A school as big as your hand.

A school all in the palm of your hand? Sounds crazy right? Today in my technology class we heard about the new type of schooling called the ischool. I personally like the idea of the ischool, I think there are many advantages to this system. The school would save money on not having to buy so many printers, computers, fax machines, etc. The students would save money on not having to buy so many textbooks, pencils, paper, etc. When the school is able to save money they won’t have to cut as many teachers, classes, and extracurricular activities. I wish the ischool would have been around when I was a student, but now I may have the opportunity to teach in an ischool community. I think that as a teacher it would be very efficient; especially when it comes to homework, grading and quizzes. As there are many advantages with the ischool there are also disadvantages. When working with any type of technology, you always have to have a plan B.  There are times that technology doesn’t always work and if you’re whole school system is based on this, you’ll have to find a way to overcome this problem. So overall I really like the idea of an ischool, I’m excited to see what the future brings. 

Tips To Keep In Mind

I have always been fascinated in learning about new types of technology. Although I’m not very good at using most types of electronic equipment, I am amazed in how it works. My favorite piece of equipment is the video camera. My family somehow always makes fun of me when we watch home videos; I don’t know why or how, but even if the video wasn’t about me, I would find a way to pop my head in just so I could be seen.

This week in class we had a great technology presentation. It was a demonstration about our video presentations we will have to prepare in order to become a teacher. This presentation was very beneficial to me.  I never really thought about all the little details that come in to play when you’re recording yourself. Mark Henry gave us an easy way to remember all the steps necessary when it comes to videotaping. By becoming familiar with the parts of the word SCAR I will be able to develop a great video presentation.

Things Change

Technology is always changing in the world today. For this blog post my class had to read an article about technology. A quote that really stood out to me was that, “Technology is opening new doors for students and teachers alike and transforming the world outside the school, but classrooms today are still teacher-centered, low level fact information-based, and low tech delivered to students who respond to assignments with equally low tech tools.” As a result, schools are failing to change with the times. In order for students to be engaged in the classroom, the technology should be up to date. Technology is being incorporated in a child’s life at a younger age now than ever before. It’s been proven that the more activity you involve in your teaching the more your students will retain. So loose the overheads and move in the smart boards. If as a teacher you are going to expect your students to be up to date with the latest technology, you yourself must be as well. The times have changed and students don’t learn as they did many years ago. Technology is present everywhere in our daily lives and is shaping the way we live our lives.