Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

This could also be titled: So you think parasitic diseases are a third-world problem?

I've gathered some recent headlines about parasitic incidences and outbreaks right here in the very developed U.S. Parasitic diseases, especially the tropical types, are typically more commen in developing countries. This is especially true in children where their general health and nutrition is not optimal. But, parasites are alive and well anywhere there are animal (human and other) hosts. So read up. Comment on the following questions. What are the underlying causes and concerns in these outbreaks? What can happen when standard procedures are not followed or fail (ex., normal chlorination of water)? Should you be worried in your every day life?

http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2011/aug/29/disease-outbreak-prompts-shawnee-pool-close-early-/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817175920.htm

http://www.app.com/article/20110819/NJNEWS18/308190131/3-die-of-rare-brain-infection-from-amoeba-in-water

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about.html

Welcome to our Blog!

The purpose of this blog is to give you, the students, the opportunity to share your thoughts, assignments, and projects with each other and perhaps the world. It is a classroom blog to begin with, however if you want to start your own blog we can certainly talk about that! The blog will be the hub of collaboration and sharing for our class. You will also comment on the work of your classmates. Finally the blog will become a repository of your good ideas.

We will learn some cool easy Web 2.0 tools to help you complete assignments and projects. You may already know some and can teach me! Eventually, with your own blog or using something like Google docs, you can begin to create an eportfolio of your work. This blog is different from our BB site because it allows you to embed projects, comment directly on other's work, read postings from guests, and more. There will be plenty of guidelines for you to follow and information on how, when, why, etc. So don't freak out! We will ease into it and I promise it will enhance your learning and not just take time away from your studies.

Take the survey on web tools (posted on BB) and watch the following video. Go to the "Tips for Blogging" page here and then share your thoughts (via comments below) on your reaction to using a blog in our class by answering the following questions: Have you blogged before? How do you think it might be helpful? What is your biggest concern? What might be fun about blogging here?

Let's get started!

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