New Technology

So this week our projects were in spreadsheets and databases.  I am an old hat at Excel so that one wasn't very difficult but I had never done much in Access other than enter or search for information.  I found the program almost mystifying.  I usually pick up programs fairly quickly with only a few trips to the help windows but with Access I had no idea where to start.  Even in a template I quickly got frustrated not being able to adapt an existing file to my needs.  I played around with it for a hour or so, asked some help questions and finally gave up an actually took a tutorial!  I never do that.  I refer to tutorials for specific needs sometimes but usually I just jump and in and see how I do.  Well Access - you won!  Once I took the tutorial I was able to create a basic inventory list and the form that goes with it.  But I know I barely scraped the surface of the program.  I still don't know how to integrate multiple lists into each other and create list relationships.  But hey - I learned something!

RSA Animation - Changing Education Paradigms

Watch Watch Watch!
This reflects ideas being discussed in my Diversity Class and my Technology in Education class.  Brings up a lot of the main issues surrounding reform in Education.

Living with a Digital Native

Do we rely too heavily on technology, probably.  Do I spend too much time on my iPhone or with headphones in my ears, yes.  But I also think keeping young children away from technology can be as dangerous as too much of it.  
My son is three.  He  has been successfully manipulating our iPhones for over a year, is proficient with both the mouse and the keyboard, has an account on Zoodles and can log himself into the XBox 360 and start his approved games..  And we find it impossible to keep him away from technology.  He sees us use it, he sees his grandparents use it.  And he enjoys it.  He is challenged by making things work that he couldn't work previously, he feels joy when he solves a puzzle on his own, and he asks for help when he needs it.  But he also plays out side for hours at a time, spends whole afternoons making up stories with his stuffed animals, goes on playdates and paints himself into oblivion.  
I think its balance we need, just like in any aspect of life.  Computers are tools to aid teaching, and if used well, and not as a substitute for humans, they can be a valuable asset even in preschool classrooms.   Keeping our youngest away from the machines that are now an integral part of daily life because "we" didn't grow up that way is closed-minded.  Instead we should teach them to use them responsibly  as the amazing tools they are.  And with that being said, I probably need to go turn the Xbox off...