Sir Ken Robinson Video Lecture

After viewing the Sir Ken Robinson video "Do Schools Kill Creativity", I felt relieved and inspired that I am not the only one who thinks that the hierarchy of education is a little messed up (in terms of the order of things). Robinson noted that in most areas of the world, subjects such as Math and English are at the forefront of subject areas that are deemed "educationally important". In one part of his lecture, Robinson recalled a famous dancer/choreographer he once met. By telling this story, he made a demonstration of how intelligence can be seen as "moving to think".

Robinson also addressed the fact that "kids will take a chance - because they are not frightened to be wrong". He announced that "It is the adults who are frightened of being wrong". He also let on that he felt like the purpose of education was to "produce university professors". This previous example helped to illustrate his points on academic inflation.

In the final minutes of the lecture, Sir Robinson summed all of his words and feelings up when he stated, "We need to rethink the fundamental principles in which we educate our children". He ended his brilliant lecture with, "See creativity for what it is...See children for who they are". My reaction to this lecture, as I have said before, is one of inspiration and relief - for I have felt the way he does about education for many years. All this time, I thought I was alone......

Making An Effort to Learn About Twitter

I think I have made an honest effort to learn about Twitter (given the time I have allotted toward constructive research of the site). On the site, I have created my own page. Within this page, one can see that I am "following" or being followed by various types of professionals - from actors to educators and fellow students. A person might also notice the Twitter moniker that I bestowed on myself, the alter ego "basseraser". I have also used a preset background (a few seagulls flying in a brown sky) that pays tribute to the 80s new-wave band A Flock of Seagulls, as well as to Richard Bach's immortal novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

In so far as learning about Twitter, I have learned how to view others "tweets", how to send indirect and direct messages (coincidentally, I just sent a direct message a few minutes ago), and how to add links to other websites via Twitter. I have also referred to the class blog page. Throughout the blog (within various posts and links), one can find such detailed twitter information about "sharing ideas and getting instant feedback", how to engage in stimulating/relevant conversations about topics in just 15 minutes, and tips that can give anyone using Twitter a huge advantage (especially in terms of knowing and understanding Twitter terminology). Again, these tips can be found at the class blog page.

Often times, the only time I would read a tweet is when it was posted by a classmate or by Dr. Strange or another professional educator. Of the actors I followed, I thought that maybe they would shed some light on their everyday lives (to my dismay, however, most of the time they are just promoting new or upcoming movies that they will be starring in). As far as private messages are concerned, I have only sent those to classmates (most of the time as a response to an email link to the site). Publicly speaking, I have sent tweets to those who I have followed or want to follow. In most cases, I have not received any type of reply (Samuel L. Jackson and fellow classmates/instructors being the exception).

Overall, my feelings and thoughts about Twitter are of a "lukewarm" nature. Instant gratification is definitely not a realistic goal when first using the site. As many so-called experts have often said, "It takes time and practice...". This is probably the biggest drawback of the site. Other than that (and the 140 character limitation), I think that the site has great potential, especially in terms of helping to propel the education and technology movement forward. As a teacher or educator, there are many beneficial ways in which one can use Twitter (these ways can be found on my Professional Blog. As a typical individual, Twitter can be used as a tool to link someone to information quickly, a web-based poster board or reminder for upcoming scheduled (or unscheduled) events and dates, or as a way to stay in touch with friends, relatives, and personal and professional contacts.

Though I am still a novice Twitter user, I feel that in time I will acquire the skills needed to be (at least) a intermediate level user. Hopefully, by the time I have become a teacher, I will be proficient enough to use the site not only as a way of establishing contacts or dropping suggestions, reminders and other messages - but also as a way of supporting and promoting the use of education and technology as one. One goal that I have concerning the educational implementation of Twitter is that I will successfully use its features to stay on top of students questions, upcoming activities, and parental concerns involving their child's education - regardless of where I am teaching. I will add this unique tool to my ever-expanding arsenal of web-based educational technologies, in hopes that I will come into the world of teaching ready for anything...

My Critique of 4 Podcasts: Spring '09 EDM 310 Classes

Throughout the semester, I have listened to various podcasts done by our class (Monday night), as well as other EDM 310 classes (all of which are taught by Dr. John Strange). All in all, I thought that everyone did an excellent podcast, with very few mistakes.

I thought that the podcast done by Lauren Roberts, Kimberly White, and Dr. John Strange entitled "Burp Back Education: A Discussion with Dr. John Strange was done quite well. As the podcast began, I could tell that the subject matter would be quite interesting. The bulk of the podcast focused on a Strange term - "burp back" education. Throughout the podcast, Kimberly and Lauren questioned Dr. Strange about the origins of his term, and how it had impacted his life (in a negative way) - as well as the best way to combat it. The threesome also discussed ways in which education and technology, in time, will eventually replace outdated, pricey forms of curriculum - such as the textbook. Other than a little nervousness heard at the beginning of the podcast (which though audible, is completely excusable - especially considering that it was the first time these students had ever done a podcast, in addition to the fact that most of the podcasts had some sort of "nervous tic" ) the interview went off without a hitch. It was very well done.

