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