Team 2 discussion
From Instructional Technology Wiki
Paper two comments by Grayson Beane
I never thought of the technology being used to keep track of students. I thought our paper was bleak and pessimistic. I think the idea of placing bracelets on the students as they enter is pretty scary. You guys also think that the trends in education seem to point to a future where the computer becomes a device of control rather than a tool of discovery. With all the emphasis on scores and so much government involvement I don't see any other option. When this happens we will take away the creative element and contribute to decline of our own civilization.
Your paper has a lot in common with our vision of the future. I hope it never happens but your future and ours will see creativity sacrificed for control. Truly those teachers who are starting now may see a time when their students are identified by number and be marched to and from activities in the building. I wonder if we will put such a premium on control that we reduce our population to robots, and I wonder if that happens if we will reach a point where interaction is no longer important. I really think not. Everything I have read indicates that teachers are still the overwhelming difference maker in the classroom regardless of the technology. I believe that the real future wii recognize computer technology as a tool and not the panacea of education.
#2 Paper Comments by Kelly Roper-Massey
As I was reading this paper, it made me think about the video we viewed earlier that was to the tune of Another Brick in The Wall. I hope we won't lose a generation of thinkers or the magic of human touch. Over the course of my school age years it was the teachers whose soft words and acts of kindness made it a pleasure to learn. I hope the future of education comes no where close to this scenario.
comments by Dean st. Louis paper #2
Does this mean I can show up for work in the morning get my hologram up and running, and then head out to the lake or the golf course. Maybe this isnt so bad. Seriously though, if it came to this extreme you would see teachers having to find new jobs just like we see with the factory workers today. Creativity would be gone completely, but it already seems that it has started to fad now due to testing. Its a little scary to think that this could actually be the future. Then again according to the writers of "Back to the Future II", we should be buzzing around on hover boards instead of skateboards and that doesnt seem to be the case.
Comment by Ryan Crater
I remember in 1st and 2nd grade we would watch Reading Rainbow on Public Television. This would always get me excited about reading and alot of the times I would go to the library and choose the book I saw on Reading Rainbow. Using the television can be a get way to enhance learning in the classroom. As a teacher I use the overhead to show short clips of educational material to my students before we go over a particular subject. Also I believe the television is a great way to give students background knowledge own a particular subject before covering that subject.
Comments by Josh Carver
As a teenager of the 90s I can remember my first week in sixth grade when I was introduced to Channel 1. At first I thought it was really cool, even then I was a fan of the news on television. I can remember vividly a young reporter going to Rawanda to cover the genocide there and what an impact the footage had on me. His name was Anderson Cooper now of CNN. Other things I remember about Channel 1 was that after a year of watching it people usually dreaded "having" to watch it. Complaints would always rain in from the typical troublemakers in my homeroom. What I take from this paper/discussion is how much TV in education has lessened (at least in my school anyway). With streaming content available from the internet on sites like unitedstreaming.com our media center has noticed significant drops in video/dvd check out and request to record educational programming from PBS/UNC-TV. You just don't see the advertisements anymore for "Cable in the Classroom" like you once did... another example of how the web is changing everything. Even personal TV viewing... with DVRs, web episodes, itunes, etc people no longer have to be in front of the TV at 9pm to watch their favorite shows.
Comments Crystal Padgett
Like Ryan, I too can remember Reading Rainbow. It was the highlight of our week to visit the library and watch it. I can see the many benefits of ITV. It is cost effective and flexible to your use. I can also see however how some teachers would overuse it...sort of like busy work. In my experience, when I show educational clips to my students, it is easier for them to absorb than if they read it from a textbook. It plays on the abilities of different types of learners, visual and auditory.
Comments by Sara Rhyne
I have seen the positive impact training teachers on the newest form of ITV (United Streaming) can have on curriculum in the classroom. I have been amazed over the past year how teachers choose appropriate lengths of clips and just the right amount of video instruction to be able to supplement and enhance lessons. It is rare to see an abuse of the system.
