There are three vital resources to anyone unemployed or underemployed: the library, giveaway websites, and community farms or a personal garden. 

First Resource: Libraries

Many people think of libraries as the place they had to go flip through card catalogs to find musty old books for reports in high school.  A number of opportunities are missed due to this stereotype.  A local library now can fill many needs, including job seeking, internet access, and entertainment.  Instead of spending money on a book about resumes or job hunting, ask the reference librarian.  He or she not only will show you the best books on the subject, but also may be able to guide you to additional community or internet resources.  Most libraries now have internet free to patrons, so you can save a lot of money on paying for internet by utilizing this resource.  Cancelling internet and cable saves a huge chunk of funds, and libraries carry DVDs for free.

Second Resource: Giveaway Websites

Free websites, such as Freecycle and the free section of Craigslist, often are severely underutilized by people who would most benefit from their use.  This often is because when you try to minimize expenses, the internet is one of the first things to go; as mentioned above, using the free internet at the library will save you that money while still allowing access to such a vital resource. Many people post items they wish to give away on Freecycle.  The majority of the items are in great condition, posted either because someone is looking to clear up space, or because they inherited unwanted items, or other reasons that don’t detract from quality. 
Checking Freecycle once per day for needed items and posting a “wanted” message for needs before buying them will conserve a large amount of money.  One of the first things to look for is something to help cook your own food cheaper.  For example, you could ask if anyone has a rice cooker or slow cooker they no longer need.  (Note: resist the temptation to ask for every interesting item. Excessive clutter can impede your efforts to accomplish money saving tasks, such as cooking meals from scratch.)

Third Resource: Community Farm or Personal Garden.

To reduce expenses while unemployed, you can grow your own food or get a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share.  Many farms offer the choice of paying for an entire summer of food up front or working for a share.  The work often is minimal, only a few hours per week, and the return is vast. 

Alternately, if your living situation is appropriate, home gardening while using free compost is a fantastic way to get free, fresh food.  Many garden clubs meet at libraries and members are happy to offer a few extra plants as they thin them out.  Freecycle, again, is a great resource which you may use to request specific plants from anyone who has extra to give. 

To grow a garden, you must either have a plot of land in which to plant or must use garden boxes, but utilizing Freecycle aids porch-gardening significantly, as you can get compost, plants, and containers that others view as trash but can be repurposed as gardening boxes, a compost bin, or hanging planters.

Following these three simple tips will dramatically ease the financial burden while unemployed, as well as providing great resources to continue to use for improved standard of living after employment is achieved.

 Man as a superior most creation in this universe having well developed higher functions and independent intellect and has been always crawling for obtaining more and more hidden knowledge of this universe. Since the dawn of civilizations there has been a human instinct to preserve its experience and expertise for the posterity. The tendency prompted different civilizations to preserve knowledge, and experience in different available forms in different period of time and over centuries publishing has seen many media as we know and have witnessed that thousands of years ago for example, the Sumerians used clay tablets to capture and retain their information it was followed by use of papyrus, marble, vellum, birch bark  (Burza) paper and of late silicon to record the human thoughts on varied subjects like on heaven to hell, law and love, engineering and education until middle of fifteenth century however book publishing was a very undemocratic activity. A book was a work of art made for libraries of kings monasteries and rich people, and could be accessed by elite class of society but thanks to Gutenberg revolution (The revolution of printing) which made land mark in democratization, usage and publishing of books.  up to the 20th century, a library was defined by its holdings. The pride that famous universities took in their libraries was generally expressed in some statement about the number of books that today could claim to own and with the passage of time the concept of physical holdings vanished and today we talk of digital libraries electronic libraries virtual libraries and a library without walls.

In such digital store house of information instead of users visiting library the library’s vast information and collection is available and accessible to the user at his work place.

