Though I had seen the video previously, it is always thought-provoking and worth another view, as new learning and experiences inform my point of view.
This video really speaks to how much our world has changed in the last 10 years or so in regard to technology and in relation to the United States's position in an economy that is becoming more and more global. It addresses more directly the issue of the disconnect between the new technological world our students live in and how we are trying to teach as if that world barely exists, as if the world we grew up in still exists.
Never before has technology advanced so quickly and completely changed our world as in the last decade or so. This makes keeping up difficult. Technology is expensive, moreso in a depressed economy. But the other reality is just as important.
Technology is the job producer of the future. The more we can invest in technology in our schools, providing our students with the opportunity to fully utilize it to expand their learning, the more we give them the ability to compete in this more global economy. Our lesson plans need to be mindful of helping this generation develop technology skills and helping them to develop as thinkers using technology to that end. We need to make available to them the plethara of resources, experiences and opportunities for creation that technology opens up.
Hi Susan- As part of General Methods we have to comment on more than 3 of our classmates' blogs according to the Blog Rubric. You readily and plentifully made connections for me. As I read, I nodded. The video of "Learning to Change, etc." spoke to me as clearly as it did to you when I first saw it (I don't think I could've embedded it the way you did because I just don't know how- looks like your technology training is paying off). I was aghast at how our educational system was designed as I listened to the video clip and how long it is taking to change it. You expressed pride in your classmates when you said that our students will be in good hands. Peer-to-peer respect and admiration goes a long way towards motivating each other. I will adopt your enthusiasm for technology and appreciate your view on maintaining a balance between learning with and without technology. My belief is that the use of technology should not be the end in itself in the classroom; it should be a tool to enhance and expand learning opportunities. You are applying the information you are learning as you've made your blog entries and reflections. Your ability to be introspective will serve you in your classroom. I bet it already is helping you. You definitely are studying hard to fully understand the breadth of the obligations of our chosen career path. Won't it be terrific when you have this year of experience to learn from?
ReplyDeleteTake care and keep blogging.
Wendy Schwalb (Gen. Methods)