Comments by Kelly Roper-Massey
I find myself watching less and less television. Reality tv, well, I just tune it out. But from everything i read it says that there is an explosive growth in the home theater industry that has caused many builders to re-evaluate how they design and build new homes. I went on to read that recent market research shows that Americans spent nearly $11 billion on home theater equipment making it one of the fastest growing electronics segments. Wow. At home, I think the television set will always be staple but will evolve to do many things. In the classroom, it may become almost nonexistent like radio usage with the information capacity of cable lines growing at an alarming rate. I think only time will tell. It's really hard to predict the future and I have seen so much change in just my lifetime.
Comments by Chad Parker
I enjoyed reading this paper (due to the content and because of the memories it revived), as I can remember viewing instructional TV for the first time in second grade. We looked forward to this time of the day. When I was a student at CVCC in Hickory in the early 90's, I once took a telecourse on personal finance. It was delivered via instructional TV through programs on the PBS (UNC-TV) channel. I remember having to make sure I was up on some Saturday mornings in time to view the program and complete my assignment. :) During the 2003-04 school year when I was still doing substitute work, Maiden High (near where I live) was connected to two other schools via the Information Highway. The instructor for a given course could be at another school in the county, but the students at Maiden could see and her him/her via a large TV mounted in the room. Each student also had a microphone, allowing real-time interaction with the instructor. (I guess this is still regarded as instructional TV??) In a modern day sense, online videos are very similar to this concept. I have used Unitedstreaming and other short online video clips with effectiveness in my classes. I use them as single lessons, as described in the paper. In addition, I was not aware of the instructional videotape library, School Television (STV), and how educators have access to this, before reading this paper. Thanks for the info.
Comments by CJ Flay
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TV can be instructional. In first grade they pulled us all, app. 90 of us, into the cafeteria huddled around a 19" black & white TV to watch this. I haven't forgotten. If that wasn't a definition or Example of Instructional TV I don't what is.
Comments by Grayson Beane
I grew up in the 60s and never saw a TV in a classroom. The implementation had to do with funding, I'm sure, and since I went to school in an economically disadvantaged area, we didn't have it. I didn't see educational TV until somebody hooked up Channel One in the 90s.
I enjoyed your research, but I still see ITV as correspondence eduation. The biggest disadvantage that I see is the lack of immediate feedback especially if the teacher is using TV as the primary delivery and the TV teacher as the primary instructor. When that's the case the student waits to long to know his results. The other disadvantage that I see is some teachers using the TV as a babysitter and a chance to recharge in the afternoons. For that reason I like the fact that you say in your paper that the TV is a good companion to the classroom teacher when used properly. Today we use it, but I've found that as my computer implementation increases I use fewer and fewer videos.
Get on Board--Comments by Becky Chappell
I do think that there are many new avenues of learning available. Technology is playing a bigger role than ever, and teachers need to get comfortable with these new methods. It is amazing to think that we go to the Zone or Skype and talk very easily to people all over the world. There are limitless possibilities for exchanges of learning and exposure with situations that are happening right now. We are global educators just as businesses are global. Becky Chappell
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Comments from Sheila Richardson
I, like Grayson, never saw TVs in the classroom when I was a student. I actually didn't see TV being used until the 90's. It was a high school Latin class with only about 4 students in the class and the facilitator was a teacher assistant. For this purpose, it seemed to work. There was not enough demand for a full time Latin teacher but these kids got to take Latin before college when otherwise they would not have gotten to. I think we have to be flexible and do what works at our school and for our students. Today I could see this class being taken on-line.
