Blog Post #5

Don't Teach your kids this stuff. Please?


I found this post rather entertaining! I love his sarcastic way of bringing out all the pros and cons of teaching kids technology. This post really got me thinking, and I definitely agree with him. Some parents really do need to allow their children to use technology and the internet more. As long as you monitor what websites your child gets on and you try to keep up with them, then hopefully they won't get into trouble of any sort. The children will need to know how to use the latest technologies, and also the internet to be able to succeed in this constantly advancing world.

Scott Mcleod J.D., Ph.D., is a famous expert on K-12 school technology issues. He is an associate professor at the University of Kentucky, the Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology leadership in Education (CASTLE). He was also the Co-creator of the series "Did you know? (Shift happens)".


The iSchool initiative (Mobile Learning) and Travis Allen's Zeitgeist Young Minds Entry


In these videos, a young boy named Travis Allen tells about a new learning concept called "iSchool Initiative." He is showing his proposal to solve many education problems by incorporating technology. In the video, he lists many iPhone apps that can be used for school purposes; He names apps like the Email App, the Chemical Touch, the US Constitution, and many more. Teachers would have total access to their students any time or place with the touch of their hands. He also shows the many ways that this project could save money for the school systems.


I think that the whole idea of "iSchool Initiative" is absolutely phenomenal. It is definitely an amazing concept! Not only would it save money, but it would also get students interested in learning. They would be so excited to learn that they would probably do their homework, study, and pay attention in class. Travis Allen is a genius! I hope that in the future, this concept is really incorporated into our schools.


Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir


I found this video to be incredible. It was a choir of people who have probably never met, singing through the computer. Eric Whitacre is extremely creative and smart to be able to put something so awesome together. It is amazing that not only they all had perfect harmony, but they weren't even in the same room singing! I used to sing I don't know how he did it, but this was amazing!


Teaching in the 21st Century


In this video, he is really trying to get teachers to not just "teach" but to encourage the students to get active and participate. When students are involved, they learn better. I agree with him. We, as educators, need to get our students involved. As he pointed out, technology makes doing this easier. I never realized until I took this class just how many ways technology can really be used in the classrooms. As a future educator, I need to start learning now to use technology efficiently in a classroom. With the use of technology, I will be able to get my students engaged in learning and hopefully interested in school!I feel like using technology in schools would help every teacher in many different ways, but I honestly feel that the main way it would help is to keep the students engaged and interested in learning.