Supplementing My Kids’ Education
Richardson discusses his children’s school out in Farmland, USA, and the use of technology in their school. He is frustrated by the lack of “connecting going on,” and the large amount of paper and pencil activities and production. He senses that they are missing the boat when it comes to utilizing technology to become part of the “hyperconnected and hypertransparent” world of the future. He goes on to say he sees some signs of change when he noticed an interest in integrating interactive technologies into the curriculum.
Making changes to our schools is difficult to say the least. There are many forces against us, ready to shoot down anything new or different. “Why try something new when the old is working?” “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Our students are highly interested in trying out the many new technology tools that are at their disposal. We will find them using these tools in a haphazard manner for texting, you-tubing and my-spacing with their friends. The challenge is to use these forces for furthering their education. I guess we still need good teachers who can step up.
My Flickr Conundrum
Why take your own photos when you can find 1000’s that are much better and free to use already online? Richardson poses this question without really giving an opinion, seemingly trying to egg his readers on to comment to this post. The comments are quite interesting. A common thread is the emotional tie that links us with our photos because of the experience of being there. Taking the photo ourselves arouses emotions within us that create strong ties to the media that has recorded our experience. This brings our families closer together as they fondly remember the events and feelings that they experienced while “on vacation.”
This has relevance to our classrooms as we prepare lessons that can make the best of these emotions and interactions. You don’t even have to step out of the classroom to create moments such as these. Allowing your students to use various media such as photos or video within the classroom will lead to an increased sense of belonging and place that will help them become more connected to their learning and each other.
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Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think you make a good point regarding the pace to change in our public schools. I once had a university professor explain that research and when it is applied is about 30 years apart. Wonderful! That means we are always behind by only one generation!
Perhaps instead of bemoaning the "lack of" techno-savvy educators, there needs to be some chatting/blogging about "how to " get this into the curriculum and into our schools via teachers.
I did think that in his last paragraph, Richardson stated concern for the students missing connections to apply technology at a higher level. So, if the adults don't know how to apply technology enough guide the kids, hmm...