Technology overuse?

For a long time now, David Warlick has been one of my favorite bloggers. In a recent post about technology he writes...

"I honestly believe that these educators are seeking new ways to use new information and communication (literacy) technologies in teaching and learning for the very best reasons. But we need better answers than, “Because it’s technology. Our children will do anything if it’s with technology.” ..and “this is the engagement!” pointing at the an iPod Touch.

I continue to maintain that the little box is not what engages them. it is what happens through that box. It is the information experience that…

• Is responsive
• is fueled by questions
• provokes conversation
• is rewarded with currency
• Inspires personal investment
• is guided by safely made mistakes

When we talk about modernizing formation education, this is what we should talk about, not the technology."

In education, these are the things that I feel that we should be discussing instead of test scores. Technology is a tool, just like the book is a tool. Neither should be used to the exclusion of the other.

See the full text of Mr. Warlick's post at http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?p=3009

Change in the classroom

Check out this video done by kids about how they feel they'd like to learn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGvl5dg3l2M

Traffic and technology

We have technology that will tell us how bad traffic is. Google maps will do this as well and a simple little GPS. So why is it that we still cannot drive? What is with the drivers who seem to be tapping out Morse Code on the brake pedal? Driving into town on Saturday, the brake lights made me nuts! Do drivers not understand that taking ones foot off the gas will also slow a vehicle and that putting on the brake would not be AS necessary if they backed off of the bumper of the car in front of them?
Don't even get me started on the ones who changes lanes in a traffic jam....

$160 Million??

Firefighters, cops and teachers. These three professions make up the back bone of civilization. No police, anarchy. No firefighters, no protection from fires. No teachers, ignorance. But if there was no football, would society fall apart? Would anarchy reign supreme? I think no.

Now do not misunderstand, I do not begrudge that cornerback from the Jets for making his money. I have an issue with those making it possible....us. We watch the news where a QB from the Steelers is accused of sexual misconduct but we buy his jersey. A Ravens LB allegedly murders two people in Fla and the case gets tossed out but we buy the jersey. We say they are overpaid but we buy tickets, jerseys and pay to see the games on TV. But let a politician raise a tax to pay cops or firefighters more...or to hire more teachers and watch the sparks fly.

Is is possible that we need to rethink our priorities as a nation? Unemployment and crime are up, and graduation rates are down. But try to get a ticket for a Redskins, Steelers or Ravens game and they are sold out.

When did you actually eat dinner as a family that was prepared at home? When did you ask your child how school was and really listen to their answer? But I'll bet you know the pre-season record of the NFL team that you follow!

I guess that shows were our priorities as a nation are.

Stay tuned

Just got moved semi-out of the classroom into a tech support teacher role. Any cool tools that you have discovered that I can explore and share with others at my school? Especially those that have to do with collaboration and/or portfolios.

Wimpy Kid?

Check out this pic! I "wimped" myself! Cool mini-ap that fans of the Wimpy Kid books might enjoy!

Wireless is coming!

It appears that my school is going to finally become wireless. We appear to also be getting additional computers. We have many teachers in this building who at tech-no-phobes. Just the idea of using a computer for grading scares them. As a result, they do not have kids using them either. Now I realize that technology is not always the best way to go...hands-on science/math is often a better choice...but what suggestions do you have for getting the resisters on board with technology?