ITV is invaluable; comments by Joy Knight
“Chunks” of various learning content must be implemented in order to connect with our diverse students. In science that includes various media — text, models, animation, audio, and still images — to illustrate a particular concept. These resources, which can stand alone or be used as supplements to existing content, are invaluable to teach students with different learning styles. Our county "encourages" the use of United Streaming in our classroom. I regularly use PBS, CNN, WeatherChannel, and NASA's select channel. If the teacher demonstrates interest and excitement over the lesson, students are also engaged.--Travelingdoxies 19:08, 14 June 2007 (EDT) Joy Knight
A 70's and 80's Girl - Comments from Patty Ramsey Unlike Grayson and Sheila, I did see tv in the classroom growing up. How well it was implemented was questionable, however. I have been thinking hard about this and have come to the conclusion that this must have been another one of those "let's throw this at the teachers" with no proper training. I occasionally had a teacher who would effectively use ITV but this was rare. I can picture as a kinder a big black tv in front of us while we sat at a long table. I am not sure if this qualifies but do you remember Captain Kangeroo? I can remember watching this in school!! And I did learn from it, believe it or not!! So in my experience most teachers did use it like this team said - as an aid, a resource or simply a babysitter!
Comments by Kim Poole
Like Patty, I did see TV's in my schools. It was very limited and students loved to see the cart rolled out because it meant social time. I could not tell you anything about the programs we watched because I was uninterested. In my classroom, I use TV very little. Usually, it is a supplement and brief. On occasion, I will try to find a movie that ties to the curriculum and the students will find entertaining. For example, we finished our unit on microbiology and watched Osmosis Jones. The kids loved it and were able to discuss processes and vocabulary they had studied in the unit. I guess it up to interpretation whether that would be an abuse or not!
Comments by Randy Colbert As a student growing up in the sixties, I remember the TV being used as a teaching tool (of course I just thought we were getting to watch TV). Probably the thing that stands out from this paper is how ITV could have been used. As a student I recall there being an extreme shortage of TVs. Some teachers never used them and only a few did on a regular basis. As stated in this paper there are a lot of options available today, just how, and how much they are used is questionable.
Comments by Jamie Branch
Like anything in education it is the teachers responsibility to use this technolgy with thoughtful purpose and not to just take a break or free up time to do other things. We all know who the abusers are and why they over use any technology...I do not think that will ever change. I personally loved the TV in my education but I do not remember ever watching it just to be watching it...we have programs on caharacter ed and movies that applied to books we were reading. I think I had teachers with educational not personal purposes for the TV.
Comments by Lee Ann Luman
I too remember some programs in the early years, but none at the middle school and occasionally at the high school level (history and English classes). I have used United Streaming in our science curriculum this year and my students have enjoyed the clips. I agree with you Jameia, it is the teacher's responsibility to use technology wisely and always with a purpose. Our student's time is valuable.
Comments by Carolyn Query
I personally don't think ITV ever really got off the ground even though its been hovering for decades. I do remember watching math lessons on a tiny tv mounted really high above the blackboard in 1963. I only remember watching several segments because the teacher became more frustrated than we did when students didn't understand a math problem and she had to turn the tv off, write the problem on the blackboard, and explain it. Then turn the tv back on and repeat the scenario. It would have been easier for the teacher to deliver the instruction. The last statement in the paper stated that public tv stations have decreased their allotted time toward ITV. What does that tell us? Cuban said something to the effect that we need to know how to teach information efficiently. I'm certain either teacher-lead instruction or online classes would be a more efficient way to impart knowledge than ITV.
comments by Dean St. Louis
I believe TV can have a positive role in education. The problem is it too often used to take time. I am guilty of this as well. I have proof in my own house that children can learn from TV. My 4 year old watches a number of different shows on TV or videos. Yes I admit it we have used the TV to occupy his attention for a short time for a number of different reasons. However we do monitor the shows he watches and usually lean toward the programs that teach something positive. The proof I mentioned comes out when we sit and have conversations with him. We are constantly amazed by some of the knowledge that he is able to add to the conversation. When we ask where he learned that it is usually on of those shows. In this case he is learning positive ideas, although if not monitored it could be a major problem.
