hope you all the best this semester.
Comment 1 from the instructor: "I hope to start getting a clear picture"... YES, we do want a clear picture. And after 10 online classes I am sure this student knows THAT is why you need to spend time reading instructions and navigating the class pages until you understand the layout.
Comment 2 from the instructor: "I don't know about you all, but I got a head ache when I started to took into this class."... THAT often happens when in front of a computer screen. I recommend Tylenol.
Unfortunately, it is a well-known problem that students think that they don't have to do very much in order to get a grade in college. THIS IS ESPECIALLY WIDE SPREAD AMONG BEGINNING ONLINE STUDENTS -- who have the misguided notion that because you can sit at home and take your tests online classes are easier than regular classes. IT IS THE INTENTION OF THIS CLASS TO BREAK THAT MYTH. As you should know from the Start Quiz, this is a WORK CLASS! We are going to have fun, fun, fun, with a lot of things to do in this class. To, hopefully, inspire you (?) to do the necessary work click on the link here and read what STC math professor Van Loy has to say about recommended study time in college classes.
Did you read it? Granted that some of you might not have to study as much as recommended, but the time indicated is the so-called "rule of thumb" for college study time.
RULE OF THUMB: For this class -- online class and hybrid class when not having a class meting, the "rule of thumb" informs that students each week might have to designate a MINIMUM of 12 hours for class work at home (or where-ever you do your class work). If you spread the time out evenly it would mean a little less than 2 hours per day -- FOR THIS CLASS. If you decide to only study on Saturdays (not a very good idea), you need to spend all 12 hours that day -- FOR THIS CLASS.
So, depending if you have a class meeting, or not, you need to study 9 - 12 hours per week MINIMUM for this class -- depending on what grade you want, how smart you are, or how much background you already have.
WELCOME TO COLLEGE! Learning is kind of like climbing a building. Some of us are better climbers than others, but isn't as easy as it looks like for the kid in the picture below... Something to think about, perhaps?
The picture called "future-of-learning" is used for educational purposes by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned, from this page.
Quality Education vs. Creationism 1 - 0
Since the Town Hall has opened, here are some things to think about regarding evolution. The article to the left was published in the Monitor during the spring 2009 semester. You know the same semester we had the SVINE FLU H1N1 virus outbreak -- which really puts importance on QUALITY EDUCATION so that humankind will know what to do in situations like that. As can be seen from the article, at least for now quality prevails over religion in the classroom. This may be an angle to bring up in the evolution discussion, when it starts in the Town Hall. For this reason I have added the two cartoons above and below.
The cartoon above are used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College. Downloaded online by students. Source unknown. The artist's signatures are on the cartoons.
Have a good week! I hope you are having a nice Labor Day! Visit the Town Hall, Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice and Blackboard Plaza often. Remember the "rule of thumb" discussion above!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Friday, September 04, 2009.
The semester has started!
I have now met with all hybrid students. It was nice meeting you all. A few students didn't show up for class, and a few online students have not checked in yet.
Some of you might have noticed the extra Town Hall course shell popping up on the "My eCourses" Blackboard page. As I have already informed in the online instructions, and in the hybrid classes, this is the shell where we -- all seven Environmental Biology classes as taught by this instructor, will have the Evolution Class Discussions and the permanent Class help Desk. I hope to set it up over the weekend. Until then, address questions to the temporary Help Desk in each regular course shell.
Again, welcome to class! Let's have a good semester of learning -- like why we must stop the BBQ of our planet (see the cartoon above). Have a good weekend!
Dr. Nilsson
The cartoon above is used for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES by Dr. Nilsson, South Texas College, scanned from The Monitor, McAllen
Monday, August 31, 2009.
Students, welcome to the Environmental Biology
Class Communication page!
This is the page where the instructor will put messages, such as hints and reminders, to all students in class -- on THIS page -- not on the Blackboard pages. It is therefore a good information page for the class. However, it is also the best entry page to the STC Blackboard for all Environmental Biology classes taught by Dr. Nilsson.
Below are the Spring 2009 semester letter grades. Understanding what to expect from a class by looking at EARNED grades and student comments from previous semesters can be very useful information.
Below that table are some additional useful information, and a welcome message from the instructor, which also has useful information you don't want to miss.
Letter Grade Distributions, all classes spring 2009 .
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F
One comment about the F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F . All these students decided that it was not worth their time to do all the assignments in class. In this class you EARN your grade. These students EARNED their F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F.
