Blog Post 2

Did You Know?

There is certainly some truth to the video “Did you know?”. The content in the video was mind blowing. Many things in the video were well known, but until we are confronted personally with the issue, we do not think twice or even once. This video confronted issues worldwide as well as continental, which expanded the statistics.
While there can be some speculation on the factual content of the video, the sure thing is that everything described is true in some form or another. Those who do not believe this video is true simply have either not been affected by these problems or think they are invincible to statistics and likely future conflicts.


Mr. Winkle Wakes

The video, “Mr Winkle Wakes”, discusses how school systems have not changed for one hundred years. I believe that some things may have changed in the school system, but for the most part remained the same.
In trying to dispute the fact that some but not all classes should not contain multiple sources of information, independent learning strategies, and creative thinking ideas, I came up empty handed. I firmly believe that every class should be, in some form, the exact opposite of how Mr. Winkle remembers. More emphasis should be placed on various ways to learn and excel instead of sitting in class all day, listening to lecture, and taking tests.


Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity

The Ken Robinson video was most intriguing. He made a great point when he said that nobody knows what the world will be like in five years, but we are supposed to be educating our kids for it. The question is how can we educated what we ourselves consider unknown. I believe the answer is creativity. As Ken Robinson describes, creativity is just as important as literacy and should be treated with the same status. Often times, students go through life with no requirements for creativity. If students cannot display their creativity in a way that is beneficial to their success in life, the teacher or parent is not doing his/her job.
Another point Robinson made is that kids take chances and are not afraid of being wrong. If we were all as courageous as younger kids, we might find that we are more successful in life. I also agree wholly with Robinson's statement, if you're not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original.


Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

Vicki Davis' video was my favorite so far. Davis challenged the students on a much higher level than most teachers do. She stresses that when you have only pencil and only paper, then only certain types of children are going to succeed. I believe this is true, however, all students should be taught multiple ways to succeed.
One useful tool Davis uses is giving the students material that they have never used. When they encounter such material, she expects them to take the initiative to look it up. This is effective because it teaches the students to be self driven. Davis also explains that she does not have to know everything to teach it. I have to agree with her statement. If you have a strong base knowledge of computers, it does not take much more effort to figure something out for yourself, thus learning as you go.