Project #2-Wordle

Blog Post 2

Did You Know?
In the short time of four minutes and fifty six seconds, I was made aware of how fast technology actually works and how essential it is in lives all over the world. This video was very interesting and contained so many facts that completely enlightened me. After seeing the substantial facts I realized that technology is faster than the human mind that created it and  it is also spreading faster than the human population can even reproduce.

 A statistic that really jumped out at me was that technical information is doubling every two years, so for students starting a four year technical degree, by the time they reach their third year of school half of what they learned in the first year will be outdated. So this creates a challenge for teachers and poses a question in the minds of students pursuing a degree. That challenge for the teacher is to educate a student rapidly and the question a student might ask would be "Is the education I am receiving of any relevance to the world in which I live?" Because of the rapid rate of technology in many countries and the expected rate of technological advancements in the near future, it is absolutely mandatory for an educational institution to strive to keep a current knowledge of technology in order to teach relevant information. This would not be an easy task, but it would be great for students and teachers alike, to make a corporate endeavor to ensure a proper understanding in the transforming field of technology. Rather than shying away from the great strides in our very technological society, the changes are worth embracing. If the new developments are not embraced, taught, and learned to students today, then I highly believe somewhere in the near future that because of our technological dependent world many individuals will become as foreigners in an unfamiliar territory. It's almost as if we are in the process of creating a world that we don't even know.

Mr. Winkle Wakes 
Wow! The irony of this video is very much enjoyed. It reminds me of Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, a very classic tale that was written about a similar situation during the American Revolutionary war and our transition from being owned by Britain under rule of King George to being a free nation with a President. Although this is an animated video, it does present a very valid point.

I believe that the main point in the video was that no matter how advanced technology gets the atmosphere of the classroom is the fixed variable in education and can always be a familiar place for a student. We have discovered that technology is advancing and effecting the world, whether in learning or even keeping us alive.
With all these changes, one could become overwhelmed as Mr. Winkle portrayed in the video. He did find comfort in the familiarity of the classroom. After seeing all the new progress in society after 100 years, he still  said that "some things still remain the same!" In my opinion the foundation for education has been made, and technology will only redefine and add-to what has already been established rather than completely revamping our educational system.

On our very first day of class Dr. Strange asked the question, "Which is more important, teaching facts or skills?" This video goes right along with answering that question. Teaching actual skills is the key in preparing students for the work place and for many different aspects of life. The variation of time differences shown in this video also help us as a viewer to see that skill is so vital. Skills can always be added to and improved whereas facts are just dead as technology marches on. Because society is evolving and skills can be evolved it seems to be the perfect formula to prevent having the same response as Mr. Winkle did in the video.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
The video of Sir Ken Robinson's presentation was absolutely astounding! It is something that I will definitely apply to help students receive a quality education! I think that this will definitely be a way to help students learn the basics in a manner that gives them freedom to be themselves and discover who they are! 

At the end of his speech he compared stripping kids of creativity in education in the same way that someone would strip the whole earth of a precious commodity. This analysis is very important because it can prevent the next generation of minds from being stripped of great gifts and the ability to use the most valuable resource given to us, imagination! Creativity is very important in education and I agree with Sir Ken Robinson, that it should not be disregarded from a child's education but encouraged. A quote was mentioned that children are born with creativity, but from K. Robinson's opinion, children are being educated out of their ability to be creative. Our educational systems should be set up in such a way that using your imagination has worth and is encouraged rather than the use of one's creativity being deemed irrelevant and replaced by logic alone. Because creativity is not permitted and human reasoning is strongly endorsed, we have compartmentalized and limited education. Due to the compartmentalization of learning, students who are seemingly intelligent and learn through a more creative manner will not thrive in today's educational system. Furthermore, this puts a damper on a student's 'bright future'! This limited way of education eliminates many individuals who could make our future greater, stronger, and more efficient. Creativity not allowed in the core of education does not enhance our tomorrow, but only damages what could be produced. Freedom to explore, freedom to create, freedom to use imagination is as important as math, science, and the English language itself. Being wrong should be allowed, because being wrong alongside creativity paves new ways, which connect the present with the future.

