Reflection on the Element
Being what I consider a recent high school graduate, (I know four years is pushing it, but its not ten!), there were many students in my classes who were very similar to Sir Richard Branson. Branson was not particularly interested in school but had never truly succeeded in that element. By the time he was sixteen he had dropped out, but soon founded many businesses through which he has attained great success and significant recognition. I agree that many students need to find their “element” and school may not be it, however I feel as though Branson’s story is the exception not the rule. I know that many who do wind up dropping out of school, do not find great success, or even their “element”, which is why I find the last chapter of The Element so interesting.
The author does not suggest that education is not for everyone, instead the practice of education should help students find their “element”. Sir Branson understood early on that his element was found in entrepreneurship, others however, are not able to recognize their passion that early on, or ever at all. This is an unfortunate epidemic that plagues our nation. Unfortunately we do not recognize the potential in people or their passion, and instead we encourage them pursue jobs in which stability and flexibility are prevalent, which is discussed it the chapter as well.
I agree with that assessment of our society, however, I know that combating these ideas regarding employment and career may have become easier than we had thought it might have been even just two years ago. In the midst of this terrible economic down turn, it has become clear that those “good” jobs are not as stable and flexible as we all once thought. When teachers and parents have encouraged their children and students to peruse these careers, it is clear that our market is unstable and these careers are not as great as we thought they once were. I believe that the one good thing we can take as a society out of this economic travesty is that we all need to manufacture, work, and consume things in which we value, not just participate any of those markets because everyone else is doing it.
For instance, I personally very much enjoy homemade things, furniture and art particularly. If there was a better market for these items in which I could purchase them homemade, I would do it all of the time. However, since our society is so stifled by mass production and leaves no room originality, theses pieces are very difficult to find. If we had encouraged the artist and craftsmen in school to pursue these careers, as the author suggests, there would be a market in which I could get these items from. Unfortunately this is not the case. If this were the case, even during this time, they may have even been so passionate and successful that although they may have had to tighten their belts during this difficult time, eventually the market would become more prominent in their area of service again.
As the author states, finding your “element” is a very personal journey, and sometimes very uncomfortable, however very necessary sometimes tends to be uncomfortable. To understand who you are and what you believe takes great discipline and sometimes causes grief- however once on the other side the benefits are immeasurable. As an educator I believe that it is my job to push students to begin to understand themselves, both as individuals and their relationship with others. We are in a societal crisis regarding the way in which we understand ourselves and others and in the midst of an economic crisis this may be the best time to begin facing it.
I hope that I am able to articulate the importance of finding and appreciating ones passion to my students as a future teacher.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Time and Technology
Being from the Pocono’s- I know terrible winters- and although we have had a relatively mild winter, I know that it still has been a long one at best. Being cooped up inside, as the ice and rain pelts our homes it is not likely that any of us are inspired to get outside and enjoy the day, but being inside has caused me to think about how we, as members of society, do spend our days whether it be inside or out.
With the world at our fingertips and the knowledge of the internet, there really is little reason to be outside. On a rainy day, in the past, one would run out to the local movie rental store. One can now sit back put their feet up and enjoy the newest release through Netflix without ever leaving the comfort of their computer chair. Does this behavior help or hinder our local community? Does behavior help or hinder our physical and emotional health individually? I wonder as a future teacher, and present student what these activities do to our bodies and minds and communities.
There is no question that our classrooms and teachers need to be technologically savvy. Technology does make education much more efficient and appeal to many different types of learning styles and preferences. For instance, as discussed in my past blog- the computer connects students to speakers and ideas to classrooms however- are we putting enough weight on the importance of personal communication? And, furthermore do these practices enter into our lives outside of the class room?
Would it do someone good to get outside on a rainy day and see the store clerk at the video store? I think yes- physically it would, mentally it might and it may even encourage a friendship between the clerk and the customer. I worry how we spend our time, and what we accomplish- and It seems like I am not the only one. Only one year ago students and teachers alike discuss what life means with the influx of technology. Check it out here-
Does technology produce feelings of isolation- or does it better connect people? I think this video shows both sides. I say this because it is very interesting that they used a Google Doc to collect their information, however seem to have a negative interpretation of what technology provides regarding education and connectivity.As I continue to learn, it has become even more clear to me that balance is key to success. Let me apply this to technology. Should technology be used in everyday life- yes. Should life be centered around technology- no. Technology should simply enhance what we already do- not replace what we already do. The internet can enhance thinking, doing, and connecting but should not replace it. I believe that the Kansas State video articulates this point very clearly and I hope that as a teacher I can as well.
