Thing 4

Whether or not education has changed is an argument that can be made either way. Sure, it's changed a ton, with increased standardized testing, the available technology, the increased pressure of 'needing' to go on to post secondary schooling, or at least training. On the other hand, it hasn't changed very much at all. You still sit in a class, mostly in a row, or at least a group (see how teachers mix it up), you still learn how to add, subtract, nouns, verbs. You get my point, I hope.

In my opinion, the biggest change in education is the availability of information. I loved that line, something to the effect of where did people ask these questions B.G.-Before Google. We literally have information at our fingertips. We can find answers to virtually anything within seconds. Just amazing. As information is more available, students already "know" the answers. Our biggest issue as educators is to make sure that students understand how to use what is available. We have been moving from teaching content to teaching skills, I expect it to continue.;

Thing 3

My initial thought is that blogging is truly a two way street. This reiterates that the Internet (Web 2.0) is a read/write relationship, not just read. Teacher and students can virtually interact with each other...amazing. We used the Internet while I was in high school, only for research, not once did we ever post our own material, and being allowed to use it for research was minimal. I feel that blogging is going to be similar to many other "advancements" in the past. If the technology is used, it can be great. I feel there is tremendous potential for blogging.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have never blogged before this class. I don't really think I have ever read one, and if I did, it was not too prolific because I don't remember...

I have the same fears that most likely have, abuse of the blogosphere, inappropriate content, etc. but I also realize that things of such nature can't prohibit the use of something so awesome. I do not mind sharing my thoughts publicly on a blog.

My First Blog

Hello World! This is my first blog...ever. I hope this class will be interesting, more importantly useful. One thing I worry about is how much time we spend in front of a pc already, I do not want that to increase greatly...I feel the outside world has too much to offer. I'm a big fan of running, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, you name it, if it happens outside I've probably at least tried it.

I look forward to getting to know everyone virtually, and maybe even in person at some point!