Week 3 - PBS video

The PBS video was interesting.  One of the themes was power of play.  Teaching from a P.E. background I absolutely believe in this idea. However, the video only showed all of the fancy classes and hands on learning with problem solving skills.  I would be interested to find out about the other classes taught there, like English Science and Math.  How do they incorporate these classes into this setting?  I guess I want the full picture.  I would also be interested in graduation rates and achievements.
They say that the need to memorize is a 20th century skill.  The need to navigate through a buzz of confusion and to figure how to trust the info that you find, then the world is yours.  These two statements are true to the ever changing world we live in.  Are we literate if we can not navigate digitally?  In 2020 they say you might not be.
Teaching styles need to be evolving with the world around education.  The basic model of public schooling shuts the door on technology.  It is like an alternate universe from our real life.  Technology is the future and it is growing by the minute.
On a personal note, I would have thrived in a school like the ones they showed.  I have a Masters in Multimedia and carried a 4.0 in that major.  I am a hands on learner.  That degree is now a hobby and I use those skills for fun in school and also to head projects like the yearbook and all multimedia for our programs/graduation/assemblies.

week 3 - portal to media literacy

I think Michael Wesch is teaching these kids far beyond what a book and lecture could.  His class mixes in all elements of teaching styles: lecture, web 2.0, hands on, visual....ETC  I accept this challenge and will do what it takes to touch on all of these learning styles as well. Michael says we have to move from closed to open, from control to enabled, from structure to platform and finally from knowledgeable to knowledge-able.  That really stuck with me and it reaffirms my stance on education.
I can remember how bored I got in class as a student, and we weren't as overwhelmed with technology the way this generation is.  I can only imagine how they are feeling listening to teachers all day long.  I have always tried to plan interactive lessons, games and activities.  I think they learn more that way.  I come from a P.E. background so I always try to keep the kids active and moving instead of sedentary the entire hour they are in my classroom.  The results have been positive.  Test score are better and the kids participate well.  I cant make every class like that, but I do try more often than not.
In the nutrition section of health we do an interactive food log online.  They each get to put in the food they logged and compare the results with each other.  Then I take them to my log through Body Bugg.  This shows them my food breakdown and my caloric breakdown.  This gives them a visual of calories out and calories in.  It is probably my favorite lesson to teach.

I say the more technology the better.  These students future depends on it.  They are moving into a digital world and need to be comfortable using these products.  I am always excited when kids are excited to come to my class.  That's how I know my methods are successful.  When enthusiasm meets standards!

On the Debbie Downer side, it depends on how you use the technology for it to be successful.  Lessons still need to be planned in advance and with reason.  The students need to be able to connect what they are learning, not only by topic, but also to their life.  This will help make technology effective in the classroom.

week 3 - Shifting Ground

Chris Lehmann

I really enjoyed reading this Shifting Ground essay by Chris Lehmann.  I printed it out to take with me to school tomorrow and will share with my staff!  The first paragraph had me hooked and laughing because of the authenticity of the statement.  It is very true, even at the middle school level.  The kids head out to traffic circle with their phones in hand or nooks open or the i pods in their ears. They cant wait to leave the pen and paper world and digitize the rest of their day.  I completely agree with the idea of teaching for the new world of digital content, but how do you do that with the lack of technology and support in the school system.  I work in a public charter school and monies are tight. While I believe most of the staff would agree, or at least be open to the possibility of a technical education, I believe resistance from our board would hold up any enthusiasm.  I really believe that the age of the board members would be a major cause in the decision.  It is a different world from when I was in school, let alone when the board members went to school!  I think the age only makes the battle tougher.

I also was intrigued by the ideas of engagement vs empowerment.  I never really thought of it that way.  While engagement is important, the expectations should be higher than just engaged.  The empowerment part transcends the classroom and leaks into "Real Life," after the dismissal bell rings.

Can there be a cross over, or a blend between the two extremes?  Absolutely.  Will it happen over night? Never.  It takes time.  If we can introduce it in small amounts, not only to our students, but to our administration and board of directors, it may be a better transition.  This process will be easier if we approach it with small steps instead of giant leaps, which could create anxiety on all ends. Learning is a life long process, but society is changing, and so should our academic environments.

week 2 - footprints without feet?!?!

Chapter One of the web 2.0 text already has me wanting more, and I don't even like to read. (It's kind of ironic that this course and what it is trying to convey has an old school text book)  There were a few specific statements that kept me reading on.

The first was found in the introduction of the book.  It states: As you will see, the world has changed; our students have changed, and traditional schools are no longer up to the task of educating young people for the future(1). Then on page 3 it states: It (new schools) has to have at its core and interest in helping its students be successful in the 21st century - in work and in play, and in all other aspects of living in a world that promises only change as the norm.  These statement were important to me, because the underlying theme is so important.  Our world is changing, all of the time.  Shouldn't our education system evolve with the change.  We are dis-servicing our students if it is not.  Change and progression is the norm.  We need to embrace that and run with it.

The second statement that intrigued me was: In the future, how we educate our children may prove to be more important than how much we educate them(10). That is an innovative statement.  It use to be that you just needed that diploma and the more education you had the better.  Today you need the skill set to go along with our digital world. Technology is changing every part of our world; work, business, personal, education, etc.

While I understand that we all have a digital footprint, I can only imagine the next generations footprints.  They are being born into a digital society.  My generation grew into it.  I would love to see the difference in our digital footprints when they are my age.  The video was interesting, I shared it on facebook, along with the did you know web 2.0.  I got a few responses with those.  I actually forwarded to my administration and am asking to show it at the next staff meeting.

I already know that technology is the future.  That is why my first Masters degree was in Multimedia.  I would like to know how to use this in my classes; P.E. and Health.  I know there are things I could be exposing my students to in an attempt to help them in their future endeavors, whether in education, business or personal areas of life.