Note that there are many more A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A. They DID all assignments and EARNED the A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A.
If you found this page by clicking on a link from Blackboard you probably already know that Blackboard is only one part of the Environmental Biology class. This page is on the non-Blackboard part called Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice. Click on the Environmental Biology icon on top of the page (just below the big welcome sign) to get the Environmental Biology hub page -- which is the center of all activities and assignments in this class.
You may also have reached this page by either clicking on the Blackboard button on the Environmental Biology Hub. However, the Blackboard button above is the real link that takes you to the STC Blackboard server. You can also enter the STC Blackboard server over the STC homepage, but doing so you will miss the introductions and useful instructions on this page.
Many pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice can be identified and recognized by the background photo. The background picture may take some time to download the first time if you are dialing in from home -- depending on your browser, computer, and/or service provider. However, the web master has tried to reduce the resolution to a level sufficient for web pages -- so unless you have an outdated browser and/or computer, it should not cause a problem. It is, however, faster to brows on STC's networked computers if you don't have fast Internet connection from home (Broadband or "Roadrunner").
I assume that all students who have registered for the online class have Internet access from home (slow or fast). Although, you don't necessarily have to, but if you don't you should not (seriously!) have registered for an online class. Hybrid students are nor required to have a computer at home, but must find an STC computer for regular use IMMEDIATELY at the beginning of the semester.
Most of the things you are going to do during the semester are listed in the Semester Calendar and the Grading Criteria. However, to help you get a good start here is a short list of things I recommend you do the first few days:
Read this page and navigate around the pages on Dr. Nilsson's Cyberoffice. (You may do so by clicking on the icon below.)
Obtain your textbook.
5/e
4/e an old copy of edition 4 might also work, but there will be some differences (which may make it harder to follow the course)
Student Blackboard
Help Desk
872-2598
or click on eSupport
Make sure you have functioning username, password and computer software to access Blackboard. Login to Blackboard and navigate around the Blackboard pages for the class. (You may do so by clicking on the icon below.)
READ the information on the REGULAR course shell Homepage for the class (also called Course Content page) and -- when opening up -- on the TOWN HALL course shell Homepage for the class.
READ the information contained in the Syllabus -- especially the
Answer the questions on the Start Quiz based on your reading of the "Welcome -- Start Here" page. (A link is located in the Start Here module on Blackboard. You must pass it with minimum 94 before you can continue with the course. You can take the quiz as many times as needed to get a 94.)
Start the Chapter Quizzes and Geography Drills (You must pass with a minimum 94. All chapter quizzes and geography drills must be passed with minimum 94.)
Take the Class Discussion Key Quiz on Blackboard so that you can start participating in the Class Discussions. (A link is located in the REGULAR course shell in the Class Discussions/Reactions folder on Blackboard. You must pass the key quiz with 100.)
Take the Town Hall Key Quiz on Blackboard so that you can start participating in the Town Hall Evolution Discussions. (A link is located in the TOWN HALL course shell on Blackboard. You must pass the key quiz with 100. The Town Hall may or may not be open the first few days of the semester, since the Town Hall course shell must be set up separately by the Blackboard people.)
Again, welcome to class!
Dr. Nilsson
Below is a message from a former student, with an interesting poem.
It is for students like this I teach! Thank You! Dr. Nilsson Money well spent
At the beginning of the semester, I made known my intrest in the environment. Before
the semester began, I had been checking out books, about the environment, from my
school library, and reading them. I am an avid reader and if it deals with environment, I
become more absorbed in the reading. That said, (typed) the quizzes were
just like eye candy to me. Having to not only read the information, but also answer the
questions without having to flip back and forth thru the pages, was like a challenge in
which I tested my self.
In this class I learned more than I already knew about the
negative effects of our behaviour towards our earth and its precious resources. I make
it a point to educate others, especially those near me, about the consequences we
bestow upon ourselves when we don't act intelligently or responsibly towards what God
has provided for us. We must be good stewards and take care of our resources...that
means our brains also.
I must finally say that as a college student, few have been the
instructors who have made me feel that I am getting my $$$ worth in education.
Numerous times I've been grouped with other students who have not the slightest idea
about how to put together a sentence. Here we are taking college courses and even
though we might not be taking an English class, we should be well prepared to spell
names and words that should have been part of our vocabulary from an earlier time in
our education. I thank Dr. Nilsson for having the grading criteria he had and taking into
account what we should have known by now.
