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