Sunday, September 30, 2012
Blog Post # 5
The iSchool Initiative
In this video, The iSchool Initiative, Travis Allen promotes the idea of the iSchool. He argues that the iSchool is the answer to the massive financial bind that our schools are in. He discusses how schools are experiencing budget cuts, loss of teachers, and increased class sizes. Travis suggests that the schools could save money by using technology in the form of iSchools. In the iSchools, the iTouch would replace copiers, paper, books, and pencils which in turn would save valuable resources. In the video, Travis shows how the iTouch can be used for learning in the classroom. There are so many different types of apps that are available for students to use. Some of the apps were: email, chemical touch, star walk, formulae, recorder, scientific calculator, notes, and calendar. The email app allowed the teacher, student, and parents to stay in contact with eachother. Formulae is an app that has all the different formulas that are used in math and science. The scientific calculator is just that- a scientific calculator without having to purchase one. The calendar app helps students to keep up with important dates, assignments, and school events. Travis breaks down the cost of the iSchool verses the cost of books and materials needed in a traditional classroom. The cost of iSchool, $150 per student compared to the $600 per student for traditional teaching, is incredible. He also states that students would have limited access to internet for safety purposes. Travis challenges us to help revolutionize education by embracing mobile learning. He wants us to "rethink, retool, and rebuild" our educational system. We can do this by joining him and his team in The iSchool Initiative.
Once again I am amazed by all the technology available. Travis Allen is very resourceful and creative 17 year old. I know that I will hear his name again in the future. His views of the school were right on target. I knew exactly what he was talking about when he mentioned budget cuts, loss of teachers, and increased class sizes. My eighth grader is currently taking science online because the school decided not to replace a teacher who had retired. Unfortunately he has never had any formal computer classes. Since being in this class, my eyes have been opened to the technology and tools that are available if one will only look for them. I know that this idea can be a reality because our EDM310 class is set up like this. His idea of the iSchool is creative, imaginative, and fun. I know that most students would prefer this form of teaching. It promotes learning in a new and exciting way. While I can appreciate and visualize this idea of mobile learning, I also have to consider the reality. One reality would be that some teachers would use this to replace important opportunities to interact and discuss in the classroom. Even as an adult, I perform better in classes where I can ask questions and interact with my peers. Although this may not be a problem for all students, it could be a problem for some. I read in a post where students were actually having difficulty focusing on the lesson because they were so distracted by the other things that they could be doing with the devices. I would think that access to the internet could also be a problem. Since I am from a rural area, I understand the difficulties associated with availability and cost of internet service. With technology changing so fast, another concern I would have is teachers would not be able to keep up with the ever changing information and therefore would not be able to provide the students with accurate information. This is another example of what I have learned by being in this class. (What works in August might not work in September). I commend Travis for his initiative to see a problem and form an idea to fix it. I just don't know if it is realistic in all situations. However, I think that for those schools where these concerns are not valid, they should initiate iSchool immediately.
Zeitgeist Young Mind's Entry
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This video was simply amazing. This video depicted an incredibly, creative conglomeration of 185 voices. That fact alone is incredible, but to find out that each person was at a different location and that they had never practiced together is just insane. Where do people come up with these awesome ideas? And we want to take classes out of our schools that inspire creativity. Where would this leave people like Eric Whitacre? Once again I am completely and utterly speechless. Technology keeps on making me think more and more outside the box.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
Teaching in the 21st Century
In this video, Kevin Roberts explains that technology provides us with all the knowledge that we need and that the "traditional classroom" is becoming "obsolete". He also states that teachers are no longer the source of knowledge but rather a filter for knowledge. I agree with a lot of things that Kevin said because I believe that students learn better by doing. I now understand that practically everything that you want to know is only a few key strokes away. I will even admit that I think that these tools are great for engaging students and teaching high thinking skills. However, I don't think that they can replace teachers. Students need that personal interaction. They need someone they can go to when they don't understand what to do. They need to know that someone cares how they feel and what they think. I don't think that "traditional teaching" should be completely thrown out the door nor should technology be the sole source of knowledge. To function in the world, students need to be able to use both tools in their everyday life. I know that there are some schools that are already teaching in the 21st century while others are lagging way behind. This affects me tremendously as an educator. How do I teach in the 21st century when the technology is not available for my students to use? How do I find the time to teach technology when I have standards that I also have to teach? I could see these concerns as major problems.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Flipped Classroom
I was assigned to watch 4 videos about FIZZ (Flipping the Classroom). The concept is for students to watch videos at home explaining what they would be learning the next day in class. This prepared the students to come to class with prior knowledge about the subject being taught. The students were required to take notes on the video and return to class the next day with questions they had. During class the next day, they would spend 90% in application and 10% in lecture, instead of, spending 90% in lecture and 10% in application. This technique allows the students to work in collaboration and learn more efficiently. It also allows the teacher to put her focus on the students that need more help. I'm glad that Katie included FAQ with her video. She cleared up a lot of my concerns. One of my concerns, as stated above, would be that students would not have access to internet. I thought the idea of using jump drives and CDs was a great idea. Another concern that she addressed was that they made accommodations for those students that didn't have computers. I also found it interesting that the students usually watched the video the night before because they didn't want to miss out on class time because they were doing their homework. I could see FIZZ being used in the classroom. I also can see how it makes the classroom more efficient and creates more time for application.
