PLN 18

            The article, "Humble Suggestions for the Computer Lab" by Admin, discusses the appropriate uses for computers in the new education form. This matters to myself, education, and the world. First, this matters to myself because it discuses the requirements for today’s students to be computer literate, they must be able to complete homework with the use of computers. Second, the article tells of a dark time when the teachers locked all of the computers into a cave, only to be used once a week, these caves were called computer labs. Now education must embrace the modern day student, where they must have access to a computer for the majority of their studies. Third, this matters to the world because now the world has an efficient way of communicating across the planet. People must be capable of using new technology in effective forms. In conclusion” Humble Suggestions for the Computer Lab" by Admin, matters to myself, education, and the world.        

PLN 23

            The video "Clay Shirky: How cognitive surplus will change the world" made by Clay Shirky matters to myself, education, and the world. Cognitive: Pertaining to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning (Dictionary.com). Surplus: an amount, quantity, etc., greater than needed (Dictionary.com). In the video Clay Shirky presents his idea that people in the world have a mass surplus of free time, over a trillion hours a year of free time. And how there is also a mass amount of thinking, and collaborating on a large scale, which he calls cognitive surplus. This matters to me because Shirky shares a story of a Kenyan woman who helped launch a site that helped keep her country of Kenya safer. I realized that I can use my amount of free time more productively, through digital forms, to create and collaborate different forms of information. This matters to education because now for the first time ever, we have a place to use and express our “cognitive surplus.” Many classes in our school are taking advantage of the new digital age, by blogging, skypeing ect. This matters to the world because collaborating in different forms is an effective way to communicate. Right now more than ever we need effective forms of communication. In conclusion "Clay Shirky: How cognitive surplus will change the world" matters to myself, education, and the world.             

PLN 22

            The article, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution. Well... Maybe"  by Will Richardson talks about how visions, such as the 2020 vision, tell of a bright future were education is redefined. While in reality this article tells about the negative downsides of this anticipated revolution. This matters to myself, education, and the world. First, this matters to myself. For starters Richardson declares, “The people in charge don’t really see this vision.” I realized that I am apart of the people that are supposed to be leading this revolution. Unfortunately, the majority of us, (us being the youth of the nation) seem not to take much interest in this revolution. Second, this matters to education because it seems despite new inventions and innovations of technology, the majority of schools have not changed the teaching style to include new technology. More importantly the new generations of thinkers, learners, and leaders have not embraced a new form of education. This matters to the world because all of the current students enrolled in different forms of education, will one day lead the world. One day, we the currents students, will be calling the shots, and making choices in the world that impacts everyone. As you can see the article, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution. Well... Maybe" matters to myself, education, and the world.

PLN 21

            The video "Changing Education Paradigms"  produced by RSAnimate talks about modern education and learning styles. This matters to myself, education, and the world. First, this matters to myself because the video talks about how a college degree is not a guarantee to a job. I always thought that is how the world usually operated, but as mentioned in the video a college degree can limit your mind set to only one of your abilities. In addition this matters to education because the video discuses how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is negatively affecting education. Kids are medicated to perform efficiently in class and that isn’t the way kids must learn. The medicine they are taking normally shuts their senses down, and the theory is that by anaesthetizing them, they are suddenly capable of learning. In reality when they are aesthetic they perform at their best, so really instead of putting them to sleep, they should be woken up! This matters to the world because the goal is to enable all the students on the country to know themselves culturally. This would allow students to engage and contribute globally. In conclusion, “Changing Education Paradigms” matters to myself, education, and the world.   

PLN 20

            I read, "Can't We Just Memorize a Formula to Plug Stuff Into?"  by Karl Fisch. This talks about how in math it is important to think and explore the many different ideas to solving a problem, instead of skipping to the final formula and plugging in numbers. This matters to myself, education and the world. First this matters to myself because I notice that during math in particular, I have this type of mind set. Instead of exploring all the possibilities, I just skip to the end. Fisch goes on to say, “Our more important goal is for you to open your minds and be willing to explore ideas.” For me I found that exploring the different ways of doing things helps me understand information more successfully. In addition this matters to education because the article shares a passage from Scott Berkun and his book The Myths of Innovation. His passage talks about how one day while in sitting a park, he observed a small child playing with Silly Putty and Legos. During that time he noticed how many ideas the young boy came up with in just 10 minutes. I think that is how the minds of teenagers in high school should operate. Rather than plugging numbers into a formula, it should be a fun journey through a vast amount of knowledge, not memorizing formulas and plugging numbers into. Lastly this matters to the world because now more than ever, students need to be equipped with the ability to test and solve all the different possibilities to a situation. Rather than once again memorizing formulas to plug stuff into, our minds must be open to learning all the different possibilities to solving problems. In conclusion, “Can’t We Just Memorize a Formula to Plug Stuff Into?” is an article that is important to myself education and the, world.

