What a great article about how a school went grew from not wanting to be bitten by the technology bug, to a full-throttle technology program with a computer teacher/director to boot. In many ways I feel that my own personal technology mirrors that of the Lowell School. I too went from very primitive, and almost thorough no choice of my own, here I am in computer land. I too am loving it, but working out the kinks. In my life time I have watched the evolution that the article describes personally in a school setting. Ten years ago, while working at Providence Day, they did much of what Lowell did. The started with a plan and a vision, lead by someone who was capable and who could see clearly what the future held. Most importantly , that computer director also understood that technology must me aquired in stages and phases - $$ always a great constraint - even if you have a lot, it is not ever enough.
In reading the article, I also have an even greater understanding as to why the youth of out schools can lap me with their eyes closed and both hands tied behind their backs when it comes to technology. They, unlike me, teethed on computers. They students of today are technology masters and it all comes with such comfort and ease. It is really interesting to see.
As a professional educator, this was an terrific, inspiring article. Great things are possible with technology. Like with anything, starting with a vision and a plan, no matter how small, can turn even the simplest thing into a grand adventure. Don't be afraid to take risks and to go off the path of the original plan. Sometimes, many times, you end up in a place that is better that you could have ever imagined.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Not Your Father's Shop Class
This article, while six years old, is very timely for the Charlotte, NC area. First, there are several local high schools who have adopted a similar school/learning models as that of the article. Technology certainly seems to be one of the best and smartest vocational tracks that today's students can take. Also, with the beginning of the new research area in the Kannapolis area, there will be a greater demand for exactly what vocational high schools train their students to do.
I think this is a great idea. For far too long we, as educators, have tried to pigeon hole kids into college of nothing. This is not healthy or realistic. There are plenty of children who have no desire to attend college, but they are bright, smart, super-capable students who have so much to offer and contribute. In the article, the students seem positive, excited, and motivated to learn. In addition, some students who do want to pursue a degree have a leg up and even a scholarship hand-out to continue their education.
As a professional educator this is a promising and exciting track for some children. Like the educator in the article points out, there are some cautions and potential issues that can arise in this environment, like the ever-changing course offerings and certifications that can expire before the student even exits the school - such is the ever changing world of technology. Interestingly, the students offered the healthiest view point - So what - it is still a great experience and learning opportunity. I would love to see more of this academic design in our community.
I think this is a great idea. For far too long we, as educators, have tried to pigeon hole kids into college of nothing. This is not healthy or realistic. There are plenty of children who have no desire to attend college, but they are bright, smart, super-capable students who have so much to offer and contribute. In the article, the students seem positive, excited, and motivated to learn. In addition, some students who do want to pursue a degree have a leg up and even a scholarship hand-out to continue their education.
As a professional educator this is a promising and exciting track for some children. Like the educator in the article points out, there are some cautions and potential issues that can arise in this environment, like the ever-changing course offerings and certifications that can expire before the student even exits the school - such is the ever changing world of technology. Interestingly, the students offered the healthiest view point - So what - it is still a great experience and learning opportunity. I would love to see more of this academic design in our community.
The Internet of Things
In reading the executive summary of The Internet of Things, I was awestruck by the changes and improvements in technology. Just in the simple reflection of the changes in technology in my lifetime is amazing. It is awesome to think about how technology will revolutionize not only our lives, but the lives of people in many third world countries. I agree with much of what the article has to say about both the positives and pitfalls of advancing technology. The advancement of current technology allows us the possibility of "a smart house" or the ability now to manage our personal finances from home. I hardly every write checks anymore. The areas where technology advancement are so thrilling to me are the personal ramifications that technology can have to ease my work load and the potential that advanced technology has to improve the impoverished people of the world.
I too have the same concerns that the article highlights about the challenges that come with the broadened technology base - personal privacy, identity theft, ethical issues, and the potential to expose our children to people and things that are harmful and/or damaging.
As a professional educator, this reports prompts and opportunity to have a great dialogue with students about personal responsibilities, safeguards, and potential improvements that are important to remember.
I too have the same concerns that the article highlights about the challenges that come with the broadened technology base - personal privacy, identity theft, ethical issues, and the potential to expose our children to people and things that are harmful and/or damaging.
As a professional educator, this reports prompts and opportunity to have a great dialogue with students about personal responsibilities, safeguards, and potential improvements that are important to remember.
technology autobiography
In Dr. Friedman's class we were asked to blog our technology autobiography. SO here it goes. My entire family is not the most technology inspired. I definitely remember our first personal computer. I was in middle school. It had a green on green screen and a dot matrix printer - and we thought we were all that and a bag of chips. We never had computer labs at my high school - for heaven's sake I took typing on the old office style IBM typewriters. The next year I took the only computer class on campus - because I was supposed to - and learned about a lot of stuff that I do not understand - 0's and 1's and how to do some basic programing. I felt like I had moved up when I went to college - in 1990 and we had a computer lab! All we really used it for was to type papers - Al Gore had yet to invent the Internet! In the early 90's you could either keyboard or program that was about it - at least in my world. We sure were advanced with out 5 inch floppy disk - those were the days. I have fond memories of pounding out some dire English essays on the computer lab keyboards - a nightmare I would rather forget... I graduated and got my first teaching job at a small private school with no money - therefore little technology - no learning there. Then I worked at a large independent school with lots of $$$ and I was exposed to all kinds of gadgets and cool stuff, but it was all Mac and I was always spoke IBM, so it was an adjustment. Now I have Dell and a desire to become more savvy with hardware and software. I can sometimes seem so intimidating and overwhelming. One of the best ways I have learned about technology was to jump in the deep and and learn how to swim on the fly.
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