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Pros and Cons of Technology
I must admit, I have been more than somewhat resistant regarding the role of technology in the classroom. Even more resistant regarding my use of technology personally. I refused as a freshman in college to get a facebook (but slowly gave in) refused to make a myspace account (until I was a sophomore in college) and hated (and still hate) when my friends sit cross legged around a lap top in the living room looking up “funny” videos on youtube. But I must admit, that technology is slowly growing on me. Slowly, I am now recognizing the importance of technology, particularly in the class room. As I reflect on almost all of my favorite classes, I cannot seem to find an example of when a youtube video, or an article on a current event complete with numerous pages of comments was not assigned for homework. I first considered the internet to be juvenile, however now I am beginning to realize that instead it may be what I have been conditioned to know and look for on the internet, not the internet itself being juvenile.
Some really great ways in which in my personal experiences in class that technology was used (and used well in my opinion) was after reading a certain theory- not knowing anything about the theorist, and then watching them speak on youtube regarding the promotion of their book or new idea. In my recent gender studies class, we read the brilliant theorist Judith Butler, who’s theory is pumped up with difficult language, dense ideas, and complexities. After struggling as a class understanding her writings, our teacher had suggested we all checked her out on youtube. After watching her video and hearing her speak, we were all very suprised to hear her give a lamenens version of her theories which only aided us with better understand her writings. We all were also very surprised to see her appearance, looking very much like us, although we believed that based on her writing that she should be always in a navy business suit with a bottle of Fiji water in hand. After seeing her, and hearing her speak, we were able to better connect with her as an audience, and thus better understand where she was coming from as a writer. We were able to experience Judith as if we had been to one of her presentations, it was a great learning tool.
Reflecting on some of my best experiences in college, technology has been apart of the class room. I suppose my resistance is unwarranted sometimes, and it really does have the possibilities to enhance the classroom and the educational experience in general. Now that I am learning how to correctly use the internet- I am sure that I will begin to be more open to its endless possiblities.
Her writings can be found here-
Check Judith’s video out here, see how approachable she really is compared to her writings-
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Society and Creativity
After hearing what Sir Ken Robinson had to say regarding creativity in the classroom I am suddenly very aware that this is not just an issue in which teachers should only pay attention to. Instead the issue of creativity (or the lack there of) must be addressed both in the class room but also on global scale.
I would argue that particularly in the last thirty years there have been great leaps globally to limit creativity of individuals across the globe. In the name of stability and efficiency we have quickly lost the essence of the individual. Instead of focusing on what one appreciates or finds joy in, many of us are guilty of enacting and perpetuating the status quo . We do this by taking jobs that we have no intrest in, doing thing simply to boost our resumes, and just not thinking about what our actions really mean to our selves or others. This shift away from from individuality, has had significant detrimental effects on both the economic environment as well as the inhibiting human potential.
In the effort to maximize production and efficiency we have all forgotten what actually makes us significant – as societies, economies, students, teachers, and most importantly humans. A few months ago, I would have agreed with modern theorist Francis Fukuyama who pessimistically argues that this may be the “End Of History”. However with the most recent economic down- I can only believe that this is not the end, but simply the beginning. People have become frustrated with the way things were, and are now looking for new ways in which to lead their lives and express their talents and views.
As educators, and as members of the global community I believe that it is our responsibility to encourage the use of creativity in students and peers. This way we can all begin to reap the benefits of new ideas, technologies and thus enjoy a happier, and healthier lives.
I am very intrested to see what future offers all of us.
For some information about Francis Fukuyama and thoughts on his work The End of History check out the link-
http://brothersjudd.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/reviews.detail/book_id/742- R
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)Reflections on Thursdays Resources Presented in Class
The idea of technology in the classroom is relatively new to me; however I found all of the information presented both interesting and somewhat troubling. Although many of the resources presented were critical of the current educational system and presented new ideas regarding how to approach the 21st Century student. Much of this I agreed upon. There is great room for improvement regarding the ways in which educators relate and relay information to their students, however, I also found if somewhat nerve racking understanding the ways in which some of the resources suggested we bridge that gap.
For instance the YouTube video titled A Vision of 21st Century learners suggested that we are sensitive to literature available on pod casts and other digital story telling software along with allowing the student to be more creative in the way in which they learn and explore. Fundamental reading skills are imperative and students even now struggle with it, I could never imagine allowing students who are not completely comfortable in their reading skills to simply listen to a story rather than reading it and gaining understanding that way. And although many of the articles stated, (and I do agree) that digital learning does better cater to the very specific and different needs of each individual student, it also however must be used by students who are self motivated and this unfortunately is not always the case.
I am sure that a balance of both traditional and digital learning will work best in the classroom however it is always exciting to learn about the new ways of thought and new theories regarding education and the future of our country. I am excited to see that through the couse of this class, if through better understanding of the technology at hand if my mind changes regarding the role it has (or should have) in the classroom.
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