Blog Post #10

Adventures in Pencil Integration

The cartoon in this post gives a good example of how many teachers are adamant about staying in the "traditional" teaching method using pencils, paper, and other items. I believe that Mr. Spencer is simply trying to show the pros and cons of using hand held objects for teaching tools versus the latest developments in technology. From what I can tell, it appears that Mr. Spencer seems to sway closer to the side of anti-technology. On one hand, I do understand how some may feel about old-world teaching strategies and materials. I do agree that are certain aspects of using traditional methods that help each child seem unique, such as their own handwriting. That is something that technology cannot remove from students. However, do we not sometimes have to let go of good things in life in order to get things that are even better? Although new forms of technology in classrooms may seem a bit overwhelming at first, they are easily learned if one looks at it as they would any other challenge - it just takes practice, patience, and dedication. Also, I do realize how expensive some of these items are, such as the iMac. While it costs a great deal of money, doesn't it save money and trees from being wasted in the long run? Aren't we ultimately saving money buying one item only once rather than buying countless packs of paper and pencils over the years? There is a good point to be made in this post arguing the pros of traditional teaching ideas. The fact is, though, that we as educators are here for one purpose, and that is to help children be ready to face the real world in adulthood and be successful in it. If we do not giving them the best tools out there to help them reach their fullest potential, then how can we say that we really want what's best for them? Just like many other times in life, we sometimes have to make sacrifices of mediocrity in order to step into the greater life that is waiting for us. When it comes to the world of education, letting go of old mindsets and embracing new tools in learning may be just the thing to help us move on to the next level.



Why Were Your Kids Playing Games?

This post, which was also created by Mr. John T. Spencer, is a great way of showing the dangers behind slamming creativity in the ground and shutting the door in its face before it even enters the halls of any school. The speaker in this scenario is depicted by the principal to be a foolish man who is letting the children have fun and play games instead of learning the curriculum. The fact is, however, that the teacher is actually demonstrating his care for his students in the best way possible. Instead of boring them to literal death with lectures and memorization methods, he is actually getting their minds engaged in the material that needs to be taught. Therefore, the children are not memorizing anything, but actually learning and retaining knowledge that will be much less likely to depart from them in the future. Although the principal has good intentions (maybe), he has unfortunately been sucked into the vortex of mindless lecturing that rarely ever creates an intimate experience for each student. It is teachers like the one in Mr. Spencer's post here that need to be found throughout more classrooms in this country. While there are many educators and administrators that have the same negative mindset of creativity in schools as this principal, the evidence that project-based learning and promotion of creativity can catapult students into their absolute fullest potential is there. We just need to start shining the light on it.



Remember Pencil Quests?

I found the post entitled "Remember Pencil Quests?" by Mr. Spencer to be a bit humorous. In this article, the students are excited to be able to try something "new and exciting". They are so ready to break out of routine that they are completely oblivious to the fact that they have no real freedom here. The idea of getting to look up random pages and answer unsolved questions about the text is very exciting, that is, until the truth that it is not a real game, they cannot pick any location, and the map is predetermined for them slowly creeps in. The students never fully comprehend this until a much later time. As Mr. Spencer reflects on playing this game as a student himself, he is somewhat embarrassed of the teaching methods that have been used throughout history. The sad point that he is trying to make is that people who created ridiculous games like this one are the ones who are putting forth effort to think outside the box. He also wonders what his students will think as they look back one day on his class and the games he presented to them. As I think about this article, I realize that many teachers are stuck in the traditional rut of learning. Still, there are a few that I believe have come a long way from the pencil quest days, and they have really set the bar for fun and engaging learning environments.



Don't Teach Your Kids This Stuff. Please?

Dr. Scott McLeod does an outstanding job at making fun of people who view creative and project-based learning negatively in this post. Throughout my years in grade school, and even some time in college, I have heard every cynical comment that one could make about technology in schools. Cell phones, iPads, and even laptops were prohibited in certain classes. Naturally, you can just imagine the shock that ran through my body when I discovered that there are classes that actually promote the use of such items. Although I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent individual, I had never even imagined that classrooms such as these existed because the tools that they used were looked down upon as an abomination for as long as I can remember. I think it is safe to say that most teachers view students who are consumed with technology and internet use as "failures", believing that they are unintelligent because they do not condone to the traditional teaching methods. In reality, it is the technological children who are the leaders; they are stepping out to learn and grown in ways that some of us have never even heard of. Dr. McLeod is simply pointing out to us that it is students that never strive to learn for themselves who never break through exceptional barriers in the world, and will ultimately remain stagnant because of the simple-mindedness that they have been forced to receive through our basic educational systems.