Blog Post # 5

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? by Scott McLeod, Ph.D.

    In his blog post, Dr. McLeod gives a sarcastic view by pointing out to his readers that technology is an important aspect in schools. He tells us that technology is full of advantages. He believes that educators must show students how to use technology appropriately because it can be abused. We do not want our students to fall victim to unscrupulous websites.
    I completely agree with Dr. McLeod's stance on technology. I think that in today's society there are websites and people that develop them that would take advantage of students. That fact represents a disservice to our youth because the Internet is filled with worthwhile knowledge, and we do not want our students to fall behind. When my oldest daughter was in kindergarten, I attended a PTA presentation on Internet safety. The presentation was given by a special agent from the FBI. The presentation itself was very informative. I think that this type of presentation at the beginning of the school year would be beneficial for both parents and students. This material could provide them with best practices to follow to avoid falling prey to deceitful websites, while at the same time giving them methods to follow to take advantage of the educational benefits the Internet has to offer.
    Dr. McLeod is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He is the founding Director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE). He is also a co-creator of a video series entitled, "Did You Know? (Shit Happens)." Dr. McLeod has received multiple awards for his technological leadership work, and he regularly blogs about technological issues. In 2003, he co-created the country's first graduate program designed to prepare school leaders who have demonstrated advanced technological skills. He continues to work with community partners to help prepare schools to thrive in this technological age, and prepare them to successfully move our schools to the 21st century.

The iSchool Initiative by Travis Allen

    Travis Allen is proposing what he describes as the iSchool Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to "inspire and educate students on how to become lifelong digital learners in the information age." Mr. Allen's proposal calls for the removal of all textbooks, paper, pencils and copy machines from schools. He wants to replace them with iPod Touches for every student. He believes that there are enough apps available for the iPod Touch to cover all areas of curriculum.
    Some examples of iPod Touch apps that would be beneficial to student learning include: Star Walk, US Constitution, Scientific Calculator, Recorder and Classics. Mr. Allen believes that schools will be able to customize lesson plans using his iSchool Initiative. Furthermore, as he asserts, the iSchool Initiative would provide both student and teacher accountability. Mr. Allen reports that the iSchool Initiative will provide parents instant access to student performance. He believes this initiative will not only provide a vehicle for savings in school systems, but will also carry a positive environmental impact. Ultimately, his proposal aims to revolutionize education through the use of technology.
    I believe that the iSchool Initiative is an interesting proposal. I think that as time progresses, more school systems will start to adapt a program similar to Mr. Allen's. In fact, Baldwin County High School in Alabama is beginning a pilot program in which every incoming ninth grader is given a MacBook to use. All curriculum information is preloaded onto the computers. The intent of this program is the same as Mr. Allen's iSchool Initiative in that its goal is to remove textbooks and replace them with technological tools to complete course requirements. It is also worth noting that Baldwin County Intermediate School has begun using iPads in some of their classrooms. These iPads have apps installed that allow students to fulfill course standards. I believe that, as educators, we need to embrace technological advances and the educational opportunities they provide. If we fail to do so, the people most affected will be our students who will be unable to take advantage of these resources to better their education. I think that programmers and curriculum writers need to continue to work together to research the most effective way to deliver computer-based lessons. In addition, teachers (both veterans and newly-hired) need to be provided professional development or continuing education classes to learn how to effectively utilize the technology that will become the backbone of our schools.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - "Lux Aurumque"

    Mr. Whitacre's virtual choir performance was absolutely amazing. It is a perfect example of what technology is capable of. He combined 185 voices, 243 tracks and 12 countries into a beautiful work of art. The singers have never met, let alone performed together. The entire performance was organized through the Internet and posted on You Tube for everyone to enjoy. I believe that this performance reaffirms the importance of technology in our lives today. Technology allows us to learn and experience things that we might have never had the opportunity to do, and I believe that we should embrace it.

Teaching in the 21st Century

    "Teaching in the 21st Century" was a fascinating video. Kevin Roberts sees education changing. He points out that, not only is the atmosphere of the classroom changing, the role of the teacher is changing as well. As a result of technological advances, students can find information on anything at anytime and anywhere. The options and opportunities are limitless. For example, students can use Google, Twitter, Facebook, cell phones and You Tube not only for networking but also to broaden their educational opportunities. Mr. Roberts sees teachers' roles to be that of a "filter" to guide students in using the resources available. Classroom techniques will be changing. Students will continue to use higher-order thinking skills, but they will be technologically related. As teachers, Mr. Roberts believes that we will have to rethink the tools we use and the types of problems we ask students to solve. Students in the 21st century will have laptops, cell phones and iPods they can use as resources in learning. Teachers will have to learn how to become more relevant, challenging and, most importantly, engaging. Active learning engagement will provide positive long-term results in our students. With the technology and resources that are available, teachers must make a commitment to utilize it.
    Mr. Roberts' video presentation pointed out the reality of where education is headed. I know that, as a teacher, I will need to use as much technology as I can. Students enjoy the opportunity to research, collaborate, create and publish information relevant to coursework objectives. It allows them a feeling of ownership and pride in their classwork. I plan to give them as many opportunities as I can. I know that student use of technology in the classroom is ultimately what a teacher makes of it. As a teacher, I am willing to see what technological resources are available and introduce them in the classroom. My students, and their future, are worth it.