Tuesday, July 23, reflection

Rumination on class discussions: At a skeletal level, we all seem to be on the same page.  We generally agree on how education is broken and the big picture of the elements of the repair/replacement/transformation.  I am so enjoying listening to my classmates put "flesh on the bones", with vivid examples of what is happening in individual classrooms, departments and districts.  My question: with all the great ideas, activities and thinking that is going on why are we continuing to move rapidly and unwaveringly in the direction of high-stakes standardized testing and common curriculum?  Where is the advocacy for a re-think, for a fundamental challenge of the underlying assumptions?   Our reform activities are taking on the tenor of subversion!

Thought on the Educational Technology article: The accuracy and immediacy of the factual information available with technology at our fingertips fosters the spirit of learning that allows our minds to grow.  Rather than getting bogged down in our discussions over some disputed factoid, we can tie up that loose end with a simple search and move along in developing our arguments, opinions and conversation. 

Thought on the 16 Digital Natives video:  Engage me, engage me, engage me!  Kids want to learn and are ready to learn.  We just need to keep them awake!  They are telling us how to do that and how to harness their tremendous enthusiasm and desire.  We need to listen to them and learn from them.  At some point, we will have to do so.  Sooner would be better than later.

Thoughts on iMovie exploration:  Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Here is my first iMovie posted on my first blog!  (Although the posting of a functional video has proven problematic and may still not work...I'm hoping one of my options below may work when actually Published...nevertheless, progress!).

Exported Final Project:

Exported Using QuickTime:

 

Regardless, I learned a lot and tapped into the spirit of creativity and owning my learning, which is just what I want for the students!