Setting the Stage Reflections

I am going to attempt to paste my word document in this blog...so here goes something...:)

Setting the Stage Reflections
Cynthia Misner
June 17, 2010
Upon reflecting on our first readings and my attempts to set up the blog and twitter account, I feel overwhelmed with the knowledge that I do not have. The definition of an adult is the moment you realize that you do not know everything that you thought you did in your adolescent mind. I am 51 and the older I get the more I realize that the knowledge base of the areas of academia that I thought I knew seem to grow exponentially with the advent of new technologies.
Friedman’s article on the concept of technological advances creating a flat world was right on the mark. I feel there is a big disconnect between high school standards and what is needed at the collegiate level to be successful in the STEM career areas in these United States. His article reiterated my feelings and I appreciated his insights. It would be nice to see in the future an article that outlined a plan that could help Americans to realize that academics rather than extra-curricular activities need to be emphasized in our high schools if we want our students to compete in this ever flattening world.
He had several comments comparing India’s, China’s, Russia’s, and America’s educational systems. The comparisons that resonated in my mind were 1) American high school students had an ambition gap, 2) American high school students had a sense of entitlement, 3) America has a number gap in producing scientists and engineers, 4) American students have an education gap, and 5) India, China, and Russia have rich educational heritages which are increasing the rate of evolution of the flattening of our world.
The other readings focused on how science teachers need to be up to date on current technological advances so they can integrate them into their teaching of science content and scientific inquiry. As an educator who likes to use technology, there is often down time when it fails or a student does not follow directions and goofs up the technology. I can see where the mastering of technology can be a focus rather than the content of the lesson because of the lack of tech support and professional development in using the technology.
The past three years I have used an interactive cadaver in my Anatomy class. At first the kids are grossed out, but they soon realize what a great tool the interactive cadaver is for them as an educational tool. There is no way I could ever have access to a real cadaver in my high school classroom and being able to utilize this piece of software and my Smart Board has really improved the learning of the anatomical systems. Unfortunately, I do have down time because my Smart Board is not interfacing with the computer properly, and I have had to change my lesson plans to compensate for the technological problems.
When I first began to teach, I had a lot more concerns about technology not working. As an experienced teacher, I have learned to punt and utilize my students’ technological saviness so much so that I do not sweat the small technological stuff anymore. I am looking forward to learning more ways to increase my level of technological saviness without stressing my type A personality as this class unfolds. These first articles set the stage for the up and coming technological adventures during the semester and I am ready to hit the floor running.