Next Generation Learning Thoughts

The technology age has definitely brought to light some key questions for the current education system to answer. One such question is: Can we education catch up to technology's advances and improvements? I answer that we a resounding "yes", but there are difficult challenges that lies ahead. How do we fund such an interest when we can't fund the current system properly. Teachers who have been teaching for 20 years or so may be reluctant to switch from books, pencils, and papers. It seems in this case though, that our problem will always be funding, or money for better use of terms. t discourages me to see our education system in ruins, while technology continues to grow and expose such a gap that I fear it may be too late to close.

On the other hand, some systems have flourished using this approach and using the technology that is available to all of us. I-pods, I-phones, and laptops are a common thing to most children. We must find ways to incorporate these tools in to our everyday educating of our young minds. Gone are the days of note-taking and homework. We must now move toward the wave of the future which is technology, used properly of course. Students today and tomorrow will be better equipped for the jobs of the future if they are prepared for the future, rather than the now. As shown in a portion of the video, the classroom doesn't have to be in the schools alone, they can be anywhere.

Technology Advances- Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis' ability to teach and learn is a great example of how teachers should teach. Her class seems diverse in her efforts to give students numerous ways to learn and experience new things while doing it in the comfort of classrooms. I think it is a great way to expand education while also preserving the future by being on the cutting edge of technology. Teachers like Vicki Davis are of extreme importance to our continued development of our education system. She has taken what students today are really interested in, and converted it into a worldwide classroom. Just 10 years ago, such ways of teaching were obsolete or very few. I think that in a few short years, a majority of classrooms will be moving towards this format.

One of the strengths that I noticed in the clip is that Vicki Davis empowers her students to learn. She does this by allowing them to share information, worldwide, while teaching even her some important lessons along the way. By doing this, it seems her student have a tremendous amount of gratitude and fondness for her and her class. They are really engaged and very interested in the learning process, which in most cases, goes against the norm in our current education system. From what I gathered, if we empower students, it makes for a productive foundation on which to teach.

Sir Ken Robinson thoughts

Sir Ken Robinson is an interesting figure in expressing how we should look at the way we our educating our children. I thoroughly enjoyed his thoughts and insight into this topic. He is true when he states that our current education system doesn't care what you're good at. It brings me to think what is the purpose of our public education system? Is it simply to produce university professors, as he states during his speech? If our education system only produces "academic ability", what about those who have talents such as Jillian?

I agree with Robinson on his thoughts of educating the "whole being." Too often, educators look to exclude irrational behavior rather than include it as a part of the total being. This really opened my eyes to educating the person and not who we want that person to be. The example of Jillian, who presumably was ADHD, to be written off by her teacher, then to be found to be totally gifted in dancing happens more often that I can imagine. How many children have we, the public education, turned away and sent on a path of failure. Again, we must, in his words, harness the gift of human imagination. If we don't, I'm afraid we will continue to slip into set a trend of going backwards. If we are teaching kids that being wrong is bad, then we are not allowing them to be creative.

Did You Know 3.0

While watching this video, I could not help but go into information overload! And then it hit me, our society has become solely dependent on this information age we're in. It is apparent that technology affect everything we do. Not only that, it continues to grow at an exponential rate. I can hardly imagine the idea of what technological advances will be discovered or created in the 5 years. Everything is connected to computers and technology. It leads me to ask is there anything that isn't connected.

After gathering my thoughts of disbelief and amazement I came to the realization that technology somehow frightens me. Not in a creepy way, but in an "atom bomb" kind of way. It would definitely explain my inability to identify such things like i-phones and the social blog networks. On the other hand, some great things have come about through technology that I realize is a direct result from its advances. I'll reserve my verdict for now, hopefully this class will provide much more insight on how it will help me in my profession.

Who Am I?

This is my very first blog! My name is Ricky Ruffin. I am a 2003 graduate of USA (B.S. Sports Management). As of now, I am pursuing my bachelor of science certification in Physical Education. I have lived in Mobile since 1995, moving from a small rural town in west Alabama. I am the fourth of five siblings and the youngest male. Living on the coast, I enjoy the typical outdoor activities such as the beach, golfing, jogging and so forth. I have a dog named Max. He's a full blooded, chocolate labrador retriever. I decided to return to school so I could further my education and most importantly put myelf in a position professionally that will be a bit more rewarding.

I currently teach at Mobile Christian School. It's a great school and this will make my third year there. My job description there involves many facets of the athletic program. I am a varsity assistant football coach, head junior varsity basketball coach, and head track and field coach. Last year the boys' team captured the 2A State Championship. Also, I direct the school's elementary developmental basketball leagues which involves boys and girls in grades 2nd-6th.
Finally, in my spare time I am an Alabama High School Athletic Association official during the basketball season. As you can see, it seems I am a very busy person. It all comes together to create a truly fulfilling experience. I love sports, and I love to direct children. I know this class will only enhance my abilities to continue to do what I love.