I Need My Teachers to Learn!

I need my teachers to Learn 2.1 is a great way to show the lack of technology available in the classroom.  The video and song describes a student wanting to take notes using her computer.  The teacher does not let her use the computer to take notes on, but tells her she can use note cards instead.  The song explains that she received the letter grade of “F”.  I believe that teachers need to continue learning even in their classroom.  What fun would it be if we all just stopped learning after we got a job?  I think that some teachers are scared of technology.  They think that because they have been teaching for several years and have done just fine without the help or assistants of technology, that they do not need to learn how to use a computer, smart board, promethean board, Elmo, etc. 

I lyric that stuck in my head was, “there’s not one minute to burn; I need my teachers to learn.”  Technology is changing every minute.  As soon as an IPAD 4 comes out, they are already working on an IPAD 5 that would come out as soon as they are finished with it.  Changing is not just with computers.  When I was in school, we were transforming from chalk boards to dry erase boards.  I remember thinking wow those are awesome.  Now several classrooms have promethean boards available to them.  Teachers should embrace technology and learn how to use it however they can.  It is never too late to learn!

Mr. Winkle Wakes

              In the video, Mr. Winkle Wakes, Rip Van Winkle wakes up after one hundred years of sleep to find that the world around him had changed, except for school.  He finds himself not feeling comfortable with his new life until he returns to school.  This video shows us that not much has changed in the field of education, but the world around us has changed drastically.  Most everywhere you go you see the modernization of our world, with the exception of the classroom.  There is a limited amount of technology, inclusion, and project-based learning.  Mr. Winkle notices the one computer in the classroom and it was not being used.
              After watching the video, I believe that we are slowly advancing to a more technological education system. I have witnessed the use of a promethean board in the classroom I am observing now.  But overall, I think we are lacking in the technology world.  To keep up with our world changing and advancing everyday, our students need such things available to take their education to the next level.  What about PowerPoint presentations, do they really teach students what they need to learn or do we need to take advantage of Youtube videos that are informative? Students need to learn about technology in their classroom so they can be successful.  Teaching to the test needs to change, and teaching many different ways, learning styles, and technology will help the educational system to advance into today's world.

Education and Creativity

               I just finished watching the video with Ken Robinson about education and creativity.  I very much agree with his thoughts that students are our future.  All children are born with talents, and are excited about getting to use these talents.  Children are so innocent that they are not afraid of being wrong, but by the time that they grow into adults, the creativity is gone because they are so scared of being wrong.  I also agree that creativity is just as important as mathematics, so is dance.  I am so afraid to dance in front of other people now that I don't ever do it or like to do it.  My parents say as a child, I was always dancing in front of others.  What if the same thing happened to me?  I am so afraid now of not doing it right, that I just stopped dancing and do not do it anymore. 
               I believe as a future educator, my job is to teach students that it is okay to be wrong.  It is okay to ask questions.  Its okay to fail at something as long as you are trying your best.  Our education system is based on TCAP scores and teach to the test, that we are missing the creativity of our students.  Not all students are destined to become the President.  Not all students are destined to be dancers.  If we never let them experience those things and challenge their creativity in the classroom, how will they know? As Mr. Robinson said at the very end of his speech, lets "Celebrate the gift of human imagination."