Technology Talk
18 12 2006When using technology with students, you are obviously dealing with a lot of risks. We do our very best to protect our children and teach them how to use it responsibly, but it is not a 100% safe. And while that might be scary at times, if you think about it, nothing is 100% safe. Anyway, I ran across an article from a high school teacher that talks about this. Here is just part of it:
One of the things I always try to keep in mind when I think about school planning and design, and something I said a lot to the faculty as we planned, was “There is no panacea in education and every great idea has a dark side, so what are the worst consequences of your best ideas?” It’s important to do for two reasons — one because I think that many educational institutions become reactionary too often, throwing the baby out with the bathwater when an unforeseen consequence of a really good idea comes along. I’d rather think about every potential dark side so that when they happen, I’m not surprised, I’ve thought about them first, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a consequence I can live with. And two, because you can look to mitigate them and plan for them, and speak about them before hand.
I’d like to think that using the Internet in schools is a “really good idea” so it is important to recognize when it can cause problems, talk about them, and decide how to avoid those problems.
On to fine arts, students in all grades are finishing up projects right now. I’ll be trying to get many on Art Sonia and hanging before the holiday. Although I rarely give out homework, it is important that students finish projects in fine arts completely in order to pass fine arts. While I do my very best to give enough time in class for students to finish, it doesn’t always happen that way. They need to use their time wisely in class and finish their projects completely and with complete effort.
The 6th graders are actually starting a project this week. They are going to be embroidering pillows. These will be due at the end of the quarter. Please read the letter I have posted in reference to this project.
I look forward to seeing parents at the science fair on Wednesday and the holiday assembly on Friday.
