Blog Post #10

I'm a Papermate. I'm a Ticonderoga.

I didn't understand John T. Spencer's cartoon at first. After reading through previous blogs and the comments left, I have decided that it is, of course, a metaphor. The pencils represent computers, or technology in general. I think it's trying to say that technology is a really expensive alternative compared to traditional teaching methods like pencil and paper. The question that needs to be asked though, is is it worth it? Yes! The cost is a small price to pay when you get as much use and knowledge out of it than you normally could otherwise.

Why were your kids playing games?

This displays a great example of "just because your older and wiser, doesn't mean your necessarily right." The principal is angry with the teacher for "playing a game" during class time. However, the teacher sees it as a fun and creative way to teach his kids rather than the traditional, and yet boring way that it usually done. The part I really loved was this one, "If we want students to pass the rote memorization test, we need to focus on rote memorization skills." I think this sums up how most teachers teach, by trying to get student to memorize when we should be learning and advancing through the years.

Don't teach your kids this stuff. Please?

This is a post by Scott Mcleod where it's pretty obvious he being sarcastic. What he pretty much says is do not teach your kids to grow and learn with technology. However, I will teach mine and they will have the upper hand down the road. I learned that Mr. McLeod is an Associate Professor and his blog is called Dangerously Irrelevant. I've commented on his blog before and I've always enjoyed reading his posts.