Wally's+Edutopia+Videos

[|Big Thinkers: Judy Willis on the Science of Learning]

 * I found this video by Dr. Judy Willis very intriguing. Her correlation of the science of the brain and how we learn is brilliant. I wondered why these concepts are more readily discussed about education. I make perfect sense to understand and put more emphasis on the science. As a teacher I should understand and take into the consideration of boredom and creativity. The idea of “fight or flight” makes sense in education it just is overlooked sometimes when trying to incorporate many different learners at many different levels. Dr. Willis’s tips for showing importance (without saying “pay attention”) are interesting and useful. (//I am going to try this one)// Also, the concept of the instant grading/satisfaction of video games and how they relate to education is unique. I am curious if education can develop a system that mimics this “on demand” evaluation that is present with our current culture and how it relates to video games. It will be interesting to see how education technology advances. (//A side note: Neurologist to Teacher. Hmmm, independently wealthy or just that passionate…)//**

[|Susan Patrick: Why Online Learning Is a Smart Solution]

 * I think that Ms. Patrick speaks of the “elephant in the room” straight away. Many students are disadvantaged due to where they live. This in turn, this affects their access to quality and limitless education. I also agree with the idea that the system is flawed and cannot be solved with traditional resources. Online learning offers students a flexible and collaborative learning environment without boundaries. New and broad resources are helpful in engaging students and helping them to understand and have access to other points of view. This idea supports the ideal of a learning community versus a school. Reading some of the comments and talking to colleagues, this idea will meet some resistance. But, even though it may be controversial for some people, it seems like a reasonable solution to a serious problem.**

[|An Introduction to Project-Based Learning]

 * Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an interesting concept. I agree with both the pro and the cons of the criticisms of the concept of PBL. I think that it has a place in education, but I wonder if it breaks away from curriculum (thus in turn, taking us away from the assessment tools we use). I personally like to create project based. As a learner, I am able to understand the subject more if I am able to “play” with it. (//hence, my success in this program)// I like that it prepares students for “real-world” challenges and agree that it does facilitate higher-order thinking and collaboration. But, until the way was evaluate learning, I think that PBL will meet hurdles in acceptance.**

[|An Introduction to Technology Integration]

 * This video is a good example of how technology can be successfully added to the classroom. This school is able to use the data that is acquired for cross-curriculum learning. Also, what a good motivator to know that the work they are collecting is important and will be used for something additional. As a student, motivation is driven by the quality, simply the quantity of “just getting it done.” That mindset could compromise many other participants in this program. I also applaud the staff for being innovative and working in a fantastic collaborative way to use the technology. This collaboration helps these students be ready for higher education and for “real world” tasks.**


 * [|Kids and Adults Design New Tech Tools] **
 * Ok, so after watching this video I serious researched if the Human-Computer Interaction Lab was hiring. (//To my dismay, they are not)// This is out-of-the-box thinking at it’s finest. //(I bet there is some Synectics in there too)// The idea of having kids help in the design process is truly genius. I mean, I know kids pretty well, but would have never thought to include them in technology development. I think that this video is a great springboard to take this same idea and add it too the classroom setting. What is a better way of having student buy in of the material… Have them help design it. As suggested by the video, this process is both beneficial to students and adults. Again, this is a great idea… (//now, how do I do it in my classroom)//**

[|Technology Provides Parents a Window on the Classroom by Linking Home to School]

 * Interesting video. We have this same type portal in our district. I asked the same question that is posted on the comments. Does this type of portal impact learning. Maybe yes, maybe no. I think that that idea is great for parents that want to be involved. This allows for easy access to school for those parents. This portal is slightly different in the fact that parents and students can view work from a remote location. Again, this is a great tool for parents that are involved. What this video did not address (and I am curious about the answer) is how do we get parents interested and/or involved with such a portal. I know in Millville, my parents do not use the portal. Honestly, as a parent of students in the district I don’t use the portal to it’s fullest extent. I feel that there needs to be a better way to draw parents/students to a great resource such as this.**