Quote: “Play can be defined as the tension between the rules of the game and the freedom to act within those rules. But when play happens within a medium for learning - much like a culture in a petri dish- it creates a context in which information, ideas, and passions grow.” (pg. 18)
Explanation: I chose this quote because it represents the essence of the chapter which is learning through play. This chapter gives examples of how people in all stages of life play with things they are passionate about. As a teacher, we can use games with guidelines and rules to engage students.
Question: How can I incorporate games every day in math class? Will students get bored? I can hear it now….another game!? grumble grumble
Connection: This quote is directly related to out 20% project and the 20% time at Google. Through the project and our readings, it is evident that if a person is interested in the subject matter, then learning will take place. So, as teachers, this is our goal.
Aha: We can trick kids into learning by disguising content with games!
Chapter 2 - A Tale of Two Cultures
Quote: “Many traditional venues for teaching….have been predicted on what we would describe as a mechanistic approach: Learning is treated as a series of steps to be mastered, as if students were being taught how to operate a machine or even, in some cases, as if the students themselves were machines being programmed to accomplish tasks.” (pg. 35)
Explanation: This quote resonated with me because it points out the flaws of the traditional style of teaching. I think that most adults would agree that the students produced by the mechanistic approach to teaching is not the type of citizens we want leading our next generation. I think all would agree that we need innovators, critical thinkers, creators and adults that think outside the box.
Question: Why do so many adults and parents hold onto traditional styles of teaching although we all know our world looks much different than it did 200 years ago, and even 2 generations ago?
Connection: During this semester, we read about the origins of public education and why it was created. The reason public education was a mechanistic approach was because as a result of the industrial revolution, we needed factory workers. We needed a standard to hold people by that designated their competency and ability to work in the factory. Is that the same standard we want to hold students to today?
Aha: I think we can use this information about the mechanistic approach to teaching and factory workers to help parents see the drawbacks of traditional education and to open their minds to a different, more progressive, approach to their child’s education.
Chapter 3- Embracing Change
Quote: “Information technology has become a participatory medium, giving rise to an environment that is constantly being changed and reshaped by the participation itself.” (pg. 42)
Explanation: I liked this quote to sum up the chapter because the Internet is a powerful and amazing tool. We are lucky enough to be in an age where information is being updated and altered at an incredible rate. Our students are going to be the contributors to this global learning environment so we need to teach them to be responsible and positive participants that make a difference and add to the conversations online.
Question: Can you create a mini wikipedia-type platform in class? Maybe create a forum for students to contribute to their definition of content vocabulary?
Connection: All semester in our tech class we have been talking about being online residents. Although I consider myself a visitor, I am working towards having a stronger and more significant online presence. Can I still lead my students into residency?
Aha: Let’s all remember that the only constant in life is change!