The new media audio visual television micro film and computer based communication had media new competition with book information. Is being generated faster than libraries are able to organize and store it. Commercial companies are getting into the information business database are replacing catalogue. At one time libraries tried to hold large independent collections, to day this objective has became financially impractical. The cherished goal that a library can grow to be self- sufficient is no longer feasible document available in any library across the globe can be made available with the click on the computer available in your library provided they are  linked by the network systems libraries have changed from mere static store house of knowledge  to dynamic services  centers. As such library profession has witnessed transformation after transformation in the wake of changes in the intellectual and ICI (Information and communication technology) environment   thus the concept of library has been changed to cybrary and the librarian is said to be cybrarian however the basic philosophy behind the services offered by the library profession is “to be the linking mechanism between the service of information and the patrons” has remain unchanged. What  changed are the professional activities that were impacted by the advances in social, intellectual and technological spheres from time to time. The professional activities with regard to collection development organization and access have thus undergone changes calling for new environment more over the physical possession is no more than criterion for services. All most all the studies over the globe shows that in the present era  of  technology could not make the print format obsolete or out dated over night the print will continue and new technologies offer the promise of better answer to old problems and with it new technologies pose new problems with the passage of time. Print media has inherent strength books and journals are extremely portable, safe discreet prudent and easy to customize. The present technologies can effect only in reduction of paper usage and not replace it in immediate future.

CONCLUSION

 In the context of the advancement of information technology, library and information professional are faced with challenges they encounter in the provision and dissemination for all over development of human society. the institution that is known as library around the globe has been witnessing changes all through the ages, it is not a new phenomena today the librarian and information professional is imperatively to functions in addition to his conventional practices, as information analyzer, interpreter, facilitator consultant, advisor etc. concepts like automated libraries, electronic libraries, digital and virtual libraries point in this direction the libraries. In order to be responsive to new social needs and demands have to master themselves to adopt the changes. Thus it is a matter of survival and sustenance sooner we realize it, better it will be.

I was seven years old when my older brother was given the task of introducing me to the public library. I had grown up with books and had a small supply of my own, given as birthday and Christmas presents. But now that I could really read my parents couldn’t keep up with supply and demand. The time had come to introduce me to the wider world.

I don’t remember much about that first trip, except the awe I felt upon climbing some stairs and entering the narrow shaped room called a library. I was shown the children’s section, where there were more books than I’d ever seen in my life. I left that day clutching my new library card and a couple of books. It was like arriving in heaven.

Two days later life became even better. I’d finished my books and wanted more. I was obviously a sensible child, as my parents had no hesitation sending me off on my own, explaining how I should return my books before choosing the new ones. Seven years old and already let loose amongst the world of books, free to make my own decisions about what I could read.

I remember discovering the non-fiction section and borrowing books about every country imaginable. And there were the ‘Twin’ books written by Lucy Fitch Perkins. A whole series of them occupied a shelf and I’m sure I read every one of them within a short time. For some reason the one that fascinated me most and whose title I remember was ‘The Eskimo Twins’.

My reading life continued growing as I sampled books from every section. But fiction was always my favourite. Amongst the shelves of books I had found a second home.

There have been many libraries since then. On moving to any new town my first task has always been to join the local library. That feeling of the library as my second home remains to this day. In troubled times or when I’m seeking solitude I find a corner in the library and immerse myself in the world of books

These days I’m not content to belong to only one library. As well as my local library, I also belong to the Wellington Public Library, where I have an Out of Town borrower’s card. This means when I’m down in the capital city, as I often am, I’m not denied access to borrow books if I want to.

Libraries are wonderful places that serve different people in different ways. I’m now back in my home town, where my love of libraries started. That feeling of awe on entering my first library as a seven year old has never left me.

