I think the poem written by Dr. McLeaod made many interesting points. When you start reading the poem you begin to think almost that he is serious about not using technology. It almost makes you hesitant to let you children get on the internet when he brings up the hackers, cyber bullying and porn. One thing people of this generation should understand is that as thing evolve and change their is a danger and risk that comes with it. There have been tons of plane crashes and thousands of people still fly every day. We should encourage our students to engage in technology or the world will leave them behind.
Dr. McLeod is currently an educational professor at Iowa State University. He created the video we watched earlier in the year call "Did You Know".He, like Dr. Strange, believes in a profound use of technology in class. Dr. McLeod is also the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education.
The iSchool Initiative
The iSchool Initiative is one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time. If the state invested in this idea they would have the money to make the public school system better, instead of having to lay teachers off due to lack of funds. As I read some of the comments on this video, talk of the iPad would make this idea even more popular. The idea of not having to carry around printed books or even a backpack for that matter is incredible.
I feel like this should definitely be initiated into all schools. Anything from emailing students assignments to studying to just taking notes is all in the iSchool Initiative. Kudos to the guy from Georgia for coming up with this. I have a feeling that this will one day become a big success.
You Can't Be My Teacher
This video has a good point behind it even though it is a little silly. Yes, we are trying to prepare students to succeed in the world. One problem a lot of teachers can't seem to wrap their mind around is that we are preparing them for their world, not ours of today and not the world of yesterday. As an educator, when you pass a student from your class do you want them to be prepared for just the next grade level or more?
Sometimes teacher's tend to forget that during school time students almost spend more time with you than their own family! This means you are having a large impact as well as influence on their life. Do the best in the time that you have with them and prepare them for their future and not just the requirements of the next grade.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
I was stunned at how good this sounded. For this to be a virtual performance was outstanding. I did notice that not everyone started their notes at the same time due to the speed of their internet which is something to work on. Aside from that, I think it would be a great way to incorporate online choir classes.
This really makes you think about electives that used to be considered impossible without face to face contact possible. Maybe even sport electives could become online based with a video feed going back and fourth for communication. The advancements in technology that I am learning about in this class shock me more and more every day.
Teaching in the 21st Century
This video really shows how obsolete teachers can become in the 21st century without accepting technology. Like the video says, we should be the filter on how to utilize resources such as google. We should also not focus so much on facts and dates that can be easily found but rather skills that need to be acquired through experience.
Teachers should strive to make their students create content and connect it with the outside world. Having student collaborate using Skype and other sources is a good way of communication. Managing computers in the classroom would be just as easy as doing so with a pencil and paper. The object is to get the student engaged and and active in the participation of a class rather than just saying remember this and say it back to me in a week.
" Sometimes teacher's tend to forget that during school time students almost spend more time with you than their own family! This means you are having a large impact as well as influence on their life. Do the best in the time that you have with them and prepare them for their future and not just the requirements of the next grade."
ReplyDeleteThis portion really stood out to me. Many teachers will pass their students into the next grade just to get them out of their hair!! I think it is very important for teachers to really in-steal in their students the importance of their future. I like that you pointed out the amount of time teachers actually spend with their students each day. For this reason, teachers should always make sure their students are above average in all subject areas along with subjects of life. Being that students are in school more than being home, teachers hold the minds of their students in their hands!!!!
Heath I didn't think about the use of the iPad instead of the iPhone. I believe that the use of the iPad would be more popular because it is newer and a hot commodity right now. It is true that with the advancement of technology their is going to be risks that come along with them. But in order to advance technologically with the rest of the world, those risks are definitely worth the reward.
ReplyDeleteRead the post My response to the Comments Left on the Watson vs. Jeopardy Event. In the last half of that post you will find how I did this assignment. Compare it to yours.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful. Interesting.
"One thing people of this generation should understand is that as thing evolve and change their is a danger and risk that comes with it." This is so true. With guidance, we can help our youth navigate these changes to find the benefits and avoid the dangers-- ignoring the change doesn't stop the change.
ReplyDeleteYou must a have a real ear for music. I am glad you enjoyed the Whitacre Choir. Keep up the good work!
Anthony