As part of this weeks assignment, I checked out two new video blogging sites VLOG Central (formally VBLOG Central) and VOBBO. I also looked at some of the VBLOG out on YouTube. This is a technology that is obviously immensely popular. As someone who has never really enjoyed being in front of the camera, it is a capability that I do not see the appeal of. But it is obviously there especially with our youth. From a personal perspective of having been in the military, I see a wonderful tool that could be used to link families to loved once far away. I know my son in Iraq is a big user of Skype and I occasionally borrow a friends netbook to video conference with my son... but that is really more of a communication tool that video blogging. I watched over 50 videos this week and some were very intertaining and fun while some were just silly (Cherry Popping and extreme fruit violence) and others were of very questionable content. This is definitely a technology with pluses and minuses.
On the positive side, I see an ability for students to express themselves when other forms of communication are difficult. Students who can not write a good paper can sit sometimes sit and talk to the camera to express themselves and to show what they have learned. Video responses give teachers an additional way to assess what students have learned and they provide students with a feeling of success that they were able to complete an assignment.
But this new technology comes with a great risk that it will be used in an inappropriate manner by our children. The children of 2009 have a different moral view of what is right and wrong that is more often influenced my thier peers that by the adults of their world. This new technology is one that requires we somehow teach our children how to use it properly. It is sad, but in many cases our children are doing more harm to themselves than the worst pedophiles. There is a growing base of stories about children and young adults using cell phone cameras and other video devices to take inappropriate pictures of themselves to share with friends. Once sent, these pictures are no longer under control and they often have very negative consequences. There are also a growing number of adult websites that provide similar capabilities to YouTube. I may be old fashioned, but somehow we need to teach our youth how to use these technologies in an appropriate manner that does not place them at risk. This children and young adults may think its okay today; and maybe they can avoid embarassment now, but there will come a time when they are adults with families of their own that these video exploits will come back to haunt them. Data on the internet lives forever. I do not know the solution to the problem, but somehow we need to put some thought into what technology we make available to our children before it can be misused.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Dr Ken Robinson's monolog on Ted.com is a rather interesting and often funny response to education, but it is also in many ways an unfair representation of today's educational system. I admit to laughing at times, but I also found myself being insulted at times. In the end, I wasn't sure if I was more amused or insulted.
Our educational system (at least in this country) has made many strides in the last 15 years. Recognition of multiple intelligences is just one of them. The system has begun to look at new ways of supporting learning and learning styles. In fact, if you wait a day or less.... a new paper will be published with a new way to teach children. In many ways, I feel that the system as gone too far in trying to find new and innovative ways to teach. The focus on fundamental skills in math and reading has been lost to the idea of kinder and less threatening learning. Reciting math facts and/or spelling in front of the class is now considered to stressful for fragil egos and so the skills work has been dropped from our curriculum. With these changes, out country's education system has lost it superiority in the world. Maybe we need to reconsider going back to the basics. We can still use the things we have learned about teaching, but without forgetting the hard lessons we learned along the way. I do not believe that stressing basic skills development damages creativity. The US did it for decades and managed to land on the moon. Creativity can remain despite structured learning.
There were two pieces of the video that I found very insightful though. The first was the comment that young children are often willing to try even if they do not know the answer. They are not afraid to be wrong. Trying and failing is still allowed. That is soemthing I think schools need to teach our students more carefully. It is okay to make mistakes as long as you are trying. If we teach our children its bad to make a mistake then they may be afraid to try. Smoe of our greatest achievements have involved failure. It was okay to fail 10,00 times to make a light bulb as long as Edison kept trying until he got 1 right.
The second note that I really like was the comment about how we treat kids with different learning styles or disabilities today. The idea that one of the world's greatest dancers might have been medicated and told to relax is scary, but all to often the easiest solution. Kids need to be understood and accepted as they are. Then we can learn to teach who they are. My experience is that most of who they are is what the adults in their life have created. True issues are issues our society has created in the child. Sometimes its a genius we do not recognize that a parent has nurtured and sometimes its a disability that adults have instilled. Sometimes its just who the child is. Understand it first, then maybe we can understand how best to teach the child. And maybe all it takes is dance school.
