There were two things that really stuck out to me from the videos we watched in the welcome activity. First, from the Shift Happens video I was very interested in the comparison between the mobile devices many people carry around and the computer at MIT in 1965. The comparison was drawn that the mobile device that fits in our pockets is a thousand times more powerful than the computer that filled up an entire building at MIT in 1965. This comparison is extremely dramatic and opened my eyes to another realization: Not only are many of us carrying this powerful instrument around with us, but the students I want to teach at the high school level can probably operate it better than I can. It is necessary for me as an educator to learn and adapt as technology advances so that I can take advantage of important technological tools that can be used in education.
The second item came from the Tech Impact on Educators video. It was noted in the video that the world is smaller and is happening in real time. Technology allows students to observe these happenings in real time. I plan on being a social studies teacher and this requires the study of what is occurring in our world right now. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other various sites, allow students to observe and participate in a real time, shrinking world. This interaction and observation can serve as a vital tool in education.
You mention some great points. Several that stood out are these technologies are not necessarily the future but are actually happening right now. And, the kids with their cell/smart phones are much more proficient than most of their teachers. History is but a click away, and so is current events ... todays rebellions are being organized with these very social networking devices.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, how are you processing the dilema of EQUITY in terms of ownership, access and training? How might this gap affect your thoughts?