Blog #2

Did You Know? :

   This video was extremely eye opening for me to watch. I think that we all subconsciously realize that all of these things are happening, we just do not think about it because it seems so normal for our world to be changing. It is apparent from this video that the United States needs to step it up when it comes to teaching and learning technology. It amazed me, and rather scared me, when they stated that China will soon be the number one speaking English country. I could go into a whole rant about the United States and our lack of other cultures, but that is a whole separate subject. It fascinates me that we, as a nation, go around thinking that we are the best country and that we have so much going for us, and then come to find out that India has more honors children than we even have children. It blows my mind that we can think so highly of ourselves and belittle other countries to such an extreme without even realizing the facts.

   Technology is advancing at such a high pace and it is obvious that we are failing to stay caught up. Technology, especially the internet, has become such a huge part of our daily lives that we fail to really see the importance. I think that we take for granter all of the things that the internet has to offer. In a matter of years, we will have a computer that is smarter and more capable than any human being on this planet... While that is a very fascinating realization, it is also a little scary in my opinion. I may be the only one thinking this, but technology makes me feel very incompetent. After watching this video, it certainly makes me want to learn as much as I can about technology.

Mr. Winkle Wakes:



   I found Mr. Winkle Wakes to be rather entertaining. At first I did not understand what the video was trying to get across, but as soon as he went into the school I understood. This video portrays the fact that schools are seriously lacking intrusion from the "outside world". Mr. Winkle was comforted by the school because it was just as he remember it from 100 years ago: nothing had changed. Many people do not view this as a problem, but it certainly is not a good thing. You see it everyday, teachers at the front of the room lecturing students of all ages. You also see students getting bored and acting out, or simply not reacting at all. It is important to let the "outside world" into our schools in order to enhance learning.

   In the classroom the Mr. Winkle walked into there was only one computer and it was obvious that it was not put to use very often. There are so many schools that do not have the funding for technology, but even the schools that do have this funding do not utilize technology to the extent that they should. I am 20 years old, and I do not remember using a computer in school until I was in high school. That is a problem. Students can learn so much from technology. Technology is obviously becoming a large part of our world and it is so important that we begin teaching children at a young age. Otherwise they will be in a technology class in college with no idea of what they are doing - just like me.

The Importance of Creativity:
 
   I have actually seen this video before in a Math for Elementary Teachers course. I think that this is a video that every education major should have to watch before they graduate. I love that he points out that we are educating students for a world that not only can we not understand, but we have no clue what it will entail. While I may not feel as strongly that creativity is as important as literacy, I do feel that it is a very important aspect of education. I think that we, as an entire nation, are so afraid of being wrong that we fail to even try. I think that Mr. Robinson is absolutely right when he states that we are "educated out of creativity". Creativity is natural in all of us, however some of us simply set it aside when we are basically told to do so.


   What did you want to be when you grew up? Well, me personally, I wanted to play softball for the United States team. That was always my dream. However, just as Mr. Robinson said in his lecture, we are taught from a very young age to basically let go of our dreams because we will never get a job doing that. But, the fact is... some people do. What if Brett Favre, Micheal Angelo, or Micheal Jackson had all let go of their dreams? We as future educators have to make sure that we inspire students and create an atmosphere where learning AND creativity can play equal roles.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts:

   I enjoyed this video because it was a great example in my opinion. This teacher did not know everything there is to know about technology. It is great that she is learning along with her students.Often times students feel intimidated when they feel that there teacher is so far above them in certain subjects. On the other hand, many teachers who do not know technology very well, often times simply do not utilize it in their classroom.

   The students in this video were able to learn things in an unconventional way... the teacher did not teach them. When students learn something on their own they tend to feel more accomplished and capable. Students can broaden their education when they are given the technology to do so. Not all children can learn just given pencil and paper and I think that was a great point in this video.