Did you know?

The video "Did you know 3.0?" by Karl Fisch was very interesting due to the facts and statistics he used. Many of his statistics were surprising to me. I think the creator of the video was using the statistics to get a shocked yet positive reaction from his viewers. It is exciting to think that technology has come so far in so little time and that it is only growing faster. The idea that technology is changing so rapidly can be scary to some since it means the things you learn now will not be valid later. I think that it is exciting that we will constantly have to learn new things and keep up to date with a modern world. The only way to survive in our world is to keep up. Those who do not, end up failing.

One of the most interesting statistics in the video is that China will soon become the number 1 English speaking country. This amazes me because this means that the students over their not only become familiar with their own language but ours as well. The determination and standards must be on a higher level than those in the U.S. because most Americans only know English. At the end of the video the question was asked, "what does all this mean?" and I believe that all of those powerful facts and statistics meant we must never stop learning, exploring or finding out answers. If we do then we will be left behind in a fast paced world.

Mr. Winkle Wakes

The video "Mr. Winkle Wakes," by Matthew Needleman is a story of a man who slept for a hundred years and awakens to find the world is now running on computers. He visits a hospital, an office building and a school. Out of those three, the school is the only one who did not use computers. Being a sophomore in college, I can remember using computers since the fourth grade! I have used them more and more ever since. I could not imagine my education without the use of computers. They have been a prominent tool in my education and I believe have contributed greatly to it.

I think it would be foolish not to use technology such as computers as a part of education. There are so many things that could help people learn more or at a quicker pace. I believe not using such technology is robbing a person of an opportunity for a more developed education. Also by using technology in education, a person could be equipped for the real world which, like the video displays, is run by computers. I do believe teachers are the most important aspect of education because human contact is a nessecity and they can teach things a computer cannot. Technology is merely a small portion of education which I feel is needed. When coupled with technology, I feel that teachers could have more success in the classroom. Education is falling behind because they are not up to date with a technologically savvy world.

The Importance of Creativity

Sir Ken Robinson's speech on creativity presents many impressive ideas and valid arguments. His stance on the topic of preserving creativity in schools is passionate and very admirable as an educator. He brought up the argument that some kids need to express creativity in order to learn. I agree with his speech and think it is important for a student to be able to express themselves in order to learn.

The other point I agree on with Sir Robinson is the idea that not all students who are easily distracted in the classroom setting are in need of medication. I think certain kids need specific education needs which can be easily met instead of just chalking it up to some sort of sickness. I believe each student has specific needs and while it is impossible to cater to every one's needs, there are ways that they can be helped. I think that educators are the most important people of society today and with more concentration on bettering our system I think that more students' needs can be met.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

In our world today the importance of digital citzenship cannot be expressed enough. Vicki Davis' work with her students and with her website is an inspiration for educators everywhere. Living in rural Georgia, her students are communicating with others all over the world. The work she has done is imperative in a technological world of opportunity. So much can be gained through technology and she is making sure her students are prepared. As a future educator I hope to make an impact as big as Mrs. Davis' on my students and on education as a whole.

The dedication of Mrs. Davis in her journey to educate her students is quite impressive. She knows the role technology plays in the world and that her students need it in order to be successful. Knowledge in technology is something that everyone can use and is growing into something that everyone needs. I believe it is important for both students and teachers to learn about technology in order to better themselves and others.