Educational Thoughts

I just finished watching two short videos based on education that were very thought provoking. The first was highlighted students in post-secondary institutions. After watching the video I really wonder if education and technology are on a collision course or can they co-exist. If they can co-exist it cannot be in the form that we find today. This video truly highlights the modern day student trying to survive in an education world that really hasn’t changed much since the mid 1900’s or earlier. The video brought back many memories from when I attended university in the late 80’s/early 90’s. I can relate to the message that they are sending.  It also made me think about what my high school students must be thinking. Probably very similar. Check it out…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

The other is a short piece from Sir Ken Robinson. He makes two points that really hit home. First, as educators we say that we are preparing students for the future but how can we really do this when we don’t even know what the world will look like in five years let alone when the students of today reach retirement. How true that is and how hard it will be for many educators to accept that fact. For many preparing kids for the future is how they justify what they do within their classrooms whether it be good, bad, or just plain ugly.

The other part is when he states “If you are not prepared to be wrong you will never come up with anything original.” Wow! That is all I have to say on that.

Check out Sir Ken Robinson…   http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/66

Thanks to Prof. Couros for posting these links.

Last point, from one principal to another, from one school to another, our sincerest thoughts and prayers to the principal, staff, students, families, and community members of Bathurst High School and Bathurst, NB. May you find the strength you need to get through these unfortunate times.