I learned alot from this class, not only
from Dr. Nilsson, but from fellow students, and me. I learned that in becoming a teacher
in the future, I must not cheat my students from a good education. In order to do that, I
must not cheat myself. I must study and do my part. My employer pays for my
education and I am proud to say that their money is being well spent. With instructors
like Dr. Nilsson, there is real learning going on, if the student so desires. Let me also
share with you that I am a Mexican national and English is my second language, but I
embraced it since I began to learn it and I will continue to improve, not only the
language, but education as a whole. Thanks Dr. Nilsson!
I forgot one more thing............
Pretty Good
By: Charles Osgood
There once was a pretty good student,
Who sat in a pretty good class
And was taught by a pretty good teacher,
Who always let pretty good pass.
He wasn't terrific at reading,
He wasn't a whiz-bang at math;
But for him education was leading
Straight down a pretty good path.
He didn't find school too exciting,
But he wanted to do pretty well,
And he did have some trouble with writing
And nobody taught him to spell.
When doing arithmetic problems
Pretty good was regarded as fine.
Five plus five needn't always add up to be ten,
A pretty good answer was nine.
The pretty good class that he sat in
Was part of a pretty good school,
And the student was not an exception,
On the contrary, he was the rule.
The pretty good school that he went to
Was in a pretty good town.
And nobody seemed to notice
He could not tell a verb from a noun.
The pretty good student in fact was
Part of a pretty good mob.
And the first time he knew what he lacked was
When he looked for a pretty good job.
It was then, when he sought a position,
He discovered that life could be tough,
And he soon had a sneaky suspicion
Pretty good might not be good enough.
The pretty good town in our story
Was part of a pretty good state,
Which had pretty good aspirations,
And prayed for a pretty good fate.
There once was a pretty good nation,
Pretty proud of the greatness it had,
If you want to be great,
Pretty good is, in fact, pretty bad
(Students name removed. I don't put student names on my web pages without permission. If you want your name on the page -- I am a stickler for correct sources, let me know. :-) It deserves to be mentioned!) I felt elated when I saw my opinion on your web page! Thanks!
OF COURSE you may post my name. I am proud of it.
And because my father instilled in me the love of reading and learning, I think I should
include my maiden name...
Background photo of New Zealand rainforest. Downloaded from http://www.Breathtaking-Photos.com, by John Macken, "Breathtaking-Photos - Free Wallpaper Pictures for Your Computer".
-- Disclaimer: "Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice", at the time of writing located as a file under the South Texas College's (STC) web server with the general URL http://www.southtexascollege.edu/, is the intellectual property of Dr. Jan A. Nilsson, member of STC biology faculty. The content of Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice does not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of the STC faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees.
-- Fair Use Notice:
Web pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice are used for educational purposes; I understand the "fair use notice" below as the correct interpretation of the copyright law. Fair non-commercial use is necessary in order to maintain an open and free Internet -- as originally intended. As an educator I thank whom it may concern for allowing the use of material under the "fair use rule" for educational purposes to educate this and future generations.
Several evolution cartoons used on this page are reposted from http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/projects/ejn/ejn_comics/, a web page with similar fair use policy as the web master of this page. As stated on the page: "Every effort has been made to not include materials copyrighted by other people and to respect the intellectual property of others. Should some item be identified as not in the public domain, simple notice is requested so Dr Cain can ensure this material is removed. He wants to respect everyone's copyright." The page with the evolution cartoons provides information about the otherwise lost journal "Evolution" in the 1920s and 1930s devoted to promoting the teaching of evolution in US public schools.
Several anti-evolution cartoons used on this page are also reposted from http://www.answersingenesis.org/aftereden/ free downloading site -- of what is supposed to be anti-evolution cartoons. All cartoons are not anti-evolutionary even though it must be assumed that was the intent, since "Answers in Genesis" is an anti-evolution web site.
If anyone feels that his or her material cannot be used this way I will immediately remove it if notified.
(Statement originating from www.sullivan-county.com/) "This site [may contain] copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner." ..
As I began with this course, I was not so sure if it was ok for me to be exposed to the theory of evolution. Being raised to only believe in the bible was something the caused such fear in me. I feared that I would be sinning if I began to believe in this theory.
I was scared that this idea would drive me away from God, yet, now I comprehend that the theory of evolution was not invented so that people could stray away from God's word but only to inform us, educating us about our origins and for a better understanding of our surroundings.
Evolution is defined as change over time and that is what it is. There is nothing wicked or evil about it.
