The first video “21st Teachers” is a melodic song that exposes the antiquated teaching methods of teachers, administrators, and those who make school related decisions. I am in total agreement with the message of this video. We have only begun to accept technology. Even in schools that feel they are ahead of the curve, they are still extremely restrictive. Several schools in Davidson County I am familiar with have awesome technology in iPads, iPods, Mac computers, Kindle’s, and video conferencing equipment, yet the use is extremely limited and many teachers are not using the technology because they either do not know how, or they have commented that it is a distraction. Facebook, YouTube, Teacher Tube, image searches, these are all blocked! Yes you have to filter some content, but at such extremes is wrong and hindering our students. These are resources that can enrich a classroom. This is a missed opportunity and we are putting our students at a disadvantage with this mind-set.
The second video shows the many uses of technology and how enriching it can be in a classroom. The level of learning can be amazing when integrating this technology. I think of digital storytelling, scripted movies students create, and the use of digital cameras and how these all can take learning to an all-new level. Just stop and think about learning about the events of the Civil War for a minute. Would you prefer learning from text, or by taking a virtual field trip? Or would you prefer seeing videos, presentations, a student produced recreated scene mixed with audio and music? Think of how much more will be learned from a rich learning environment. The task of using technology will be overwhelming at first and time consuming, but just think of the results that await you as the teacher, and above all your wonderful students.