Sir Ken Robinson also broke down intelligence in three ways. Intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct according to Sir Robinson. I strongly agree with that. If intelligence isn't explored in these three ways then it has been cheapened.  It is diverse in my opinion because students and individuals are diverse. It would be unfair to declare a math scholar intelligent and not a profound pianist. Both are intelligent, only in different ways. Our educational system may not recognize the pianist as intelligent because from some individual's perspectives that generally will not lead anywhere. Intelligence is also dynamic! As a future teacher exploring the dynamics of education seems very important. Students should have the opportunity to learn in many different capacities, whether it be through hearing, hands-on, or any other method. When only one method is allowed the dynamics are minimal and doesn't give each student a fair chance to progress in education. Intelligence is also distinct. It is valuable that a teacher take a fair assessment of students throughout their formative years to discover their distinct learning skills, abilities, and gifts. After the distinctions are made, then a teacher can properly build on that ensuring the bright future we all hear about.

Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts
It's true, technology at the fingertips in a classroom removes the harness and allows students to learn by being connected to the world. I believe that Vicki Davis has created one of the most efficient ways of teaching. Not only are students free from the limitations of crayons alone, but by using technology they can learn for themselves and teach others. In my opinion, this method will enable students to progress at the same rate as the technology around them improves.

I can relate to the rural classroom setting that the kids in the video are in. I however, did not get the opportunity to experience the world but was limited to the four walls in the classroom. Learning as these kids are learning will broaden their learning capacity and should guarantee a successful future. By introducing children at a young age the many facets of our technological strides, they will be readily prepared for a wide variety of jobs and will most definitely be able to adjust to the constant transforming of technological resources. It is amazing that Vicki Davis has established an approach to learning that promotes individuality, the freedom to learn, and the assurance that students will be launched into a secure future!

I would love to take this way of teaching and apply it in my career if I have the opportunity. I think that it is vital and relevant in our society and will be most beneficial for a diverse group of students.

Blog Post 1

 My name is Carrie Tucker. I have lived in Uriah Alabama for a majority of my life until I decided to move to Mobile to go to college. Uriah is a very small town located about an hour north of Mobile. I attended USA because it was close to where I lived and so that I wouldn't have to make a major move. In addition to that, I am very fond of the city of Mobile! My family is also from Uriah and both of my parents come from a very large family, so needless to say, our Christmas dinner is actually a rather large feast! I entered in the education field first, because I am highly interested in language arts and secondly, because I would like to teach others what I have learned. Originally I began to pursue the degree with the intention of teaching in a high school after graduation, but now my goals have been changed to cooincide with my dreams. I am extremely interested in foreign missions to the middle east, Africa, and many other places. Because that is a great interest, I re-routed my "life plan" and will use my education major to become a missionary in another country in order to teach the English language to students in any setting or atmosphere.

First of all, I love God with all of my heart. For Him alone I was created, to know Him and make Him known. I really enjoy writing, teaching, and sharing with other people. Recently I had the opportunity to get involved with Friends of Internationals, which is an international student ministry at South. I also enjoy helping others to realize their potential and worth in life. I believe that relationships are vital in our lifetime and to be cherished greatly! I was in a hands-on ministry school called Master's Commission for two years. It was based in Mobile, but we travelled all over the U.S and into Mexico doing school assemblies, outreaches, and work in many different communities. Besides travelling the world and meeting new people, I also thoroughly enjoy sports, both participating and watching. I love to run and watch Auburn football also! That's pretty much me in a nutshell. I look forward to this class providing me with a greater knowledge of reaching the world through blogging and technology as well as enabling me to function more technologically. I definitely anticipate hearing and seeing teachers from around the world! This is very exciting and I anxiously await what is yet to be discovered.  

The following pictures is where I will be going in one week: Kampala and Masindi Uganda (Eastern Africa) "C3 church":

Practice Post

My First Post