Why I Flipped My Classroom
Flipped Classroom- FAQ
Dr. Lodge McCammon's FIZZ- Flipping the Classroom
Flipping the Classroom- 4th Grade STEM
In this video, The iSchool Initiative, Travis Allen promotes the idea of the iSchool. He argues that the iSchool is the answer to the massive financial bind that our schools are in. He discusses how schools are experiencing budget cuts, loss of teachers, and increased class sizes. Travis suggests that the schools could save money by using technology in the form of iSchools. In the iSchools, the iTouch would replace copiers, paper, books, and pencils which in turn would save valuable resources. In the video, Travis shows how the iTouch can be used for learning in the classroom. There are so many different types of apps that are available for students to use. Some of the apps were: email, chemical touch, star walk, formulae, recorder, scientific calculator, notes, and calendar. The email app allowed the teacher, student, and parents to stay in contact with eachother. Formulae is an app that has all the different formulas that are used in math and science. The scientific calculator is just that- a scientific calculator without having to purchase one. The calendar app helps students to keep up with important dates, assignments, and school events. Travis breaks down the cost of the iSchool verses the cost of books and materials needed in a traditional classroom. The cost of iSchool, $150 per student compared to the $600 per student for traditional teaching, is incredible. He also states that students would have limited access to internet for safety purposes. Travis challenges us to help revolutionize education by embracing mobile learning. He wants us to "rethink, retool, and rebuild" our educational system. We can do this by joining him and his team in The iSchool Initiative.
Once again I am amazed by all the technology available. Travis Allen is very resourceful and creative 17 year old. I know that I will hear his name again in the future. His views of the school were right on target. I knew exactly what he was talking about when he mentioned budget cuts, loss of teachers, and increased class sizes. My eighth grader is currently taking science online because the school decided not to replace a teacher who had retired. Unfortunately he has never had any formal computer classes. Since being in this class, my eyes have been opened to the technology and tools that are available if one will only look for them. I know that this idea can be a reality because our EDM310 class is set up like this. His idea of the iSchool is creative, imaginative, and fun. I know that most students would prefer this form of teaching. It promotes learning in a new and exciting way. While I can appreciate and visualize this idea of mobile learning, I also have to consider the reality. One reality would be that some teachers would use this to replace important opportunities to interact and discuss in the classroom. Even as an adult, I perform better in classes where I can ask questions and interact with my peers. Although this may not be a problem for all students, it could be a problem for some. I read in a post where students were actually having difficulty focusing on the lesson because they were so distracted by the other things that they could be doing with the devices. I would think that access to the internet could also be a problem. Since I am from a rural area, I understand the difficulties associated with availability and cost of internet service. With technology changing so fast, another concern I would have is teachers would not be able to keep up with the ever changing information and therefore would not be able to provide the students with accurate information. This is another example of what I have learned by being in this class. (What works in August might not work in September). I commend Travis for his initiative to see a problem and form an idea to fix it. I just don't know if it is realistic in all situations. However, I think that for those schools where these concerns are not valid, they should initiate iSchool immediately.
