Mr. Winkle Wakes was a very funny film that highlighted the issue of lack in technology in public schools. Two months ago I did an observation in a middle school classroom for a course I was taking over the summer semester. The first thing I observed in the classroom was the lack of technology and outdated text books. Most classrooms were only quipped with one computer, just like the video showed. I think this is a major problem for students and teachers. Most of these problems is because of lack of funding.
Most importantly, if classrooms continue to lag behind the United States will not be able to complete against other countries. Technology is changing quickly and students need to learn the latest information in order to be successful.
"Did you know 3.0" was a very informational video, I learned a lot of things that I actually did not know. One of the most interesting statistics was that China will soon become the number one English speaking country in the world. I had no idea that people in China spoke English so fluently, so to suggest that they would become the number one English speaking country in the world was rather shocking.
Next, 25% of India’s high IQ population is more than the entire United States population. This statics was already very interesting although it does not come as a surprise. I’ve always thought that people from India were highly intelligent, especially in the area of science and math but I had no idea how many extremely intelligent people populated the country. Finally, the fact that 1 out of 8 people who married in the United States last year met online. I think this stat will increase with time and as technology advance even more. I believe in 4 to 5 years that number may be 3 out of 8 people.
Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts was an exceptional video that I totally agree with. I really liked the fact that each student had their own computer at their desk and they were given the freedom to explore the internet and incorporate the use of technology in their education. For instance, when the students were told to Google a word, students discovered how easy it was to have this information at their fingertips rather than having to flip through a book looking for it.
Secondly, I thought the interaction between the students and the teacher was amazing. The teacher made a great point that just because you don’t fully understand a subject, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taught. Both teacher and student benefits from this type of education where it’s not just teacher centered.
The Importance of Creatively was a very informational video that highlighted the lack of creativity in the public school system. Ken Robinson used a number of good examples but the one that was most interesting was about the girl who was drawing a picture of God. This was teaching moment for both student and teacher but the teacher failed to realize it. I believe if the same attention focused on the four major subjects is focused on creative subjects, students will enjoy school more. All students love some type of creativity no matter if it is art or music, children are fascinated by creativity. In some sense, the education system focus on creativity from K-3 but as students began to advance; less creatively is installed in the curriculum. The learning process is much more fulfilling for the student when the mind is stimulated through creatively.
Tarvaries,
ReplyDeleteLike you, the "Did you Know" video definitely taught me a lot about different countries in the world. I also think you are correct in stating that the number of marriages from people meeting online will increase. I also found this video interesting. "Mr. Winkle Wakes" was a funny way to look at the education system. I do agree that some schools are still using outdated textbooks and are not even using the computers in the classroom, which in turn, is going to hurt these children. Most every job, in today's economy, you must know how to use a computer and have typing skills. For example; I have a very good friend of mine who is 32 years old and she was not required to take a typing class in her high school. She does not have any other education, except her high school diploma, and she is searching for a job. The one issue that seems to keep coming up is the fact that she can not type very fast, so therefore she is being turned down as not being able to meet the requirements for the job.
Back then is was not required for them to take those technology classes and now she is suffering because of it. Which is why I do believe that the "Harness your student's Digital Smarts" was an awesome video because it did give a different approach to technology. I have to also agree with you on the Ken Robinson video. He made such a valid argument about creativity in our children today.
Great post Tarvaries!
ReplyDeleteYou made some excellent observations. Careful not to put too much stock in one video like "Did You Know". I agree that this is a great video but just remember it is only one perspective. The way statistics are presented makes a lot of difference. For example, India may have more honors students than the US but India also has a lot more people in general than the US.
Don't forget to proof read. Also, check your blog title there should be an 's after your last name. Otherwise, looking good. Keep up the good work. SS