Blog Post #5

The iSchool Initiative

Travis Allen thinks all aspects of learning can be totally technology deliverable.He feels schools could save money on the cost of textbooks and teacher salaries.Travis knows the shape of our schools and the money issues today and feels he knows the solution. He is convinced the school based apps available today are the solution to the money woes of schools.
As I listened to Travis, it was easy to believe he was right in his thinking. He demonstrated and talked about apps I did not know existed. Interactive books and electronic formats would allow for immediate updates to curriculum for teachers and more effective learning for the students. The iSchool may very well be the way of learning in the future and would prove beneficial where money is concerned but what will happen to the quality of learning? If only everyone was as technology literate as Travis seems to be. What about the people who are not? I actually like the way he thinks, however, I see the other side of the coin also. There are different learning styles of people to keep in mind. Everyone does not learn in the same way. As teachers we must remember that when we deliver information. The educational apps are all great... but some people need face to face interaction and they should not suffer because the world is so focused on technology. Technology is a good thing and I am not knocking it,I just think everyone should be considered when making a decision to become an iSchool. I also feel very strong about calling the school an iSchool. Does that mean Apple would be the only contributor to the school as for as educational apps or pieces of technology? Would there be room for any other competitors to compete? Just my thoughts.

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

This video was excellent. It was a perfect use of the internet. The idea of a virtual career is amazing. Anyone who wants to try out for the choir has the opportunity to do so. The video was inspiring and the music and voices Heavenly. The voices were beautiful and soothing to the ear. While listening to the choir, I closed my eyes and it felt as if I was inside a cathedral. This video gave me goosebumps. I loved it and it has so much potential. Imagine a worldwide virtual choir bringing us all together! The concept is phenomenal.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Teaching in the future will definitely not be so rigid and scripted as it is now. While creativity is not encouraged and included in the way academics are taught... it will be an integral part of classroom academics in the future. Creativity will be encouraged because without it discoveries will not be made. Freedom of expression will allow new ideas discussed and a freedom to learn environment. Art will be used to inspire and explore mindsets. The use of your imagination will be a part of everyday learning while making learning fun. Science will be as important as Dance. Math will be as important as Art and English will be as important as Technology. It's a small world with lots of different people and if we learn together, the world will become a better place.

Why I Flipped My Classroom and Flipped Classroom

I enjoyed watching these two videos. I really became excited watching them because I could visualize myself using the techniques in my classroom. The Flipped classroom would allow time to teach all of the students. Every classroom will have those high achievers, the middle of the road student and some who are struggling. This approach allows pre-loading the content, working ahead, self pacing, and remediation. It also allows time for more application of the content and less time delivering the content. Struggling students have more of an opportunity to get one on one instructions and there is more time to work with all groups of students. The Flipped classroom is such a wonderful approach to teaching with many benefits for the students and the teachers.