Instead of Papermate and Ticonderoga being compared, the true comparison is PC versus Mac. This reminds me of the PC vs Mac commercial. In the cartoon, Papermate (PC) makes the argument that it costs less however, they break a lot. It is an economically smart investment for the average person. Ticonderoga's (Mac) argument is that their pencils are more reliable. Like the Ticonderoga, Macs are more expensive but they last longer. I believe the argument in full is that PC, even though it is less expensive, is less reliable. A Mac with all of its hi-tech capabilities and quality is to expensive for an average individual. There is no happy medium for consumers and technology lovers. This cartoon is a great metaphor for Macs and PCs.
Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?
Mr. Spencer's dialogue brings to attention that there are many issues with our education system. Today the teachers have become consumed with high test scores on standardized tests and have forgotten why they became a teacher in the first place. And that is engaging with children to help them learn and to sponsor their creativity, helping them to become a well-rounded person. In the dialogue the principle says " if we want students to pass the rote memorization test, we need to focus on rote memorization skills." With this system, school just becomes a daily routine of set motions with no creativity or encouragement to think critically.
When I was in elementary school, learning use to be fun. This was when I was excited about math and reading. We didn't use computers or anything but my teachers came up with these games that made learning fun and goal oriented. For example, in third grade I was learning my multiplication tables. As a third grader, I was already struggling with math. My teacher, Mrs. Phillips, came up with a learning strategy that involved an ice cream Sunday at the end of the year. The point was that if we got a certain grade on each test you got to add a certain thing to your ice cream. If you didn't pass, you weren't allowed to add that item that the test was for to your ice cream. For example test one was for two scoops of ice cream and test two was for a banana. I enjoyed this challenge and even though I didn't perfect my tables, I was fully engaged and I learned.
When A Child Hates Pencils
Students today don't learn for the sake of learning. Their educational journey is based on a reward system that I believe that handicaps students. Mr. Spencer, in his post, tells a story about one of his students, who does not necessarily hates pencils but the purpose of them. His student, Josiah, hated writing. He never put forth any effort to his writing and always received FAIL on his papers. Josiah started to act out and broke his pencils. The principle told Mr. Spencer to keep pencils away from Josiah until he was mature enough to use them. Ignoring the principle, Mr. Spencer handed him a pencil the next day ans told him he could draw, write a poem or story. Whatever he wanted without the worry of a stamp or letter. Josiah asked why shout he do it? Mr. Spencer said "I write because I have something to say. I draw because I want to create. I can't control it. There's something in me that propels me to draw." Mr. Spencer told Josiah that he would also read it and would add corrections and feedback. Josiah, instantly after the conversation, went to write a poem and made an origami flying dragon.
Students would be better learners if given the freedom to express their ideas without the stress of stamps and grades. Mr. Spencer states "In an effort to create a 20th Century factory-style education, his teacher used isolated-skill worksheets (the name says it right there - they aren't "think sheets") and he grew weary of being bribed with colorful stamps and peppy praise." Factory-style education leaves no room for critical thinking or creativity. If you give a student room and freedom to think and to be creative, you will see that student succeed.
Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?
In Mr. Mcleod's post, he uses a sarcastic tone to challenge us to use technology with education. I believe his argument is that if you don't show your kids how to use technology appropriately, they will be left behind in the dust in our technologically advancing world. When he says "Don't teach your kids this stuff", I believe he is saying that is it stupid not too. Making it a challenge to teach our students to be globally aware of what is going on. Teaching students to use technology helps them with "creating, sharing, thinking, learning." As our society is becoming technologically sound, we need to keep our students updated on the technology trends.
I think it is imperative to incorporate technology with education. It allows students to have access to all the information in the world. It is our goal as teachers to harness the skills needed for our students to do the research necessary to get access to that information. This can be and is being achieved through blogging and PLNs.
Who Is Scott McLeod? Mr. McLeod currently is serving as the Director of Innovation for Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8. He is also the founding director of UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE). It is the only academic center dedicated to the technology needs of school administrators in the nation.
You got them both: metaphor and sarcasm. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI like your stance on Mr. McLeod's post. His sarcastic tones definitely indicate that he feels this is important. His conclusion hits it home! We really should support technology in the classroom, but also be wary about using it. We, as teachers, have to teach students to use it properly.
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