Thursday, March 20, 2014

A 21st Century Rip Van Winkle?

 This is a cute video about a man who awakes after many years have passed him by. The title of the video is Mr. Winkle Wakes produced by Mathew Needleman and is located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm1sCsl2MQY.In this video the author has created a modern day version of Rip Van Winkle and how he responds to the technology advancements made during the past 100 years. Initially Mr. Winkle is very excited, inquisitive and filled with wonder. That is until he enters a school.  


Like Mr. Winkle, I have felt the same in similar situations although I did not miss out on 100 years of advancements. I have seen computers being stored in closet of classrooms, software unopened lying on shelves. I have given information and resources about the use of technology to be met with answers such as I do not have time, I do know how, or it will not work at this grade level. I felt the same as Mr. Winkle did! I was discouraged about the technology path I saw some teachers taking. I was confused as to why they took that path and seemed to disregard the other. Most importantly, I was dismayed over the loss of creative and interactive opportunities students were missing. Hopefully, the tide will continue to change and the use and acceptance of technology in schools will be the norm, instead of an exception. 

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