After viewing all of the video's that were suggested to us, I was amazed of how diverse the use of technology affects almost everything that we do in society; communication, globalization, helping others during a catastrophe and education as a whole. Not that any of these things surprised me, but 18 years ago,I did not have a computer in my classroom never the less the students were extremely limited in the classroom. Now, we have computer labs, Promethean boards etc. Today, for example, I am using a blog to communicate my thoughts in which I never used before until this class.
As an administrator the use of technology is essential in teaching the 21st Century learner. It was said in one of the video's, that technology creates the KNOWLEDGE-ABLE learner versus knowledgeable learner. While all the video's were very informative and interesting, I would like to share the 3 that really made me think about being an administrator in education.
1. Crisis Camp - Video #2. I thought this video was very interesting because it depicted a very poor nation with no electricity or running water and how those people interacted with each other before media sources. These tribes put all of their emphasis on "relationships" with others. They did not care about who they are, what they have or their identity. Does technology take us away from relationships with others? Well, I think yes and no. In the video, when these tribes were presented with new media sources; primitive so to speak, Census Books and maps, relationships started to change when the media change. The media was not just a tool but it connected everyone in the village in a different point of view. Instead of the consequence of a negative behavior in the village being handled by loss of respect of the individuals' relationship it changed to having a trial in a courthouse.
As an administrator finding the balance between using high level technology to enhance interpersonal relationships and using technology to learn and communicate information is the key. I believe that students are using so much technology that they have lost the ability to have a good conversation with another person and also have a relationship with someone besides texting and emailing.
2. The second video I would like to discuss is Vision of K12 Students today- Video #5. I really liked this video. In fact, I have seen this one before in a PD workshop held at my last school. I think it is important that if our students are utilizing these 21st Century learning techniques then teachers need to learn how to implement them in the classroom. Having this knowledge will increase student learning and challenge them to create, analyze, apply and engage in classroom learning. I actually asked my students last week several questions about how much time do they spend on the phone texting, playing video games, blogging, listening to an Ipod. The results were very similar to the video. Our society is creating digital learners why not utilize their interests and knowledge in the classroom to make learning not only challenging but also fun and exciting?
3. The last video I would like to discuss is the Effects of Globalization on Education. This I found very interesting. I am a fond believer that learning in Education can have profound results by traveling to other countries or to provide a tool for communicating with other countries over the Internet to learn various cultures and learning techniques. I was an international student at the American School in Mexico City and saw these dynamics first hand with various educational styles. I also, have taken students the past 5 years all throughout Europe to learn about history, culture, language etc. that they were learning out of a book in the US. What they saw and learned first hand was amazing. Especially when they communicated with their classmates via blogs to share their experiences. As an administrator, I would utilize and implement a program via media, Internet, video to get connected with other countries to break down the barriers of education so our 21st Century learners can be more diverse in their education
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