iSchool Initiative is a video created by a high school student named Travis Allen that is designed to solve "America's education problem." His idea basically involves replacing most of the current books and paper model of education with Apple products like iPads and iPods. While there is definitely some validity to his argument that this movement will most likely improve America's educational system, it is a little naive to believe that his idea is a solution to America's education problem. For one thing, there are a multitude of problems that involve far more than funding and style of teaching; however, he does make some excellent points about where classrooms are most likely heading. iSchool Initiative is a unique idea that will most likely come to complete fruition in the next decade.
Eric Whitacre's virtual choir is an incredible video that shows some of what is capable through Youtube. There are a number of videos like this one out there that show how collaboration can take another step through using the internet.
Teaching in the 21st Century gives some revolutionary ideas about the way teaching is evolving now that so much information is always at everyone's fingertips. This opens up new ideas about what it means to be a teacher and what needs to be taught. Some of the old ideas about memorization of numerous objects only to be later forgotten are slowly going out the window (hopefully). Teaching actual usable skills has become more important now than ever.
The ideas in the video are pretty basic but extremely important. I would like to apply some of the core ideas to my classroom when I become a teacher. I want to not only teach students the rules of grammar and how to write but also how to access GOOD information about these subjects whenever they have questions later in life. I also hope to teach students how to use online resources and databases for many of their needs as they advance to college.
The Flipped Classroom videos are a great example of teachers thinking outside of the box. There are definitely a few inherent problems with the flipped classroom, but I love the ingenuity of the idea. A system like this could create much more time for teachers to spend helping students apply information and keep them engaged throughout the entire duration of the class. It also would allow for more freedom for students who are ahead of their peers.
The obvious problem with this idea is keeping students motivated when away from the classroom. I think it is a possibility that a substantial percentage of students simply wouldn't watch the videos leaving teachers in and odd position. At least when teachers are in front of a class speaking, they can attempt to keep the attention of the class and call out a student who is daydreaming or sleeping. With the flipped classroom, a teacher would have much less control over engaging students. I still love the idea however, and would like to see some portion of it implemented into wherever I end up teaching.
"For one thing, there are a multitude of problems that involve far more than funding and style of teaching; ..." Please expand on this. I would very much like to have your thoughts about what those problems are.
ReplyDeleteVirtual Choir - reader who knew nothing about a Virtual Choir would still know nothing after reading your comment. You MUST describe/ summarize what you read and watch and then offer your comments and reflections. It is a two part process that is called for. You have barely done one of those parts.
Same for the Flipped Classroom. You provide no information. Only your reaction. You must assume your reader has not read or watched the assignment and to understand your comments a summary is absolutely necessary. In addition, i require it.
Teaching in the 21st Century. List (in outline form) the arguments made by the author. Then comment.
You have not done this assignment following the instructions I have provided.
First of all, your links all worked,so that is good. You do need to have a picture with your post, though.
ReplyDeleteI would have liked for you to be more specific in your iSchool position, and explain more in depth why you think what you said. - "While there is definitely some validity to his argument that this movement will most likely improve America's educational system, it is a little naive to believe that his idea is a solution to America's education problem." Okay I understand where you're coming from, but now I am curious about what you think a solution to America's education problem could be.
"There are a number of videos like this one out there that show how collaboration can take another step through using the internet." Maybe you could have given your readers an example here. For example, you could have placed a link to one of those other videos like this one.
Also, you did not explain what the virtual choir video was about. If your readers had not already watched the video, they would have no idea what you were talking about.
What is the flipped classroom? Explain it so your readers know what it is.
Other than needing to add some more information and explaining the videos along with the opinions you provided, you did a good job of writing an interesting and grammatically correct post!