Monday, June 14, 2010

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
By: Scott Mcleod

I thought this was a very catchy way of describing ones thoughts of using technology in the classroom. I believe technology can be a great tool in the classroom. The problem with children today, is that the parents don’t know a whole lot about the internet themselves. They are only aware of the negative issues that exist.

Kids are not getting the proper education they deserve due to society not excepting technology as a primary tool to learning success. We are all taught at a young age what to stay away from, but instead of staying away, teachers and parents can do a better job of monitoring their children, while allowing their children to use the Internet for educational purposes. Mr. Mcleod is an Associate of Education at Iowa State University. He is also the co-creator of the “Did You Know?” video.

The iSchool Initiative


The first thought that came to mind while watching this video, was I couldn't believe the kid created this video! I wish I had that kind of skill and knowledge when I was that age. This video was very interesting and certainly caught my attention, but I don’t really agree with eliminating school. The classroom setting should never disappear. I do think that students can use the ischool in class, but only as a supplement. Call me old fashioned, but I’m not ready for that kind of drastic transformation.

Watch The Lost Generation


The technique used in this video was amazing. It defiantly got my attention! It takes skills to write something so remarkable and then be able to read it in reverse with the same impact. There must always be a balance between work and family. Yes, money is very important in today’s world, but at the same it is the number one cause for divorce. My generation needs to keep this trend from reoccurring.

Eric Whitaker’s Virtual Choir


It is absolutely amazing how Eric Whitaker can bring so many people from so many different nations, and put them together as one, to form a choir ensemble of 185 people to peform Lux Aurumque. It is hard to realize that these people have never met or performed together. I really enjoyed watching this video, although I’m not sure if I understand how the virtual choir works. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn someday!

2 comments:

  1. You have a good point about parents only knowing about the negative issues when it comes to the internet. Too bad we can't make them technologically literate too! Instead of cutting out technology all together, they could step up and help teachers to monitor their kids on the internet.

    I totally agree with you about the iSchool. It would be a good teaching tool though. Maybe someday we'll be able to get every student an iPad and use it in the classroom!

    Thanks for your interesting post!

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  2. Crystal,

    I think that there are always negatives that people want to point to about everything but we can be responsible people and take the positives and use them correctly and get great benefit. I liken technology to a chain saw. They are both great tools and can be used for great work but they can also be used poorly. For example, a chainsaw can be used to clear fallen trees and help rescue people or it can hurt us if not used properly. In the case of technology, we can use it for educational purposes and to enhance our lives or we can it use to steal identities and exploit people. It is a tool and how you wield it makes all the difference.

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