First, I want to comment on Sir Ken Robinson's comments. What a fun speaker, I would go anyplace to hear him. And so true, I think we educators, parents, and just as normal people unknowingly squash all the creativity out of kids. Luckily, my son rebelled and he is a very creative!
What I have been reading just reinforces what I try to do more in class. I try to have activities that the student actually has to think about the outcome. However, I probably am only allowing students to be creative to a point, as I have a desired outcome, lessons are not open ended. I had a discussion this week with a 7th grade math teacher. He has a highly intelligent student that can pass the class-with a D-without doing any of the homework, but passes the tests with a 100. The teacher says the student HAS to do the homework. I practically begged the teacher to allow the student to work within a web tool to create instructional materials to present to the class. The teacher does not buy it. HE HAS TO DO THE WORK-THE SAME WORK. How sad.
As I said in another post this week I talk the talk, but I don't walk the walk. I can do activities with the students that involve technology, but I use excuses not to: like I don't have time or I don't understand the technology good enough. Or I am just afraid.
After reading about "technology", it can be as easy as using a paint program. Or setting up a webquest, where students go online to access the assignment and the materials to use. Or using Inspiration to organize thoughts. It does not have to be a super hard to use application. Start small and work from there.
I am afraid that I cannot live up to "someones" expectations, consequently I don't.
No comments:
Post a Comment