Our educational system (at least in this country) has made many strides in the last 15 years. Recognition of multiple intelligences is just one of them. The system has begun to look at new ways of supporting learning and learning styles. In fact, if you wait a day or less.... a new paper will be published with a new way to teach children. In many ways, I feel that the system as gone too far in trying to find new and innovative ways to teach. The focus on fundamental skills in math and reading has been lost to the idea of kinder and less threatening learning. Reciting math facts and/or spelling in front of the class is now considered to stressful for fragil egos and so the skills work has been dropped from our curriculum. With these changes, out country's education system has lost it superiority in the world. Maybe we need to reconsider going back to the basics. We can still use the things we have learned about teaching, but without forgetting the hard lessons we learned along the way. I do not believe that stressing basic skills development damages creativity. The US did it for decades and managed to land on the moon. Creativity can remain despite structured learning.
There were two pieces of the video that I found very insightful though. The first was the comment that young children are often willing to try even if they do not know the answer. They are not afraid to be wrong. Trying and failing is still allowed. That is soemthing I think schools need to teach our students more carefully. It is okay to make mistakes as long as you are trying. If we teach our children its bad to make a mistake then they may be afraid to try. Smoe of our greatest achievements have involved failure. It was okay to fail 10,00 times to make a light bulb as long as Edison kept trying until he got 1 right.
The second note that I really like was the comment about how we treat kids with different learning styles or disabilities today. The idea that one of the world's greatest dancers might have been medicated and told to relax is scary, but all to often the easiest solution. Kids need to be understood and accepted as they are. Then we can learn to teach who they are. My experience is that most of who they are is what the adults in their life have created. True issues are issues our society has created in the child. Sometimes its a genius we do not recognize that a parent has nurtured and sometimes its a disability that adults have instilled. Sometimes its just who the child is. Understand it first, then maybe we can understand how best to teach the child. And maybe all it takes is dance school.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Death by PowerPoint
PowerPoint presentations are not one of my favorite tools in the classroom. At least not for use as the teacher. They can be okay as a way for students to share the results of their own research or labs.... but even then there are better and more capable tools for the student to use. So I really do not have any educational horror or wonder stories to share. Just a little structured noted taking which seems a great way to allow students to copy down important notes.
In my first career in the US Air Force, PowerPoint and presentations were a way of life. Careers lived and died by the briefings that people gave before the Generals. It was often sad to think that you could do a better job and still not be recognized for it simply because the guy briefing before you had some better tricks in his presentation that caught the General's attention. But it was a fact of life.
The two most painful uses of Powerpoint that used to drive me crazy were often related. First was the 1 gigabit slide. The graphics and pictures on a single slide were so large that the slide takes forever to load. Back in the old days.... if you were lucky the powerslide would crash the computer and you could end that particular briefing quickly and painlessly. The second painful presentation trick was often related, too much animation. I can see my boss standing at the podium to shis day. The slide would begin with a map. An Airplane would fly across the screen and deposite an icon on the map. Ships would cross the ocean and drop more icons on the map. The whole process of building this one piece of information took 15 minutes to say something that could have been said in 15 seconds. Anybody besides me want to leave before the next slide starts? And by the way... there are 10 more after that one.
In my first career in the US Air Force, PowerPoint and presentations were a way of life. Careers lived and died by the briefings that people gave before the Generals. It was often sad to think that you could do a better job and still not be recognized for it simply because the guy briefing before you had some better tricks in his presentation that caught the General's attention. But it was a fact of life.
