I always like seeing statistics and this was a great video to provide me with some real numbers in education. I have thought numerous times about why I am actually in this class since things are going to change by the time I become a teacher. Then, I remind myself that this is a step in the process to build up to that point so I am not dumbfounded by new ways of learning and technology.
This video shows that this class in particular can have a major effect on what we know and learn in the future. We may not understand it at this moment in time, but all of what we learn right now is completely relevant in how we succeed in a few years. The numbers may seem astounding, but if we individually exceed our goals we can be a part of getting America's education system back on track with the rest of the world.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
Mr. Wakes was very satisfied with what he saw going on in school and that it had not changed much. When he was faced with technology at the hospital he became scared and felt out of place, so he left. He was not a fan of the hospital at all since so much had changed. This brings out many things that I see in myself. Sometimes, when I am faced with something that is different, I tend to shy away from it out of complacency. I like to keep things the way they are on many levels and find myself being complacent and not wanting to find things out because it may intimidate me on first impression.
From another stand point, the students were not using the computer in the back of the class which is disappointing. I realize it is just a movie but it brings out the idea of our children and teachers not using the technology that is available to them.
The Importance of Creativity
This video concerns creativity and what we need to do as educators to see that each child's creativity be harnessed. I especially like the facts about the little girl who could not sit still. Her teacher realized that her creativity needed to be grasped in a different setting instead of telling her to sit still in class. Sometimes we just need to get up and move around I guess. Sometimes we need to take chances to see that creativity be accomplished. In today's life we cannot afford to make mistakes, with technology the way it is we just cannot do it. We have essentially taken away our creativity. Children aren't afraid to make mistakes and that is what makes them so creative. As adults and teachers, we become more and more afraid to take a chance on being wrong which, as a result, takes away our creativeness.
Laura's Blog Post
Laura's Blog
Link to Cecilia Gualt Interview
If we could only walk into a classroom and tell the children to do whatever they want and try to be creative. We can teach our students how to be more creative by allowing them to use more technology in the classroom. We have computers available to us yet, we are not using them the way we need to. The video specifically discusses the need for American students to be able to study from other cultures and countries as a way to broaden the spectrum of creativity. Finland, in particular, has a 1% drop out rate and the U.S. has a 25% drop out rate. This was just an example that we need to find out what other countries are doing and how they are having so much success. We can dramatically expand the minds of children with the regular use of technology in the classroom.
Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
I once had the pleasure of working with Leo Mazzone, the former pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves. I asked him how he got so good at what he does and he said "I've learned everything I know from the pitchers I have coached". This is very relevant to the video since the teacher of this class learns a lot of what she knows from her students.
The fact that computers are the main focus in her class has allowed these students to expand their brains to find out what they are good at and what they like. Others should take notice of this classroom and follow the leader. This is an amazing learning atmosphere where the children can use their minds endlessly. When I grow up and become a teacher, I definitely want to be like Mrs. Davis.
Hey Kenneth,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post. I agree with you that this class can have an effect on us for what we know and will learn in the future. In this class, we are going to learn so much and we will be able to use it in our classroom. I agree with you that teachers are afraid to take chances and that takes away our creativty. I personally think teachers are set in their old ways and don't want to change. I believe as teachers we need to be open for new ideas and always be open minded. I look forward with working on the podcast together.
See you on Wednesday,
Jennifer
You are correct. Things will change by the time you graduate. But we need to become aware of what is happening, the speed of change, and the implications for our society and its institutions. In fact, some EDM310 students have suggested taking the course twice - once on entry and once in the last semester. I just hope they will become life long learners on their own.
ReplyDelete"...out of complacency." Dangerous!
"...we need to find out what other countries are doing and how they are having so much success." Well, in Finland students are using technology to interview famous people. Is that happening here? In Mobile and/or Baldwin counties?
I really liked the way you joined The Mazonne quote with Vicki Davis. We are all part of a learning community!
Nice.