Comments on: I believe the children are the future; teach them well, let them lead the way…

By: Brendan Chambers

Brendan Chambers — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:26:24 +0000

Thank you for all the comments so far. It is great to hear that so many educators are concerned about harnessing technology right now. What seems apparent is our general appreciation of technology in the classroom along with our understanding that students today are so much more aware, technically, than we appreciate them for. Even today, as I used a wiki in the classroom for my freshman to share responses about books they are reading, I was amazed at how well the students, as a whole, adopted the technology into the classroom. These students are familiar with User Names and Passwords, URL’s and Copy/Paste, basic functions of technology that make learning so much engaging. I think we need to appreciate how well students use technology, and I’m happy to see that those involved in the CTER program at U of I are dedicated to integrating technology while trusting that their students are wholly capable of integrating it themselves, with our guidance.

By: Children are the Future… « The Future of Learning

Children are the Future… « The Future of Learning — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:30:19 +0000

[...] Children are the Future… September 30, 2008 Posted by insenar in Uncategorized. trackback I would like to say that I felt the passion and drive that Brendan expressed in his post, I Believe the Children are the Future”. He was emphatic about the need of students with traditional curriculum to forge ahead into the new digital age. He discussed the importance of the teacher’s role in that journey out of the confines of the 4 school walls to the vastness of the global classroom. His post was motivating and thought-provoking. Check it out! [...]

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By: Lorikay Sartin

Lorikay Sartin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:13:29 +0000

Brendan -
Liked your song
I agree that we have an awesome responsibility ahead of us. But as passionate educators – which it sounds like you are – we are an active part of that change from the “same ol’ same ol’ ” to the innovativeness of today. The old “traditional” things will always be there but as Rachel said, “…the curriculum not only matters for these student’s futures, but also their present.” I believe that teachers that take the initiative to learn new techniques and technologies are the first big step to preparing those students for their TODAYs and their TOMORROWs. We have similar philosophies.

By: Rachel Fruin

Rachel Fruin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:08:12 +0000

Brendan,

I watched a video today that reminded me that children are our future: http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm . This video doesn’t emphasis the technology aspects you dealt with in your writing, however it does emphasis the teacher’s role in the education of today’s youth. Despite the changes in technology-in the world around us, and in schools-a teacher does much more than teach material like you mentioned. Teachers listen, comfort, encourage, discipline etc. which are also important aspects of a child’s education. And I think these things all come more naturally when there is a respect between students and the teacher. And I think that respect comes when teachers are meeting students where their interests lie, and when they present material that will matter to their future. So I think that integrating technology into the curriculum not only matters for these student’s futures, but also their present.

By: Brett Moore

Brett Moore — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:18:53 +0000

Brendan,
You are right even though it is corny all good teachers see the children as the future. I think as teachers we need to give our students opportunities to explore new technologies in the classroom even though we know they will be out of date soon. It is still important that they learn to go through the discovery process with these new technologies. Good ideas and blog.

By: Vanna

Vanna — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:56:10 +0000

Your challenge is how to be an agent of change during a time of transformation when most still want the standard classroom. We feel comfortable thinking about schooling in more traditional forms because it is what we know. How does some of your vision – like collaborating with other teachers / other classrooms become a reality? You are definitely on the right track.