Blog Assignment Three

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
I would say that this movie is an accurate depection of most college classrooms. I have had quite a few classes where people are sleeping or facebooking or not even there. There are some exceptions to this boring one way style of teaching. I have had classes of both sorts but unfortunately they are mostly like that in the video.

Ways to add to the movie would be to show that although some students are sleeping or on the internet not paying attention that there are students there trying to learn. Another way would be to show a classroom where some technology is being used just, like in a powerpoint. These classes are not far above the level of the one shown in this movie. Although there is technology being used this does not mean that the class is interactive or even interesting.

It's Not About Technology
This was a very interesting read. There were many valid points. When first reading the title I was mislead, but after reading the article I understood why she named it "It's Not About Technology". I agree when she states that "Learning and teaching are not the same thing". This is an excellent point, students must learn in order for us to be teaching. I also agree that teachers must still be learners. In order to be the best teacher one must keep up to date on ways and styles of teaching. Learning and using technology in the classroom is one way for teachers to be learners.

My favorite point from this post was that "Technology is useless without good teaching", I could not agree more. Imagine your in a classroom with all sorts of technology. New computers, new software, plus all sorts of other technology but your teacher does not utilize these tools to the best of their ability. They do not optimize learning for their students and are not being a good teacher.

Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I enjoyed this post. I agree that technology is a tool for educators to use. It would be a shame not to, the possibilities are endless. As a student I have been a victom of classrooms that seem to be anti technology. There is not a lot of learning going on in those classes. Just memorization and then forgetting it after the test. Classes that include technology in learning are more interesting and I normally learn and retain more information.

I also agree with the statement, "If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write." In most other jobs the employee is responsible for keeping up with the changes that are taking place. Why should teaching be any different?

Gary Hayes Social Media Count
I believe that the astonishing numbers on this count show us that we are going to have to include technology in the classroom. There is really no way around it. Incorporating this into learning will be a way for students to stay interested. Using technology is also a way for teacheres to stay up to date in teaching.