Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Post 3 - Teaching in the 21st Century
We've really covered alot of material this past week...readings from the text book, the assessment article, and the youtube videos. You've participated in individual activities as well as group work. Let's think practical for a minute or two, what is your current state? How are you assimilating the information you have received up to this point? What mental activities have you been using to work through this material? You can respond to your thoughts about our in-class discussions, readings, activities, and/or youtube videos. Just a reminder to not only post your comment, but reply to one of your peers as well!
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the thing in class that reached me the most was taylor mali's video i think the things he said are what anyone who wants to pursue a career in education is thinking he really reminded me why i want to be a teacher
ReplyDeleteThe thing that reached me most in class is when Mrs. Bishop said that a teacher should not hope that a student gets the question right on a quiz or test, it should always be answered right because that is what we as teachers are supposed to do is make sure they learn.
ReplyDeleteBut I believe it is okay to hope a student gets the question right. Not because we as teachers hope they learned something, but because it is satisfying for us when a student has learned. We hope a student gets a question right because that means we did our jobs as teachers. It gives us a feeling of accomplishment. Really we are hoping that EVERY student gets the questions right on a test or quiz. When everyone gets a question right, it helps teachers know that however we taught the material is the correct was to teach it.
I liked both of the youtube videos. It really opened my eyes to a different teaching style that I hadn't thought about before. Technology is really changing students and, therefore, teaching styles. I am not sure if it is such a good thing though; someone mentioned how schools are no longer using textbooks anymore. I honestly find that shocking. I feel that traditional teaching styles can still be productive and that we do not have to throw it completely out the window just because now we have the internet.
ReplyDeleteI like both of the youtube videos because I never realized how much everything was changing with technology. This should be a big task for us as future teachers to find out the effective and productive ways we can make this work for our future students because it is not only going to effect them but us as well. I think it is awesome that some schools are no longer using text books because it could save more money and help out the environment, futhermore, it would be a lighter load for students to carry on their backs. However, at the same time the traditional learning style is proven to work but who knows, this no text book thing could work to, we just have to try it.
ReplyDeleteMike, your responce is very true. It can imagine the feeling of accomplishment when, lets say, all of your students pass with an A or get every question right on a test. Yes, it is up to us but also up to the student because we know as students that we have to spend extra time out of class to make sure we get our studies in as well. I think what we should do is make study sessions after class or homework labs but for volunteers only. If we did this before the students go home they would have everything done for the evening, then they could go home and do whatever it is that they choose.
ReplyDeleteCompared to when I went to grade school we have advanced in such a short time. Thirty years ago there were no cell phones and no cable and certainly no internet. I still feel the basics are the most important; reading, writing and arithmetic. It's great to enhance learning by using the computer,but it shouldn't be the only way. I have three other education classes and they are covering similar things at the same time so I am learning through osmosis.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Shawn: Maybe I'm old fashioned, but having no books in school is pretty scarry.
ReplyDeleteWhere would a student go for any reference material? What if all the computers crashed due to weather or some other catastrophe? Computers are good for some learning but they should never take the place of books. Next thing there won't be any school because kids could learn at home on their computers? What a world that would be!
What has really reached me most in class so far has defenitly been all of the youtube videos we have watched. From the first one with the comedian talking about what teachers make; and that main answer being that we make a difference really opened my mind to thinking that I do more then just sit in front of a class and go over material, I can help students in a way that is so much more rewarding that I hadn't really thought that much about. Also the videos on technology really got me thinking about how many schools in the next few years will really be all about technology and teaching styles will be based off of that. In a way I think it is great because there is so much more information that students will be able to get, but then again when I have books to go through I feel like I retain the information better because I take notes and highlight things instead of just copying and pasting things which is what most people do now with the internet. It will be interesting to see how things really will change in the future.
ReplyDeleteMary, I agree with what you are saying about the computers being a great advancement, but shouldn't be the only way. Sometimes students might not understand technology as much as others and it might be easier for them to use books. And technological problems happen a lot and if everything is based on technology and there is a problem, what will the students do that day in school?? just not learn anything?
ReplyDeleteI have been learning a lot from this class and makes me think a lot. I like it!
ReplyDeleteI like both of the youtube very much and technology have develoved rapidly.
In Japan, some high school use Nintendo DS( game) for history class. This is new thing( I read an article about it last year and we argue about that) A education company and Nintendo develop a software to memorize Japanese history. Some of Japanese high schools use it in the history class to test the memorization. ( each student has Nintendo DS and test history)I think it is new way to motivate students and efficient. Actually students can memorize history well. But, still I think it is important to read text, to write, and communicate a teacher and classmates in the class. Otherwise, we might not need any teachers. what is teacher's role? why we need teachers?
It is good to use technology. But there are useless and confused information too. Teachers should teach students to get useful information and efficient usage. That is the way we really can USE TECHNOLOGY.
Thanks, Mary, for pointing that out. Where WOULD we be without textbooks? It's seems odd to think about that eventually all schools might switch completely over to online learning. I agree with that Mary said, computers are great to enhance learning, but should not take the place of it.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way.
