Blog Post 3

Tutorial Peer Editing

     I recently read Hillary Parmer's Blog. In it she eloquently tells us the reader about a series of five short videos that help us understand the direct relationship between the way students are taught and the ability to use critical thinking skills. We also learn that art and music programs directly help to promote creativity.

     In her review of Did You Know?, she spoke about the shocking number of students falling behind in our schools as well as the United States being far surpassed by other countries in the ways of education. I think she hit the nail on the head. In her review of Mr. Winkle Wakes I think she missed the mark a bit. I believe the film was trying to point out the fact that "most" schools do not have the technology that others do and this causes our children to have to learn in a very archaic way.

     In her review of Can U.S. Students Compete? I think she did a good job of telling us what she saw in the video but not so much what that means to her. I believe that video was trying to really drive home the point that without creativity our children will be lost. And finally she reviewed Harness students' Digital Smarts. In it she wrote about Vikki Davis and her wonderful approach to teaching her class. Again, Hillary captured the idea of the video but not it's repercussions. The way Ms. Davis is allowing her students to learn through their own actions can revolutionize the way we approach any subject taught in schools.

     In all, I believe that Hillary Parmer's Blog was very thoughtful and I could tell she enjoyed the videos. She did a good job with her grammar and sentence structure. She also wrote in a very thoughtful way. I only wish that she would dive below the surface and tell us how the video's made her feel.



It's Not About the Technology

     Today I read Kelly Hines' blog post "It's Not About the Technology". In it we read that technology though important is not what teachers should be focused on. Yes, technology can be a wonderful tool to aid learners, but teachers must change the way they think and become learners themselves. Instead of talking at students, teachers can learn with their students.

     Today's students are capable of becoming the world leaders in technology. Give the tools and the right instruction we as a people can accomplish anything. The world is ever changing and unless we all can evolve with these social and technological changes we will not be able to keep moving forward in this brave new world.



Is It Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

     Today I read Carl Fisch's Blog "Is It Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?". In it he tells that it is most important for teachers to be on the forefront of the efforts to teach children new technology. He says that there is no excuse for allowing teachers to make excuses while jeopardizing the chances for their charges to succeed.

     We can not allow our children to fall behind the rest of the world in learning anymore. Education is the key for our children to unlock the door to endless possibilities. If we do not give these students the tools they need to be productive citizens in the future we have not done our jobs as educators.



 Gary's Social Media Count

     Today I read Gary Hayes Blog "Gary's Social Media Count". When you first click on the link you see first hand how much information is flying around out there. He tells us that every year the amount of social media used increases at a rate we never could have imagined. Moving forward we have to realize what this means to us and how we can adapt to these changes.

     Social media can be a little scary at first. If we do not make the effort now to embrace these new technologies the learning curve will be tremendous. These are the tools we will use to teach the children of tomorrow and we have to be ready to use them. We must not allow our standing in the world of education to slip down anymore.



A Vision of Students Today

     Today I watched Michael Welch's video "A Vision of Students Today". In it, we see what the students of today are really thinking about and what they are really doing with their time. It is true that what is expected of today's student is above and beyond what is humanly possible. The amount of information that one is expected to absorb is astronomical.

     So what does that mean for the teachers of tomorrow? We have to adapt to these realities and change the way we teach. We have to understand the world that our students live and teach in such a way that can bridge the gap between the ways of yesteryear and the technologies of today. We have to make these students understand the value of education and focus our attentions on what they need to know. Time is precious and we must use it wisely.