Dont Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please. By Scott McCleod
Scott McCleod is an Associate Professor at Iowa State University in the Educational Administration program. He also is the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technological Leadership in Education, the nations only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators. Scott McCleod blogs regularly about technology leadership issues.
In the blog post McCleod offers a tongue in cheek poem about keeping technology out of the hands of students. He says to only have paper and pen readily available. The sarcastic overtone says to have no networking, no blogging, no cell phones to just name a few 'dangers' lurking out there. With all things, especially with children, one can err on the side of caution. But, in order for our children to keep up globally, the argument is to use technology as a tool. One doesn't have to solely rely on it, but to teach technology and have guidelines. which should be with anything. Riding a bicycle can be dangerous, but a hat is worn, and other protective items. Same idea with technology. There are safeguards. I think this should be posted in all school administrators offices to remind them of how education has to be shaped for the future.
The iSchool Initiative
The Youtube video features a high school student who has an idea for eliminating physical classrooms and strictly using a device called an iSchool. It is based on the iTouch device. This student believes it is the future of education. His argument is that due to budget cutbacks, this device would save money. There would be no cost for paper, or for books. All the information is on apps on the device. Graphing calculators, calendar, history, notes, and text books are all on it just to name a few. There would be websites dedicated only to education. Another cost argument for the device is that calculators, back packs, and books are estimated at over $600 per student. He says the iSchool is $150 in cost.
My reaction to this student's initiative is mixed. I have many questions.
1. Who buys the device?
2. What if the device becomes damaged or lost?
3. What is the monthly cost to subscribe, and who pays for that?
4. Can the devices be leased and returned at the end of the school term?
5. Is learning the technology simple?
6. What about physical limitations of some students?
The initiative is to be competitive globally with technology and learning. Totally eliminating the brick and mortar building is hard to swallow.
You Can't Be My Teacher: Darren Cannell
The little boy in the video"You Can't Be My Teacher" asks many pointed questions to someone presumably who is the teacher, off camera. Some of the many questions are: "Do you know how to use the computer?","Are you going to learn how to use the computer or just use that textbook?","Are you preparing me for the world?" The little boy states, "Because I want to know what the world has to offer!" The final reverberating phrase is "That's your job!"
I think this child has some great questions to make educators think about their goals. Educators have to prepare students for the future and for the world. They are OUR future. Teachers have to give the knowledge in how to problem solve.The answer is easy. The problem solving skills are essential.
The question of "Are you just going to use that text book?" is a sign of the times. Computers, software programs, and other forms of media are in use today and will continue to be in use. Textbooks are used in conjunction with these advances. It is our job as educators to have the resources and know how to use them in order to teach. As stated earlier, these children are OUR future.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir
http://youtu.be/D7o7BrlbaDs
Ingenious is what I would use to describe Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The thought process that it took to have 185 people singing from all over the world harmoniously is a work of a master. It truly shows that thru technology, how small the world can become.
One would never know how this masterpiece was done if they closed their eyes. The beauty of the sound is magic. A magnificent composer of music, whether virtual or real.
Teaching In The 21st Century
http://youtu.be/RmskHM0V2Ig
The feeling I had while watching this video was somewhat negative. The positions expressed were primarily focused on computer use. Keywords were flashed and put a negative light on learning some essential facts. It is essential to learn problem solving skills, but it is also essential to funnel technology skills into a good use. It was stated that teachers are no longer the main source of information. They are filters.
I thought that this video was more on how to find information on the internet. It was also stated that entertainment is not the same as engagement. To that, I will agree. The key differences were that entertainment is passive, short-lived, and an escape from problems. Engagement is active, and has long term results, and also is called problem solving. It was flashed at the end of the video that both entertainment and engagement can both be fun and exciting. I believe that will be how teaching will be in the 21st century.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up good questions about the iSchool Initiative. Hopefully, if our school system goes to that, there will be reasonable answers for all of your questions. My biggest worry was for special needs students. But there is always a way to modify an app for certain disabilities. You have a few youtube links that I think you meant to have an image or video there instead of the html code? If you have any questions on how to fix that come in the lab, call, or email us! We're glad to help.
Good job.
Jacey-Blaire
I also had many questions about the iSchool Initiative. Students being able to lease the iPad is a good idea, it might cut down on the cost as well. I can also see some issues with parents as well. A parent might not want their young child to be responsible for a lost or stolen device if they do not have the money to replace it. Also the parents may not want to replace so much of the classroom with the internet, it would take a lot for certain parents to open their minds.
ReplyDeleteThe iSchool is not a device. Travis wrote about the iPod Touch. He has now shifted to the iPad.
ReplyDeleteResponses to your questions: 1. It depends. Individuals, schools, ??
2. Insure. The track record (Maine, Australia) is excellent Fewer losses or breakage than for other tools. The students like having them so much they really take care of them.
3. No monthly charges if on Wi-Fi
4. Yes, but purchase better because so inexpensive. Rental costs would be comparatively outrageous.
5. Yes. Like using the apps on an iPhone. Even Grandmothers catch on quickly. Including my wife who is technophobic.
6. Elegant built in tools for handicapped at no cost
Last semester I did the last assignment on a blog post. You may find it interesting to compare my approach to yours. Read 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.
Interesting. Well written. Thoughtful. Keep up the good work!
Oh yes, you should now be making buttons like mine in the link above. We use Mrs. Yollis' instructions for her 3rd graders. See p. 11 of the Required Activities Instructions.
ReplyDelete