Zeitgeist Young Mind's Entry
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
This video was simply amazing. This video depicted an incredibly, creative conglomeration of 185 voices. That fact alone is incredible, but to find out that each person was at a different location and that they had never practiced together is just insane. Where do people come up with these awesome ideas? And we want to take classes out of our schools that inspire creativity. Where would this leave people like Eric Whitacre? Once again I am completely and utterly speechless. Technology keeps on making me think more and more outside the box.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
Teaching in the 21st Century
In this video, Kevin Roberts explains that technology provides us with all the knowledge that we need and that the "traditional classroom" is becoming "obsolete". He also states that teachers are no longer the source of knowledge but rather a filter for knowledge. I agree with a lot of things that Kevin said because I believe that students learn better by doing. I now understand that practically everything that you want to know is only a few key strokes away. I will even admit that I think that these tools are great for engaging students and teaching high thinking skills. However, I don't think that they can replace teachers. Students need that personal interaction. They need someone they can go to when they don't understand what to do. They need to know that someone cares how they feel and what they think. I don't think that "traditional teaching" should be completely thrown out the door nor should technology be the sole source of knowledge. To function in the world, students need to be able to use both tools in their everyday life. I know that there are some schools that are already teaching in the 21st century while others are lagging way behind. This affects me tremendously as an educator. How do I teach in the 21st century when the technology is not available for my students to use? How do I find the time to teach technology when I have standards that I also have to teach? I could see these concerns as major problems.
Teaching in the 21st Century
Flipped Classroom
I was assigned to watch 4 videos about FIZZ (Flipping the Classroom). The concept is for students to watch videos at home explaining what they would be learning the next day in class. This prepared the students to come to class with prior knowledge about the subject being taught. The students were required to take notes on the video and return to class the next day with questions they had. During class the next day, they would spend 90% in application and 10% in lecture, instead of, spending 90% in lecture and 10% in application. This technique allows the students to work in collaboration and learn more efficiently. It also allows the teacher to put her focus on the students that need more help. I'm glad that Katie included FAQ with her video. She cleared up a lot of my concerns. One of my concerns, as stated above, would be that students would not have access to internet. I thought the idea of using jump drives and CDs was a great idea. Another concern that she addressed was that they made accommodations for those students that didn't have computers. I also found it interesting that the students usually watched the video the night before because they didn't want to miss out on class time because they were doing their homework. I could see FIZZ being used in the classroom. I also can see how it makes the classroom more efficient and creates more time for application.
Why I Flipped My Classroom
Flipped Classroom- FAQ
Dr. Lodge McCammon's FIZZ- Flipping the Classroom
Flipping the Classroom- 4th Grade STEM
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Post #4
In the first video, 1st Graders Create Own Read Along Book, the students created a podcast, "Dinosaurs Before Dark". I really enjoyed hearing the students read the different scripts. Each one used incredible expression when speaking. It was apparent that they were enjoying themselves as they learned. That is the amazing part. The students become so involved in what they are doing, they totally forget about the learning side of it. I could visualize the students wanting to listen to their voices on the podcast over and over. I'm sure that they were full of pride when they could hear themselves in the final product. Hats off to their teachers for using this wonderful technology to get their students using creativity and fun in the learning process. I am amazed at the wonderful tools available to learning and teaching.
In Langwitches Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting, the main idea was to stress that this was NOT about technology. Yes, they did learn how to use and apply technology, but it was not the focus. The focus was placed on learning skills that would promote reading. They were hearing the story by using expression, modeling, and so many other skills associated with reading. They were telling the story by modeling fluency and expression. The students recorded out of order and then they placed the recordings in order. This could be used to teach sequence. When they had to edit, the students used the smartboard. I loved the fact that the students were allowed to be involved in every aspect of this podcast. Once again I am totally and utterly amazed.
In The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom, the video brought out several benefits of using podcast in the classroom. One benefit is that the students are able to interact with other students all around the world. How awesome is that- to be sitting in a classroom in Alabama and talking with students on the other side of the world. Another benefit is that using podcast in the classroom is a form of project-based learning. I am a firm believer that students learn so much more when they are able to experience learning than when they simply hear about it. Podcasting is a form of critical thinking which appears at the top of the Blooms . When we allow our students to use their inner creativity, we are only setting them up to succeed in life. Podcasting can be beneficial, when a student is out of class and needs to be aware of what the teacher is going over for that day. As a parent, I feel that it is very beneficial when I can see what my child is learning at school.
I commend these teachers and the actions they have taken to teach their students in a way that they will never forget. These students are being empowered to take what they have learned and apply it in the rest of their lives.