SECOND PAPER COMMENTS
Comments by CJ Flay
Human Beings are social beings. We have the pack mentality. We live together, drawing support, be it physical or emotional, from each other to get by each day. Since the dawn of civilization we have created communities where we could interact. Anyone who prefers to live byself by themselves and shun outside contact is ridiculed and referred to in derogatory terms.
In 2007, the world population had reached 6.6 billion. In line with population projections, this figure continues to grow at rates that were unprecedented before the 20th century. Future growth projections show a potential population of 9.4 billion by the year 2050. with all those people feeling the need to interact we will need to change our definition of interaction. Currently our definition of interaction is a kind of action that occurs as two or more objects have an effect upon one another in a face to face setting. Communication of any sort, for example two or more people talking to each other is defined as interaction. The new interaction will include digital interaction using technology as a vehicle of communication
With the over crowding of our planet that is taking place technology will not only be an aid, but an indispensable piece of our daily digital interaction with others in society. To find the physical support; tangible(food, lodging, clothing), intangible (recreation, learning, occupation or emotional (friends and family) we will need to use technology to wade through the masses of humanity that are overwhelming the planet.
Technology will aid students in getting the quality education they need online without having to deal with overcrowded classrooms in a failing public school system full of outdated ideas. Virtual classrooms will allow the students access to the quality instruction and information they need without having to try and compete with the management problem students that plaque our current classroom structure.
==Comments by Becky Chappell== 2nd Paper
This is an emotionally appropriate story and does a great job of conveying some of the concerns of many teachers. I got to thinking about the Skinner video and the last part of the marching students, studying students; how like the visions of your story. In our office for the gifted, we stress so much how to analize, synthesize an evaluate to predict. Non of this type of sophisticated thinking would be present in the students in the story. Also, I can't imagine students/teachers not collaborating for so many hours. According to the podcast we heard, the ability to collaborate well globally, is one of the needs for the future. More than ever, this story should caution those of us in education to not loose the teacher "touch." I have been reading articles for my Action Research class.One of the consistent patterns for creating an learning atmosphere is the need for students to have respectful, caring teachers. Some how a hologram of the teacher or a computer just does not equate.
Becky Chappell
==Comments by Josh Carver== 2nd Paper You would also have to think Becky that if the scenarios in this paper play out in the future children will have not been brought up to expect that a teacher be the loving, caring, hugging, person that we see them today. The "teacher" has been romanticized to some degree in our generation. However, in the future if technology is truly king then children won't have this expectation. It is grim to think about and hopefully it won't happen. Think of how desensitized we are already becoming. -Josh Carver --Joshcarv 09:12, 27 June 2007 (EDT)
comments on paper # 2 by Joy Knight
Although extremely well written, this future glimpse of education is fearful. Ideal eduation is "people driven" with academic instruction that reflects individual learning styles. If we become teacher "automotons" the delight of learning has ceased to exist. The collaborative interaction between educators, one of our professional strengths, is completely wasted if our professional future requires that we instruct students by "reading from a script". --Travelingdoxies 21:58, 26 June 2007 (EDT)
Paper 2 Comments by Ryan Crater
This paper was very good. The teacher/student relationship can never be replaced by a computer or hologram. I believe students learn better with face to face interaction between teacher/student. I believe there needs to be some studies done on the effects of distance learning and studies done on the effects of a traditional classroom. Then investigate each study and find the pro and cons of both so we as educators can fix these problems.
Comments by Sara Rhyne
Uggh glad we have 22 years to keep this from happening. I’m still puzzled as to why they would need an educator to sit in the lab with them all day if the teacher is not allowed to interact with them? Why not let one of the police people sit with them wouldn’t it be cheaper? The only positive I can think of is at least during a fire drill you would know without a doubt where all of the arm bands were. I suppose the need for personal interaction between teacher and student will never be undersold and overused.