I was scocked to find that some schools do not use text books any more. I understand benefits from it, but traditional teaching styles can still be productive and there are a lot of benefit too.
I find this class very mind openeing. I have learned a lot in the few classes we had. I think it was very interesting to learn about students not having text books. I think technology is important but computers break and a book never would. I would use both if I had the choice, so there were multiple ways to learn. I think the youtube video on how teachers get paid was great and made me glad I chose education.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I agree with you that the youtube videos have really opened my mind. It is a very effective way to get us to understand what is going on with education now. All the new technology is very exciting but also scary at the same time. It scary to think how big of an impact it will have on everything, especially the way we teach. I agree that I learn better by reading and highlighting and taking notes, instead of copying and pasting.
ReplyDeleteSo far the youtube videos have connected with me the most in this class. I feel as teachers we must be aware of the changing technologies in order to prepare our students for success. My mom is currently an elementary school teacher, and she is required to present at least one power point presentation to her class each week. When I was that young no one had heard of power points, much less presented them on a regular basis. The fact thatthe youtube videos connected with me so well illustrates the point that technology must be presented in the classroom to impact the students.
ReplyDeleteShawn, I agree with your sentiments on eliminating the use of textbooks in classes. In a society which has become so environmentally conscious, it makes sense to eliminate the unnecessary waste of paper and modernize.
ReplyDeleteI am more of a visual learner, so the you-tube videos really helped out. I have always understood that part of being a teacher is always helping your student in some way, and I have realized that as a teacher you are continuously learning as well. The videos discussing the technology and learning today was so interesting to me and made me really think back on my experience growing up while technology was continuously developing, and our teachers did not use it or had no idea how to use it. It just opened my eyes.
ReplyDeleteSatoko, I agree with you. It is very important for students to be able to learn in many different ways, and technology can sometimes have useless information and provide students with the WRONG information. I think students still need to know how to do the basic one on one skills with the teacher, and be able to know how to read and write and not depend on technology. Yes, their future job may require technology, but sometimes it might not be available to them and we as teachers need to help them know what to do when that happens.
ReplyDeleteI'm the type of person who can learn anyway, but visual i think is one type that all people connect with the most. So the Youtube videos were what impacted me the most. especially the Mali video really got me. I think what he had to say really has a lot of truth to it, and i hope that someday i can be as passionate as him.
ReplyDeleteJake
ReplyDeleteI agree with you the Mali video really showed me the passion that I want to have when i teach.
I really liked both of the You Tube videos. The technology in the world is changing so rapidly that the schools are not gonna use textbooks anymore, that amazes me. I just wonder how well it is going to work with the no text book style. Only one way to find out, try it out.
ReplyDeleteNathan
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent. I loved the Taylor Mali video and someday also wish to be able to have that much passion about teaching. When someone has that much passion about something it can go a very long way in the right direction.
I liked the You Tube videos. They opened my eyes to reality. Children are learning things in a new way, and they are growing up faster than before. Their maturity level is increasing at an early age. Future teachers need to learn how to structure their lesson plans and include the new technology in it. The You Tube videos made me realize the future kids need the knowledge of how to learn how to work and operate computers, microsoft works, excel and powerpoint. Teachers need to be up to date on all new technology so they can teach their kids and give them the best opportunity to succeed in life.
ReplyDeleteFor the last couple of years in my college career I have been doing very different things with technology, and also with the old school version of learning. I think that there should be a combination of both in the classroom. Everyday should be a different day, there should be either learning from the textbook one day and then turn around, and take a look on how you would use the tool that you leaned in the real world. You can do this by doing different activities each day to prepare the kids.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chad i loved that video with Tyler. He was also very passionate in what he was saying. He also brought a comic relief to the world of teaching which i absoulutly loved.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Satoko Yamamoto. Teachers need to figure out a way to teach children to distinguish the good information from the bad. Students need to be able to tell if information is useful or not. The students should also learn to trust their instincts and use information they have learned when researching.
ReplyDeleteI think that as new teachers we need to embrace all technology that is available to us. Such as: going to PD days, taking classes, and talking with others about what they are using. However, we should not only use technology in the class, and forget about how we as the teacher present the idea. Use it as a secondary, and to help you get the message across. Make the students want to learn in your class, not just show up to class.
ReplyDeleteKatie I agree that we as teachers have to let the students use the technology and have it as a helper, but don't forget how to teach them as well.
ReplyDeleteI feel the thing that reached me the most was when we watched the videos and showed how much technology was growing and how we should integrate it more into the classroom. This would allow children to pay attention more in class because they would be more interested and focused on what was going on in the class
ReplyDeleteI agree with chad when he says he hopes to one day have as much passion and love for teaching as taylor. Before I watched that video i thought that if i just touched one child while i was teaching i would have done my job but now i feel that i need to touch every kid in the class in order to be successful.
