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!