It’s Official – I’m an Oot

1. Hospital auxiliary.  The most common jobs are working behind the information desk and at the gift shop, but you may also wind up as a clerk to the chaplain or reading menus to patients or delivering flowers and gifts to people in their rooms.  One of the perks is often you get a free meal if you work for 4 hours at a time.  You also get to wear a neat jacket and name badge.  After you have served a year you often get extra recognition.  They also invite you to most of the staff parties.
2. Hospice caretaker.  This one involves some extra sensitivity and a lot of extra training.  It can add a great sense of value to your life to see what a difference you can make in someone else’s–even at the end.  Maybe when you are dying (we all die someday) someone will return the favor.
3. Animal shelter.  Do you like animals?  If you like them and have a way with them, they are always looking for helpers at the Humane Society. The only problem is, if you fall in love with some of the animals, you will want to take them home to save them from being euthanized.  That is not always possible.  There are animal shelters that do not kill healthy animals however.  You might prefer to look for one of them.
4. Charity marathons.  If you have a cause you are passionate about, like ending breast cancer, there are walkathons, bikeathons, and even rock-a-thons (rocking chairs for hours at a time) where the proceeds you raise go to research.  Of course, you have to do some fundraising and drum up some support if you want to donate a lot.
5. Friends of the Library.  For you readers out there (and I know you read online articles anyhow) who love to hang out at the library and would serve life sentences if reading were illegal.  You should join Friends of the Library.  For a small annual fee, you get an inside look at what goes on at the library.  You’ll probably be the first to know about new books and magazines when they come out.  And you get a lot of social interaction if you volunteer for book sales.
6. Visiting shut-ins.  Maybe you don’t work well with organizations, but know one or two people who are unable to get out very often for some reason.  Just make a commitment with yourself that you will visit once a week.  Make sure the person knows you are coming over.  You might run errands while you are there and get groceries or personal items the shut-in needs but has trouble getting.
7. Religious organizations.  If you attend a church or synagogue and don’t do anything, maybe it’s time to consider giving back.  Aside from the preacher and part-time secretary, our church is completely staffed by volunteers.  Sunday school, worship, communion preparations, nursery, decorations…there’s all kinds of opportunity for wherever your talents lie.  I even was called upon to write a poem and read it at Christmas one year.  If you like to write, chances are the preacher could use help with the newsletter.

Image by quinn.anya via Flickr

Don’t forget, when you apply for a paid position, to list the volunteer jobs you have performed.  I’ve been considered for several positions on account of my hospital work.

But whether or not these volunteer jobs lead directly to a paid position, they help people feel needed and valuable–both the givers and receivers of these services. 

Inside the dome are sculptures that represented seven gods which corresponded to seven planets (at the time.) Also this being a pantheon was also a dedication to all their other gods. In addition, there were altars inside so ancient Romans could pray or honor their gods. There was a giant hole called the Oculus in the roof that was supposedly the eye of the gods and is also thought it was to symbolize the heavens. This hole is also where one the few spaces where light is shined inside the Pantheon. The front of this building shows an inscription, M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIUM·FECIT, which means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this.” The pantheon was reconstructed many times but the emperor Hadrian was one who got the pantheon to its perfection.

The construction was probably one of the major things about the pantheon because without the brilliant architectural advances this temple might not be standing or would never have been built. One of the mysterious things about the pantheon is no one knows the identity of this building. Probably the easiest part of construction was the entrance. They built it with eight roman columns made of granite. The hardest part of the construction of this structure was the dome and its massive weight. So they just had to decrease the thickness as the height increased and also used a different type of concrete. Also one of Rome’s greatest innovations was the arch which they used to help with support and sustain the structure, which is why it’s still up today, thanks to the emperor Hadrian.

            The Roman Pantheon is one of the greatest ancient structures still standing. People from around the world study it to help with their own architectural designs. Similar figures of the pantheon would be libraries, universities, and more. Some items they used to build this would be of course concrete, air forming, and rebar. Some other mysterious of this building is the exact age, what else they used it for, and a lot of other things. The building of this structure took awhile but no one really knows for sure how long it took to build it. Overall the creation was a hard process but it paid of being one of the greatest examples of fine architecture and ancient structures.

            More history about the pantheon is that after Marcus Agrippa’s pantheon burned down, it was then reconstructed again by Domitia but it got struck by lightning and burned down. As I told you before Hadrian had the pantheon built to its perfection. Some important people’s bodies were buried here. During the fall of Rome this building luckily survived the barbarian attacks. Many additions were added when it was converted into a Christian church like the two bell towers on its sides. There was no dome as magnificent as this one until Duomo of Florence in the 1400’s. As a result of the architecture, history, and greatness the Roman Pantheon is one of the greatest ancient standing structures in the world today.

When money is tight and you feel like you must socialize and have a little fun, you really can and it won’t cost you a red cent. Invite your best friend over and give each other an oatmeal facial. Do your finger nails and toe nails, set each others hair, then wrap up on the couch and watch an interesting TV program.

Go to AddictingGames.com. They have thousands of games, puzzles, action, sports and more. Do a jigsaw with Daily JigSaw or find more games at FreeArcade.com.

Most museums are free. If you have gas in the car go check out a few museums. Go to Free-Attractions.com to see where admissions are free and take your camera along to make pictures if they allow it.

