Blog Assignment 3

Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
     This movie, in my opinion, provided a very accurate account of the lives of many students that I know. This video was very interesting because the information in it was provided by students editing and surveying themselves through technology, instead of just a teacher or administrator providing a survey. One of the most important points made in the video was the class size. With classes taught in a huge auditorium it is almost impossible for a professor to make sure that all students understand and have access to the material, as well as being able to monitor the progress of their students. This experience closely matches the feeling that I sometimes get when I walk into a huge college classroom.
     Another point that the video made, which closely matches my own experiences, is the time constraints on students. One of the answers in the video was students having to multi-task because they needed to complete twenty-six and a half hours worth of things in one day. Many students today have time divided between work, school, studying, family matters, and so much more. However, many students use technology in ways that will cost them time instead of helping them manage their time more efficiently. The video stated that the average student spends three hours on Facebook a day, and is commonly on Facebook during class or when they should be studying. I think the video needs to add more information about non-traditional students, as well as students with significant family obligations to provide a more diverse view of student life.

It's Not About the Technology
     In this article Kelly W. Hines discusses how technology alone will not save the school system. She states that technology, 1:1  learning initiatives, and internet connectivity are all great tools that help students learn. However, it does not matter what level of technology is placed in a classroom if teachers are not motivated to help their students or learn themselves. She advocates overall change to teaching and learning by implementing four steps to effectively and positively impact the lives of students and teachers.
     The first step is that teachers must be life-long learners to be successful. This includes being up to date on technology, as well as knowing about the lives of their current students. The second step is for teachers to learn that teaching and learning are not the same thing. She advocates success through working smarter, not harder, as well as helping the students to do the same. Thirdly, technology is useless without good teaching. If teachers are not motivated to keep up with technology and use it effectively, it is useless in their hands. The last point she makes is that teachers should customize learning plans for individual students. Basically, if technology is to be effective it must be used by an effective teacher to reap maximum results, it alone cannot fix the education system.

Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
     In this blog, Karl Fisch discusses his opinion on technological illiteracy in the classroom. He believes that all teachers can, and should be technologically literate. He compares the fact that people seem to be proud of not understanding technology to the opinion parents had about not understanding math. The ease at which people admit these things, yet seem to never do anything to try and change them, makes it seem like it is an acceptable part of society.
      He then compares not understanding technology in this century to not being able to read in the previous century. As the last century went on, it became increasingly difficult for people to function in society and be afforded the same opportunities if they could not read. He believes that technology will increasingly follow this pattern. Right now being able to function with technology affords you many benefits, but it is becoming increasingly necessary to function in today's society. If you are an educator in charge of providing your students the best learning opportunities for their future, you should be able to use every media you can to provide this objective.

Gary Hayes Social Media Count
     This site monitors the Social Media Count. It monitors several social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and others. This site keeps track of the amount of comments, minutes, and other social media currency per second. This site also provides statistical information about purchases, iPads, Flicker, and many more.
     This site really raises awareness about the amount of time people use social media throughout the world, as well as the rapid expansion of global networking. It allows a rapid exchange of ideas, as well as far reaching effects throughout the world. Educators should tap into as many of these resources as possible to reach their students and be able to communicate more in ways the students are comfortable in using. Social media also allows students to get a far-reaching perspective on life by being able to see different areas and cultures that they would never have seen otherwise. This also allows for increased world awareness and cultural perspective.