Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mr. Winkle Wakes


          A humorous, but hard hitting short animated video created by Mathew Needlemen on the dated and antiquated method of teaching found in many school systems across the nation.  Mr. Winkle awakes from a 100-year sleep to find the world has highly evolved utilizing technology in most facets of life.  Yet when he steps into a school he finds comfort in the methods and simplicity of teaching that he was accustomed to 100 years ago.
          The video is humorous, but sad in that there are many schools using the same teaching methods that have been used for many years.  Many methods are old, ineffective, and antiquated.  Technology is all around us, yet some are resisting by clinging to outdated teaching models and methods.  Lecture unfortunately is still very common in our school systems, yet it is one of the least affective methods of teaching and learning.  As our world becomes more and more globalized and technology becomes integrated in all facets of our lives, should we continue to resist its use in our schools?  The answer should be no!  We must embrace and utilize the plethora of technology that we have at our disposal.  The use of technology in our instruction will only better equip today’s youth and prepare them for the future.
Schools need to embrace technology TODAY, not in the near future! 

uploaded by lifelonglearners on youtube March 20,  2008


Friday, September 16, 2011

Background of a nontrad student

As a father of 2 daughters, being married for 17 years now, and having been a road and bridge engineer of over 15 years, I consider myself a "nontraditional student".  After many years in the business world, our booming economy blessed me with unemployment.  So, with much thought and prayer and the urging and blessings from my family I set out on this great odyssey.  I am now 18 months into my education and have accomplished a great deal.  I have completed 85 hours at MTSU and have a 3.96 GPA.  I would like to say it has been easy juggling school and family, but that would be a lie.  It has been difficult, but the rewards have been awesome.  Teaching I know will be difficult, but rewards and happiness await me.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Test Run

I am trying this blog thing out and it's pretty cool.  I am new to this!