Blog Post #2

After watching the movie Mr. Dancealot, I realized I have had several classes where students are expected to understand material, but none of the material is ever applied except by taking a test. In the movie, the students are enrolled in a dance class. Since this is a dance class, students should be expected to be able to perform the dances. The central message of this movie is that knowledge can only be gained if applied and practiced. The author of the movie, Mr. Dancealot, makes this point very clear when the students are asked to perform the dances learned during the course for the final exam. None of the students are sure how to enact these dance moves even with notes in hand. The author shows learning is a hands on experience and students of any age can not be expected to pay attention or learn through a power point presentation. I agree with the concept the author of Mr. Dancealot is conveying. As an aspiring teacher, I will hope to teach my students through interactive learning instead of notes and information being tossed at them. As stated before, learning should be fun.

TEACHING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

I. The job of teachers has changed in the 21st century
a. Students can find information anywhere
b. Teachers' jobs are to inform students on what to believe from these sources
II. Students should be taught to create.
a. By the use of blogging, animation, and programming
b. Teachers should teach students about every issues like politics, how to change tires, etc.
III. The way the classroom is structured needs to change
a. Classroom should incorporate the use of twitter, blogging, facebook, etc.
b. Teach students to use these tools correctly
IV. Entertainment versus Engagement
a. Engagement is active
b. Students need to engaged and not just entertained

After watching the video by Roberts, I have to agree that teaching is changing in the 21st century. As a future teacher, I hope to engage my students in creating by the using technology in the classroom. Also as an educator, it is important to teach students helpful tools in everyday life. Students are able to get information from many sources online but it is an educator's role to guide young minds to the right answers. With education changing and the use of technology becoming more woven into everyday life, this will affect teaching because teachers will have to learn how to show students these different techniques.

THE NETWORKED STUDENT

Why does the networked student even need a teacher? A teacher's job is to give students information on how to become a learner and how to apply information. This video showed how even though technology allows for many different reliable sources to be used for research. First, the video starts with explaining that the teacher does not lecture or requires a textbook. Once the narrator tells all of the sources that are used for the student's research paper, it is clear to me that the student has gained even more knowledge by actually using other sources outside of the classroom. Also, the student has made several networking connections through this project. I believe the teacher in this example gave the students in her classroom the support and taught them how to use connectivism for the project and the future.

HARNESS YOUR STUDENTS' DIGITAL SMARTS

Teacher, Vicki Davis, uses many different forms of technology in her classroom. She argues that students struggle when there is only pen and paper available. This leads to only certain types of students succeeding. Mrs. Davis customizes the lesson for her students to better help them grow and become independent learners. After watching this video twice, I was very impressed with Mrs. Davis's class. One thing that I found very interesting was when she uses new vocabulary terms, the students should understand how to look up definition. Also, I loved how Mrs. Davis allowed for her students to teach each other and the classroom was used to collaborate. Vicki even admitted that she does not know everything and feels so accomplished when her students can teach her. This makes students true learners.

WHO'S AHEAD IN THE LEARNING RACE?

Dr. Strange's video exploring what technology different grades of elementary students from Gulf Shores Elementary School use compared to college students, clearly shows that elementary students are way ahead. As an undergrad, I know that I even have a difficult time using Ipads, video cameras, and Google Docs. It is interesting to see that at a young age, students are being introduced to technology. Students are now being introduced to Ipads and computers before students who are now in college were taught. It is great that students are able to have access to the technology because this will allow more success in adulthood.

FLIPPING THE CLASSROOM

The idea of flipping the classroom is new to me. I have not heard of this idea but after watching this video, I believe that this idea will be great, especially teaching mathematics. I do see that this concept could have it's faults as well. For example, while students may be able to come prepared to class with questions, what if some students do not feel comfortable with the concept yet and the class moves on to the next part? This could be frustrating and ultimately leading the child to fall short in learning other concepts. Also, this system does have positive aspects. Students are given assignments to complete at home and this gives parents a role in the learning process of their child. Sometimes children feel more comfortable getting help from mom and dad. I think this would be fun to try out to see if students are able to retain more information.

BRINGING THE LOCKER ROOM INTO THE CLASSROOM

This article written by Craig Owens, really expresses that the importance of students to begin to work collaboratively. In the professional world, employers want adults that can work together to solve problems and work well with other employees. I hope to use several group projects in my classroom. I believe students will gain how to work together and bounce ideas off of each other.