Blog Post 3

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

Loved the satirical theme conveyed in Dr. McLeod's post. It was also interesting to learn that Dr. McLeod is the co-creator of Did You Know ? Dr. McLeod,is also one of the nation’s leading academic experts on K-12 school technology leadership issues. When we cannot comprehend something we desensitize it by calling it "stuff." I believe that no matter how much we "lock it down" children will still find a way to access technology. The key is to teach them to be responsible users of technology.

I personally do not believe that a child should have uncensored access to the worldwide web; especially if they have not proven themselves trustworthy. You do know that there is a such thing as T.M.I. (Too Much Information). It the right and the responsibility of the parents and teachers to protect the children even when the child's intentions are seemingly innocent. Children can be deceitful and naive. Teach students to create RSS feeds, setup PLN's, and insert hyperlinks, but NOT without adult supervision. It's a risk that I'm just not willing to take!

The iSchool Initiative

The student in this video suggests using an iPod Touch interface powered by Apple technology as the foundation for creating a 21st century iSchool. Students would receive an iPod Touch device with preloaded applications that is individually customizable. Such applications would eliminate the need for books, pencils, paper, copy machines etc. He believes that using iTouch applications such as: Classics, World Wiki, Notes, Recorder, and the Scientific Calculator will revolutionize the way schools operate. He also argues that the use of the iTouch interface will encourage teacher, parent, and student accountability. Approximate cost...$150.

This concept sounds good in theory, but it's not practical. How is student accountability completely possible; I don't believe that it is. How much would it cost to train the teachers and students on the functions of the interface? What happens if an iPod Touch is lost or stolen? Will the student be responsible for its replacement, and does he fall behind in his studies until he is able to secure the funds? Students from low-income families, what are their options? Let's begin with updating our classroom computers and computer labs with current software and even Mac Computers and iPads. Allow students to explore these features while at school, in a controlled environment. I have too many unanswered questions to endorse an iSchool.


The Lost Generation



Captivating, Brilliant, Powerful. I initially thought wow, this person is confused hopeless, and extremely depressed; apathetic...lethargic...not a generation I'd care to embrace. Do our children really think like this? Throughout my lifetime, I've witnessed the change in the work ethic of our young people. We live in a microwave age; we want what we want and we want it NOW. Today, many young people do not know what it feels like to work for something that they want. Divorce is on the rise and the importance of the family unit no longer exists.

Yes, there is hope if God is first and foremost. God is able to "reverse" and restore the years that have been lost. Remarkable message. A very clever and thought provoking technique. We can choose to see the glass as half-empty or as half-full it is just as simple as reversing the way that we think, speak, and live.

Eric Whitaker's Virtual Choir



AMAZING...Okay what will we think of next? A virtual choir of 185 people who have never met or performed together. In over 12 countries singing a song like 'Lux Aurumque.' What can you really say to this, but WOW? This would not have even been conceivable 20 years ago. If I wasn't convinced that technology is rapidly emerging, I would definitely be convinced now, pure brilliance.