In this video, the definitions of teach and educate are examined. It truly makes me want to refer to myself as a future educator, rather than a future teacher. When people ask me what I am getting my degree in and I say I am going to school to be a teacher, sometimes I get nasty looks or responses like "oh, what a waste of your potential!" Why does my degree choice get these responses? Because so many people choose this field for "ease" or "convenience" that nearly everyone has had a teacher some point in the educational career who put a sour taste in their mouths. But, my degree will maximize my potential to change the experience of up and coming students. I will do my best to foster a love of learning in my students so that they have a positive outlook on school, learning, and technology.
Tom Johnson's Don't Let Them Take Pencils Home!
I loved the metaphor in this post! The absurdity of children not taking pencils home because they might be used as toys translates really well with some people's ideas regarding the use of computers, iPads, etc. Yes, these items can be used for entertainment but we can teach students to use them as so much more! I particularly liked the response to "How will you keep them accountable at home?" when he said "I don't hold them accountable. I try and find projects that keep them interested. But if they choose to play Hang Man or go on the pen pal networks, I'm okay with it. There's probably some learning that's taking place that we don't realize." If we create projects that keep children interested in what they are doing and they complete the assignment, we have accomplished a great task. If they then use these technologies as entertainment, that is fine. Children learn a considerable amount through play!
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