The two most painful uses of Powerpoint that used to drive me crazy were often related. First was the 1 gigabit slide. The graphics and pictures on a single slide were so large that the slide takes forever to load. Back in the old days.... if you were lucky the powerslide would crash the computer and you could end that particular briefing quickly and painlessly. The second painful presentation trick was often related, too much animation. I can see my boss standing at the podium to shis day. The slide would begin with a map. An Airplane would fly across the screen and deposite an icon on the map. Ships would cross the ocean and drop more icons on the map. The whole process of building this one piece of information took 15 minutes to say something that could have been said in 15 seconds. Anybody besides me want to leave before the next slide starts? And by the way... there are 10 more after that one.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The New World Order of Hans Rosling
This was such an incredible video that I can't describe all the ways that I enjoyed it. Hans Rosling is a very rare man. Having worked in the world of data analysis and online databases, it is rare to find someone that intelligent and skilled who can also give an interesting briefing. I have known some brilliant data analysts... but someone has to wake you up for the important points in the briefings. This was exciting and the way the data was used was so interesting.
From the perspective of a social studies teacher, it was so interesting to see a view of the world that wasn't just about the "Have's" and "Have Not's". The world order has changed and is continuing to change. Its refreshing to see someone talk about the new world order with current data that supports current conclusions. Our world needs more information like this so that people can understand what is happening. Maybe if there were more people showing this level of information in an understandable way, at least part of the third world might stop blaming the USA for all their woes.
From an educational perspective, I am a little more leary of what I saw in the video. But I still like the idea of making information more available to students and those who want to learn. If tools can be developed to export that information in an understandable fashion, it can only imporve the learning of our students.
On the other hand, I am somewhat trained in data analysis. I took several classes in this area to support the database work I did for my degrees. I know enough to know that this can be a dangerous tool that can lead to many bad decisions. True data analysis and database management means you have to have an understanding of how data is related and how to normalize the data. You have to have a fair bit of math under your belt to understand the error inherent in the data. Without a very strong background, the average data consumer will not be able to analyze the data correctly to be able to make GOOD decisions. To draw a bad analogy, this is like putting a loaded weapon in the hands of a 3-year old. I have seen corporate executives with trained IT support pull the wrong data to make decisions that destroyed product lines. I have seen school administrators take standardized test (NECAP) data and make recommendations that do not even address the student shortfalls. Before turning powerful databases and analysis tools over to anyone that wants to use them, as IT professionals we need to educate the people on how to use the tools and understand the results.
From the perspective of a social studies teacher, it was so interesting to see a view of the world that wasn't just about the "Have's" and "Have Not's". The world order has changed and is continuing to change. Its refreshing to see someone talk about the new world order with current data that supports current conclusions. Our world needs more information like this so that people can understand what is happening. Maybe if there were more people showing this level of information in an understandable way, at least part of the third world might stop blaming the USA for all their woes.
From an educational perspective, I am a little more leary of what I saw in the video. But I still like the idea of making information more available to students and those who want to learn. If tools can be developed to export that information in an understandable fashion, it can only imporve the learning of our students.
On the other hand, I am somewhat trained in data analysis. I took several classes in this area to support the database work I did for my degrees. I know enough to know that this can be a dangerous tool that can lead to many bad decisions. True data analysis and database management means you have to have an understanding of how data is related and how to normalize the data. You have to have a fair bit of math under your belt to understand the error inherent in the data. Without a very strong background, the average data consumer will not be able to analyze the data correctly to be able to make GOOD decisions. To draw a bad analogy, this is like putting a loaded weapon in the hands of a 3-year old. I have seen corporate executives with trained IT support pull the wrong data to make decisions that destroyed product lines. I have seen school administrators take standardized test (NECAP) data and make recommendations that do not even address the student shortfalls. Before turning powerful databases and analysis tools over to anyone that wants to use them, as IT professionals we need to educate the people on how to use the tools and understand the results.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Challenging Students and Ourselves with Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom's Taxonomy and the ideas it presents for education are not a new concept to me. In fact, it was an old concept that I had somewhat pushed aside as old news. I understood the basics of the different levels of learning and had moved on to some of the more recent educational raves such as the 9 learning styles, etc. What did surprise me was that Bloom's now encompasses 3 different realms of learning. I knew the cognative levels and felt comfortable with them. The addition of the Affective (Feelings) and Psycho-Motor (physical) models is something new for me at least and something that I would like to look into further as I grow as an educator. I think that these are a huge addition to Bloom's model, and may be the stepping point for addressing students with other learning styles.
