Blog Post 2

 Did You Know?

     The youtube.com video Did You Know? is a true eye-opener. The facts and statistics in the video expose the truth that time is more precious than we realize. It helps to show the viewer that our world is moving at a pace that is faster than ever before. If you let it, the world will fly past and leave you behind.

     So what can we do? We must learn all we can as fast as we can. We must adapt to this new technological universe and try to stay ahead of this tsunami of information. We must maintain a hold on this ever expanding medium or else we all may be left behind.


Mr. Winkle Wakes

     The youtube.com video Mr. Winkle Wakes tells the story of a man that wakes from his 100 years nap to find a future that moves very fast. He encounters many new and interesting technologies that scare and bewilder him. This future is much different than his comforting past so he goes for a walk. On that walk he comes across a school.

     Mr. Winkle goes inside to find that not much had changed at this school. It seemed as though he had walked back through time. He did encounter a computer but it was old and was not being used. Though a cartoon, the video poses a good question. Why don't our schools have the technology to teach our young people the skills they will need to achieve their goals?


 Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

     In the video Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity, we learn that our current education system undermines the creativity of today's student. Creativity in students should be nurtured not hindered. If we don't let our children take chances and make mistakes they will forever be afraid.

     The abilities to take risks and make advances toward a better future are the most important. If we are going to continue to grow as a world community we must embrace the arts. We can not take away these wonderful outlets for producing great thought. The world is a beautiful and amazing place, why can't we let our children see it?


Can U.S. Students Compete?

     In this article and video on scholastic.com, we read and view the fact that the united states falls short when compared to other countries when it comes to education. It seems as though other countries just refuse to allow failure. The dropout rate in countries like Finland is less than one percent. Yet, the United States allows a dropout rate of 25 percent.

     In the video Sir Robertson is interviewed by a young Cecilia Gault. We learn that curriculum in schools must change to be balanced between the arts and sciences. Also, technology must be integrated into the everyday school experience. With this mix creativity can become an asset and help these young people grow into a more productive community.


Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

     In Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts, we see Vicki Davis teaching new technologies to her students. The way she goes about teaching the class helps the students learn to use critical thinking skills. This helps to inspire creativity in the students which allow them to think outside the box.

     By allowing these students to use every technology available, it gives them opportunities to network in circles that they could never imagine. This gives these rural children the chance to achieve goals they never thought imaginable. This shows that if given the opportunity to use these new technologies one can make a difference.