Swap your stuff you no longer wear. Go to Swapstyle.com to join an online fashion party. It’s free so shop all day if you want to. Swap books at PaperBackSwap.com and textbooks at Bookswap.com. If you have DVDs to swap, go to SwapaDVD.com or TitleTrader.com.

Don’t leave out your local library. Practially every book you ever wanted to read is there waiting for you to check out. Experience the action, visit faraway places, learn to make jewelry or a quilt.

If you are interested in scholarships and grants and have a few hours go to, FastWeb.com. It might take awhile but you’re sure to find some scholarships and grants that fit your background.

Would you like to decorate and fix up your house? Home Depot has in store classes that show you how to tile a floor, paint, hang drywall and other fixes. Go to HomeDepot.com and click on “Know-How” then “clinics.” For online help go to Lowes.com, click on services then “How-To-Projects.”

You must have a box of photos, sort them out to start and album. If your photos are digital, upload them to websites like PhotoBucket.com. It’s free. You can crop, edit and organize to create an album to share with friends.

Most cities have free festivals, picnics and concerts. Check your newspaper and city websites for information. See the websites of churches, colleges, and your chamber of commerce. Google the name of your city plus “tourist” and be surprised at what you find.

See, I told you there lots of things you can still do when you have no money and if you are not interested in any of the above, turn on some music, find a book and stretch in a comfortable place, who knows, you might be able to take a nice long nap.

Publish your articles and earn income.

more published articles:

http://webupon.com/search-engines/microsoft-and-google/

http://webupon.com/web-talk/bad-behavior-and-the-internet/

http://socyberty.com/education/student-motivation/

http://telewatching/telewatching/womans-body-found-under-clutter/

http://beyondjane.com/beauty/makeup-to-look-ten-years-younger/

A Librarian is a teacher.
Library users need to be shown how to find the information they need. Normally this includes showing guests who have never used a computer the essentials of how to get to a web page and how to search the library web catalog. guests need assistance in formatting their searches to find data to meet their needs. Students have to be shown how to use citations. They also need an grasp of plagiarism so they do not mistakenly plagiarism. In today’s copy, and paste society it is very easy for accidental plagiarism to happen. Frequently used programs such as word processing are incessantly being improved and librarians need to keep their visitors up to date on these modifications. Public K-12 schools have specialized librarians called media specialist. A media specialist works with the teachers in support of their instruction and takes an active part in the class work. Librarians perform a vital service by providing reading programs that give children a head start for school. Under the guise of games and fun librarians provide exposure for underprivileged children to the world of learning. Librarians also help older users learn how to read and add to lifelong learning opportunities for all users.

A Librarian is a information source.
Librarians are important for keeping the public informed. In today’s growing and changing society information is more valuable than ever. Librarians instruct users how to access news, research, and other important information.  Libraries provide a place where the under privileged can go to access free newspapers and online news sources.  Librarians are the gatekeepers to this information and resource access. Librarians are able to instruct users how to access professional and scholastic databases.

A Librarian is a researcher.
Librarians do research to keep themselves up to date on the expanding developments and principles in the library profession. Librarians go to continuing education programs to keep up with the advances in technology. They need to understand the changes in computers and the programs libraries use to provide the expertise needed to help their patrons.  Librarians classify, sort, organize and help people find information. This information is complied in the library catalog and used by patrons to find information.

Librarians work in many places.
Large companies have librarians, Universities have librarians and public libraries have librarians.  Each work environment requires different skills and education.  In a company a librarian would be called a Chief Information Officer |CIO) and be responsible for all files and records created by the company.  In Universities librarians help professors and students search for the latest information in the areas they are specializing in. Librarians surf the web and read newspaper reviews to keep up to date on new books and information sources for library use. Librarians have to deal with little  budgets getting smaller every year and need to compare costs on information and entertainment items to make prudent purchases for their facilities.

Requirements to be a Librarian.
It is a ordinary misconception that any person can be a librarian.   Principles laid out, by the American Library Association delineate that professional librarians must possess a Masters degree from a education program that has passed ALA certification standards.  Only select universities offer this accredited degree, as of 2010 a total of 62 programs are offered within the United States and Canada.  Many programs are now offered completely online.  There is no particular Bachelors degree required to enter a graduate Library Program but an competence to communicate proficiently is of benefit in the library profession. The employment market for professional librarians is like so many other professions, changeable  Many retirement age librarians are leaving the work force while many students are entering the field from graduate school.  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Online, 2010-2011, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm#nature future job prospects are auspicious.  The typical beginning salary for a new to the job librarian is between $40,000 and $47,000 depending on employee skill the type and size of the employing library.  The library profession is a good career for those looking for a future.

