I guess it has taken me awhile to figure out exactly what a PLN is; however, I have came to learn that it is anything or anyone that enables me to learn. I really like the idea of being able to connect with people from all over the world and developing the skills to maintain my PLN after EDM310. I created an account on Symbaloo and have found it to be very useful. Symbaloo allows for a really cool way to keep things organized, which is great because I am a bit of an organizing-freak. (You should see my closet.) I like having everything I access on one page, and I like that I can move things around and add more websites. I have also learned that I really enjoy blogging. I guess I never really knew how big the world of blogging was until I enrolled in this class. I think it is a wonderful way for educators to share different information, opinions, ideas, resources, feedback, videos, stories, experiences, ...etc. I have found myself searching blogs and YouTube looking for things I can learn from and share with others in the hopes they will too. Twitter is also something that is growing on me. To begin with, I did not understand it so it was very frustrating and not something I wanted to fool with. Now, I have learned that if you follow the right people, it can be very beneficial. I have read some of the most interesting things posted to Twitter by other educators. It is also a great way to ask questions and get quick answers from some very intellectual people from all over the world. My snowball is rolling, and I am gradually learning more about my PLN and expanding it.
This next website is pretty cool. It is a PLN for educators. Blog posts, EdChat tweets, podcasts, videos, websites, groups, and an online chat are all available. (Great resources all found in one spot!) The Educator's PLN
"The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" -Randy Pausch This lecture is by far my most favorite lecture to date! The video is a little over an hour long, and it is well worth every minute spent watching. I would recommend it to anyone! If you have a little free time, watch it! You'll take a lot away from it and be touched in more ways than one!
Spoiler Alert!
"The Last Lecture" is by Randy Pausch. Just for a little background information, Dr. Pausch taught computer science and worked for Carnegie Mellon Univeristy, where he instructed a class based on virtual reality (the first of its kind). He titled his lecture "The Last Lecture" because normally it is the last lecture you would give before you die. Dr. Pausch had been diagnosed with liver cancer. He quotes, "We cannot change the cards we are delt." I loved his attitude and high spirits; he did not want anyones' pity. He knew he had a purpose.
Dr. Pausch begins the lecture by letting us know, his wife and kids are more important than dreams. I really like that because family is such an important part of my life.He then gives us a list of his childhood dreams:
Being in Zero Gravity
Playing in the NFL
Authoring an Article in the World Book Encyclopedia
Being Captain Kirk
Winning Stuffed Animals
Being a Disney Imaginer
I liked he began by telling us about his childhood dreams, along with different stories. It makes his lecture more relatable for his audience. When discussing his dreams, he talked about how he did not play in the NFL, but he did play for a great coach. He says Coach Graham rode his butt, but "When someone stops getting onto you, that means they've given up. Critics are the ones saying they still love you." I think it is important for educators to instill in our students that we believe in them. Dr. Pausch then brings in the idea of "head fake" learning. When playing football, an 8 year old boy does not realize he is learning so much more than the game of football; he is also learning communication skills, teamwork, how to respect authority, developing better motor skills...etc. That is the idea of a "head fake." It is a sneaky method, but it works.
Dr. Pausch then moves on to telling how he wanted to be an author for the World Book Encyclopedia. He says, "Guess you can tell the nerds early." He also shows a picture of encyclopedia books and states, "Freshman, this is paper; we had books!" I think humor was a huge part of Dr. Pausch's lecture. It keeps the mood light and also not as boring as someone standing an reading from the slides. He ends up writing an article about virtual reality for the World Book Encyclopedia.
Dr. Pausch eventually gets to the story of him wanting to be a Disney Imaginer. He says you should have specific dreams, and there will be brick walls when trying to achieve them. "Brick walls are there for a reason; they let us prove how badly we want things." I know I have hit many brick walls in my time. They aren't there to stop you, but to make you work harder. That is another lesson important to teach kids. Dr. Pausch's application to the Disney Imaginer's was declined...the first time.