ReplyDeleteI have given a great deal of consideration to how we, as future teachers, should assess our students. I have thought, ever since I first learned of the bell curve that it was a ridiculous method. What kind of educator designs a class so that a certain percentage of students will fail and only that same percentage will receive the highest grade? My question therefore is how do we effectively measure learning? Is it through traditional assessments, an intuitive measurement by the teacher (surely not) or by designing individual assignments for each student. I feel that at the very least we as students should not be judged by how accurately we can regurgitate information but rather how we can apply information to answer a question. I have worked for several years as a manager within a business setting. When in meetings or other planning sessions never am I expected to have memorized every measurable, but rather I am expected to explain how I am impacting the business based on the numbers before me. I feel that exams and quizzes should be open book questioning application rather than a memorization of facts.
ReplyDeleteMany of us have commented on the importance of technology in the class room. I think that while educating our students the importance of technology critical, it is more important to teach critical thinking skills. If we only teach the mechanics of how to utilize technology we will be teaching information that will be obsolete within a few years. If instead we teach how to apply thought processes in all areas of education and the “real world” our students will be better prepared.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest it is a lot of information to take in. There is so much to learn and the thought of being responsible for students and how they learn is a scary thought. Can a teacher really possess every quality and be able to help every student? I know I want to do my best and I know that when I start observing my teacher it will be easier for me to see how it's done. On the other hand I agree with Jake Nelson on Taylor Mali's video. I used to think a teachers job wasn't that important compared to other jobs but he really opened my eyes and made me realize that teachers are so important and they have a tough but rewarding job.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the You Tube videos, it really makes you think about the impact that you are going to make in the World, and the fact that if you are not willing to change with the times you are going to have a really hard time trying to educate your students. Students are individual people and they learn in different ways, you as a teacher must cateer to those individual needs. Those videos really make you realize that this statement is so true. It's not how am I doing, but how are my students doing?
ReplyDeleteShawn, I have to disagree with the ideaa of eliminating books from a school, because you have to be able to hand out homework to students so that they do not forget what they have just learned, how do you send homework home with a student if they can't have a book for reference. Not every child in the United States has a computer, how do you make up for that need?
ReplyDeleteI actually missed the 9th through the 13th with a 6 day long fever and sinus infection! So I feel pretty left out and missed last weeks blog too!
ReplyDeleteHow do I stand in this class right now? - I'm ready to get back into it and feel like I know what's going on!
A lot has gone in the few classes that we have had. We have recieved so much information from not only the textbook but also the youtube videos and our in-class discusions. The thing that has really opened my eyes is the reality of technology in the future. The one youtube video talked about how we are teaching children that may have a future in career that deosn't even exist right now. It is so important to use technology to teach our future students, we need to be prepared and ready to be a 21st century teacher.
ReplyDeleteSatoko-
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting about students using a Nintendo DS for history class. I think that is a great way for students to use technology in the classroom. It combines something that many people view as fun (Nintendo DS) with something that others may see as not so fun (history tests) and brings them togetehr to create something new and exciting for learning.
In the class discussion that we had last week about technology in the classroom, actually changed my mind on the way I thought about the topic.I used to think that technology was not the best way for a student to learn, but the discussion showed me that students will be using technology so much in there life time they will have to be familar with it anyways so why not get them active.So I think that the discussion, group work and information I get outside of class has been very benificial.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I agree with you about the you tube video with the children in technology.It never really dawned on me how much the world uses and even depends on technology now and in the future Im sure that everything will involve technology.
ReplyDeleteFor me, our class discussion the other day about teachers and their accountability in regard to students. It is important for teachers to learn to adapt and be willing to change their methods of teaching in order to keep students involved. I was taken back by the youtube videos. It is sad to see things like how low our graduation rate is in the US and how our students have to point out how much time they spend on the computer or watching television rather than focusing on their studies.
ReplyDeletePatty-
ReplyDeleteI also was surprised to find that I changed my mind on the issue of technology in the classroom. I think of how it bothers me now that some of MY teachers do not know how to use computers or make powerpoints or things like that. I really do think it is important to bring technology into the classroom.
hey guys! finally am here.
ReplyDeleteanyway i really enjoy those videos and the discussions we had in class, but on the other hand those videos and discussions left me with a fear, hmm what is that fear? well every one wants the best for their child or children and since i found out that here in the USA the schools teach from the bottom up and also base their entire teaching program on a yearly test for them to continue to receive government founding base on test scores and not a test or a teaching program that helps students to properly function in todays environment, well to be honest i don't want that for my kids.
hey hey hey before anyone even think about saying well why are you here if you think that way, why don't you go home... lol am not saying the program here is all bad, in fact i think the US has some of the best teachers in the world, what makes them a bit shady is the set of rules they are force to follow.
what set of rules you may ask? well think a bout this how many 20 year old US soldiers that died in the war that was planing to get "F'ed up on their 21 first?
i totally agree with matt when he say that "If we only teach the mechanics of how to utilize technology we will be teaching information that will be obsolete within a few years. If instead we teach how to apply thought processes in all areas of education and the “real world” our students will be better prepared." we have to apply thought processing each and everyday of our life, even if it is a skill that we have mastered
ReplyDelete