Comments 4 Teachers #1
C4T#1
My C4T assignment was Mr. Wickens, a PE and geography teacher who is presently working on his PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education). In this blog he was discussing the recent iPad training session that he attended. He shared the excitement that his colleagues experienced, while learning about different apps that could be used on the iPad in the classroom. Although he was familiar with many of these apps, it was through these training session that he learned the full extent to which these apps could be applied in the classroom.
Here are his top picks.
*Camera & Photo Roll
* Explain Everything
*iFiles
*Book Creator/Creative Book Builder
*iCab Mobile
*Pages, Keynote & Numbers
*NearPod
In my comment, I mentioned that I found these apps to be useful and informative. I acknowledged that I thought that iPads and these apps are great tools to have in the classroom. I shared, an example, of a little boy that was playing on an iPad the other day. I was amazed how easily he was able to work the iPad. I told Mr. Wickens that I was glad that he was given the opportunity to go to this training and learn how to use these amazing apps in the classroom. I also thanked him for sharing this information with us. I expressed that I thought this information could be helpful in my path to becoming technology literate.
C4T#2
Mr. Wickens posted on his blog that he is presently in school at Loughborough University to get his PGCE. He also spoke of how nervous he was about going back to college. Although he was nervous, he knew that he was prepared to take this next step because of the different opportunities that he had over the past three years. In his post, he suggested that anyone wanting to go into the field of education should first get some teaching experience. He offered this suggestion because many of his friends were no longer in the field of education because they didn't understand what they were getting into. At the end of his post, he stated how Twitter has been effective in offering encouragement during this phase of his life.
In my comment, I explained how I was also experiencing many of the same feelings. We both are returning to college and feeling nervous. I also shared how I wish that I had known what I wanted to do when I finished high school. Also, I shared it was through my substitute teaching that I realized that I wanted to become a teacher. I finished my comment by commending him on his decision to return to school.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Blog Post # 3
Peer Editing
In reading or watching, What is Peer Editing?, Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes, Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial, and Paige Ellis' Blog Assignment #12, I realized that I probably did not correctly critique my peer's post. Somehow I always seem to do things backwards. I did offer compliments but I was vague in the errors that I noticed. I did choose to offer my comments to her on the blog but I will probably send her an e-mail with the rest of my comments and offer an apology. I think that we can always use help when it comes to writing. At least I know that I do. Posting on a blog should be fine unless there are a lot of errors, then I would probably send an e-mail.
I thought that the material presented was most helpful and informative. I know that I needed to see these power points and videos to help me to do a better job editing in the future. I also learned that there are 3 steps in editing a paper. I knew that compliment should come first but I didn't realize that in my suggestions I should give details when noticing errors in word choice, details, organization, and sentences. I also didn't know that I needed to make corrections to grammar, sentences, and spelling. I liked the writing sample that we were given to make corrections to in the Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial . I thought that it was funny to some extent but I also realize that there are probably some people who write like that. In the event that I came across a paper or blog that was written like that and I had to edit it, I would probably post my comments on his/her e-mail. I loved the video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes. I think that the students learned an amazing skill that they will not forget since they participated in the video.
Technology in Special Education
In the video, Technology in Special Education, I found it interesting to see all the great ways that technology could be used to help the students with different disabilities. In class the computers could help the students to see, talk, and write. It would be very difficult to provide the needed assistance that these disabilities require without the computers. Technology can make teaching and learning easier when it is available. The teacher also used technology in e-mails, power points, and websites. Most importantly technology when used in the classrooms make students more independent and eager to learn.
I would use computers, smart boards, and i-pods in my classroom to help special needs students learn to read and write using different software that is available. The same devices could be used to help students with the different needs that they have. I would probably have to find different material off the internet to show me what to use and how to use it. I know that it is there because I've had to use it for this class.
I could also use blogs to inform my parents about what is going on in the classroom and what their child is learning.
I have experienced the use of technology in the classroom and I know that it excites and inspires students to learn more. It allows them to learn in a hands on way that "traditional teaching" doesn't. It also provides teachers with access to more teaching resources than they ever thought possible. Technology has come a long way and it has even farther to go. It is our responsibility to to teach it to our students and to use it in our classrooms so that they can succeed and we can be successful teachers.
iPad app in My Classroom
I chose the Proloquo2go app. This app is used to provide assistance in communication for students that have speech disabilities or difficulties. It provides fun, colorful pictures to attract the students' attention. Students use the creative pictures to associate the correct word that they are trying to communicate. It offers different skill levels to improve language development. I also chose this app because it is user friendly and can be customized to fit the needs and preferences of the individual student. I thought that this app provided a creative and fun way of teaching word association, sentence structure, and phonics.