He then moves into telling us about his class he taught about virtual reality (VR). I love that 50 students were randomly selected from all over campus.When you're put in a new environment with people you don't know and forced to work with them, I think you grow as a person. It makes you get out of your comfort zone. He shows videos of several "virtual words" the students in his class made. After each project, the students vote with how easy their partners were to work with and a bar graph was produced. This showed students where they stood, as in how well others can work with them. Things such as this teaches reflection, which might be one of the best things you can teach a student. I agree with Dr. Pausch that setting the bar in a big disservice to your students. "Walk in and tell them they've done a good job, but you know they can do better." Most student will work even harder the next time. I also like how the ETC Master's Degree is solely based on hands-on learning. Everything is done using technology, no paper. Dr. Pausch begins talking about the Alice Program, and at this time he places a Mad Hatter hat upon his head. The use of props keeps things interesting. He refers back to the "head fake" and says this method is what he uses when teaching the Alice Program. The students are learning computer programming skills that are difficult, but they do not realize it because they are having fun. I honestly believe when a student is having fun, they learn so much more because they do not feel like they are being forced to work. Wouldn't you be more willing to do something fun such as create a virtual world instead of learning computer programming? Essentially it is the same thing, but to the students, its different.
Towards the end of the lecture, Dr. Pasch begins recognizing all of the people who have helped him along the way. He had so much respect for these people, even though he joked the majority of the time. I don't think we realize all of the people that do help us to get to where we are going. "Loyalty is a two-way street." That is so true.
You may have realized the bold words throughout my post. These are some of the different methods used to teach throughout Dr. Pasch's lecture. He keeps things interesting by using the "head fake", props, videos, pictures, PowerPoint, animation, humor, changes in voice, stories, makes the lecture relatable, asks the audience questions, teaches using only technology (keeping up with the time), and he will literally drop on the floor and do push-ups to engage his audience.Last, but not least, did you know we were being "head faked" throughout the entire lecture?
1. The lecture is not really about your childhood dreams, it is about how to lead your life.
2. The lecture really was not made for us, it was made for his children. (This almost jerked a few tears from me.)
I really enjoyed this lecture. Again I will say, it was well worth the time spent! I really admire Dr. Pausch's attitude and think we all could learn something from this, even if it was mean't for his kids. He truly touched the world and has left behind an amazing legacy.
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.
For the first C4K assignment , I had a precious kid named Mai. Mai is in the 6th grade and located in Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. I absolutely love the title of Mai's blog, A Flower's Pedals, where each pedal has something to blog.I think that title is so creative and definitely not something I would have thought of! Mai's post I chose to comment on is titled, "Peetri My Puggy!" Peetri is Mai's dog, that happens to be a pug. Peetri is about 2 months old. Mai claimed she had always dreamed of having a pug and finally got one. She continues throughout her post describing Peetri. I thought it was funny when she said, "He loves to eat but faces the consequence of working out on my treadmill."
I commented on Mai's post by first introducing myself and letting her know I am a student at The University of South Alabama. Then, I told Mai about my nephew named Presley. Presley is a male Pekingese owned by my sister. When he was a puppy, the fur on his head reminded us of Elvis's hair, hence the name Presley. I told Mai I hope to get one of my own as soon as I graduate and have my own place. I also told Mai to keep up the good work on her blog. Go comment on Mai's Blog! She loves hearing from "college students" and responds quickly!
Pekingese
C4K #2
A boy named Shalom is the second student I was assigned. Shalom is a year 4 student in Room 13 at Pt England School in Auckland, NZ. I am definitely jealous Shalom lives in New Zealand; I have always dreamed of traveling there. The photos I have seen are just breath taking! Anways, back to my assignment... Shalom's post I commented on was titled, "How I feel about getting a Netbook." Shalom begins by saying he is not excited about getting a Netbook, but then he says he is only joking. However, Shalom is not excited that he can't take the Netbook home. (Short and sweet, huh?)
