Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
This post by Scott Mcleod is a really intriguing poem that helps illustrate why we should be letting our kids use technology in their learning. It is really unbelievable for anyone to think the technology is irrelevant in today's classroom. Technology is taking over every industry! How can it not be relevant? The bottom line is that we can't escape it- it is a part of life, like death and taxes. So, while Jane Doe keeps her child "protected" from the internet, Dr. Mcleod's kids are getting more and more ahead.
I do admit that there are very significant dangers out there. I am in no way diminishing those. However, we are focusing on the use of technology in educational settings where there is guidance and boundaries. The competition for scholarships and jobs has never been tougher and I want my kids as prepared as possible.
Dr. Mcleod is a leading expert on K-12 school technology leadership issues, a professor at Iowa State, and co-created "Did You Know (Shift Happens)".
The iSchool Initiative
I have to admit this kid is pretty impressive. First of all, he did an excellent powerpoint presentation. He comes across as professional and intuitive. His proposal hinges on the iphone or ipod being integrated into classrooms. He argues that it would be more cost effective and be greener for the environment. I think he is certainly on the right track as we are seeing more and more of this technology used in classroom settings. I'm not sure if it is logistically as simple as he presents, but I do think it is possible.
He specifically listed about 13 iTouch apps that are currently available and "classroom ready" as he puts it. For the most part I think he is right about the applications already being there. There seems to be an app for anything you can dream up. My skepticism is not in the technology, but in the ability of a grade school kid to be a self-motivated learner. However, with the right instruction and guidance, this type of learning may be an exceptional way to engage otherwise bored or uniterested students. I hope it works out for him because I think iSchool in some form or another will be a reality.
The Lost Generation
This video was both depressing and then inspiring in the short minute and 44 seconds that it lasted. I loved the meaning reversal in the essay. I saw where this video won 2nd place in an AARP contest. First place must have been incredible if this didn't win. Her comments are sad to me because I see those sentiments becoming more and more prominent. However, as she begins to reverse the reading, it is amazing how the negativity is instantly replaced by positivity and hope. I thought it was really powerful.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
Wow, the song was beautiful and the method of recording was incredible. The ability to compile works of art, music, dance, theater, with the best people available is something I think will change the course of recorded entertainment. I am not kept up to date with the latest recording trends, but this method is probably being used regularly and I am just unaware. It seemed to create a flawless work for Mr. Whitacre. If I were a musician I would be tempted to try and compile my own recording!
Your thoughts on the Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff post were a lot similar to mine. I agree completely when you said that even though there are many dangers out there that come along with the use of technology, that seems like the only way to fit in with today's society. So for the people that are trying to protect their kids from the dangers, they are also stopping them from developing a better understanding of today's world.
ReplyDeleteI also would also like to add to your comment about the iSchool, I think that the student did do a decent job in presenting his points, but to me it's just not realistic enough. Also as you pointed out, what about the kids that aren't self-motivated enough to just do the work independently.
With The Lost Generation and the Virtual Choir, these were both great presentations that really made you want to sit and think about the direction this generation is really going in. I also didn't know that The Lost Generation had placed in the AARP contest, that's good to know because it really is magnificent way to express yourself.
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteYour statement ... I thought it was really powerful ... is exactly what we need future educators to produce in the learning process. When something comes across as powerful then students tend to really latch on to it.