A Librarian is a teacher.
Library users need to be shown how to find the information they need. Normally this includes showing guests who have never used a computer the essentials of how to get to a web page and how to search the library web catalog. guests need assistance in formatting their searches to find data to meet their needs. Students have to be shown how to use citations. They also need an grasp of plagiarism so they do not mistakenly plagiarism. In today’s copy, and paste society it is very easy for accidental plagiarism to happen. Frequently used programs such as word processing are incessantly being improved and librarians need to keep their visitors up to date on these modifications. Public K-12 schools have specialized librarians called media specialist. A media specialist works with the teachers in support of their instruction and takes an active part in the class work. Librarians perform a vital service by providing reading programs that give children a head start for school. Under the guise of games and fun librarians provide exposure for underprivileged children to the world of learning. Librarians also help older users learn how to read and add to lifelong learning opportunities for all users.

A Librarian is a information source.
Librarians are important for keeping the public informed. In today’s growing and changing society information is more valuable than ever. Librarians instruct users how to access news, research, and other important information.  Libraries provide a place where the under privileged can go to access free newspapers and online news sources.  Librarians are the gatekeepers to this information and resource access. Librarians are able to instruct users how to access professional and scholastic databases.

A Librarian is a researcher.
Librarians do research to keep themselves up to date on the expanding developments and principles in the library profession. Librarians go to continuing education programs to keep up with the advances in technology. They need to understand the changes in computers and the programs libraries use to provide the expertise needed to help their patrons.  Librarians classify, sort, organize and help people find information. This information is complied in the library catalog and used by patrons to find information.

Librarians work in many places.
Large companies have librarians, Universities have librarians and public libraries have librarians.  Each work environment requires different skills and education.  In a company a librarian would be called a Chief Information Officer |CIO) and be responsible for all files and records created by the company.  In Universities librarians help professors and students search for the latest information in the areas they are specializing in. Librarians surf the web and read newspaper reviews to keep up to date on new books and information sources for library use. Librarians have to deal with little  budgets getting smaller every year and need to compare costs on information and entertainment items to make prudent purchases for their facilities.

Requirements to be a Librarian.
It is a ordinary misconception that any person can be a librarian.   Principles laid out, by the American Library Association delineate that professional librarians must possess a Masters degree from a education program that has passed ALA certification standards.  Only select universities offer this accredited degree, as of 2010 a total of 62 programs are offered within the United States and Canada.  Many programs are now offered completely online.  There is no particular Bachelors degree required to enter a graduate Library Program but an competence to communicate proficiently is of benefit in the library profession. The employment market for professional librarians is like so many other professions, changeable  Many retirement age librarians are leaving the work force while many students are entering the field from graduate school.  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook Online, 2010-2011, future job prospects are auspicious.  The typical beginning salary for a new to the job librarian is between $40,000 and $47,000 depending on employee skill the type and size of the employing library.  The library profession is a good career for those looking for a future.