I commented on this post by letting Shalom know I have no experience with a Netbook, but that it sounds like a lot of fun. I encouraged Shalom to make a new post after working with his and maybe I can learn something from it. I also told him I really like the stars background on his blog! To my knowledge, Shalom still has not responded to my comment or made any new posts about the Netbook.
A beautiful picture of New Zealand!
C4K #3
The third student I interacted with is hc2011. She is in Mr. Stephen Wolfe's 4th grade class, which happens to be in Birmingham, AL. How neat!! I like how these students are not giving out their names. I know if I were a parent, I would feel better about giving my child permission to blog knowing their identity was safe. In hc2011's blog post, she says how she loves tie dye! She wishes to learn how to make it because she loves all of the different colors.
I commented by telling her I think tye die it is a great way for kids to be creative and experiment with the different colors. I have tie dyed a few shirts and a set of sheets in my life, and picking out a design and choosing the colors are the funnest parts! Hc2011 responded by saying she and her teacher are looking for a tie dye kit and instructions so that maybe the whole class can try it together.
"The Networked Student" -Wendy Drexler I loved how this video was put together; it is very creative. I like the idea of "connectivism" and believe this is the way students in today's society should be taught. Some of you reading may be wondering, "What in the world is connectivism?" Connectivism is a theory of learning based on the premise that knowledge exists in the world rather than simply in the head of an individual. I got this definition straight from Wikipedia. (I know, I know! We've always been taught to not use Wikipedia, but I happen to find it very resourceful!)
With using the connectivism theory, a teacher rarely lectures. Instead, the teacher empowers the students by having them take control of their own learning. Students are taught to get information from other students' opinions, sharing bookmarks online, through blogs, through feedback on their blogs, by using iTunesU, finding articles on Google Scholar, and the list goes on. Students are basically self-reliant. I wish allclasses were this way simply because I think of this quote by Confucius, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." I believe this is why it is important to have students create, rather than spoon feed them information and have them spit it back up on a test. We should be teaching skills, life-long skills.
Why does a network student even need a teacher? This answer is quite simple. The teacher is the one who shows the student how to build their PLN (personal learning network), and they are the filters. A teacher offers assistance when a student gets stuck, teaches students how to communicate properly and with respect, teaches students how to differentiate between good and bad information, and teaches students how to organize all of the information they find. Students should leave the classroom with the skills to maintain their PLN.
Will you teach your students the skills they need to be successful, or pretend they are from a different time?
"A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)"
For a 7th grader, this presentation is very impressive. She has great organization skills. I also realize that she must have spent time outside of school organizing being that she had her Facebook and other blogs on her personal page along with her school work. I like the teachers approach. The students are given freedom. They can complete their however and wheneverThis teaches kids responsibility and will better prepare them for the "real world." I also think it is very cool these students get to Skype with scientists all over the globe. And again, with all of the work being online, it is better for our environment.
Critiques of SMART boards In Why Smartboards are a Dumb Initiative and Why I Hate Interactive Whiteboards both educators feel SMART boards are only their for looks, and that they are cool but not worth the money they cost. I agree somewhat with both of these posts. IWBs are neat and do have a wow-factor...that fades away pretty quickly. And, SMART board makes lessons are essentially the same as using an overhead projector. They do not promote collaboration and independent discovery skills.
A post I found forIWBs boards is by Dr. Mary Ann Bell. Her blog post is titled "Teacher Feature... Why Use Interactive Whiteboard? A Baker's Dozen Reasons!" These are her reasons: 1.The interactive electronic whiteboard is great for demonstrations. 2.The interactive electronic whiteboard is a colorful tool. 3.The board can accommodate different learning styles. 4. All ages of students respond favorably to board use. 5. Distance learning is an excellent setting for interactive whiteboard use. 6. One-computer classrooms can maximize the use of limited computer access. 7. The interactive whiteboard is an excellent tool for the constructivist educator. 8. The boards are clean and attractive tools. 9. Students with limited motor skills can enjoy board use. 10. It is interactive. 11. It can interface well with other peripherals. 12. The board is great for meetings are lessons where the participants need printed copies. 13. It is a kid magnet.