In reading or watching, What is Peer Editing?, Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes, Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial, and Paige Ellis' Blog Assignment #12, I realized that I probably did not correctly critique my peer's post. Somehow I always seem to do things backwards. I did offer compliments but I was vague in the errors that I noticed. I did choose to offer my comments to her on the blog but I will probably send her an e-mail with the rest of my comments and offer an apology. I think that we can always use help when it comes to writing. At least I know that I do. Posting on a blog should be fine unless there are a lot of errors, then I would probably send an e-mail.
I thought that the material presented was most helpful and informative. I know that I needed to see these power points and videos to help me to do a better job editing in the future. I also learned that there are 3 steps in editing a paper. I knew that compliment should come first but I didn't realize that in my suggestions I should give details when noticing errors in word choice, details, organization, and sentences. I also didn't know that I needed to make corrections to grammar, sentences, and spelling. I liked the writing sample that we were given to make corrections to in the Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial . I thought that it was funny to some extent but I also realize that there are probably some people who write like that. In the event that I came across a paper or blog that was written like that and I had to edit it, I would probably post my comments on his/her e-mail. I loved the video Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes. I think that the students learned an amazing skill that they will not forget since they participated in the video.
Technology in Special Education
In the video, Technology in Special Education, I found it interesting to see all the great ways that technology could be used to help the students with different disabilities. In class the computers could help the students to see, talk, and write. It would be very difficult to provide the needed assistance that these disabilities require without the computers. Technology can make teaching and learning easier when it is available. The teacher also used technology in e-mails, power points, and websites. Most importantly technology when used in the classrooms make students more independent and eager to learn.
I would use computers, smart boards, and i-pods in my classroom to help special needs students learn to read and write using different software that is available. The same devices could be used to help students with the different needs that they have. I would probably have to find different material off the internet to show me what to use and how to use it. I know that it is there because I've had to use it for this class.
I could also use blogs to inform my parents about what is going on in the classroom and what their child is learning.
I have experienced the use of technology in the classroom and I know that it excites and inspires students to learn more. It allows them to learn in a hands on way that "traditional teaching" doesn't. It also provides teachers with access to more teaching resources than they ever thought possible. Technology has come a long way and it has even farther to go. It is our responsibility to to teach it to our students and to use it in our classrooms so that they can succeed and we can be successful teachers.
iPad app in My Classroom
I chose the Proloquo2go app. This app is used to provide assistance in communication for students that have speech disabilities or difficulties. It provides fun, colorful pictures to attract the students' attention. Students use the creative pictures to associate the correct word that they are trying to communicate. It offers different skill levels to improve language development. I also chose this app because it is user friendly and can be customized to fit the needs and preferences of the individual student. I thought that this app provided a creative and fun way of teaching word association, sentence structure, and phonics.
Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
In the video, Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts, the teacher Vicki Davis demonstrates what a project based learning classroom looks like. She also showed us that this type learning and teaching can be done in the rural United States. I was impressed with the fact that she has empowered her students to independently implement skills that she taught them. They are encouraged to interact with one another and to teach each other. She even stated that her students had even taught her. This type of learning has allowed her students to connect to different parts of the world. This is what I call creative learning.
Vicki Davis stated in the video that she wanted to make her students "comfortable with technology." I have to question whether that is the philosophy of many teachers today. This year is the first time that I have ever encountered project based learning. To be honest I actually like it. I want to learn new things but because I am not "comfortable with technology" I am unsure. I wish that every school in the United States was required to have a class like this. Unfortunately because these skills are not incorporated in the ACT or other high school achievement test they are not a priority. Sadly our kids are missing out.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Blog Post 2
Did You Know? 3.0 A John Strange 2012 version
For my blog post 2 assignment I watched Did You Know? Version 3.0 A John Strange 2012 Version based on Did You Know 3.0 Did You Know 3.0 by Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod. In this video Dr. Strange brought out some fascinating facts that I did not know. His first interesting fact stated that the United States compared to India is way behind in academics. Secondly, the fact that more Chinese have either learned English or are learning English than the number of people in the whole US is more fascinating but even more disturbing. In this video Dr. Strange also shows how rapidly technology is growing in our world and that pratically everyone has access to it.
