Traditional Method VS Technology Method

     Overview of Course & What I have learned:

    As I read Googlepedia and navigated through google trying to create a

homepage, I found myself frustrated that I did not know how to easily get

the job done.  I spent hours adding gadgets, video streams, and incorporating
different sites that I felt described Me.  In the end, I was proud!  This was
my first experience really delving into the technology world.  It gave me the
confidence and drive to keep learning, and to producing more work that I could
call my own.  This is the feeling of success that I would like to someday instill
in my students.  I found it frustrating and scary at first, but then I realized that
this was a learning experience, much like anything else in life.  I now knew how
to digitally create something by working through steps and experiencing trial
and error. The google homepage, paraportal assignment and classroom website
allowed me to explore my own creativity and actively learn about digital tools
that I have never used before.  It was stimulating!  The traditional teaching
method does not stimulate students; it does not keep them focused and eager to
learn more.  Throughout this course, I have also learned that the implementation
of technology in the classroom can be used by introducting interactive white
boards, projectors, podcasts, websites, webpages, presentations, slideshows,
portfolios, blogs, wikis, photosaring, video showcasing, desktop tools, digital

storytelling, mapping, internet telephony, and more!  The world that our
students wil work in is a community that collaborates using these web tools. 
      As teachers, we should introduce and allow our students the opportunity
to explore these realms so that they can apply the tools they use for enjoyment
towards their education.  These tools are new ways for our students to make
sense of their world; they are new methods for teaching and learning that can
be used with all age and grade levels.  The main idea that I have drawn from 
my readings in this course is the realization that the world our students live in
today is much different from the world we grew up in.  This idea constantly
circulates my mind as I realize that our students need to learn subject matter
and world issues through the use of fast paced technology so that they will not
be lose their inner desire and drive to learn and retain information.  They must
experience collaboration, while also being allowed the opportunity to explore
and navigate through the world of technology I am very greatful that I have
been given such enlightening information to carry me through into my
career as a first year teacher.

    

Mr. Winkle Wakes

     "Mr. Winkle Wakes," by Matthew Needleman is a
short account that tells a "big story."  Everyone
knows the tall tale of Mr. Rip Van Winkle; however,
this video places a slightly different twist to 
Mr. Van Winkle's experience from waking up 100 years
later.  The whole world has changed...change is certainly frightening and full of the unknown. Is
this a valid excuse to sticking with comfort and what
seemingly "works," even though the world around us
has drastically changed?  It is human nature and
instinct to perhaps adopt this mindset, but
unfortunately that does not mean that this is the most beneficial path to take.  This video portrays
Mr. Winkle waking up to unusual sounds, pictures and
machines that make him feel uncomfortable and fearful.
He essentially tries to run away from these changes by
walking and walking until he comes upon a school. He
goes inside and instantly feels safe and comforted
because he finally found a place where things seemed
the same and familiar. He goes on to add that he
notices one of those "machines" in the back of the
classroom; however,this does not ensue these same
discomforts because it is dusty and "non-threatening."
   As you see the world through Mr.Winkle's eyes,
you begin to realize that this story is scarily
aligned with what is happening in our world today. 
Mr. Winkle was asleep for 100 years, and inevitably
the entire world has changed. However, the one place
that has remained very much the same is a school 
building.  The dusty computer in the back of the
class represents the typical classroom that claims
to be using technology,while in fact,there appear
to be poor attempts actually made to truly integrate
technology into the classroom. Teachers often believe
that because they incorporate  a small piece of
technology into a classroom assignment or project
that they are sufficiently exposing their students
to the "digital generation."  If we continue to think
at this "slow pace" ins the classroom thann we will
always be 100 steps behind what is actually going on
in the real world.
 

 

http://vimeo.com/5238362 and www.creatinglifelonglearners.com

Gift of the Human Imagination

                        

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html?quote=92
     Sir Ken Robinson speaks in his video stream about,
"The Importance of Creativity." His entire message centers around the
notion that education in the classroom should  educate the "whole being." 
Unfortunately, schools are very focused on teaching the same high rocketed
sujects; the focus for success is primarily based upon "academic ability."
He struggles with why the education system does not value creativity as
important as literacy.  He strongly believes that we should adopt a new
conception of human ecology; this conception values the richness of human
capactiy, which includes the gift of the human imagination.  As I listen to
his theories, I begin to realize that our structured  and narrow-minded
educational approach today does diminsish creativity.  I certainly do not
think that most teachers realize that this approach does, in fact, educate our
students "out of their creative capacities."  It takes a  powerful speaker,
as Ken Robinson, to convey this type of controversial message in such a
way that we realize what we are doing is not adequately, or appropriately,
preparing our students for their future.
      As I imagine my role as a teacher, I certainly do not wish to contribute
to this pre-destined path.  I do not want my students to be "afraid to be wrong." 
I would love to challenge my students to "freely" share their ideas, theories,
and dreams.  Do I think that a routine dance class or lesson should be as
important as literacy?  I absolutely feel that by inspiring my student to be
creative, this will ultimately enhance lessons on the "same high rocketed
subjects."  I found it particulary fascinating how Sir Robinson noted
that we are educating our students from the waist up, and then....focusing
on their head...slightly to one side.  Intelligence is diverse and dynamic, so
why are we trying to control our educational environment with such a
narrow-minded model? I was inspired by this podcast, and am greatful that
I have such a great message to carry with me into my career as an effective,
dynamic, and creative mentor.