Blog Assignment 5

Scott McLeod

Scott McLeod is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading academic experts on K-12 technology leadership issues. I love his sarcasm in his post Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?. I think the increase of technology in schools is a wonderful thing, but of course you do have to teach the students how to "safely" use the technology. Teach them not to add people on Facebook or Twitter that they do not know and the risks of cyberbullying, sexting, and online dating. But if we "overprotect" our kids from the negatives of the internet and other technology, they won't experience the positives. If we let the negatives hold them back, they will be so far behind when they get out into the real world and will have a hard time reaching success.

Travis Allen

I think that the iSchool initiative is a great idea! Like Travis said in his video, it saves both the school and the student a lot of money and it helps keep parents and students involved. With the iSchool, the parent or student can contact the teacher at any time, and vice versa. The students always have access to their homework assignments and it is already neatly organized for them. I think it would be great if this program could get into every school across the United States. I would love to have it in my classroom as a teacher because it would save me a lot of time and trouble.

Virtual Choir

This video of 185 people who performed Lux Aurmque is amazing, especially after you think about the fact that these performers have never met or performed together. They all did this from their computer at home. 

This left me speechless after watching it. Anyone out there who does not appreciate technology and realize how wonderful it can be needs to watch this video. It would change anyone's view on technology.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Roberts points out in this video that teaching in the 21st century is more than just academics. He is saying that we have to be a good role model and prepare them for the real world. Teachers are a big part of their students' lives. They are not just educators, but students look up to them and want to be like them when they grow up. We also have to teach them to be more creative. Creativity is definitely lacking in schools now, and I think a great way to bring it back is by blogging, tweeting, and facebooking. I know this class has already brought a lot of hidden creativity out of me.