Blooms is designed to help us challenge our students but I also recognize that it challenges us as teachers even more. It is easier to prepare lessons that simply address Knowledge, Understanding, or even Application. Moving into higher realms is a lot more work. When you add in the need for differentiated instruction, basic skills work, and multiple intelligences; it is often far to easy to remain at the lower levels of learning. I find that even when I get to the higher levels of learning, I tend to find a spot that I am comfortable with and tend to teach from that realm. I am big on synthesis. I like my students to be able to take information from multiple sources and or views and use those sources to create an opinion or view that is their own. Again this is a comfort zone way of teaching for me. This is a process that I am comfortable with and one that I find I can easily write lessons to challenge my students. But there are other goals and skills that they need to learn.
I guess my last thought for today is that one of the other challenges we face as educators is which model for improving education we are going to follow. I have been at the middle school for almost 6 years now. In that time we have had 4 educational focuses each trying to meed student needs a different way. By the time we start to get a handle on one way to do things better, we are off tackling something different. Its not like the ideas are exclusive... but you only have so much time to rework lessons each time you teach them. As a software engineer, I understood rapid changes in technology and development tools. But teaching and reaching students is more that swapping in a faster set of hardware or a new programming language. To use an old software phrase, maybe its time for the world of education to stop looking for the "Silver Bullet" to slay our problems. Maybe its time to just take the time to really implement what we know. But then how would people revolutionize teaching and make a name for themselves.
Blooms is designed to help us challenge our students but I also recognize that it challenges us as teachers even more. It is easier to prepare lessons that simply address Knowledge, Understanding, or even Application. Moving into higher realms is a lot more work. When you add in the need for differentiated instruction, basic skills work, and multiple intelligences; it is often far to easy to remain at the lower levels of learning. I find that even when I get to the higher levels of learning, I tend to find a spot that I am comfortable with and tend to teach from that realm. I am big on synthesis. I like my students to be able to take information from multiple sources and or views and use those sources to create an opinion or view that is their own. Again this is a comfort zone way of teaching for me. This is a process that I am comfortable with and one that I find I can easily write lessons to challenge my students. But there are other goals and skills that they need to learn.
I guess my last thought for today is that one of the other challenges we face as educators is which model for improving education we are going to follow. I have been at the middle school for almost 6 years now. In that time we have had 4 educational focuses each trying to meed student needs a different way. By the time we start to get a handle on one way to do things better, we are off tackling something different. Its not like the ideas are exclusive... but you only have so much time to rework lessons each time you teach them. As a software engineer, I understood rapid changes in technology and development tools. But teaching and reaching students is more that swapping in a faster set of hardware or a new programming language. To use an old software phrase, maybe its time for the world of education to stop looking for the "Silver Bullet" to slay our problems. Maybe its time to just take the time to really implement what we know. But then how would people revolutionize teaching and make a name for themselves.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Reflection on Dr. Bernie Dodge video - WebQuest: the Pitfalls
Dr Dodge's short discussion has some excellent points to make. I agree that one of the first questions that needs to be asked is whether or not this is an appropriate subject for a webquest. Many of the quests found online are nothing more than activities meant to keep students busy digging up and spitting back facts that they could easily find in their textbooks. Its a shame that the webquest is often a tool used to give a teacher a break from teaching for a day.
I was most impressed by Dr Dodge's development of his own three level taxonomy. I liked the words he used for the highest levels of learning: "Create, Predict, Decide." If you can get students to that level, it is a really useful experience. I do not agree that that is the only learning objectives that are good uses for a webquest though. I also would like to see the idea of synthesis listed as a higher learning objective. Students are often bombarded with information from all sides. It is important to teach them to bring different sources together to form a deeper understanding that may not exist in their sources.
