Blog Assignment # 4

“The iSchool Initiative”

The iSchool initiative is a proposed idea to save our schools through the use of technology. Specifically this video uses the example of the iphone like device. These “devices” would include applications that can far exceed the information from a regular text book. It would also network the class with other students and the teacher. It would include a graphing calculator, endless tools and unlimited information. It would do away with the needs and expenses that schools currently have. This is a very green and cost saving idea.

In my opinion, this change would be so dramatic and from my understanding of America we have to ease into something like this. The first step would be to see the results of how simply switching strictly to something like a Kindle for school textbooks would be. Many businesses would be affected by this switch over in schools and many jobs will be lost. Also, I am concerned that eventually classrooms will no longer exist, nor teachers and society becomes disconnected with the tactile world. I hope there will always be an appreciation for real books and sharing real space with each other. However despite any concerns, I am supportive towards anything that will foster learning, save money and help the planet.

“Don’t Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?”

Dr. McLeod’s post “Don’t Teach Your Kids this Stuff. Please?” uses sarcasm to make a very strong and humorous commentary on the fear of allowing kids to integrate technology in their lives. Fear of change is the major dysfunction with society. It is our natural instinct to be protective and suspicious of something new. Our current world media does a pretty good job on scaring all of us into shutting down and locking up. So, I understand why parents and teachers are afraid to expose kids to the World Wide Web and all our new innovations. In my opinion, it is best to educate yourself on what you fear so that you can own it. I think all kids should be engaged with the world. It is the teachers and parents job to create the appropriate boundaries for each child. Thankfully there are many applications and programs designed to do just that.

“The Lost Generation"

This video is a commentary on how we can determine our own destiny and intern the worlds by simply believing that we can. This video uses flowing text on the screen that is read allowed by a woman in her perspective. In the first half she spoke of a life and a world that sounded terrible. She spoke as if these dreadful facts were a certainty and with indifference to it. Then she changes her perspective. This change is symbolically reinforced by the reversal of the flow of text she had just read aloud. Contrasting to each previously made statement she spoke of a world that is positively moving forward. Her personal perspective has altered as well and she expresses her belief that she has the power to make these positive changes. This video is highly effective because it uses metaphoric contrasting to illustrate a central idea.

“Eric Whitacres Virtual Choir”

I suggest that everyone sees this virtual choir perform on the web because it is so beautiful and profoundly moving. I immediately had this vision and awareness of this future where all our voices are harmonious and one. I realized even more just how connected the world is becoming and how easily we can all be a part of it. The virtual world has opened up endless new possibilities for creative and beautiful connections. I hope to one day add my voice to a virtual choir. Thankfully with that many voices at once no one will notice I cannot carry a tune.