Blog Assignment 2

Did You Know 3.0 
     My initial and ongoing amazement to the video is in regards to how much statistical data had to be generated for the presentation.  Man, the human race is growing and developing technology at an amazing rate!  More users leads to more globalization and a shrinking world.  As all generations of people are buying into the use and possibilities of today's technology, mankind's ingenuity is fed allowing us to create more advanced, applicable, and entertaining technology.
     At this exponential rate of technology growth, what is to happen in the near future?  Will machines turn on the human race and pose a threat to our very existence?  This may sound like a cheesy sci-fi theme.  But what is science fiction?  Science-fiction explores the possibilities of science-fact.  In 2013, we will have a supercomputer that surpasses the ability of a human brain; 2049, one computer will surpass the ability of the human species.  One thing for sure, we do not know what is to come.  Therefore, we must train ourselves with the technology we have now so that we can adapt to the changes that will occur in the future.

Mr. Winkle Wakes 
     I really like how this video addresses the question of should teachers and the education system be technologically literate.  The video is fun to watch just because it is so unique, anomalous!  Most everything in the world after 100 years had changed so drastically that it made Mr. Winkle feel odd and out of place.  Yet, when Mr. Winkle went to a school he felt at home and comfortable.  Furthermore, Today's technology use is widespread and an understanding of technology is required for today's living.  Yet, the school systems are educating in the same fashion as they did 100 years ago.
     I think if in our jobs and throughout our lives we are going to be required to use all this technology, then why are we not using and teaching with what's available?  As our world becomes more and more dependent on technology, then to teach without using the available technology is like teaching a fish how to swim without water.  We can still succeed without being technologically "fit" but it is becoming harder and harder to have the career you desire.

Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity 
     Wow, Ken Robinson is an amazing speaker!  More amazingly, is his view of reforming the way we think of education.  The goal of education today is to produce little professors.  But, for students to be successful in tomorrow's world they are going to need to be able to handle diverse situations.  I really like the fact that the students we are teaching will be in jobs not yet created, and will have to solve problem we've never faced before.  The future is unknown to us but the students we teach will see the future.
     What does this have to do with creativity?  Creativity is one way to succeed in the unknown because creativity requires taking a chance, looking at situations different than the norm, and possibly being wrong.  Creativity is an original idea that is useful and relevant.  To me, creativity is the solution to the future.
  
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts 
     It does not matter who you are or where you're from, we all have digital smarts. The stereotypical idea is that in a rural areas students, teachers, and parents are less technologically aware. This video speaks against that generalization. In rural areas all we need is someone to introduce, open doors, and allow opportunities for people to become comfortable with modern technology.
     I liked when she said, "when you have only pencil and only paper then only certain types of children will succeed".  Learning is kinesthetic, visual, and auditory.  I feel like this video sums up all four videos and their main ideas.  She is using and teaching students how to learn and problem solve through the use of modern technology.