Dr. Tim Tyson: “The Pied Piper of Ed. Tech.”

 

I think maybe that I fit into “School 1.5,” some combination of rules and rituals with active engagement and a project-driven mentality.  My students need to know their responsibilities, yet still be empowered to think for themselves.

Conrad’s story was interesting.  I’m impressed with any student who would want to attend school after its out, in order to perfect a project.  I think this is what Levy talks about when he discusses “Writing Beyond the Grade.”  Global Distribution for their work really is writing and publishing for public.  What do these kids really have to tell the world?  This question can change what and how we teach. 

This is authenitic education…authentic assessment…when a student makes an A and realizes that it’s just not enough to show the world.  What significant and meaningful contribution can students make?  This is a question that teachers and administration must help their students answer.

Topics ranging from Embrionic Stem-Cell Research…interviews with doctors were not dumbed down for the 12 year olds…which won a film festival that year, to Immigration in America.  Quite a variety, though I wonder if the students were “led” at all.  I wonder if the teachers’ political eyes might have helped to guide the students to their particular viewpoints…but I suppose that is the skeptic in me.  At any rate, the idea of producing movies as research projects is quite intriguing and truly combines “writing from the heart” with using technology to “write beyond the grade.”

“Making a movie…that’s like learning on steroids!”

                 - line from Mabry male student in the Organ Donation Movie

That dude ROCKS; so does this concept!

Frankengenes was an eye-opener…maybe I really am just “a rat in a cage.”

In the “Chocolate” movie, I disagree in part.  Yes, the cliche is true that a picture is worth thousands of words, but one of the kids said that when you write, people can’t see it.  I’d say that he needs to be taught how to “show” when he writes…to not be limited to just one genre…making movies is cool…but it’s only one form of “edu-tainment” available to the masses.  GREAT WRITING STILL CHANGES THE WORLD!

Cool morphing of the penny to the child in the Dark Side of Chocolate.  Great impact.

It’s true what they say: “This is Social Studies!”

Tia impressed the heck out of me…she quoted Malcom Gladwell, author of BLINK and THE TIPPING POINT…that’s cool.

What an emotional close…a young special needs girl swimming, making it through everyday of her life, and all the while wearing a smile…great use of music to enhance the power of the tale.

To conclude, it seems that our job as teachers is to get the students prepared to make a positive contribution TODAY.  Meaningfullness involves collaboration and connectivity.  Our kids can help us to make our world a better place…RIGHT NOW!!!