Chapter 2

This chapter is interesting even though it is not all together true, it brought up some interesting points.  Technology is so prevalent in our world today and is something that as a teacher I must stay on top of if I want to be able to share the most up to date and helpful tools with my students.  The chart in the book on page 29 that compared kids in grades k-12 with teachers about technology use was staggering to me.  I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that in many areas, students are much more active in technology use than teachers appear to be.  Teachers need to always try and stay ahead of the curve, especially in technology whether they realize it or not.  This chart opened my eyes to the reality that once I get into a school, I may be looked down on from older teachers who are against using technology alot in the classroom.  I know that as a teacher who is being trained in the newer technology I need to be the one who steps up and shows the other teachers that it is very useful and helpful to use the information that technology offers. 

I like project based learning to an extent.  I think that it is important to have a variety of methods of learning to have all the students enter into what we are learning.  On page 39 it says, "Teachers offer resources so that students can explore and develop content purposefully and creatively."  I think that is important for your students to know that when they are searching for their own information and doing hands on activities they know it is for a purpose and not just busy work.  I want to see my students engaging in their work and waiting to do it instead of doing it with a bad attitude.  I know this wont always be possible but it is my goal.  Project based learning addresses students different ways of learning and their abilities.  Connecting this approach to the internet is something that I am very interested in.  Students need to be aware of technology outside of just the social aspect of it.  Equipping students with the needed knowledge of technology is the teachers job so that we give them the best chance to succeed in a society that is increasingly dependent on technology. 

On page 41 it says, "The goals were to prepare students for 21st century-to use higher order thinking skills, apply technology, adapt to change, acquire workplace skills, and more." It goes on to say that today we do not have that as the focus and I think that is a shame.  We should not get so focused on standardized tests that we lose the goal of preparing our students to be able to compete and be challenged by the growth of students and co workers around them.  The test will not matter much into their future, but the skills we equip them with will.