So, I see that SMART board has its advantages too. I agree it can accommodate different learning styles, and I also had not even thought about the fact that students with limited motor skills could also use the IWB. That very reason would win me over. I think it is important all students can participate. I also think kids would enjoy getting to "go to the board" to demonstrate. Really the only things all of these post agree on is the fact that IWBs are clean and attractive. I think I would have to work with one for a while before I could totally make up my mind whether I am for or against the use (mainly the purchase) of SMART boards.
Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. -Roger Lewin
My group addressed this question this week in a podcast. Click here or the picture below to listen to our podcast about E-books in education. Feel free to comment and express how you feel about this question!
This podcast was a collaborative effort by: Jenna Baxter, Woodie Holloway, Kristan Steele, and Kelsey Robinson.
This website contains podcasts made by 3rd graders. Their podcasts are about topics the students are covering in class and things kids "NEED TO KNOW." At first, I felt a little surprised these children are so young and using technology in this way. At second thought, this is brilliant! Kids are learning at younger ages the importance of technology in our society. My brother, who is 4 years old as of February 14, knows how to play games on a computer and loves having our mom send us messages on Facebook.
I listened to All Roads Lead to Rome. These students are precious and sound so professional! You can tell they definitely rehearsed. Not only is having the kids make podcasts teaching them how to use technology, but they are more engaged in the material being taught, and practicing their collaboration and literacy skills. This class seems like a lot of fun. I only wish my 3rd grade class could have been this enjoyable. I am now looking more forward to recording my podcast later this week.
100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn Better
This site is very helpful. I have had an iPod touch for 2 years and learn something new every time I use it. Now I know even more! I love finding new apps to play with and learn. The link Learning Podcasting was also helpful. I found that 63 Podcasting Plus provides more information about podcasting. And, link 65 iPod in the Classroom gives lesson plans that teachers who want to incorporate iPods into their classrooms can use.
Education Podcasting Network
I was overwhelmed with the amount of information on podcasting at first glance. EPN can be a very useful source for teachers in the 21st century. This site tells you what a podcasts is, how to find a podcasts, and how to subscribe to podcasts programs. You can also suggest a podcasts. Podcasts are available for viewing and are sorted by: students, classes, grade level, and subject. This makes it very easy to narrow down your search. Of all the links provided in Blog Post 5 Assignment (Yes, I viewed them all), I found EPN to be the most resourceful. I believe all teachers and future teachers should have this one bookmarked.
Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.-Mitchell Kapor
This quote made me laugh when I read it, for the obvious reason...a hydrant blasting in someone's face. It also made me think, "Good Lord who loves me, there is a ton of information out there!"
This is my second time typing Blog Post #4. The first disappeared into thin air...just a bit frustrating.
"Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?" by Scott McLeod
Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor in the Educational Administration program at Iowa State University. Dr. McLeod is also the Director of CASTLE (UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education). Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? was written by Dr. McLeod on his blog in August of 2009. The post is a little confusing when you first start reading it. It sounds as if Dr. McLeod is bashing technology saying things such as don't let your kids use the internet or cell phone; pencil and paper are still available. He acknowledges the dangers of using technology such as porn, predators, cyberbullying, and cheating amongst students. He then ends his post by asking you to please not let your kids use these things because he IS letting his, and he wonders who will have the advantage in a decade or two. I have realized by this point (and so should you) that Dr. McLeod was using sarcasm throughout his post.
