This PBS special was really cool and made some excellent
points about technology and education. I personally value hands on, concrete
learning experiences and believe that it is extremely important to “unplug”.
However, what I did not consider, and what this special brought to my attention
was that for future generations the use of digital media will be considered a
concrete learning tool. There was a quote in the beginning of the video by, I
believe Nichole Pinkard (I may be wrong on that) that raised the issue of what
it means to be literate, how the definition of being literate has changed over
time, and what it will mean to be literate in the future with regard to
computers and technology. It kind of blew my mind to think that no longer would
a person be considered fully literate if they could merely read and write, but
that they would also have to be computer literate. It makes sense though.
The New York school where the children are using digital and
multimedia to create games really opened my eyes. It was like a performing arts
school, except instead of the performance aspect, the kids were using advanced
technology to create games. They all seemed stimulated and interested in the
work they were doing and in the learning that was taking place. Even the little
boy who labeled himself a “daydreamer” pointed out that they often get cool
assignments in school so that he is interested and pays attention.
I like the idea that these children are so stimulated and
focused because of the technology, but I still think that there needs to be a
creative focus on keeping them interested and stimulated through teaching
without a screen. I am in no way saying it isn’t useful, I really like what I
saw with the use of technology as a way to teach critical thinking and problem
solving, and how other content areas were being used in the assignments, I just
still believe it is important to have “unplugged” teaching.
I think some of the most important points made in this special
was that in the past people were taught everything they needed to know for
life. Now, people need to be taught in a way that will prepare them for jobs
and industries that do not even exist yet, and that the most important thing is
to teach students to embrace change. The world is changing so quickly, and as
educators we need to teach in a way that will prepare learners for the world
they are growing and living in.
I loved the program that was using digital media in Chicago
for high school students. It was giving students a way to creatively express
themselves, apply technology and use it in their interest as well as in a way
that could prepare them for career fields that they were interested in
pursuing. They even got involved in their communities through this program-
AWESOME! The clip of the high school senior who now teachers her own class to
younger kids about video editing was one of my favorite parts of the special,
just because of the excitement in the students, the involvement, and the comments
they were making. It was a really nice moment to see these
I really liked how the students at the museums and in the
history class were using cell phones and media to create educational learning
scavenger hunts and to learn about their communities. If the kids are going to
have and use and be interested in cell phones, then why not show them how to
use them beyond calling, texting, and mindless internet searching? The kids in
the museum probably learned a whole lot more about the exhibits they were looking
at through taking pictures and creating their scavenger hunts than they would
have if they had merely been walked through the museum, or even had worksheets
to fill out and answer. The older history students became interested and
involved in their community, its history and it’s future.
Watching this special definitely gave me a new outlook on
the pros and valuable uses of technology in education today. It has made me
excited and inspired me to try and fine meaningful and creative ways to use it
in my classroom one day!
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