The video clips on the 21st Century were interesting. I downloaded a few of the slides to show my students. I think it is important that they realize the qualities that future employers are looking for. Change happens faster than the speed of light was what I took away from the experience- and I need to be open to it. One of my instructors did a power point that was very similiar to those we viewed- basically we are preparing students for jobs that don't exist yet and to work with technologies that haven't been created. Not an easy task but one that is doable- I need to teach my students to "think." I believe this quote sums it up pretty well- Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
~William Butler Yeats
If we can light the fire so students are interested in learning our job becomes much easier. Once someone has a passion to learn, they will do so- with or without us. Let's hope it is with us.
You touched on something...getting students to think. My students care if the answer is correct, not how or why they got it. I blame alot of this on standardized testing. Teachers move through material quickly because the state mandates you get through a, b, and c. Where is the time for true "thinking" in a 50 minute industrial age classroom? The use of technology to get our students really thinking is a great idea. But, where is the push from the state? Until there is a standardized test for technology, the state will keep those purse strings closed and we will be on our own to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteWow, I so agree with you about preparing the students for future jobs that will not be there. It is amazing at how quick the technologies change. I was having a yard sale recently and we were selling some typewriters. There were a few kids I'd say around 9 or 10 years old that asked what they were. They thought they were used for typing, but couldn't figure our how they would be able to play some of their interent games on them. I had to smile...and tell them what they were and that they really not going to be able to get the interenet connection using the "old" typewriters!! Wow...to ensure that my second grade stuents and even my own son going into third grade will be ready for the perfect job when he graduates will be harder than I thought!! Back when I was a student at EMU I don't recall anything like what kids are doing today. I'm glad this course was offered!! I don't feel as in the dark as before.
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