Saturday, January 29, 2011

Blog Assignment #2

A little girl coloring at a table with crayons


Did you know? 3.0
This was a very interesting video with lots of information. Did you know?3.0 gives many numbers related to where we are and where we are expected to be in several years from now in regards to technology. I think some of the static’s used could perhaps be a little inflated to emphasize a point.
It was shocking yet believable that the 10 most in demand jobs did not exist 6 years ago. The fact that things are growing at such a fast pace does make it almost impossible for people to keep up and learn the capabilities of products. While it is very fascinating at the massive volume of information it is also amazing at how much more information is becoming available.

Mr.Winkle Wakes
The video about Mr. Winkle is true on so many levels. It reflects the disadvantages that children are not taught what is going on in the real world. For many years the majority of what is taught in schools is information based primarily on textbook facts and not enough on what is actually going to make children function in the real world.
The traditional learning methods may be what many are comfortable with but the reality of what children need to know to do has changed and will be forever changing. Technology is will be in the hands of every person in some fashion regardless of the career so it should be taught in the schools.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
WOW!!! His speech was GREAT and so true. Several of his thoughts and concerns is what has brought me to my decision to be a teacher. I fear the boundaries that I will be faced with as a teacher to teach text book material and guideline standards that I will be responsible for implementing on my students. This is often what causes the lack of creativity time to be dismissed and overlooked.
I LOVE the fact that Mr. Robinson's speech reflects that not all that makes the world go round is head smart people. Students being able to think outside of the box not just inside it is what allows them and others to explore. Exploration is where new things are learned. I could not agree more that arts should be just as important as other subjects. All children are created equal and should be given equal opportunity to grow in what areas they desire to ultimately become more productive adults. Not all children like/love the primary subjects in schools, while they do provide an foundation they do always provide stimulating thinking or understand from all students.

Cecelia Gault
The general idea of what children believe to be "intelligence" in today's world has nothing to do with creativity. Children have been taught since the first day of class that school is about academic achievement. Their minds have been guided to memorization tactics and away from open minded creativity exploration.
I will try as a teacher to make sure that my students understand that intelligence is not just about being able to remember and understand facts but also how important it is for them to create new ideas. Mr. Robinson said that children are "diverse, dynamic and distinct. I believe that their education should be also.

Vicki Harness: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
This video was great at showing us that children need to be exposed to the world of technology and the opportunities that it can provide. It was evident from the video that the geographic location of those students and the small population could have been an obstacle that prevented some of the student from being able to learn so many things. The access to technology and a teacher to help them will show them how much is available in the world.
It was also wonderful that they stated that teachers do not have to know everything about something to teach it. Since there is so much technology and it changes so quickly it would be outdated if we waited to teach when we knew it all.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

     Hi Everyone! I will begin introducing myself by letting you know that I am usually always going in 3 directions at once. The things that my world revolves around are my husband and 2 children. My children are complete opposite, my son is 12 and my daughter is 3. I work full time as an interior decorator for a company I have been employed with for over 10 years and have also attend school full time for the last year.
I am extremely thankful that my schedule has always been flexible enough to allow me to pick up my son from school and attend all his school functions. This is in part why I am at this transition point in my life. I want to be able to do the same things with my daughter.

     I have always lived in Mobile, AL with the exception of 2 years (age 13-15) which I lived in California. That experience gave my first hand knowledge of social-culture SHOCK! It was the hardest time of my life but reflecting back now it was one of the greatest life experiences. It allowed me to witness and be exposed things that otherwise I would have likely never known existed. What I learned during those years is what makes me want to travel to see so many other places in this world. I want my children to know that other ways of life exist and how other societies function.
    
     I attended USA in 1996-98 and now have returned to finish my degree in Elementary Education. Most people have teachers that leave a life time impression on them and inspire them for future things from adolescent years. It was not until I was a parent that I realized the full impact of what and who teachers are to children.  Children's energy, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire me to find those things within myself. My son is the typical boy that likes his school but not the work. His need to be driven and the past experience of his wonderful caring teachers have given me the drive to pursue my career as an elementary teacher.