Comments by Marianne Lore
Wow, I sure hope this is not the future, how boring. Guess you could say this is the wrong use of great technology tools. When students become numbers, we have lost the dream that each of us followed to become teachers. I wonder if this scenario has provisions for the learning disabled and the AIG? With the wristbands the students are wearing, I could see a big benefit is tailoring a lesson to each student's ability. I liked your twist on this paper. --Mlore 22:17, 24 June 2007 (EDT)
Comments by Carolyn Query
Mmmm...at the end of the paper, a statement was made about learning for the test and that was all they ever did. Unfortunately, we're there now. Can the hologram of the teacher pat a student on the back when they do a good job? I think not. A computer can certainly give feedback, but does it equate the smile of a human. I think not.
paper 2 Comments by Randy Colbert
It scares me a LOT to think that this is what the future could be like. I just told someone today I didn't want to be an administrator because you no longer have that daily contact with the students. I hope I will be retired before it goes this far. But I also hope it never gets this bad.
comments by Sheila Richardson
Nicely written paper to show what could happen if we become to eager to embrace all technology for technology sake. This is why a vision for technology is important. This is not where I would want education to go in the future because the enjoyment of learning, social interaction, and human compassion have been taken out of learning. But yet, there were examples of positive uses of technology. I liked the idea of the wristband where student information could be stored. Just think no cumulative records (or are we the only school that still does that?).--Srichardson 22:58, 26 June 2007 (EDT)
Comments by Kim Poole
Just insert the chip already! I am cautiously optomistic that this is NOT the future with educational technology. Is it a possibility? Sure! As much as we as teachers accept in education, I believe we would stand up if we were not permitted to create our own lessons. "How" we teach the material still belongs to us and should stay that way. Like many others, I am glad that we are not there yet and have opportunities to guide the direction of education for the future.
Comments on Paper 2 by Chad Parker
A part of this scenario does a good job in showing how schools and teachers help students in ways other than in curriculum driven aspects. How many times have we "connected" personally with those challenging students, offered words of advice, pats on the back, and just that true atmosphere of caring to help them succeed in a course or a tough situation in life? I know I have. Schools often provide things that many kids don't get at home in our current society of increasing problems. I surely hope the aspect of human interaction is never removed from education, even though I think the infusion of technology is both needed and necessary. With the increase of the sytems of accountability and control, along with the push for online learning, I see these personal interactions eroding. Although I can see some of what was described happening in the future, I surely hope this is not the future of education. As Kim mentioned, there always needs to be some degree of flexibility in the system for the teacher to adjust for various types of learners. If the scenario in this paper comes true, I think I might be one of those who tries to do what is expected, but who is also waiting for that 30 year mark to come. I'm in education to make a difference and be actively involved, not to stand around and maintain order while students struggle through material on their own, trying to maintain test scores.--Ceparker526 14:05, 27 June 2007 (EDT)
Comments on Paper 2 Crystal Padgett
What a bleak outlook. Hopefully we won't all be androids in the future. The scary thing is, they have already started implanting chips into people to hold their medical information, etc. There is also the wide spread use of "Home Again", where you can have your dog implanted with a chip so that they can scan them if they are ever lost and know where they belong. I would hope the future of technology and computer use would allow students to work together and become engaged in what they are doing. It would be a shame if all the petitioning for technology we do would be our undoing.
Comments on paper 2 Lee Ann Luman
The hologram reminds me of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie- Total Recall. The lunchroom scene closely mirrors a school I know where the children wait on the teacher to give several signals in order to know what to do next in the cafeteria. I, too, hope this scenario is stretched and will not be the future of educational technology. We already have much of our curriculum scripted for us as educators and it is hard to find room for creativity in the younger grades where it used to be challenging to produce lessons that kept a young child's interest. I still enjoy that challenge but find that many colleagues have lost that will and just go with the flow.