This course has not only helped me accept new ideas but has also educated me on this subject. I now know that there is nothing wrong with accepting the theory of evolution and that fearing this subject seems so ridiculous.
Sanjuanita Environmental Biology student, Spring 2009
Number of students who have passed the Evolution Worksheet Quiz: 44 Days left to midterm deadline week (when you must have minimum 10 Town Hall evolution posts, and at least 1 in each bulletin board): 22
Welcome to the dinosaur Town Hall!
The state of education -- PART 2: Humankind (and Earth) is the center of the universe!
Humankind (and Earth) is the center of the universe because according to the Bible God made us in his image to "rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth (Genesis 1:26). Oh, and the Earth is just 6000 years old...
If you wish to see the videos in full screen, click on the second to the right icon at the bottom of the screen (almost looking like an American flag).
The state of education -- PART 1: The Earth is only 6000 years old!
This is what religious indoctrination / lack of education does to some people (especially lack of science and history education).
Every single registered voter in Arizona should be ashamed right now. (plasmafire44)
We have found cave paintings that are older than 30,000 years!
FOR EARLIER POSTINGS SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE!
As soon as you pass the Evolution Worksheet Quiz with a
minimum 94 the Town Hall Bulletin Board will open up!
A midterm Town Hall evolution discussion grade will be taken week 8 (minimum 10 posts distributed in all bulletin boards required for midterm points). Last day to EARN a 94
on the work sheet quiz is October 29 (week 9, but you will score a ZERO on the midterm
reading if you wait that long -- if you don't have minimum 10 posts week 8...)
The two most common mistakes preventing a high score is NOT PAYING ATTENTION
-- e.g., not spelling correctly or nor copying fill-in-the-blank-questions correctly
1.
As I began with this course, I was not so sure if it was ok for me to be exposed to the theory of evolution. Being raised to only believe in the bible was something the caused such fear in me. I feared that I would be sinning if I began to believe in this theory.
I was scared that this idea would drive me away from God, yet, now I comprehend that the theory of evolution was not invented so that people could stray away from God's word but only to inform us, educating us about our origins and for a better understanding of our surroundings.
Evolution is defined as change over time and that is what it is. There is nothing wicked or evil about it.This course has not only helped me accept new ideas but has also educated me on this subject. I now know that there is nothing wrong with accepting the theory of evolution and that fearing this subject seems so ridiculous.
Sanjuanita Environmental Biology student, Spring 2009
2.
3.
4.
5.
Conservatives in the United States are trying to stop the showing of "Creation" a movie about the life of Charles Darwin, made in the United Kingdom.
(From the video -- broadcast on TV, September 14, 2009.) "If Americas young people were to be exposed to Darwin's life, who knows what would happen? Rational thought? Clearly this must be stopped. Two hours in a metropolitan art house threaten to undo centuries of teaching."
Rachel Maddow: "Don't you worry, in the long run, what happens to a country who start disbelieving all the stuff that has been proven?"
Kent Jones: "Yes. Yes!"
Kent Jones: "That is not the color red anymore. Because I said so.
Rachel Maddow: And if you are challenging my right to say so then clearly you hate me."
Rachel Maddow: "I worry, I worry..."
Kent Jones: "Very scary..."
Rachel Maddow: "I am very worried."
If anyone feels that his or her material cannot be used this way I will immediately remove it if notified. 
Number of students who have passed the Evolution Worksheet Quiz: 44 
Days left to midterm deadline week (when you must have minimum 10 Town Hall evolution posts, and at least 1 in each bulletin board): 22
Stay tuned for future class communications! Scroll down for earlier postings!
To sign in to STC Blackboard (click the reddish brown link above) your browser must have JavaScript enabled! (Otherwise nothing will happen when you click on the log-in link.) If JavaScript is not enabled you can enable it in the browser PREFERENCES. (Exactly how this is done varies with each browser.)
All submitted case studies postings have been graded. The very simple grading criteria (possible deductions and points deducted) are listed in the 
Dr. Nilsson
We are on the brink of destroying our planet by global climate change caused by greedy, materialistic, self-indulgent, and "anything goes" human behavior, and I claim that the main reason for this behavior is an ever-increasing poorly educated superstitious faith based human mindset -- not understanding how the real world works -- allowed to rule and control interaction with the planet. Dr. Jan A. Nilsson
I estimate that about 1/3 of all students in class have at this point finished what so far has been available for you to submit of the course. Excellent, excellent!!! You guys, and those of you who are close to finishing, don't need to read the rest of today's posting. Keep up the good work! Keep paying attention, keep posting in discussions, and study for the Final Exam. 