This video was a real eye-opener. Although I knew that there were other countries ahead of the US academically, I didn't think that India was one of them. It blows my mind that another country would have more people speaking the English language than the United States. It just goes to show that there is so much more information out there for us to learn. I think that what Dr. Strange really wants us to understand is that technology is growing at a rapid pace and that we have to learn how to use it in order to be successful. As future teachers we also have an obligation to our students to learn technology in order to help them be successful in their future. We need to invest in and emphasize technology in order to be able to compete in the world now and in the future.
Mr. Winkles Wakes
The video Mr. Winkles Wakes by Mathew Needleman is an animated cartoon. In the video there is an old man named "Mr. Winkles" who has been asleep for a long time and wakes up to a world filled with technology. Deciding that the technology makes him feel bad he decides to go to the hospital to make him feel better. Unfortunately he starts to feel even worse when he gets to the hospital because the hospital if filled with technology at every turn. He then decides to leave the hospital and wanders around until he finds a school. Once inside the school he starts to feel better because in the classroom the teacher lectures to the students and doesn't use technology. He leaves feeling better because he has now found a place that hasn't changed.
I have to be honest and say that I often feel much like "Mr. Winkles". The thought of technology often leaves me feeling sick and panicked. I dare say that I am quite sure that many people feel like this. I also know that technology is very important and I am thankful for it when I get sick and need the technology to help me get better. So I guess the question would be, how do you learn and accept technology without feeling sick and panicked when you are faced with it? I don't know the answer to this question other than to say that I am taking it one step at a time. Technology is very much a part of the world. Regardless if I like the change or not it is here and I can either get on board and see where it takes me or I can decide not to and get left at the station. The choice is mine and I choose to get on board and hope that the motion sickness eventually goes away.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
In the video The Importance of Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson he stated that, "Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status." He recognizes that education has completely destroyed the importance of creativity in today's schools. He talked about how schools everywhere place the importance on math and languages then humanities followed at the bottom with arts. He argues that intelligence isn't just about scores on a test. Intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct. Intelligence can come in many forms and should not be limited to a certain way of thinking. Children are like intelligence that they come in many forms. So when they don't fit that certain way of thinking, such as children with ADHD, they should not be made to feel like they don't measure up and that something is wrong with them. Instead we should find out where they are highly talented and put the value there. Robinson was correct in saying "We are educating people out of their creative capacities." This is a sad but true reality.
I found the video The Importance of Creativity to be completely true. Our school systems totally repress creativity. Even the tests are geared to view things in one way and without interpretation. Teachers are much like "Mr. Winkles" where they don't want change and instead continue in their "traditional teaching" methods. In "traditional teaching" the students are given lecture style instructions and are never given the opportunity for hands on learning and creativity. Not only is creativity taken out of the classrooms but when funding is cut most schools cut the arts programs first. Many schools have very limited areas that encourage creativity which leaves the student to determine their value in the areas the school places its emphasis. This then leads to many teachers viewing students who do not perform well in math and languages hopeless and unteachable. This in turn makes the student feel the same. Instead we need to see these students as Robinson noted, "for the hope that they are."
A Day Made of Glass 2
This video A Day Made of Glass 2 by Corning was absolutely amazing. Corning has really used amazing creativity to come up with this future technology. The technology that they can come up with is just incredible. This video also showed how many different areas that technology can contribute to. It leaves me speechless and terrified all at the same time. I look forward to seeing this technology in the classroom. Children would enjoy learning when they can experience it in this way. Although I don't know if this technology will be available during my time of teaching, I can see my grandchildren having access to tools like this. I asked myself during this video Where would we be in technology without creativity.
This video confirms that technology is the way of the future and we can not continue without change and be able to keep up with the world around us. People who do not like technology have to realize there is a lot of great things that come from technology. I think that a lot of people don't like technology because they weren't raised with it. Now they learn just enough to get by. Today, most students have some knowledge of technology but unfortunately all schools are not equal in technology and what some students have access to other students do not. If we can teach them how to use these amazing tools then hopefully they will not feel the same way about technology. We don't know what the future will hold. The possibilities are endless.
