Reflection 1-Technology Bits, Bytes, and Nibbles

I have recently started to open up my mind and  eyes to new blogs and websites for my DED  318 class. Here are some of my initial reactions... :)

Tennessee Schools requiring iPad: Crazy, huh?

I am very shocked to read about this story. I personally can see many pros and cons about this bold and technological move. Fourth graders using iPads seems to me a little risky and distracting. But then again, with all of the advances being made month to month, and our society becoming more and more aware of the need to ‘keep up with the status quo’ I can understand where the administration came to the conclusion to implement this requirement within it’s school system. I also found myself surprised to read about a Tennessee school implementing such an advanced technological requirement—this is probably due to the fact that I have grown up and gone to school in Kansas my entire life.

I think my stereotypical mindset was that this type of program would first be started on the East or West coast—somewhere that takes risk and starts trends traditionally in our country’s society today. This article has helped me to open my eyes and mind to the reality that the world is continuously changing and a more rapid pace everyday; and because of the change of pace, schools nation wide have jumped on the fast track to technology in the classroom.

Angry Birds—Valentines Edition: Look at me!

            After clicking on the link to the video, I found it to be weirdly familiar. Then I realized that my seven and six-year-old cousins were the ones who first showed me this YouTube link. They also play angry birds on their parents’ phones more often than I do on my phone and ipod touch. The entertainment is what excites them the most about the game, but taking a step back and reflecting on my little cousins being so comfortable with technology at such an early age is very thought provoking. At seven, I could maybe get on my tiptoes to put a VCR video (Disney, of course) into the VCR player. I most definitely could not have used a touch screen smart phone to try and smash as many green piggies as possible. This makes me think about how much I will have to learn not only to teach my future students, but also to keep up with their pace and style of learning.  


These articles were found on Bits, Bytes, & Nibbles :)