Tales of a Technology Omnivore

Just watched this amazing video about WiiFit’s new health program which couples a board that you stand on with interesting games that get your blood pumping.  I especially loved the hula hoop game and can see the push up game becoming a favorite.

Check it out:   http://www.gamespot.com/video/942009/6174496/wii-fit-video-feature-1

I was amazed at how seamless and enjoyable Amy Winehouse’s presence at the Grammys was especially since she wasn’t really present!  Because of problems getting her visa (she wouldn’t go to rehab), they set up a telepresence unit (new word for videoconferencing that implies it’s not just for conferencing or business) and she performed live AND won 4 grammys for which she did an acceptance speech in London.  It’s not like this technology is new, but as videoconferencing has improved by leaps and bounds, it’s become more feasible in different applications. 

The tastiest application is in education circles where telepresence technologies are used to bring teachers to students (distance learning in the classroom and online learning on the couch), classrooms to classrooms (shared classroom activities), students to students (small group activities with global partners), and students to authentic audiences of teachers, scholars, or specialists who can review and comment on their work.  As education moves into this arena, new learning opportunities will be a catalyst for reform on a global scale.

There’s an interesting article in the NYTimes about how universities are opening satellite campuses in foreign countries to meet the global hunger for American degrees.  New York University in the United Arab Emirates?  Carnegie Melon in Qatar?  Georgia Tech in India?  Yes, this is all becoming a reality.  Now, add telepresence technologies, and students in Asia can access the same teachers in Michigan.  Better yet, students in Omaha can learn from cutting edge surgeons in Cuba!! 

This is the biggest case of institutional bipolar disorder I’ve ever seen. Much to the dismay and anger of NYC parents, the school system banned cell phones in schools several years ago. Now in a pilot program, they’re issuing free cell phones to every student in 12 schools across the city and they’re going to text the students to promote achievement. What an amazing turn around. We’ve been salivating over the educational potential of these little portable devices kids carry around with them — many of which can be called mini-computers. Looks like an opportunity to develop cell phone technology integration strategies if you ask me!

Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/13/education/13schools.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin

Photo: From the collection of L-ines at Flick.com

The NY Times has an article applauding a professor who staged a classroom stunt to scare his students from using their cell phones during class. Then it goes on to expound on how difficult it is for teachers to compete with the myriad of distractions that take student’s focus off what they’re teaching. Makes several good points. In the past, distractions would come in the form of chewing gum, playing with your curls, or staring into space. Today’s students are distracted by text messages, social networking sites, web sites, music, etc. It’s tough to compete with the ever growing list of distractions.

They make a nice distinction between how baby boomers and today’s generation view technology. Baby boomers see it as information and communication and today’s generation view it as entertainment and socialization. Yet for all they say that is right, they’re missing the boat on the bigger picture in relation to how technology is reshaping our society. (more…)

Ooh this is one of those times that I’m mad they block YouTube at our schools because you’re going to want to see this one, so be sure to watch it at home!  Remember that passing thought that we should be using music to teach?  And remember wondering what that might sound like with hip hop music?  Well wonder no more because Ms. Robinson’s Hip Hop Tables has arrived!!!  “Hey yo wassup yall this Ms Robinson an we bout to learn these nine times tables ya know what I mean?”  I gotta say, it’s actually catchy.  And even though the kids might need the Hip Hop English Grammar unit after they finish with this, some might actually remember their times tables (if that’s something we even do any more?)  Either way, the evolution of the web to a medium where the individual can market and sell anything is here to ensure that no idea gets left behind.  Let Ms. Robinson serve as an example that there’s money to be made for EVERY idea.  So?  Are you ready for the nine times tables music video? Cause “I’m ready, he ready, you ready, she ready, ya ready, they ready, you ready, I’m ready…”

Ms. Robinson’s Hip Hop Tables:  http://www.hiphoptables.com/html/music.html

I’m in an amazing session with Alan November at techForum in Palisades, NY and he’s articulating so well an idea I believe in. In a nutshell, the best thing we can do to improve student achievement is to get parents involved by leveraging our technology to keep them in the loop.

Alan defines automating as adding technology to existing processes. Using our laptops to do the same thing we’ve been doing makes the laptop a $2000 pencil. Writing an essay can be done with pen and paper. What can we do with technology that we couldn’t do without — that’s what we should be doing. (more…)