PLN 19

             “Lost in Electronica,” by George F. Will, describes how the simulation of electronic devices has affected all people, but boys in particular. This matters to myself, education, and the world. To begin, this matters to myself because I can relate to this article and how it discusses that it used to be that a boy wouldn’t get bored for over two hours of nothing going on but today boredom can be followed by a mere 30 seconds of nothing particular to do. Will quotes a psychologist, Adam Cox, who states that we are addicted to electronics and it has become like a drug to our brains.  Some periods of boredom would be good for us and give us time to think and become civil men.  Then this matters to education because modern students today have many distractions that interfere with their learning process. Students today often do homework at the same time they are looking at Facebook and iTunes.  Consequently, this matters to the world because if we keep falling deeper and deeper in to the stimulation as described by Will, what will happen?  The article states that boys have “failure to launch” and “are preoccupied with self amusement.”  They don’t really grow up.   

PLN 17

            The article "What If?," By Karl Fisch is about how one day teachers at AHS were sent an email that encouraged them to post a sign for all students that read, “Turn off and put away all Cell Phones, iPods, and Electronic Devices during class!” Fisch goes on to explain in his blog that posting these signs is just encouraging students to break a set of rules and instead teachers can set guidelines for how to productively use technology in class. This matters to myself, education and the world. First, this matters to myself because the blog had a video attached to it that showed different quotes from educational employees about how students are using technology in their era. I see what Fisch is trying to get at with this video and I can vouch in saying technology has helped me in my current studies. Most of my homework schoolwork involves technology in some form. Next, this matters to education because the main point of the blog and video is that times change, and maybe we should change with it for the better. In the video Karl Fisch states, “I don’t think we’ll have a wireless network at AHS anytime soon.”  However, since making this statement in 2005, Arapahoe implemented wireless and now AHS practically revolves around the internet, and our school makes good use of the new technology. In addition, this matters to world because as America falls behind in literacy and other educational aspects, (see Did You Know?”) we must start using the many technological resources available to us. As you can see the article, “What If” by Karl Fisch matters to myself, education, and the world.

PLN 16

The article A Turn of the Phrase(s) by Will Richardson is about how schools need to grow out of one size fits all education, but instead find a way of reaching what ever fits each individual student best. This matters to myself, education, and the world.  First, the modern classroom is definitely one size fits all.  This impacts me, because sometimes I have found learning difficult in the regular classroom.  Maybe my style of learning isn’t sitting in a chair all day long with worksheets.  I prefer hands on learning. 

Second, this matters in education because schools are working on a broader way of teaching. Technology will help in this area.  Kids can use the computer to move at their own pace. Third, if individual students are more motivated to learn they will take more responsibility for their education and this will can only be good for the world as these students grow up and begin jobs and contribute to our culture.  All in all it is a good idea for schools to be more creative in teaching and technology.  

PLN 14

The article "Why do I have to study (Fill in the Blank)?", discusses a question I asked in class after my PLN presentation, and that question was do you think high school is preparing you for the real world?   This matters to myself, education and the world.  First,

I think that my peers often complain.  I believe that I can gain something from every class I take.  Although I don’t love school, it is necessary and will help me no matter what career I choose.    We will need to know how to do math and write well.  George Washington said, “Those who do not know history tend to repeat it”.  Yes, all subjects in school are important.  Also, this matters to education because students need to learn that they must be willing to do things now that they don’t want to do and teachers need to keep teaching these subject because they matter. Finally, this will impact the world because one day these students will be grown adults and they better be well rounded so they can support their families and contribute to society.  In conclusion, why do I have to study (math, writing, reading)?  To change the world!

PLN 15

            The article "Schools Would be Great if it Weren’t For the Kids," by Alfie Kohn discusses the idea that today’s students are failing due in part to teachers but also because students themselves are to blame.  This matters to me, education, and the world. First, this matters to me because I can relate to the fact that students are lazy at times and can apply themselves and work harder. It is my responsibility in the end to be a motivated learner.  In addition, this matters to education because the article notes that school reformers are interested in “student achievement” not student’s achievement. When test scores do not meet expectations the teachers are immediately blamed. Kohn says that we use a stick and hurt the teachers by firing them or a carrot is used and teachers are offered more pay for better test scores.  I agree with Kohn, that this is not a great way to motivate teachers or students.  We seem obsessed with test scores and not real learning.  Finally, this matters to the world because now more than ever in a complex economy America needs students equipped with the best information. When students are pushed out into the real world test scores won’t matter but their ability to process and use new information will.   