Reading or at least checking this page every day for new messages would be a good start.
as per the 
The Class Discussion/Reflections grades posted were the grades indicated in the subject title. PLEASE READ THE SUBJECT TITLE AND PAY ATTENTION! (To read it scroll down to October 15.)
(this is a link -- click on it) . On that web page the question, "What is the difference between the Category IV: Class Discussion and Category VIII: Town Hall Meeting?" is answered.
The Midterm grade for the REGULAR Class Discussion/Reflection (Reaction) has been posted on this page. All students who had the MODIFIED (watered down) minimum 15 postings, BY THE GRADE READING DATE, received the points as noted in the Grading Criteria. All other students receive a zero. Again, THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED ON THIS PAGE!
Class Meeting Agenda:
10 minutes after scheduled start of class -- to end of the movie.
10 minutes after the end of the movie -- to end of class.
Most students in all hybrid classes were on time last time (unlike the first class meeting). I appreciate that.
Have a good week! The Midterm Exam clock is ticking... Online students, see you online! Hybrid students, see you in the classroom!
Jan A. Nilsson, Ph.D. Biology, South Texas College.
A comment about the paragraphs below that was originally posted on the Class Help Desk on October 26. A student has commented and said that I (the instructor) made up that "excuse". Well, yes, but note what is said in the parenthesis: "or a variation with the same meaning". Below the two paragraphs are some EXCUSES used by spring 2009 students for missing the Final Exam. How many students will miss the final exam this semester? Hmmm!!!???
"I know I missed the deadline for the Midterm Exam, but could you spend some time over the weekend to change Blackboard settings to open up the Midterm Exam assignment for me so I can turn it in? I didn't think the assignment was important (nor the class) and therefore I didn't pay attention to the deadline, but I think YOU (the instructor) should think it is important to allow me to turn in the assignment even if it is late." 
:
Week 9. Oct 25 - Oct 31
Last day to submit the Darwin Worksheet Quiz, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:59PM. 
Updated November 03, 2009.
Why would an English instructor start an evolution task force? Hmmm!!!??? 
High school
"This is a historic day in the struggle for animal rights and in defense of our evolutionary comrades, which will doubtless go down in the history of humanity."
A educated nation is in the interest of all of us. Understand that understanding gives you power! (Tony Benn, on education.)
In Europe, the governments are afraid of the people. In United States the people are afraid of the government. (Tony Benn, on governments and "the power of the people".)
Yesterday, because of democracy, the system was changed to meet the need of the people. Today, because of the global economy, the people are changed to meet the need of the system. (Tony Benn, on the political system and the idea of representation.)
A healthy nation is in the interest of all of us. Even in the U.S. the army has universal health care -- because it is good for the country. Why, then, not for all of us? (Tony Benn, on universal health care.)
This is how progress is made. If you have a good idea you are ignored. If you go on with the idea you are mad. If you go on after that you are dangerous. Then -- if pressure keeps up -- there is a pause. Then you cannot find anyone at the top that doesn't claim to have thought of the idea in the first place. (Tony Benn on progress, Nelson Mandela, universal health care and global warming.)
Most of the things you are going to do during the semester are listed in the 
Read this page and navigate around the pages on Dr. Nilsson's Cyberoffice. (You may do so by clicking on the icon below.)
Obtain your textbook.
Make sure you have functioning username, password and computer software to access Blackboard. Login to Blackboard and navigate around the Blackboard pages for the class. (You may do so by clicking on the icon below.)
READ the information on the REGULAR course shell Homepage for the class (also called Course Content page) and -- when opening up -- on the TOWN HALL course shell Homepage for the class.
READ the information contained in the Syllabus -- especially the
Answer the questions on the Start Quiz based on your reading of the 
Start the 
Take the Class Discussion Key Quiz on Blackboard so that you can start participating in the Class Discussions. (A link is located in the REGULAR course shell in the Class Discussions/Reactions folder on Blackboard. You must pass the key quiz with 100.)
Take the Town Hall Key Quiz on Blackboard so that you can start participating in the Town Hall Evolution Discussions. (A link is located in the TOWN HALL course shell on Blackboard. You must pass the key quiz with 100. The Town Hall may or may not be open the first few days of the semester, since the Town Hall course shell must be set up separately by the Blackboard people.)
Below is a message from a former student, with an interesting poem.
Dr. Nilsson
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