I remember having that same sarcastic attitude with my mom when she did not want me online or to have a cell phone. She of course was scared of things such as the predators. If you do not let your kids use technology, Dr. McLeod's will most definitely have the upper hand. Yes, some students use it to cheat. Yes, there are cyber bullies. Yes, there are thousands of porn websites. Yes, there are predators. Can these things be avoided?...Yes, by using privacy settings, blocking certain sites, and supervision. Our world revolves around technology. How can you withhold technology from kids, then expect them to be productive and successful later in life when their job and everything else they encounter requires technology? My mom has since that time had a change of heart. We have to pull her off Facebook. She has also learned to Skype so that she can keep in contact with my brother in India. Maybe it takes some people using it to realize how useful it is?....
"The iSchool Initiative"
This video was created by Travis, a 17 year old from Georgia. He makes the argument that our school systems are in major need of reform. The schools are suffering from massive budget cuts. Teachers are being let go and class sizes are growing. Travis asks the question, "Does technology belong in our classrooms?" My answer is, YES!
I personally love my iPod touch. Everything I need is on it. The iSchool is one of the best ideas I have ever heard. School system do have a lack of funds, and I believe this could really help. Textbooks, paper, expensive machines, ink..etc all would not have to be purchased. This could also really help our environment. Think of all the trees we could save! I already use a lot of the apps Travis mentioned: email, recorder, scientific calculator, notes, calendar, internet (which would need to be limited for students), and I even have 2 textbooks on it. I think it is wonderful! Teachers, students, and parents could be in contact with a few keystrokes. This is so much cheaper for students and the school. And, I completely believe GREEN isthe way to go!
"The Lost Generation"
This video is interesting and the wording used is very clever! While watching it scroll down, it makes sense. When is scrolls backwards, it also makes complete sense and means the complete opposite. It would have taken me a decade to think of something like this. I believe a scare tactic was used during the first scroll through. It is also true, unless we choose to reverse the things mentioned in this video, this world could become an ugly place.
I also refuse to believe I am part of a lost generation. I believe our generation could be a very productive and life-changing generation. People need to quit living in the past. Yes, we are a quick-fix society. However, it is going to take more than one person to realize we are not lost, we just need to change with the time. If the iSchool in the movie above were implemented, again think of how we could be saving the environment. Schools are where we are going to have to start in order for there to be a change. And let me just state, no matter what this world comes too, nothing will ever come before my family!
If you have not seen this video, you should!
"Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir- 'Lux Aurumque" WOW! I honestly did not know the internet could be used for things such as this. 185 people who have never met nor performed together can produce such a soothing and beautiful harmony. This is just too cool! I'm at a loss for words... I guess you learn something new each day! Watch this video and see the wonderful and beautiful things we can do with technology!
"Teaching in the 21st Century"
This video makes you think. I agree with all of the positions expressed in this video. Curriculum should be focused on facts, content, and skill. Students are rarely asked to create. There are so many things students could learn through blogging, podcasting, animating, planning, recording, designing, programming, and many many other tech skills. They will never forget that information because it is engaging. I loved the comparison between entertainment and engagement. The internet, iPods, and cellphones are not used specifically for entertainment anymore. Students can find limitless amounts of information whatever, whenever, wherever. I agree that teachers are no longer the main source of knowledge, they are the filter. They teach you how to use that knowledge. For example, I have known what all Google had to offer, but I did not know how to truly use Google until I enrolled in EDM310 and had it explained to me.
I definitely plan to leave my students with a question at the end of the day and have them use technology to find an answer. They then must explain and justify that answer. I also think porfolios are a wonderful tool for teaching reflection. E-portfolios could be made for each student where there work is stored. At any time they may look and see what progress they have made. It could also show their parents what progress they have made.
If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies...
I thought this video was just too cute. It has nothing to do with technology, I just happen to love Disney. If any more of you aspiring teachers out there love Disney like I do, you have to watch this cute video!