PLN 13

            

                The article “Googley Advice," by Jonathan Rosenberg discuses how the main students should major in is learning, this matter to me, education, and the world. First this matters to me because Google is looking for good communication skills in new employees. I find that communication skills are essential for life, and should be a necessary subject to learn. Second this matters to education because Google is looking to employ non-routine problem-solvers. The education system needs to teach students how to be good problems solvers. Third this matters to the world because in the real world all tests are open book. And we must be able to problem solve effetely. In conclusion Googley advice is good article that matters to me, education, and the world.    

PLN 12

The article, "Are they Students or are they Learners?" by David Warlick, discusses if kids in the learning environment are learners or merely students and this matters to me, education, and the world. This matters to me because the article talks about how students are given resources such as computers to learn better. Students, including myself often use computers just to find short cuts on their school work. Also, this matters to education because Warlick discuses how student’s motivation to finish their work is to just finish it for the teacher. Learners are motivated by their value in work, especially when it’s valued by others. This matters to the world because if we all can be better learners, not just better students, we can get bigger and more important things accomplished. In conclusion, the world of education needs to start educating their learners, instead of their students

PLN 10

The article, “You Know This is True,” by Will Richardson discusses how the education system is not encouraging kids to learn, but just drilling them to get an A on the test and this relates maters to myself, education and the world.  First, this matters to myself because I know that before a test I will cram all the knowledge necessary into my brain. And as soon as that test is over I take a deep breath and never think of the material again. This isn't really learning.  Second, this impacts all of education because the article points out that students are asked on a test what they briefly memorized, not what they actually learned and will remember. Through out most of my educational career I have found this to be true.  Finally, the acticle did point to the overall impact this has on the world.  When competing globaly we need students to remember what they learned. In conclusion students today need to learn and be prepared for the real world, not just be taught to take tests and receive a A.    

PLN 11

            The article/video “2020 Vision” by Karl Fisch, is a standard he set for the staff at Arapahoe High School for the year 2020, the article/video is important to myself, education, and the world. First, I would like to point out that there are a few errors in Fich’s psychic abilities, but that is not what he wanted to get at. His plan for this article was to envision the world of education in the distance future. This matters to me because his idea envisions a time when all students are connected through the internet. I would enjoy this kind of learning environment. This matters to education because his idea would change all student’s lives.  We would have access to so much more learning opportunites and input from others. This matters to the world because if we all connect to each other in many different ways, we can all learn greatly from each other and other cultures. I can only imagine how this would affect and maybe resolve international issues.  In conclusion, Fisch’s 2020 vision is a good goal for the future.  

PLN9

            In “Rigor Redefined,” Tony Wagner talks about big business’s requirements for jobs today, this matters to education, the world, and myself. First this matters to myself because in the article Wagner talks to many presidents of top companies about what they want to see in young recruits. The main thing that Clay Parker, President of the Chemical Management Division of BOC Edwards said, was that he mainly wants someone who can ask good questions. This matters to me because I don’t ask that many questions and didn’t realize that asking questions was this important. Second, this is important to the education because Wagner goes on to say that he sat in on many classrooms, and found shocking results. One experience of his was sitting in on an AP Chemistry class, after a group of three students mixed chemicals together, theirs started to smoke unlike the rest of the class. Once asked about their ideas for why it was smoking, they shrugged and went to the teacher for help, this is not asking good question or good way to look at things from a business standpoint. Third the article the talks about it’s expectation for a 21^st century classroom, he says that the education system should be preparing kids for the real world. This is important to the world because in the competition of a global economy, we need students to be prepared to compete at the very best. In conclusion, Rigor Redefined is important to education, the world, and myself. 

PLN8

In the article, “One Proud Uncle” by Admin, the author’s nephew, Mathew, sends him an email talking about how his governor decided the amount of money he gives to schools will be based on standardized tests scores. First, this matters to me because I will soon have to take a lot of standardized tests. I agree with the author's nephew that good standardized test scores will not automatically help me get a good job in the future.  Second, this is important to education because if  schools will only get money for high scores, schools that have a large amount of students that fail on the test will get less money. Less money will mean budget cuts, less teachers and less programs for kids.  Third, our countries abililty to compete in the world may be effected due to less money going to education.  In conclusion, I found the article interesting and that it made a good point about how standardized test scores don't automatically lead to a good job and that some schools may get less money due to low scores. 

