Blog Assignment #5

Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?

   Scott Mcleod, an Associate Professor of Education Leadership at the University of Kentucky, authored the blog titled "Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?". Mcleod is co-creator of the popular internet video "Did You Know?". Mcleod, along with Dr. Joan Hughes, created the first graduate program that prepares school leaders to be tech-savvy. Mcleod blogs on a regular basis about technology leadership issues. "Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?" aims at adults that are hesitant to allow their children to have full access to the many tools of technology that are available these days.
  I like this blog, because of its uniqueness. Mcleod does not use sentences, and there is a high degree of sarcasm. At certain points the sarcasm seemed to be over the top. I could be wrong, but I don't think any adult wouldn't be in favor of children learning how to read and write. The two have nothing to do with computers or technology. I wouldn't be surprised to find a few people that would say typing is not an important skill, but typing of course, is not writing. Aside from that small detail, I would side with Mr. Mcleod on this point.
   There is nothing greater than experience. In my opinion, even bad experience outweighs a hefty level of knowledge. Children that become familiar with technology will, without a doubt, have a technological advantage over children that do not. Parents or other adults that worry about the negatives have a legitimate argument. However, bad things are going to happen. The majority of can be prevented but we don't live in the world of perfection. Once again, I could be wrong, but any child that has good parenting, won't allow themselves to become susceptible to a child predator. So, many of the negatives can be taken care of by parents by teaching the basics of right and wrong.

The iSchool Initiative

   Travis Allen, a Georgia native, began the iSchool Initiative. The iSchool Initiative is an organization led by students that aims to change the methods of education. The initial proposal by Mr. Allen, is the use of the iTouch. With its capabilities, Allen sees the iTouch as being a proponent that can alleviate some of the problems that budget cuts create. According to Allen, the iTouch can replace books, pencils, and paper, which would be environmental friendly. Then, there are many different applications that can be accessed with the iTouch, that are geared towards ENHANCING education. Example, Chemical Touch is an application that shows the periodic table. Each element can be explained by touching that element on screen. As mentioned, before there are many others.
  First, I have to commend Travis Allen for his recognition, concern, and initiative in regards to the problems facing the education system. This is a good idea, but is an idea that is not suitable for everyone. Pardon me, but I'm living in the real world, and here we can't just throw away books, pencils, and paper. The pencil is one of the most valuable and important tools ever made. Just like Mr. Allen, I believe we need to retool and rebuild our education system, but when rebuilding we can't leave out the things that are fundamental. I'm not trying to be mean, but this really seems to be a patchwork idea. Not really aiming at the real problems that we are facing. I really do believe iSchool Initiative can have a positive impact, if it is put into place as an aid. But Travis Allen must be saluted for his efforts. Thank you to Mr. Allen.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

   Eric Whitacre combined 185 people from twelve different countries to create a mass choir. They put on an amazing performance. It is a beautiful song, and each and every person sang so well. Usually when you videos like this, there will one person that delivers each word or line. Mr. Whitacre somehow put it together a great video everyone sang along the same cord, at the same rate, it was great. If I had a lot of free time on my hands, I would probably try to put something together in the same way.

Teaching In the 21st Century

  This is a YouTube video produced by Kevin Roberts. The video is based on a question that is posed; What does it mean to teach in the 21st century? According to Roberts, it needs to transition from the role of informer to developer. A teacher in the 21st century will need to be a better developer of skills. I like the position that Roberts takes on education. The biggest thing that stuck out to me, was his questioning of responsibility, reliability, and integrity. Society as a whole, we're missing these key values. If we can find a way to incorporate those things into the curriculum, we would definitely have the train on the right track.
   So, what if Mr. Roberts is right about the changes that may come to the teaching profession? Well, I think it will challenge teachers to be honest about their commitment or dedication to empowering students. The point is made in the video, information can be attained by anyone, at anytime, anywhere. That fact reduces teachers to "filters", according to Mr. Roberts. This video was by far, the most honest video I have watched, that pertains to EDM310.