For the first comments for teachers project, I was assigned Mr. Steven Anderson. Mr. Anderson's blog, Blogging About The Web 2.0 Connected Classroom is mostly about how technology and education can be integrated. Although I believe all of Mr. Anderson's post are comment worthy, I only commented on two of them.
The first post I commented on was titled Leadership Stared Me In The Face Today...And I Like What I Saw. Mr. Anderson had lead a workshop at school earlier that day. After the workshop, one teacher confronted Mr. Anderson with the question, "Why are we doing this workshop?"This 7th grade science teacher then made a suggestion, why not do technology PD in a PLC format where it is a smaller group and how the new information can be applied to content can be discussed. Mr. Anderson makes note that it is important to not only see where a program is going, but where it has been. "We have to talk to people, solicit ideas, get feedback and make changes even when those decisions might be tough."
I commented on Mr. Anderson's post stating I hope to someday be a part of a school where the faculty WANT to improve their work and are not afraid to take the initiative to make that happen. I also agreed that critical feedback is what allows us to get better along with self reflection.
The second post I commented on was titled What Is It About #Educon? My Reflections.... This post was made after Mr. Anderson attended Educon 2.3 in Philadelphia for the first time. Educon is a conference put on by the students and staff of the Science Leadership Academy. After a few days of thinking, Mr. Anderson realizes that all schools have the same opportunity to do amazing things such as SLA. Inquiry based learning, collaboration and reflection are big parts to SLA's approach. Mr. Anderson believes we should all be able to take that same mission to "our own corners of the earth and institute them." Mr. Anderson's favorite presentation was given my three girls who actually involved their listeners. They were to give feedback, move around the room, etc... "It was like a class you never wanted to leave." After reflecting, Mr. Anderson agrees this is how learning should be in all classrooms.
I responded to this post by first saying that Educon sounds like such a cool conference to attend! I also love SLA's mission statement. I also believe getting involved and participating is the best way to learn and it definitely should be the way it works in schools today. I also stated reflection must be continuous in order to learn and grow effectively. I thanked Mr. Anderson and would like to thank him again for sharing his experience and wisdom.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams
A Vision of Students Today was created by Michael Wesch and a group of Kansas State University students. They depict the characteristics of college students: how much time they spending reading, on the internet, eating, how much debt that have...etc.
This video captures my college experience in more ways than one. I definitely felt bewildered upon entering a college class for the first time. I walked into a nursing class containing 120 students. It was a bit overwhelming. At the College of Education, class sizes are a little smaller and more traditional. I run to the bookstore and buy several books costing me hundreds of dollars, to only open some. I do, however, complete all readings assigned to me. I feel the teachers would not have assigned them it if they were not important. I sleep seven or less hours a night. The majority of my free time is spent on the internet, a lot of it on Facebook. If I need information, I usually go straight to Google. I use e-mail on a daily basis. I search the web (not my book) on a daily basis. As I get older, it becomes increasingly harder to pay attention to boring lectures. Lessons on chalkboards are missing pictures, videos, animations, networking, and do not capture students attention. I am most definitely a multi-tasker. I would also have to say that nearly ALL of my college professors have known my name and face.
To make this video more accurately represent "my" college life, the video would begin by a girl waking up at 6:00am to get ready for school. She grabs anything she can find in the cabinets, such as a poptart, then out the door she goes. She then would have make her way through this Mobile traffic and arrive at the College of Education and The University of South Alabama by 7:45am. She sits during lecture after lecture, taking notes, making reminders in her planner, and trying her hardest to not fall asleep or think about how hungry she is. She then leaves class and goes straight to the gym, where maybe two hours are spent. Arriving home, she goes straight to her computer and begins checking g-mail, Facebook, class blogs, Jaguar1 e-mail, and USA online; she responds to all mail. She then prepares another quick meal, turns on her ipod, then spends the rest of the day doing homework. After several hours, she quits to cook supper, then its back to work. She does not quit to go to bed until ALL activities, homework, and other projects that had been planned (in the planner) for that day are complete. She cleans her room and kitchen back up, calls her mom to tell her she loves her, then crashes into her comfy bed after setting her alarm for 6:00am. (This is my 'typical' day in a nutshell.)
