Response to Seth Godin's manifesto...

Well, I will start with a confession, that I started reading this piece from Godin http://sethgodin.typepad.com/stop_stealing_dreams/2012/03/stop-stealing-dreams-the-entire-manifesto-on-the-web-cleaned-up-html-version.htmlover two months ago. I became frustrated and stopped in my tracks because of a lack of words to articulate my thoughts and ideas regarding topics of: learning for the sake of learning, knowing how to do some basic math on your own, knowing basic historical facts, having integrity and followthrough to motivate yourself and  complete school satisfactorily.

46. At the heart of Pedagogy
"We taught higher math or physics or chemistry or Shakespeare or Latin—not because it would help you with your job, but because learning stuff was important."
I think that there is something to say about a basic level of general knowledge of our citizenry.  I think it is important to have some basic fundamental knowledge.  You should be able to find the tip when dining out or determine the price of an item 20% off.  As students, we learned this, and even if we failed, we buckled down and worked harder!  

4. What is school for?

"To create a society that’s culturally coordinated.

To further science and knowledge and pursue information for its own sake.

To enhance civilization while giving people the tools to make informed decisions.

To train people to become productive workers."

What is wrong with this idea?  I would like to have a goal for students to be culturally and academically aware in order to make decisions and be able to be productive in careers.  To this idea, I see the 21st century skills of creativity, communication, and collaboration within the classroom to help students be college and career ready.  I think that teachers are leading the way to make bridges that are preserving the best of our generation with the best of new technological tools of today.

 In addition, some of the ideas in #17 Reinventing school, are happening today in many of our classrooms.  

Most of our teachers in schools today are good!  They are trying to find the best mix of old and new; using technology when possible, and making interpersonal connections with students to help motivate and inspire today's youth.

Thanks for reading...

Am I ready for the digital age?

This is my first attempt at a blog post.  I have listened to a lecture from Will Richardson regarding the  traditional classroom and the change or refocus necessary to truly engage our current students.  There were times during the video that I really thought he had some valid points.

I think his network was quite visually interesting and that his idea of "talk to strangers" may actually be valid.  With my own children (who are 1 &.4). It seems "easy"to be the parent and because you know them so well lead their curiosity and to go to the library or online to look up new information and really study it.  My 4 year old really impresses me with his knowledge and desire to learn new things.  I think that parents and teachers have responsibility to light fires and help kids find answers, or direction for their curiosities.
One problem or issue that I want to raise is that students seem to have very little that they are actually interested in!  If the activity does not involve sleep, skateboarding, sports, playing music, then they seem disinterested.  Please develop a wide range of interests.  I do not believe that school has squashed their interest.  I also will say that the majority of students participate and seem interested if their teacher designs a "really cool application problem/investigation".  I digress . . .
I would disagree with Mr. Richardson about the ability to google specific information.  I think there is something to be said about a society in which citizens know specific facts about a range of topics: historically important dates, notable Authors' works, mathematical processes to name a few.
In a final thought it is a good and valid exercise for teachers to examine best practices and new practices.  I am ready to take on learning in the digital age!  I am ready to be a digital learner and figure out how to make it meaningful in the classroom.