Mark Prensky "Engage Me or Enrage Me"

     Prenksy certainly made some obvious observations. In this fast moving world, technology is constantly changing at an exponential rate. No one knows what the future holds for the next generation to come. Prensky mentions microchips in our fingertips that have every book and song known to man stored on them available for instant use. Though alarming, this possibility isn't labeled as "scifi" anymore. He does make a good point mentioning that the number one issue with classrooms is the "disrepect" between students and teachers. This disrespect is not what you would imagine. This disrespect is the lack of trying to engage our students with what interests them or what they believe is fun. I actually liked his twist on the definition of fun: Fun is mastering something mentally. When students "beat" video games, they trade them in and buy new ones because they mastered those games. Students love the instant feedback of their progress and the leveling up aspect of constantly getting better and "mastering" the game mentally.
     Unlike the Catlin Tucker's "flipped classroom" approach, Prensky says that teachers shouldn't go out and learn the technology because it is always changing. We would be overworking ourselves. By the time we have mastered a certain technology, such as podcasting, something new will have come out that we would have to learn. Instead, teachers should learn the basics and assign the students to use the technology to show their proof of understanding since the majority of them already know how to use it. Make the students create podcasts, post and publish blog discussions, take pictures and instagram them, all relating to lessons. I myself have never seen this used in classroom, but my students have told me they have used instagram before in classes. Recently I assigned my students various projects for To Kill a Mockingbird some of which include creating technology such as podcasts, online games, and even using Minecraft to create the town of Maycombe.
     I especially love the video gaming aspect of his lecture. My husband has always said he has learned more from video games than he ever learned from school, and it's true. Prensky noted on all the important aspects that video gaming teaches: quick decision making, multitasking, setting and achieving goals. The big question is how do we incorporate games in our lessons? Sounds like it's easier said than done considering the lack of gaming devices in classrooms. Prensky mentions that the easiest way to do this is to just talk about them and mention them in class. Ask questions. Getting the students to talk about video games makes them feel incorporated in lessons and, if you think about the positive aspects, allows them to brag about themselves for bit. I love the idea, and I hope to use this one day in my own classroom.

Flipped Classroom

     The idea of the flipped classroom is amazing. I would love for students to become more actively engaged in their own learning. We as teachers always try our best to create the most effective learning community, and I believe the effective flipped classroom does just that. I love the idea of students learning the basic concepts at home and then coming to school to apply those concepts. I can see how it saves time. I especially like the idea of including so much technology for the students to use for learning. It was a little overwhelming, at first, realizing just how much technological tools are available. Technology allows so much more opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and open their eyes to what limitless knowledge is available to them.
     I do have some concerns with the flipped classroom as well, though. My number one concern is the student actually doing the work at home. It is hard enough getting the students to read assignments at home on their own. If the student does not take the initiative, how will the flipped classroom work effectively for them? What do you do with the student(s) who did not learn the basic concepts at home? They will come to class unprepared to apply the knowledge they never gained. Another concern/fear is the thought of running around the classroom trying to help everyone effectively. I know that if I have my students working on projects or assignments in class, it can get somewhat hectic running around trying to answer questions and explain things with dozens of hands in the air.
     It sounds like the flipped classroom is one that will have to be practiced one lesson or unit at a time until it is mastered by the teacher applying it. Students will need to be ready to take learning in their own hands since this is a new concept they might not yet be accustomed. They will have to learn to become accustomed to it just as much as the teacher will if the teacher decides to use it in their classroom. 

Blogs in Schools

     Blogs could be very useful for educational purposes in classrooms. Students of future generations grow up using technology in their everyday lives. It is second nature to them. Many of the students in schools probably already have blogs of their own or follow favored blogs. One advantage of using blogs in the classroom is that the majority of students will already know how to operate them. It will also save educational time by having students discuss various topics on the class blog while they are at home. The students could discuss what they wrote in class without wasting time of them writing in class. Also, teachers could teach students about leaving positive "digital footprints."
     Students will have an easier time relating to blog posting than writing with the ever diminishing pencil and paper. They will take more responsibility with their writing knowing it will be read by others besides just the teacher. Teachers will keep up with discussions and writings much better than having to keep up with piles of papers. Students will be able to comment on each others' discussions to further enhance their writing. Students teaching students is a critical learning method for the students.