Scott McLeod is a professor in Educational Administration Study of Technology Leadership at Iowa State University. He is the director of UCEA, Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership Education (CASTLE). His mission is to promote educational proficient in the field of learning technology. He coordinated the ISTE Conference on What Does It Mean to be a Tech Savvy Principal? He is also co-creator of the video, Did You Know?(Shift Happens). In addition, He wrote, Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please? He uses his writings and videos for thought provoking discussions. His sarcasm in his writing allows individuals to think critically about issues in technology. Most people in our society have formed their own opinion on this topic. It is as if, people are for or against teaching technology in our schools. I believe,like anything, common sense and providing a balance in utilizing educational strategies should be a priority. Just as I believe there can be many forms of media in our lives that are misused,this can happen with television, telephones, and note writing for students. Schools have educational campaigns to make students aware of appropriate behaviors especially in elementary school, I believe if this is taught at an early age, less problems will arise from the misuse of technology. Our educational security should no be based on "what if." Technology is part of our society and life, not only in our nation, but in the world!
Above,I included a pie graph that represents teachers opinion's on technology in the classroom in relationship to classroom behavior. I thought this was an interesting chart to gain some insight on the way teachers view the technology discussion.
The iSchool Inituative is brilliant! I think he is onto something. It makes financial sense, it will better prepare our high school students for college, and I believe, students will have higher academy success. I do believe that future generations will be taught using this type of program or something very similar. As an Elementary Educator, I believe our roles in technology will increase to prepare students for this new way of learning. Although, I feel that classroom teachers need to be technologically literate, I feel technology specialist should play a greater role in the early grades in order for students to be prepared for this type learning to take place as they advance to higher grade levels. The key element in my opinion is school reform.
I really liked the video, You Can't Be My Teacher, by Darren Cannell. Sometimes in life it takes a young child to get our attention on ideas that are so obvious before we get it! I have taught young children for many years, not all in the educational setting, but children say exactly what is on their mind, and most of the time they are right on the mark! Teachers must listen to their students. Often, teachers don't realize the knowledge gained from a student's perspective.
After viewing, Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, I thought, it really is a small world with the advancement of technology. As Jennifer Chamber's mentioned, when watching this video, at first you don't realize what is taking place. When you think about that many people creating such a beautiful performance and never meeting or practicing, it took my breath away. It makes me think of all the possibilities for the future in our "small world."
Teachers in the 21st Century, What Does It mean to teach in the 21st Century? Teachers are no longer the primary source of knowledge. I believe that this should be part of our educational revolution or reform. Not just teachers, but education needs to take a new role for our future generations. In kindergarten to mid-second grade, students are learning to read. By the end of second grade students are reading to learn. Technology should be thought of in this manner. Teach students how to use technology in lower grades for students to be able to use technology to learn.
The material and information that I have learned in EDM 310 has given me a different mindset. I never really thought about many of the issues in the way they have been presented to me. The question asked is, What Does It Mean To Teach? It means, as an educator of young children, I must implement technology into my life. It starts with me, learning and progressing in this area, taking more risk in technology, and gaining knowledge to be proficient in teaching my students with technology. Technology is the future of our world, and teachers want their students to be the best in the world!
Regina, I really liked the video, You Can't Be My Teacher, too. It is really cool that the little boy understood how important it is to learn to use technology. I'm sure that his dad was helping him, but still, he had some serious acting skills. The kids are the ones that are going to be using the education. We need to be aware of what their needs are, not just what we want to teach. If a kid that age realized the importance of technology in the world today, how can educated minds such as teachers be in such denial about it?
ReplyDeleteThorough, thoughtful, well written. Used additional material to demonstrate her position on topics. A model for others. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete