Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff
Scott McLeod is a professor of Education at Iowa State. He was named one of the National School Boards Association's 20 to watch in 2007 and he just so happens to be the co-creator of the "Did You Know" video I have previously posted about. I really liked the way he addressed this post as a letter to people who are responsible for the growth and education of students. The way you have to scroll down to get the full message implies this is his opinion of technology. Then in the conclusion he fools you with his mockery. He argues technology is useless and dangerous. He claims you have to keep your children safe and you cannot trust them. I guess they should not drive either. He concludes with irony by stating he is going to teach his kids all that stuff and basically if you do not, your kids are going to be at a huge disadvantage. He plays on the fact that parents always want the best for their kids and points out how we can stifle their possibilities by wrapping them in a bubble.
iSchool Initiative
Travis argues for a solution to broken school systems. He suggests classrooms ran by technology, the iSchool. He documents technology already available which could improve education. Applications such as: e-mail, Chemical Touch, World Wiki, USA Presidents, Star Walk, Formulae, and Classics are just a few that he mentions. He claims they would save natural resources, cut costs, and improve interaction. It would grant access and accountability, but have lock and personalized settings.
He makes a good point about the impact the iSchool would have on the environment, but I cannot help to think about the huge gaps between the children participating in iSchool and the children who do not. There would be transition time and some children, more than likely poor children, would have a huge disadvantage upon entering the real world. It sounds great on paper, or should I say on video, but I sense we are not ready for the iSchool. Our technological capabilities have surely surpassed our ethical principles. Our ethics will need to catch up and I obviously have a lot of learning to do.
The Lost Generation
At first I was thinking; this girl is troubled, yet somewhat realistic. I think the first half of the video is possible, possibly inevitable if something does not change. The second half is extremely up-beat and optimistic. It literally gave me goose bumps. The technique was perfect for this message. From the color of the background to the angle of the text, all the details set the stage for this intriguing technique. I enjoyed this palindrome. I actually looked it up to find out what the technique was. My first reaction: This is so neat.
Virtual Choir
This is a really amazing video. I am in complete awe. I think this demonstrates very positive and creative use of the internet. I believe people should be allowed to explore and use the internet in any way they wish, as long as it is does not include any form of child pornography or exploitation.
Alana:
ReplyDeleteDidn't you just dig Scott McLeod's post?! I mentioned in my blog how it reminded me of Swift's "A Modest Proposal" in its mockery and "solution". You're correct when you say, "He plays on the fact that parents always want the best for their kids and points out how we can stifle their possibilities by wrapping them in a bubble."
I like your humility and understanding about the ischool. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope we can get there sooner, rather than later. However, socioeconomic status may hurt the availability of these resources to all children.
The virtual choir was a perfect example of positive and creative internet use! In more of Scott McLeod's posts he comments about how the internet has more of those usages and opportunities than we give it credit...and that we play up the negative too much. You can find links to his blogs in My Blog.
Very thoughtful and interesting post! I'll be back. :)
Alana,
ReplyDeleteI also love Scott McLeod's post, and I agree with Leah about it resembling "A Modest Proposal." I think it is crucial that our children are introduced to technology, otherwise we are hurting them. Technology allows us to communicate and better understand the world. I do think there has to be a balance because there are creepers out there. You will read about Kaia soon, and I think her story hits this idea straight on. Her dad wasn't sure if he should expose her to the world at such a young age, but now, we, and so many more people, are contacting her, and she has greatly influenced us all. When children are held back, they become socially awkward, and they never fully develop. While I will monitor my own children, if I ever have any, I will introduce them to the world of technology at a young age.
I agree with your ideas about children and technology. My daughter has her own computer in her room without internet access. She is allowed to play and explore with all kinds of programs, games, and documents. She even has her own camera and pictures which she downloads and edits. Then we have a family desktop in the living room with internet access. She is allowed to use it any time she wishes and she goes to any previously visited websites, and if she visits a new one she has to ask us first. She knows how to check e-mail and send it and browses all kinds of cool "girly" games, and she is only 7 years old. I used to have to ask her questions about getting on-line and finding stuff, but in the last year I have really stepped up my game. I was thinking she would probably enjoy having a blog, but I was unsure how old a child should be before creating a blog. What are your thoughts on that?
ReplyDeleteI personally would allow her to have a blog. I think it is a great way to express ourselves and learn new things. I would be careful what personal information I would allow her to put on it, but Kaia writes and uploads pictures she has taken. I think it could be a really great learning and growing experience for your daughter.
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