The one topic that I disagreed with was Dr Dodge's ascertion that you know you have done well when each student has a different response. I see this as a valid perception with older, more mature students. As a college professor and possibly as a high school teacher, you can hope for that time of intellectual growth. My experience is that most middle school students are not to that point in their ability to learn. They are still focused on their being a right and wrong answer. SOme of my best simulation and role playing lesson end with reflections where students have to oportunity to show insight beyond the simple role they played. I am usually thrilled if 4-5 of my hundred plus students actually go beyond telling me what happened to explaining why. It doesn't mean whe don't try but I think its important to understand where in the learning curve students are.
I was most impressed by Dr Dodge's development of his own three level taxonomy. I liked the words he used for the highest levels of learning: "Create, Predict, Decide." If you can get students to that level, it is a really useful experience. I do not agree that that is the only learning objectives that are good uses for a webquest though. I also would like to see the idea of synthesis listed as a higher learning objective. Students are often bombarded with information from all sides. It is important to teach them to bring different sources together to form a deeper understanding that may not exist in their sources.
The one topic that I disagreed with was Dr Dodge's ascertion that you know you have done well when each student has a different response. I see this as a valid perception with older, more mature students. As a college professor and possibly as a high school teacher, you can hope for that time of intellectual growth. My experience is that most middle school students are not to that point in their ability to learn. They are still focused on their being a right and wrong answer. SOme of my best simulation and role playing lesson end with reflections where students have to oportunity to show insight beyond the simple role they played. I am usually thrilled if 4-5 of my hundred plus students actually go beyond telling me what happened to explaining why. It doesn't mean whe don't try but I think its important to understand where in the learning curve students are.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Ease of Teaching the Internet
The Internet is such a great tool. The information and resources rival even the best libraries I have ever visited. I love maps and the maps that are available to use with my students with a quick click are amazing. Scanned copies of battlefield maps to copies of maps used by Christopher Columbus with anotations made by him or his crew. It is simple amazing. And if you do not have time to make your own lesson.... sites like The Center for Teaching History with Technology have tons of material just waiting for someone to come get it. If your interested, take a look at their site at http://thwt.org/webqueststhinkquests.html
This week's entry is supposed to be about creating a webquest. The hardest part of the Webquest is eliminating sources. The data is everywhere and the hardest part for me was cutting the information back to a reasonable amount of sites. I have to admit to being a technology junkie though. I seem to have a knack for internet searches and finding the right combination of keywords to seach for. I am sure thats not true for everyone though.
The other challenging part of the webquest is often getting the students to take the information they find and process that information into more than just a set of facts that they put on the paper. My time in special education has really helped me with that process. And often its a lot easier that most people think. The first step is often to simply ask for something other than words. This serves two goals as an educator. First, you can allow students to use other learning styles and/or multiple intelligences. The second is that the student has to understand more of the material they read to translate that information into a drawing or map or artifact. I find this works well for my high needs students and the other students in the classroom. And belief it or not, sometimes they even have fun.
This week's entry is supposed to be about creating a webquest. The hardest part of the Webquest is eliminating sources. The data is everywhere and the hardest part for me was cutting the information back to a reasonable amount of sites. I have to admit to being a technology junkie though. I seem to have a knack for internet searches and finding the right combination of keywords to seach for. I am sure thats not true for everyone though.
The other challenging part of the webquest is often getting the students to take the information they find and process that information into more than just a set of facts that they put on the paper. My time in special education has really helped me with that process. And often its a lot easier that most people think. The first step is often to simply ask for something other than words. This serves two goals as an educator. First, you can allow students to use other learning styles and/or multiple intelligences. The second is that the student has to understand more of the material they read to translate that information into a drawing or map or artifact. I find this works well for my high needs students and the other students in the classroom. And belief it or not, sometimes they even have fun.
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