Journal #9 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Weller, T. J. (2010). Playing with skype. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

After reading the article about Skype, I realized that the educational possibilities are endless with today’s technological breakthroughs. Skype brings a live event right into the classroom and this can not only expose children to musical concerts while they are happening but theatre, governmental debates, Wall Street stock exchanges, commercial companies in progress, Zoological institutes and entertainment. The only stipulation is getting the approval of the event coordinator to alloy broadcasting.

There has been accessibility for years to many cultural experiences but not usually as easily adapted as how Skype makes it possible. According to the article, you don’t need heavy equipment or expensive gadgets to film a live performance or occasion. Skype makes it possible with only a computer with a broadband internet connection, a data projector, a couple of microphones, a webcam, adaptors, a screen and sound apparatus. This can allow almost any school the ability to expose children to numerous educational experiences right in the classroom that are not found in a book but viewed live. I think the fact that it is live would grasp the attention of the students and help capture their interest, learning more than a video would do as well.

The author, Travis claims that many teachers fear technology and I agree with him. Most teachers have been around for awhile and haven’t been exposed to ways to incorporate it in the classroom or have the knowledge base to attempt it. What needs to happen is for teachers to go to some technology training seminars so they can get up to speed and utilize the vast advantages of combining education along with technology and open the door of knowledge in the world to our youth in ways that will help them have a stronger grasp on what is going on in politics, world events and culture.

I think that Travis, is on the right track with getting excited about exposing his class to composers in concerts to give students the feeling of what is involved in the process. Can you imagine if students saw world wide events going on regularly and came to more clear understandings about life how much better prepared for the real world they would be? I also think they would be smarter and maybe even take life more seriously.

Question #1 What are the costs of these instruments precisely and do all schools have a fund that can be dipped into to buy them such as your school did? Answer: The cost varies depending on how much equipment each school already has. For instance, most schools have a screen, a computer, a microphone or two and sound capabilities so that just leaves the cost of the data projector and Webcam which should be available between one and two-thousand dollars.

Question#2 Why do you think most schools are not up to par with technology? Answer:I think it is because they weren’t exposed to it at a young age so they don’t have the background knowledge that most of our kids today have. Also the rigorous Standardized testing has taken priority over the benefit of a full well rounded education.