The podcast done by Keith Grace and Megan Bass entitled "Randy Pausch's Teaching Techniques" was another excellent podcast. Both Keith and Megan spoke of Pausch's inspirational and motivational teaching methods -- especially those that concern overcoming obstacles (or, as the late Pausch called them, "brickwalls"). Overall, I thought the the podcast was interesting and informative - with a very natural flow and rhythm all of it's own (this could also be attributed to the fact that only two people were involved in recording the podcast, making it seem more intimate and conversational).

Of the two podcasts I participated in, I will be most critical (especially in terms of my own performance). The first podcast I participated in (along with Michael Curry and Richard Garriga) was entitled "International Blogs and Other Resources". The only complaints that I have about this podcast are that it went a little bit off of the original format (of which I was not prepared for, resulting in my being caught off guard) and my "breathy" delivery of questions and answers. The second podcast I participated in (along with Anthony Capps, Hannah Rogers, and Mrs. Angela Rand) was entitled "Interview with Mrs. Angela Rand". Once again, I feel that my performance could have been a little more "lifelike" and not as scripted - more conversational. However, I feel that the other participants did a great job in helping me keep my composure. And most importantly, I feel that the podcasts convey a great deal of important information that can be beneficial to both educators and students - as do all of this semesters podcasts (at least the ones that I heard).

Sharing The Blogging Experience

After reading all of the blogs of one student from my class (from a blog page much like my own design), I realized that both the fellow student and myself shared many of the same facts and opinions about the various subjects that we both covered in our posts (Note: now that I think about it, I didn't disagree with any of the viewpoints of this student). Almost all of these subjects pertained to the fusion of education and technology. As I began reading the blogs of my classmate, it began to make sense to me that I wasn't the only one who was completely unaware of the potential greatness that this fusion could have for the present-day multitudes of students being educated in U.S. classrooms -- it could also help to shape the future of education, especially in terms of teaching, learning and applications of the two mixed together simultaneously.

My fellow blogger was not only surprised by the benefits of having instant access to various educational databases, this person also recognized being taken aback by the popularity of blogging within classrooms in the United States and around the globe. Much like I had felt, this student felt that educational tools such as blogging, podcasting, videos, and various technological media should not only be used in just a few learning institutions -- but that such tools should be readily available assets to all students.

Another thought that we both shared concerned the importance of using educational hands-on applications, such as field trips (virtual) and outdoor learning labs to help give students information by way of life's experiences, rather than solely from a classroom environment. We also noted how such applications can also help to motivate students and teachers - which, in turn, can make lessons more fun and more relevant, concerning the nature of being (making an average school lesson into a life lesson).

Perhaps the most important thing that we shared, is our enthusiasm for the future of education. We both feel that by not merely accepting - but embracing a future where education and technology are one in the same, is a true testament to the power and essential value of this reality (which is often times feared by older generations of teachers and educators). In time, perhaps all will realize that by taking initiative and accepting responsibility for the future of our children's educational well being -- the human race will not succeed in creating a new standard of scholastic excellence, but a lasting one...that is, until the next great educational evolution becomes evident.

"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindsets in Learning - Video Podcast

In this latest podcast video found in the iTunes store, students are the focus of a study determining whether intelligence (in terms of learning) changes (through growth) or merely stays the same (the state of being "fixed"). Students who feel that their intelligence is of a fixed nature, often times feel self-conscious about their intelligence - in other words, they worry about exposing the true identity of their intelligence. Students who believe that growth coincides with intelligence believe that their minds are always in a state of "development" (especially in terms of learning).

A workshop was developed (University of Stanford) to see if students could be taught that intelligence and growth are synonymous (one in the same). Based on the findings of the workshop (which was, in all actuality, a "study"), the students who received information (through lessons) concerning study skills and the growth mindset showed a great improvement in their grades. The other students (ones that only received the study skills lessons) showed no improvement in their grades. Essentially, the latter students weren't as motivated as their counterparts (for they were given no instruction on how to increase brainpower effectively).

I found this podcast video to be quite interesting, especially in the way that it addresses self-confidence issues - which are often times overlooked or ignored by educators. I think that, for the most part, teachers often times play a huge part in shaping the way a students might see themselves - especially in terms of success in a classroom environment. If anything, I would use this video to encourage my future students to never set limits for themselves, to include the goals and dreams they wish to achieve and fulfill. I feel that all teachers should go into their perspective fields with this fundamental understanding.