Blog Post #10

Part 1

Papermate vs. Ticonderoga.

I sat in front of my computer for two days pondering this cartoon; eventually I came to a conclusion. I think the Papermate symbolizes the outdated way of learning with pencil and paper. It is a cheaper route but not as efficient and is of less quality. The Ticonderoga represents the new way of learning with technology and the many tools it provides us with. Learning/teaching with technology costs more upfront, but is well worth it in the end. Technology presents a more efficient, more engaging and interactive, and overall better way to learn and teach.

Part 2

Why Were Your Kids Playing Games? By John Spencer

In this post, I think Mr. Spencer is describing the difference in opinions about technology/games in the classroom. Some people think it is nonsense to play educational games and use technology as an educational resource. Well, I think these people are close minded, they should be open to any option that encourages students to learn. Mr. Spencer says that the games are advanced simulations which can be used to teach the children how to use a particular skill in everyday life. This is much like how doctors and soldiers practice. I see no reason for parents or administrators to complain about this.

Another great blog post from Mr. Spencer is Avoid Social Networking. In this post Mr. Spencer
pokes fun at the people who think interaction between students and teachers outside of school is unacceptable. I do not agree with these people. If a student has a question, they should be able to contact their teacher by any means including social networking sites. It would be ridiculous for a teacher to avoid a student at the grocery store or have to resign from coaching a city team to avoid his/her students. Communication between students and teachers should be encouraged.

Part 4

Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please? By Scott Mcleod

I definitely agree with the point Mr. Mcleod is trying to make. There are plenty of teachers, administrators, and parents who shield their students/children from technology in the classroom or for the purposes of learning. I do not agree with these actions. When I was elementary school, I can remember my mom buying me educational computer games to help with spelling, typing, and math; I also had many of the leap frog learning activities and consoles. I think it was a positive thing for me, and it could be for other students as well. Teachers and schools that embrace technology in the classroom are setting their students up for success. End of story. Children should be allowed to create, explore, and share their thoughts and ideas with their classmates and teachers. What if they are the next Mozart or Einstein?

Who is Scott Mcleod? I'm not sure if I can write a short description and cover everything! Scott Mcleod is an expert on K-12 school technology leadership issues. He is also the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8 in Iowa. From what I have read, he is currently on leave from his position as Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Mcleod is also the founding director for UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), which is the nation's only academic center for the technology needs of administrators. Dr. Mcleod had named a Leader in Learning by the cable industry, an Emerging Leader by Phi Delta Kappa International, and one of the National School Board Association's 20 To Watch.