I loved reading Mr. McLeod’s blog post. At first, I was sort of confused. I was thinking to myself, “WHY would he tell parents not to let their kids log online for learning purposes?” Then I figured out that it was more of a sarcastic approach. What is so funny, though, is that now days, there are so many parents that really have that view on computers and cell phones and all other types of technology. I actually think it is sad because parents and teachers like that are making their children miss out on important educational opportunities that can only be found online.
Obviously, there are things online that parents should be alert about. Yes, there is cyber bullying, porn, junk, and predators, but I do not think that it is fair to disregard all forms of technology just because of this. All children should be allowed to stay up to date with the technological advances, even if it means access to the internet. I could not imagine where I would be if I did not use the computer or the cell phone. I would not know hoe to type, how to do power points, how to use search engines, or how to do pretty much ANYTHING! Yes, I think parents should be cautious when it comes to their children and the things they do on the internet, but at the same time I feel like there is so much to be seen and learned.
I think that in the years to come, children in Mr. McLeod’s class will most definitely have the upper hand over children with no technological background.Who do I see Dr. McLeod as? He is a professor who teaches other students and teachers about technology.
The iSchool Initiative
I think that this high school student may be onto something with this whole iSchool idea. To me, it seems like a convenient way to keep up with homework, schedules, classes, important tools, notes, and class work. To me, having everything in one place would make things a lot more organized and a little easier to deal with. I think that this COULD work… if enough people can join in and support it.
On the other hand, I see how it could be a little controversial. To me, having a personal face to face relationship with somebody is very important, especially if they are your teachers. I know I would not like to have my complete time of schooling done over a gadget. I think I would rather know I could go talk to my teacher instead of just emailing/twittering them. I’m not sure if I completely understand how this works. It’s definitely something I will look further into, though. In my opinion, any thing that can make school less expensive and more convenient should be given a lot of thought.
The Lost Generation
This video was very creative and a bit mind blowing. I agree, though. Our generation is in control of things for the future, and if we do not do something to keep it that way, we may become a lost generation.
I know that in the future, I hope I have my priorities set straight. I know that I will not see money or work as number one; I will see my family and my kids as the most important things in my life, and I know I do not want environmental destruction to be a normal part of life.
To me, it is really amazing how just changing the way you say or look at things can completely change the meaning of them. I agree, for future generations, and for our generation, there is hope. If we can shift things around and do things a little differently, we can save our world and save ourselves.
Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir
Ok, the first thing I did was close my eyes and listen to them sing. It gives me chills that something so amazing can be put together through the internet and you tube. I agree with Jennifer, at first glance, it would seem like just any other choir performance, but when you think about the fact that none of them have ever met, it makes it that much more amazing.
In my opinion, this is just another thing done to show us how far technology has come. In the past, this would NEVER have been able to happen. It was a completely brilliant idea and it all turned out so beautifully. I think that if things like this are possible now, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
Christie,
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great perspective on the use of technology and what children should encounter. I also think it is important to have a balance for them. We cannot completely shelter them from the internet, otherwise, they will not learn. Two of the students from the summer have allowed their children to start blogging, and they love it. You can tell how much they are learning and benefiting from using the internet.
I also agree with you about the iSchool initiative. I like being face to face with my professors and fellow classmates, but with the use of technology, school is changing. I guess whatever makes school easier and more beneficial will be the thing that dominates.
I am also glad to hear that you have your priorities straight. So many people today do not. I heard about a woman from Biloxi, MS that went to work and forgot her baby was in the car. The baby was left there the entire day and eventually died because of the heat. I do not know what the woman was thinking, but obviously work was more important. We live in a world that is consumed with money and material things, so we have to be cautious how we spend our days.
It is so amazing what technology can do for us. The virtual choir and the ipad orchestra both blew my mind. They were beautiful, and I love that both happened because of technology.
I agree with you on a lot of what you said. I think that children should be allowed and encouraged to use new technological advances, because they will have the upper hand over the children who were sheltered and not allowed to use the internet. Parents should allow their children to use these tools, but they should also monitor what their children are doing. I think it's just like the playground in some aspects. Parents allow their children to go play on playgrounds, but they don't just leave them there with no supervision.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the lost generation video was mind blowing. What I mostly got from it was that something can be completely different when you just change your perspective.
I think I said the exact same thing about the virtual choir. You keep hearing how technology evolves for so many things, but until now, I haven't heard much about technological advances for entertainment, such as a virtual choir.
We had similar concerns with the iPad’s extensive usage in the classroom. While I am open to the idea and supportive towards anything that will help students and schools flourish I think the real world aspect is a crucial component of a flourishing learning environment. I agree as well that Eric Whitaker’s digital symphony was mind blowing not just because of the beautiful music but conceptually when I think about how they have never met. All of those beautiful individual separated voices united in virtual space as one voice is astounding!! What a beautiful vision of the future this digital symphony inspires!
ReplyDelete