The Cluster

For this week's blog I would like you to take a moment to review what you have learned in the cluster so far. What has been the most interesting? What has been the most challenging? What challenges do you expect over the next few weeks?

This is actually the first time in my college career that I've actually taken a cluster of classes concentrating under a particular field. I like the fact that the classes that we're taking all work together so lets say if one class is a little behind the professors will work together to see what's best for the class whether to delay a project or move a lesson plan forward if we're ahead of schedule. I think what has been the most interesting is I like the fact that in my english classes we spend alot of time in the computer lab which forces me to concentrate more on my work and projects. I think what has been the most challenging is that there is alot of work to be done with all the classes and sometimes it can be confusing to remember when everything is due and what has to be completed first. I feel that I have to plan on budgeting my time better in order to help me out in the long run.

Gee Article

In the article, "Good Video Games and Good Learning", Gee states his points on what tools teachers and educators should be using in school. Gee feels that educators should be including new technologies to be introduced into the classrooms in order to educate our students. he feels that games are a good way to teach our students. I also agree with Gee because I feel that it helps some students with the learning process because believe it or not games do teach us in a sense and in some games forces you to think sometimes before you act. I feel this is like the new way of learning, its also a way to venture out of the traditional ways of learning instead of always learning from a textbook.

Club Fair

Last week, I attended the Club Fair which was held in the cafeteria. It was very interesting. There were many clubs being advertised to us, that I thought were very cool. There was one club called the break dancing club. I thought that was pretty cool because I would love to learn how to dance and do things like that but that's definitely too advanced for me! haha I would love to join a club this semester but I don't think I will have enough time because I usually go straight to work after classes so maybe next semester I will consider joining a club.

[Game] [Play] [Simulation]

What do we mean when we use the word "play"? The word play can have many different meanings to others. I think its when one interacts with others to have fun and to enjoy themselves. There are many ways in which we can "play". What do we mean when we use the word “game”? I think the word "game" can also relate with the word "play" because we play games to have fun. Games can be many different activities that can be carried out to just have fun, like board games and video games! As I was growing up, I used to play alot of video games from my super nintendo all the way up to the current playstation and xbox consoles. Games allow for competition to see who can be the best and who can put forth sportsmanship and who can play as a team. What comes to mind when I think of the word "simulation" is that something that is not real whereas someone can pretend to be something they're not to escape the real world, i think this is where all these actions and word can relate to one another.

The Matrix

The Matrix was a very good movie. I have actually seen it a couple times before this class but to be honest, once I saw it in this class and Dr. C. Jason Smith pointed out some concepts through out the movie, I was like "Oh I never realized that before!" So far I think I understand that there are two worlds: the real world which is The Matrix and another world. This movie was very interesting and very entertaining. The main character, Neo, was living in a world that he thought was real. But then once he met with Morpheus and entered the Matrix, he then realized what was real and what life he was living a lie so to speak.

About Me

Hey what's up world! My name is Matthew Ortega. You guys can call me Matt for short. I am 19 years old. This is my second year attending college. So far, I must say, I've had a pleasant experience here at LaGuardia. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Fall Semester.