"It's Not About the Technology" -Kelly Hines It's Not About the Technology was written by Kelly Hines. Her post is about how she strongly believes that learning in the 21st century is not about the technology. When people begin to think of what the future holds, what students will need to learn, what will be needed in order to teach, technology is what comes to mind. Ms. Hines believes that everyone, including teachers, will need a new mindset. She states four things teachers must realize to be successful in teaching a new generation.
"1. Teachers must be learners." I do not think that could be stated any clearer. Teacher must be dedicated to their profession. They must keep up with new research, new trends, new tools and resources. Teachers must constantly be changing methods and learning new things in order to continue teaching various groups. This could also show children the importance of self-teaching. What kind of role-model would you be in you, yourself were not willing let go of set ways and learn something new.
"2. Learning and Teaching are not the same thing." Ms. Hines physics example was well put. It basically means, if a student has not learned, then you have not taught. Learning must be the goal for each day. If one method is not working, try another. Learning experience is different for each student.
"3. Technology is useless without good teaching." When teachers are not willing to give technology a chance and be creative, then money spent for innovative tools will be a waste. However, for teachers that are innovative, the right resources allows them so many possibilities. I will be an innovative teacher. Technology can be used for so much more than just typing papers. Let me just say...our kids are growing up curious about technology and live in a world ran off of technology. Our students are not going to be overwhelmed by technology, but maybe disappointed and less engaged if it is not being used. Would it hurt to learn together?
"4. Be a 21st Century teacher without the technology." Teachers who teach their students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, curious, innovative, and learners will set their students up for success. With those skills, they should be prepared for whatever is to come in the future. Technology is not necessarily needed to teach these things. If the resources are not available, it will take a little more creativity. However, there is a whole world out there to be explored and with technology and a good teacher, again, the possibilities are endless.
"Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher" -Karl Fisch
I'm really glad Mr. Fisch's Post was assigned to our class. I would like to say I agree with Mr. Fisch 100%, but maybe more like 90%. I have a few concerns. I consider myself to be "technologically literate." I would say there are many more technology savvy people in the world than myself, yes. I can use word processors, make power points, videos, e-mail, photo shop...etc. If there is a new technology out that I have no experience, I know how to find information and tutorials on it, and I am not against asking for help. (Is that not what we "drill" into students' heads...to ask for help?) I think me having to ask does not make me technologically illiterate. I also grew up viewing nothing more but PowerPoint (poor school) and I do not believe I was cheated out of a good education by no means. Technology is not needed in order to think or think critically.
I agree with Mr. Fisch in the sense that technology is not an "add-on" it is a part of everyday life. This is the 21st century, and no matter what degree someone attends school for, technology is needed in order to get it and to succeed at it. Teachers that refuse to accept change and learn new things are setting a bad example for their students. How can they promote learning when they are not learners themselves? These teachers should be concerned about meeting the needs of their students and not be set in their "old" ways.
I loved Mr. Fisch passion. I believe we need more educators in our society that are passionate about their profession. I would like to thank him for sharing his thoughts, wisdom, and experience. I know other aspiring teachers along with myself were confronted with a lot to think about.
"Gary Hayse Social Media Count"
These numbers just blow my mind. I think this is proof at how technology spreads like a wild fire. The numbers for social networking continue to expand. As a teacher, this shows us that our tools for the classroom and the tools our students use will be ever changing. I would also suspect they are more curious about the world around them, why not connect them with a classroom across the ocean or the states? We must be learners and willing to evolve as technology evolves. (And as we see, that is fairly often!)
A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. -Horace Mann
