What we need to be teaching in schools!

I received a Masters Degree in Computer Technology and I truly believe that technology is what is missing in our schools. I am a social studies teacher by trade and the hardest question for me to answer is why do I have to remember this. In the past I would say that the things we learn in here will teach you about the human condition and prepare you for experiences in your life you have yet to imagine. The people we study in history have achieved and accomplished so many different challenges that there is so much we can take from their experiences. The stories behind the memorizeable events are what we need to be studying in schools. I mean, let’s be honest…Google will tell them anything they need to know about history quicker than I could explain it. It cannot be about the facts, it has to be about the experience of the people involved and your journey to know them. Technology should enrich the lives of our students instead of holding them back. Schools are ages behind the technology curve. Yes we have computers, yes some schools have ipads but really none of these are used correctly in a classroom. The reason behind this is because we as teachers, parents and lawmakers are scared of technology. How do we know when they are learning, how do you measure it, and how do you control a class. Now, I have to admit that I have days that I am terrified of what students will do with technology in my room…it is a natural reaction. The students that I currently have, that are driving me crazy, WILL BE better at some things than I am. This is what is scary. Giving up control and allowing students to expand their own horizons. Did you know that there are students who can program private rooms into XBox games online for their friends that Xbox tries to find and fix? Did you know that there are students who are programming their own apps for their phones, we probably even buy some of them!? Did you know that some of our students are able to hack into any computer at school? Now how is a traditional textbook and paper education going to challenge these students if we do not value their abilities? With the standardization of school curriculum we are crippling students, teachers and the education system. Using the word fun in education is such a no no any more. I can’t help but think that is part of the problem.

I saw this video the other day and could not help but agree with how true it is! The best jobs in the country and world right now deal with computers but we handicap our kids by taking them away.