PLN 7

PLN 7

The video, “The Machines are Using Us,” done my Michel Wesch, is an important video that I find important to myself, education, and the world. First, the video discusses how every time someone clicks on a web page it teaches the machine something new. I find this important to myself because I use the Internet a lot, and probably have contributed to teaching the machine something new. Second, the video also disuses how web pages are set up, and I never knew what that meant. I find this important to education because students in the world today need to be taught how the Internet functions. Third, the video shows that everyday more people are linked together through blogs, or on Youtube. This is important to the world because the world revolves around the Internet, and everyday new people are being linked together. In conclusion I find the video important to myself, education, and the world.

PLN 6

PLN 6


             The article, "Dang! I Just Missed It" by David Warlick is important to myself, education, and the world because it discusses how unreliable the Internet is. It is important to me because I use the Internet for both entertainment and education, and that I as easily could have believed the hoax as anyone else. This is important to education because of how many students use the Internet as their main source of information, and it is frighening how unreliable the Internet is.  Also this relates to world because most of the world revolves around the Internet and technology.  How long will it be until there are millions of hoaxes going around affecting the entire world?  In conclusion, David Warlick’s discovery of how unreliable the Internet is important.

PLN 5

PLN 5

            The article "Footprints in the Digital Age" by Will Richardson matters because it talks about how kids can interconnect with others on the Internet and take ownership of their own learning. First, this article made me think about how everything I do on line could affect my life outside of the Internet.  I now understand why Ms. Smith wants us to blog often.  It is for our benefit to connect with other students and learn how to edit and write excellent work.  I have heard that future employers will look at my facebook page and make decisions about me before they hire me.  In addition, this article is written to teachers about how to help students use new technology. Teachers are encouraged not to be misanthropes and learn with their students, and share their lives on line.  Our class is doing this with our blogs.  Finally, the Internet can be distracting at times due to facebook, youtube, and games, but it can be useful for learning.  A couple of examples are reading blogs and fischbowls in class.  In conclusion, the web is great for networking with others and learning.     

PLN 4

        

PLN4



For my PLN, I read “It’s not radio, its NPR,” by Gary; the article is about how India is planning to do $35 dollar laptop for education; this matters to me, education, and the world. I found this idea very cool because most of my school work today is done on the computer, and it would be neat to see a lot of people around the world have access to one. This is important to the world because if an as large country as India has a “one child per laptop policy,” the whole world would be a little more educated. This matters to education because the author “Gary,” also a teacher, said that he recently celebrated his 20th anniversary of teaching around the world, where all of his students had a laptop. All in all I think that the idea of a “One child per laptop policy,” is a good but difficult goal to accomplish for the world and education.

Is Google Making us Stupid?

            In Nichols Carr’s article, “Is Google Making us Stupid?” he poses a simple

question.  How is technology affecting how we carry out are life today?  This question is

also posed in my personal world, in the classroom, and in the world around me.  I personally enjoyed this article because it made me think about how I now manage the way I do things.  As Carr discussed, the internet has made information available quickly.  It is much easier to Google information about something than pick up a book.  I find myself just skimming as fast as possible through books trying to find info fast, and then I can move on.  I like that in our English class we are doing less of just getting information quickly, and more of really analyzing what we are learning. For example, through out

The Most Dangerous Game we stopped at least once every 30 seconds to discuss what was taking place.  It was nice to slow down and examine the story. I agree with the author, Carr, that the Web is affecting the world in a major way. We now know that the human brain can adapt and adjust to new ways of doing things.  The internet has led people to be shallower in their reading and the way they get their news. Our brains are adapting to this. This may have an overall negative affect on the whole world.  Will we stop being deep thinkers?  I think maybe, yes.  

           

A vison of students today

            The video "A View of Students Today"  is an authentic video about students

sharing things about their daily college life. I found the video interesting because it addresses a

problem we have discussed before, that students are taught material and by the time they

need a job, most of the material they have learned will be outdated. This matters to me because

I now know to remember the stuff that I learn in school. This is very important in

education because they should be teaching material now that applies in the future. Lastly,

this matters to the world because if our educators keep teaching unimportant information, then

we won’t be able to solve future problems such as those addressed in the video. In conclusion I believe

that this video is a good reflection on what students today think.