By Jonathan Pulino

 
“The First Amendment was added to The Constitution to stand as a guarantee that neither the power nor the prestige of the Federal Government would be used to control, support of or influence that kinds of prayer the American people can say”, said American jurist, lawyer and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Hugo Lafayette Black (1886-1971). Black, whom author Steve Suitts (Hugo Black of Alabama) has called “the most remarkable Supreme Court justice of the 20th century”(  Suits  44   ) was a huge proponent of free speech in the 1930s and 40s. After the Second World War, Black was involved with the argument against school prayer, the need for availability of legal counsel for suspected criminal and also supported the rights of newspapers such as The New York Times to expose the secret polices of Richard Nixon. “The framers (of the constitution) knew that free speech is the friend of change and revolution.  But they also knew that it is always the deadliest enemy of tyranny”, with the above quote, the former Supreme Court Justice points out that the concept of free speech and revolution are positive ones of change; on the flip side of this statement, the author suggested that the face of tyranny will be threatened by the first amendment.  One can only imagine what Black would say if he were alive to witness the lack of respect the USA Patriot Act has splattered onto The U.S. Constitution.
The USA PATRIOT ACT was introduced less than a week after the horrible events of September 11, 2001. The act was intended to “update wiretap and surveillance laws for the internet age, addressing real-time communications and stored communications (e-mail, voice) and to give law enforcement greater authority to conduct searches of property.” (www.ala.org ) Like many potential bills, this one seemed necessary and essential to the United States of America when it was first proposed by the executive branch six days after September 11, 2001, but unfortunately and ironically the USA PATRIOT ACT has violated- in many cases- the same civil liberties it has sworn to protect.
According to the website inforwars.com (August 11, 2004):  The Patriot Act has been used to obtain search warrants against doctors and scientists who had been warning the public about the threat of bioterrorism in the United States.  The scientists in question –Dr.Steven Hatfill and Dr. Kenneth Berry- have been under investigation for approximately 7 years regarding the anthrax scare, but evidence in both cases points in the direction of innocence. It appears that Hatfill and Berry have become FBI targets primarily because they warned America about terrorism that the FBI and the CIA didn’t prevent.  (Infowars 2)  According to various sources on the Internet, the Hatfill/Berry affair began when the FBI began to investigate various materials (books) the two doctors used for their research.
The USA PATRIOT ACT has not only affected people using American libraries but has had a huge effect on the librarians all over the nation.  People in Connecticut had a front row seat for the following Patriot Act violation: On April 11, George Christian, one of the four “Does” of Doe v. Gonzalez, testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution. Doe v. Gonzales was a challenge to the FBI’s demand, through a National Security Letter (NSL) in 2005 that Connecticut’s Library Connection, a computer consortium serving 28 libraries turns over patrons’ computer use records. (Office for Intellectual Freedom 4/17/07)
     Cartoonist and humorist Bob Englehart published a cartoon in the March 2006 edition of The Hartford Courant that portrayed librarians as defenders of The Constitution, forming a circle against the evil tyranny of clad in black trenchcoat government agents.  It is clear by the Doe v. Gonzales and the Englehart cartoon, that a majority of information and library personal feel that the USA PATRIOT ACT is in strict violation of this country’s 4th amendment which states: The Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and was originally designed as a response to the controversial writs of assistance (a type of general search warrant), which were a significant factor behind the American Revolution. (US Constitution 4th Amendment)  Perhaps the government is taking Hugo Black’s quote – “The layman’s constitutional view is that what he likes is constitutional and that which he doesn’t like is unconstitutional” – a little too far in their views of constitutional rights.

Part II: No Child Left Behind

          The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 or NCLB is a U.S. federal law that was passed in the House of Representatives on May 23, 2001 and signed on January 8,2002. The goal of the act was to reauthorize a number of federal programs with intent on improving the performance of U.S. primary and secondary school by increasing the standards of accountability for states and school districts. (Wikipedia NCLB). From the beginning, the bill has had many critics who the mandate is unfair and unfunded.
     According to the August 2006 edition of The Fair Test Examiner: “Though the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law’s reauthorization may be delayed from 2007 to 2009, nearly three dozen reform bills sponsored by more than 212 House members and 33 senators have been filed over the past two years. The lengthening list of legislation filed by both Democrats and Republicans is a sign that the U.S. Congress may respond to mounting public pressure for change. Most of the bills, however, only tinker with NCLB rather than address fundamental flaws such as the dominant role played by standardized testing, the law’s failure to provide help to improve schools, and its overly punitive approach”.
      Like the above-mentioned USA Patriot Act, it is quite clear that the intention of NCLB was noble and well meaning. Unfortunately the architects of the bill were not able or refused to see the economic dilemma they put federal schools into.
“They don’t give us enough materials to tie in with the standards,” said Rose Casella, the Media Specialist at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut. “For example, if we are supposed to help students improve CAPT scores, it would be wonderful if NCLB provided us with books that provided us with two sides of the argument. This would help the student tremendously with their test scores.”  Casella a fourteen-year veteran in the media specialist field also pointed out problems with regard to NCLB in the elementary schools. “NCLB forces schools and educators to reach for the stars with its expectations but they sell us short by not offering correct curriculum such as: audio books (differentiated readers), enrichment reading and materials for remedial readers. With the correct materials and quite a bit more funding, NCLB would come closer to reality-the funding just isn’t there to implement the goals of the federal government,” she added.  (Casella interview 9/15/07)

