Blog Post 5

Dangerously Irrelevant by Scot McLeod

Scott McLeod is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. He has received many awards and is known world wide for his expert teaching and technological skills. He has become respected by many people in the educational and technological world and has several blogs and websites where people can collaborate and connect with him. I think that this post is outstanding because it shows the importance of learning and teaching our students through technology in a creative way. He shows what will happen if we DON'T teach our kids how to use and collaborate with others through technology and warns parents and teachers that the students who do know how to use these computers will be a step ahead than others who don't.

This is the comment I left:
Hello my name is Sarah Clever and I am a student in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog because I absolutely agree. I think that is neat how you tell others not to teach their children/students about these things so yours will be a step ahead. If we teach our students about technology and the future of the world, they will understand when they are exposed to it later on in life in the real world. Thank you for sharing and I hope that it touches others the way it touched me.

The iSchool Initiative

This video is about the advances being made in technology for education. He explains that the syllabus and textbooks will be available through a device called iSchool instead of using natural resources that we desperately need. He goes on to explain how there are apps where teachers can take attendance and keep track of grades all on a machine. In addition, parents will have immediate access to their students progress. This solves ink, paper, and textbook costs. This would have a HUGE impact on our world and especially our environment.

This iSchool idea amazes me. I can't imagine how much technology is going to continue to become better and better for students. This is why it is necessary for teachers to make sure their students understand how to use the technology. The future of education is technology so we must make sure our students know about it. Like they say in the video, a touch of your finger will download textbooks so that there is no paper being used which helps save trees. It also better prepares our youth for the difficult world they were born into.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

This video is pretty amazing. We can now have a choir performance with people from all over the world while they are sitting in their own homes due to technological advances! People that never would have known each other or that never would have been noticed now have a chance to show their talents with others and reach out to other people who share their same passion through technology. I can definitely relate because I LOVE to sing and this would be really fun for me. I'm so impressed that there are people out there who want to notice others and share the same passion.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Due to the technology that students have at hand, the teacher has to engage the students in order for them to be interested because if the teacher were just to give facts, then the student could just look up the information that the teacher is saying. Everyone has limitless information at any time of the day no matter where they are due to technology which makes teachers no longer the main source of knowledge. The teachers job is to be the filter and teach the students HOW to handle these resources. Daily questions of life such as how to fix ones car or whether one should buy or rent a house can all be found through technology but it is our job as a teacher to help coach them on how to filter the responses they might get and help them make the best decision possible based on their life circumstances. In order for students to benefit later in life from what we teach them  in our classrooms, we must show them professionalism through technology so they can use those resources later on in life when they are needed for jobs and other life circumstances. That way, they can collaborate with others in both school and work using the tools we taught them. Some students learn orally, some are visual. With technology, both routes work. For students with disabilities, technology makes learning easier and extreme cases, possible. Students that have passions in art or music could benefit from the tools that technology has to offer. Creativity will no longer be pushed to the side... it will be encouraged with the tools that are available now. With blogs and other online collaborative tools, students will receive positive reinforcement through comments from other students and teachers around the world. Instead of entertaining students, we can engage them through technology.

Reading Rockets Website

This website has a large amount of information for teachers, parents, and students who are struggling with reading. It answers questions that people have about disabled students as well as students who are struggling with certain subjects. It has articles, shows, videos, podcasts, and books that can help everyone involved in the learning process. Not only does it help teachers and parents, but it also has links that can help librarians, principals, and other professionals.

Without technology, this website wouldn't be possible. Teachers and parents can both use this website as a tool to help their student/child learn the best way possible, especially if they are struggling with reading or other disabilities. With the free reading guide, blog, newsletter, and calender, this website is sure to help anyone who has any question. What an amazing way to collaborate and come together for each other in times of need. Technology is truly an awesome tool.