Blog Assignment #2

Did You Know...
The Did You Know video had many interesting statistics in it. The one that surprised the most was 93% of students age 8-18 have computers, and that was two years ago! It surprises me because my stepson goes to a public middle school, and although we have a computer, he is continuously telling me that a vast number of students could not turn their projects in on time due to not owning a computer. Also, something to note is there is a difference between owning a computer and owning a computer with internet access. Many projects in schools today require internet access and most classrooms and definitely the school library have the internet. Technology is taking over in a huge way, whether everyone likes it or not. I understand the basics of computers and that's about it. I am not sure how I will work technology into my classroom, but I know with the sources available today there are thousands of ways to do so.  I want to include projects that have to be done on the computer such as power point presentations, but I also think it is important to take into consideration that not everyone has (or can afford) the internet. Also, I would like to use the Smart board to get the students to interact and enjoy learning. 
Another aspect of the video I found interesting was the prediction that by 2025 there will be more English speaking Chinese than the rest of the English speakers in the entire world combined. I know China has a massive population, but it amazes me that just Chinese people who learn to  speak English could surpass the rest of the English-speaking population in the world! 


Mr. Winkle Wakes
I really liked the "Mr. Winkle Wakes" video. I think it was a creative way to show how much the world has changed with in the last 100 years. Most of us today could not even begin to imagine a world without all of the computers and the machines. What's funny is, even the technology that seems ancient to us (such as the huge computers that show everything in green writing on the screen) would seem amazing to someone who is from 100 years ago. Even I can remember a time when the internet was unheard of and we had to do our research papers "the old fashioned way" by going to the library and looking in numerous books and encyclopedias. Granted, it hasn't been that way since I was in about fourth or fifth grade, but I can still remember it. 
The part on the video when Mr. Winkle went into a school and was happy because it was just how remembered it with children sitting in chairs listening to the teacher all day long was an interesting way to make the point that schools need to change. Although there was a laptop in the classroom, it was not being utilized. With so much technology around, school can be a fun and enjoyable environment. Just the little I have learned about the Smart board so far has proven that there are so many creative ways to get students to interact, open up, and care about learning. 


Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
Mr. Robinson did a wonderful job of portraying the world's efforts to focus more on subjects that are considered less important than others. I think it is frustrating that just because a child can not sit still or does not pay attention to one subject as much as the other children, his or her parents and teachers want to find out what is "wrong with him or her. Mr. Robinson made a great point the creativity is educated out of us. When children are young, they know what they like and they aren't afraid that everyone else might not like it. Children take chances  and are often steered in another direction towards what the "normal" thing. 
The story that Mr. Robinson told about Jillian Lynn was very enlightening. Too often children are put on medicine and diagnosed with a problem that they might not even have. It is teachers' responsibility to not only teach the material, but also pay attention to the children and encourage them to pursue their creativity and make sure they understand that just because they do things differently does not mean they are wrong. It is also important for teachers to realize that not all children will like all the same subjects or learn in the same way or at the same pace. 


A Vision for 21st Century Learning
This video showed a new vision for students learning in the 21st century. The part that showed ancient Rome was very enjoyable. Something like that will keep students interested no matter what grade they are in. When something is so interesting and enjoyable, students will not even realize they are learning something new. Technology has made it possible for children to enjoy school. In this day and age, it is not only important for children to know what a computer is, but also how to operate properly. With all of the technology around and all of the technology that is yet to be invented, teachers have endless possibilities of creative ideas on how to teach children. 


 Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smart
Ms. Davis has done an excellent job of bringing technology to her students. I think the projects they have to do with students from other parts of the world is an amazing idea. These projects allow students to see other cultures and other ways of doing things. I also liked the part when the boy was in front of the class teaching the other students new things to do with their avatars. The whole avatar thing is new and fascinating to me, we never had anything like that when I was in school. It just goes to show how much things can change in just a few short years. Technology is forever growing, therefore it is important to make sure that teachers are doing their best to grow with it and teach the kids about new technology.