TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010

I never was really exposed to much technology besides a T.V as a young child. My history with technology really started in middle school. The first time I was taught how to really use and make use of a computer was during middle school. During middle school I was constantly exposed to different types of technology and the possible benefits that can come with its incorporation in classrooms. Things like computer labs, online tests, and video diagrams became daily tools. I was not even part of the class that received personal laptops, but the incorporation of technology was considered standard by my 8th grade year. As a middle school student I was expected to have the skills required to navigate and make use of multiple programs. I had to use search engines, word processing programs, and even had to take online assessments.

The skills I've learned since middle school have not changed much. I have since learned how to make use of online communication. Using email and social networking sites like face book now seem essentialinstead of luxury. I feel somewhat confident and now have years of experience using Apple's. I am recently finding that my role is changing from learning using technology to teaching using technology.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010

I thought the Alabama elementary school was very...unconventional. The School seemed to do everything Ken Robinson said schools aren't doing. The school inspires kids to create and learn at the same time. It seemed that the school's format of lessons would not allow for traditional and required curriculum to be intertwined but the teachers mentioned it was. If this is the case, meaning kids are learning the content and skills needed for future education and jobs I think they have a very good thing going. Not only are the kids learning the stuff that structured education requires but they seem to be learning in a way that allows them to create and to learn how to learn. They are using important resources like technology to learn. Things the the smart board and Internet resources are used to expose kids to modern day learning tools and direct them to further pursue interests. The smart board seemed to be a great tool for learning and the the kids had the ability to travel to Brazil without leaving the classroom. The kids are also learning how to operate such tools to enhance their learning The exposure they have to technology will create skills that will be more and more useful as we progress as a society. Students are experiencing the benefits of learning with technology first hand and learning how to use it to progress their own learning. I do wonder however with limited structure..Is it hard to manage the classrooms? It seems that a strong community, good team work, and lot of high order thinking occurs daily. It is nice to see such a radical idea pay off. This school could be the change Ken Robinson thinks we need.