Blog Post #5

The first assignment this week was to read a post by Dr. Scott McLeod called:
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please

Dr. McLeod is an Associate Professor of Education Leadership.  He works at the University of Kentucky and is a national leader and expert in K-12 school technology.  He is listed as the nations  "Top 20 People to Watch" in the field of education.

In this article, he did a little "spoof" on not letting your kids or students get on the Internet.  He poked some  fun at all the reasons people use to keep kids off the Internet, instead of people realizing all the good reasons why kids should be on the Internet.   He really made an excellent point and the benefits far outweigh the negatives.  Basically, the students who have access to technology are much better off and much more prepared to work in today's world.

Our second assignment was to watch a video posted to Utube by a high school student named Travis Allen.
You can view it at:

The iSchool Initiative

I was really impressed by this young persons presentation on how to save money and resources by using iPads  and iPhones in the classroom.  He suggest using iSchool apps such as:
email- for communication between school and home; world wiki; USA Presidents; Star Walk-for astrology; formulae-for math and science formulas; recorder; notes; calculator; calendar; books and libraries on line; and even iHomework.

Classrooms would no longer need to spend money on paper, pencils, copiers, books, calculators, etc.  He even came up with how much money the schools would save if they just went green with iPads.  He is now in college and working as hard as ever to bring technology into the classroom.
You can even join his cause at
iSchoolInitiative or iSchooladvocate

We also got to view:

Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir

I really enjoyed watching this video of  "Lux Aurumque" being performed by over 185 vocalist.  What was really unique about this performance was that it was all done virtually.  None of the 185 performers had ever met or practiced before and they all came together to make this video via the internet and posted it on Utube. It is absolutely amazing and beautiful.  I was really blown away and I had no idea that this kind of production could be done!  I must say....I am learning a lot from this class.

Lastly, we viewed the following video by Kevin Roberts:

Teaching in the 21st Century

It is very hard to sum up this nine minute video because there was so much covered in it, but I will try to touch on a few points.  Basically, the author was pointing out that in todays world teachers are no longer the main source of information.  Teachers don't need to be teaching facts or content, they need to be teaching students the skills and the tools for finding information.  They also need to be teaching students how to problem solve.

Mr. Roberts really went into detail about the difference between the entertainment aspect of  technology versus the engagement aspect of technology.  Teachers really need to focus on engaging their students in the learning process and we need to take advantage of the internet and all the resources available.