Thing #16

I really enjoyed watching these three videos. The biggest learning that I am taking away from these videos, is that as educators, we need to allow students to show what they know their own way.It really surprises me that at the college level, creativity is still not allowed to be used in the curriculum. It is apparent that creativity is being lost in our educational system. The message is the same as it was in the 1970's when I went to college to become a teacher. The creativity back in those days were centered around Bloom's Taxonomy, right and left brain theory, and the Habits of Mind. These theories are still alive today and can be applied in our world of technology. Are we able to use all of the new tech that is out there with our students? I'm afraid not! Our system is so focused on state testing, full plates of curriculum, state standards, district mandates, that there just isn't enough time in one day to do all of the tech things we would like to do. It is even difficult to allow students to choose what they want to write about, because I have to ask them to write at least 20 pieces of writing for their portfolios. Before they can write them, there has to be many hours of instruction. Also, there is only one computer lab in our building, and 500 kids that have to filter through it each week. The computer teacher also has curriculum to address with each student! This leaves little free time to explore the world of technology.As an educator, I try to allow my students to go outside of the parameters that I have created for them. I guess my job as a teacher is to figure out how to incorporate what is mandated with technology. It is very frustrating, and again leaves me with guilt and incompetence.