Part III: CIPA

Introduced by Senator John McCaine (R-AZ) in early 1999, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a law that requires libraries to place filters on their Internet service in order to protect children from pornography.  President Bill Clinton signed it into law on December 21, 2000.  Although it was attacked by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Supreme Court upheld the law on June 23, 2003. (usac.org).  The CIPA laws require federal funded media centers and libraries to install filters that protect children from the following:

    * Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
    * The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
    * Unauthorized access including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online
    * Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
* Measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors

 
As a schoolteacher in my 11th year, I feel that CIPA is a very important part of the school experience. On the other hand- as a strong supporter of America’s first amendment and advocate of the American Civil Liberties Union I am sometimes torn between the issues.

            In the case of the public school systems, I have come to the conclusion that the filters and censorware aren’t strong enough for the tech savvy teenagers of the 21st century. For example, while teaching a video production course at Maloney High School in Meriden, I find that approximately 1/3 of the students are streaming pirated movies into their computer during instruction time. Usually the site is reported to the main tech office and blocked- it normally takes the students about 2-3 days to find another offending site that we have to block. Without any type of filter or CIPA legislation, teachers and instructors wouldn’t just be faced with streaming movies, they would be libel for a whole new set of problems and legal issues
“If a publication steps too far out of line the advisor is asked to leave or often the principal finds a way to stop its publication before it comes out,” said Libby Hartigan, Managing Editor off LA Youth  (Hahn “What’s Wrong with a Little Censorship? 2002) I am in agreement with Ms. Hartigan and feel that without CIPA sensors working inside our public schools Internet system the local board of educations would be spending much time and energy fighting other battles with regard to the first amendment and teacher rights.

With current day classroom environment, it is not possible to cover entirely all aspects of a given lesson. Let us say, a tutor has to teach about atmospheric pressure in a science class. Obviously only the basic idea gets taught in class. To develop and improve the thinking ability of the student, the teacher may give homework, by suggesting some simple experiment to be done at home. Such as the one involving the filling up a glass with water, covering the top with a piece of paper and turn it upside down. With the water not falling down, the young student’s brain is alerted immediately to what was taught in class about atmospheric pressure. His thought processes gets to move and advance. Or the experiment with a convex lens, concentrating the sun’s rays to burn a piece of dry leaf. Sometimes the early days of a scientist of the future can be through such simple experimentation and homework. Similarly lessons in maths do need development of the thinking abilities of students. That is why homework is very important and especially so in science and math lessons.

The development of a student into a person who can manage his time, meet deadlines and time schedules is also achieved with the help of homework. In spite of having to watch interesting TV programs (ranging from SpongeBob and Square pants to NBA games, depending upon the age and interest levels of the students); having been given a deadline to accomplish a defined task; most students will manage their time, organize their lessons, writing materials, books and achieve the end result. That is good training for the future. Whether in business or in jobs, the ability to manage time and available resources to achieve an objective is very significant. The fundamentals of Management by Objectives are incorporated in the thought processes of the young brains through homework.

Another important contribution of homework is that it also functions ad a ‘memory jogger’. Classroom environments often do not enable the students to pay full attention to every thing that has been mentioned and/or taught. There are also distractions in class which vary from the color of the dress of your neighbor up to the memory capacity of the laptop of your friend (depending upon age and interest levels). As the students have also to move from one subject to the next, between classes and on different days of the week, how much information taught in class can be retained by any average student? Much of the information does not get fully disseminated and/or analyzed in modern day class rooms. Homework is therefore utilized to help accentuate the information taught at school, function as a memory jogger and generate an organized direction in the thought processes of the student community.

Association of ideas, interlinks between subjects such as science and maths etc are also beneficial results coming out of thoughtfully organized homework lessons.

In countries where conventionally students are doing very well in subjects like Maths, Science etc (for eg.Finland, Japan), homework has played a significant role in improving the inherent, intellectual abilities of the students.

Homework is thus important since it helps to improve the thought processes, management capabilities, performance and accomplishment of students. Homework also generates and enhances the potential of students to develop an integrated, productive personality to meet the challenges of the future.