Mr. Winkle Wakes Response

I watched Mr. Winkle Wakes by Mathew Needleman via the youTube link provided. First of all, please note that 47k people have watched this video and many of the comments were current teachers; this shows the impact of the video's message. This vidoe is ann animated character of old age walking around in a world full of technology that he has never seen before due to his "100 year slumber". In those 100 years, the narrator points out the invention and common use of "strange machines", aka the phone, computer, printer, etc. Then, a stange thing happens; the old character walks into a school and finds no technology. I think this video was uniquely animated and its exaggerated verbage helps convey the lack of technology in schools today.
I do think times are changing and were seeing more and more integrated techonology use in schools; however, the message still rings true: if we let time slip by children will also slip by. That is to say that scjools should be current with the days technology and technological skills happening in the real world to better prepare students. I strongly feel that in order to be an effective educator, up-to-date skills need to be taught and technology used in the classroom. Who knows what our classrooms will see by the time they graduate! Children need to be taught basic skills in not only math, science but also computer, web page design, media production, etc. I think this is essential for survival in the "future" world. Whether this means additional funding, or re-directing funding in the education system, something has got to be done to make this transition to the digital world universal. 

Response to "Big Ideas for Better Schools"

I really really enjoyed this video as I completely agree with a lot of the topics discussed. A handful of  topics really stuck out the most: Project-based projects, comprehensive assessments, teacher prep, and parent involvement. There were other topics that I feel could have been expanded more on, like technology. When discussing technology, I think we can all agree that technology in the classroom is vital, but even the video seemed to be out-dated as far as the actual technology used. Technology is advancing so quickly that the resources used in the classroom need to be timeless and still effective 5 years from then, like computer research and tv presentations. There was a lot of good info on here, and I hope being first on the list that the rest of the class chose this assignemnt as well.

Project-based projects was a big one for me. When the video showed students desgining a future schoool and designing (and racing!) electric cars, I could see the impact on the students faces and urgency in the way they were working. I think giving a project that extra value amps up the student's effort and catches attention better than a written assignment or test. Using projects to really engage learning and go in depth probably also increases test scores by itself. This ties into the topic of comprehensive assessments being that sometimes using the test as the sole motivator doesnt do the trick. Learning for the sake of learning is what really promotes knowledge and not just for the sake of "to get a good grade" or "to pass the final". One thing a teacher said was they compile all the students' projects into a multimedia file as a sort of education portfolio.  I think this is the greatest Idea and I WISH I had all my projects (presentations/speeches/the volcano/etc) compiled! Teacher Prep is another big one as I completely agree that prospective teachers are better off the soner they can get into the classroom. Personally, I'd like to apply the lessons in college to the classroom and really filter what works and what can be expanded on. Having peer and admin support is key as well.
Finally, parent involvment was touched on. I beleive parent and community involvment is important to promote a solid emotional and social foundation of a classroom. Whether that be perfoming in fornt of parents or accepting community input, community involvement allows students to feel like they are really cared about and that schooling isnt just an open and shut book, that education is ongoing and omniscent.

For this module, I watched the video "Wanna Work Together? Creative Commons" via the YouTube link provided. This video was informative for the company "Creative Commons" and was actually some pretty neat stuff. I did not know that copyrights are automatically given to each  picture, video, or written work that we take/make/post online. This is quite reassuring, actually, that all my works and others are protected automatically. What this company does, is modify copyrights so that material can be shared the way YOU want it to be shared or used . For example, I can post a video online and with Creative Commons can allow others to repost or use this video in their own lesson plans however they may like. I think this is a great tool to monitor what should and should not be shared and to spread your great ideas.

As an educator, this movement means two things. I can share my experieces or ideas online by modifying the materials' copyright limits. But also, I can use others' experiences and ideas based on how they are allowing to them be used. Already so many ideas are being shared, most popular through Pinterest; this feature opens the door for even  more useful material to be LEGALLY allowed for use. In the classroom I can see myself using DIY craft ideas or even videos related to topics I am teaching. I see this as being a great resource in the classroom as a lot more material will be available for use and also will help spark my own ideas.

The website to check out: creativecommons.org