For my blog post 2 assignment I watched Did You Know? Version 3.0 A John Strange 2012 Version based on Did You Know 3.0 Did You Know 3.0 by Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod. In this video Dr. Strange brought out some fascinating facts that I did not know. His first interesting fact stated that the United States compared to India is way behind in academics. Secondly, the fact that more Chinese have either learned English or are learning English than the number of people in the whole US is more fascinating but even more disturbing. In this video Dr. Strange also shows how rapidly technology is growing in our world and that pratically everyone has access to it.
This video was a real eye-opener. Although I knew that there were other countries ahead of the US academically, I didn't think that India was one of them. It blows my mind that another country would have more people speaking the English language than the United States. It just goes to show that there is so much more information out there for us to learn. I think that what Dr. Strange really wants us to understand is that technology is growing at a rapid pace and that we have to learn how to use it in order to be successful. As future teachers we also have an obligation to our students to learn technology in order to help them be successful in their future. We need to invest in and emphasize technology in order to be able to compete in the world now and in the future.
Mr. Winkles Wakes
The video Mr. Winkles Wakes by Mathew Needleman is an animated cartoon. In the video there is an old man named "Mr. Winkles" who has been asleep for a long time and wakes up to a world filled with technology. Deciding that the technology makes him feel bad he decides to go to the hospital to make him feel better. Unfortunately he starts to feel even worse when he gets to the hospital because the hospital if filled with technology at every turn. He then decides to leave the hospital and wanders around until he finds a school. Once inside the school he starts to feel better because in the classroom the teacher lectures to the students and doesn't use technology. He leaves feeling better because he has now found a place that hasn't changed.
I have to be honest and say that I often feel much like "Mr. Winkles". The thought of technology often leaves me feeling sick and panicked. I dare say that I am quite sure that many people feel like this. I also know that technology is very important and I am thankful for it when I get sick and need the technology to help me get better. So I guess the question would be, how do you learn and accept technology without feeling sick and panicked when you are faced with it? I don't know the answer to this question other than to say that I am taking it one step at a time. Technology is very much a part of the world. Regardless if I like the change or not it is here and I can either get on board and see where it takes me or I can decide not to and get left at the station. The choice is mine and I choose to get on board and hope that the motion sickness eventually goes away.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
In the video The Importance of Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson he stated that, "Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status." He recognizes that education has completely destroyed the importance of creativity in today's schools. He talked about how schools everywhere place the importance on math and languages then humanities followed at the bottom with arts. He argues that intelligence isn't just about scores on a test. Intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct. Intelligence can come in many forms and should not be limited to a certain way of thinking. Children are like intelligence that they come in many forms. So when they don't fit that certain way of thinking, such as children with ADHD, they should not be made to feel like they don't measure up and that something is wrong with them. Instead we should find out where they are highly talented and put the value there. Robinson was correct in saying "We are educating people out of their creative capacities." This is a sad but true reality.
I found the video The Importance of Creativity to be completely true. Our school systems totally repress creativity. Even the tests are geared to view things in one way and without interpretation. Teachers are much like "Mr. Winkles" where they don't want change and instead continue in their "traditional teaching" methods. In "traditional teaching" the students are given lecture style instructions and are never given the opportunity for hands on learning and creativity. Not only is creativity taken out of the classrooms but when funding is cut most schools cut the arts programs first. Many schools have very limited areas that encourage creativity which leaves the student to determine their value in the areas the school places its emphasis. This then leads to many teachers viewing students who do not perform well in math and languages hopeless and unteachable. This in turn makes the student feel the same. Instead we need to see these students as Robinson noted, "for the hope that they are."
A Day Made of Glass 2
This video A Day Made of Glass 2 by Corning was absolutely amazing. Corning has really used amazing creativity to come up with this future technology. The technology that they can come up with is just incredible. This video also showed how many different areas that technology can contribute to. It leaves me speechless and terrified all at the same time. I look forward to seeing this technology in the classroom. Children would enjoy learning when they can experience it in this way. Although I don't know if this technology will be available during my time of teaching, I can see my grandchildren having access to tools like this. I asked myself during this video Where would we be in technology without creativity.
This video confirms that technology is the way of the future and we can not continue without change and be able to keep up with the world around us. People who do not like technology have to realize there is a lot of great things that come from technology. I think that a lot of people don't like technology because they weren't raised with it. Now they learn just enough to get by. Today, most students have some knowledge of technology but unfortunately all schools are not equal in technology and what some students have access to other students do not. If we can teach them how to use these amazing tools then hopefully they will not feel the same way about technology. We don't know what the future will hold. The possibilities are endless.
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