Blog Post 3

Michael Wesch: A video of students today
I think this video was quite intriguing. It definitely captures my college experiences. If I bring my laptop to class I usually do other things on it than take notes. When I’m sitting in an auditorium like the one in this video, it is much harder to learn. A classroom with, at most, 30 people is a better learning environment. Coming to South was a major wakeup call because my high-school was small and the classes only had 25 people in them. Every teacher knew my name and still knows who I am after being gone for 3 years. My teachers at South didn’t/ don’t know my name and it’s easy for me to skip class. I will graduate with more than $20,000 in debt. I spend way more time watching TV and playing on the internet than I do studying or going to class. I really enjoyed this video and I can relate to those students in many ways.

Its not about technology by: Kelly Hines
I have to agree with Mrs. Hines for the most part. We definitely don’t NEED these technologies in classrooms, but I do think they will make things run smoother and more can be taught. Mrs. Hines had some valid points in her argument, but the major point I agree with is that learning and teaching are not the same thing. Educators need to realize not all students learn at the same speed with the same techniques. Many students are visual learners, while others are not. If one student understood a concept one day but another student did not that does not mean the student that didn’t understand didn’t learn; it just wasn’t taught to he or she the right way. I agree with the fact that it is not all about the technology, it is about the teacher. If the teacher knows how to use the technology then the students will be ready for the future. As long as a teacher is using technology, but does not know exactly how to use it they are doing the students no good. Mrs. Hines had very good arguments and I can see why she believes it is not about the technology.

Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
Mr. Fisch’s blog really made me realize some things. I never really thought about the equivalence of a teacher today who is technology illiterate and a teacher 30 years ago not able to read or write. After hearing what all Mr. Fisch had to say, I completely agree with this statement. No one has ever been proud that he or she couldn’t read or write and today no one should be proud if they are technology illiterate. I have a lot more to learn when it comes to the world of technology, but I am willing and ready. Most teachers think they are very smart and know everything. I’m not saying teachers aren’t smart, but there is always room to learn. Teachers who are in their late 50s early 60s are usually the ones that really think they know it all. The truth is, they are probably the most technology illiterate than anyone. If a teacher is too stubborn and not willing to learn, they will never be successful at what they do.
Technology can seem scary and I think most of the problems for teachers who aren’t willing to learn about it are just scared. I think they are scared they will be unsuccessful at learning about things a student could teach them. In their minds, they are the teacher not the student so why should the student teach them? Who cares who is teaching who? My grandmother is 81 years old and knows how to text. I taught her and she was not scared of not being able to do it. She tried it and succeeded (Let’s just hope she doesn’t text and drive). The point is, if teachers aren’t willing to learn about technology, it’s not because they don’t think it is necessary for the classroom, they are just scared that they won’t be able to do it. Over all I really enjoyed Mr. Fisch’s post and I do agree with him for the most part.

Gary Hayes: Social Media Count
These numbers are changing at a ridiculously fast rate. These changes mean I need to constantly learn all the new things that come from technology so I will not be far behind as an educator.