Bernie Dodge's Quest Garden

 "Does smart technology contribute to smart minds???? or NOT? What is your final answer??"

by Amy Vaughn, Standard Midle

Link

This question seems to be one of those that haunts us, as students and as educators. Educators who do not want to move from their personal comfort zone in teacher, stay beneath their "forever shelf" of what they feel like has worked throughout the years in their lessons, and have no desire to branch out. In the 21st century that we live in today, we as humans in the society have technology to our full advantage, and yet, student's still get written up, criticized and even "kicked out" of class for using any device. Why are these devices looked down upon?

Educators need to put down their walls on why it is "bad" to use technology, go out with the old, and bring in the new knowledge all while using technology.

There multiple intelligences, according to Gardner's Theory, 

"The seven intelligences Gardner defines are:

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence--consists of the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking.
Linguistic Intelligence-- involves having a mastery of language. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively manipulate language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically. It also allows one to use language as a means to remember information.
Spatial Intelligence-- gives one the ability to manipulate and create mental images in order to solve problems. This intelligence is not limited to visual domains-- Gardner notes that spatial intelligence is also formed in blind children.
Musical Intelligence-- encompasses the capability to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. (Auditory functions are required for a person to develop this intelligence in relation to pitch and tone, but it is not needed for the knowledge of rhythm.)
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence-- is the ability to use one's mental abilities to coordinate one's own bodily movements. This intelligence challenges the popular belief that mental and physical activity are unrelated.
The Personal Intelligences-- includes interpersonal intelligence -- the ability to understand and discern the feelings and intentions of others-- and intrapersonal intelligence --the ability to understand one's own feelings and motivations. These two intelligences are separate from each other. Nevertheless, because of their close association in most cultures, they are often linked together."
 (1999-2012 Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation)

Not all students learn the same, one while may find it more comfortable learning the old way by copying it from a chalkboard onto a paper with a pencil, one may utilize it better when it is already on a module on the web and the student can edit it or modify through his or her iPad, or any mobile tablet. Ofcourse there are pro's and con's to using technology when it comes to school, student's rather play games online or text their friends, or even take pictures...but what about if as educators we made the assignment so incredibly indulgent that the students wouldn't even think about doing anything else but the assignment it self. Having the freedom as a student to go onto other websites, but having the knowledge that one should do their school work rather than plays builds a strong foundation for any student.

If as educators we taught our students how crucial it is to stay in school and to learn, rather than getting our students in trouble because they don't want to work, would make an overall better society.
Everybody wants to learn, learning is interesting, new and adds meaning to life, the way that the past has morphed the idea of "learning" has scared the younger generation to want to learn. Distractions seem to be an issue, but as I have stated before, make the student want to learn and learn from the student on which type of intelligence they are and use it to your advantage as a educator to teach them, how they learn.

Link used wit a Flickr Commense License


Students can use technology to communicate, organize, search and research anything, with that ability they can find many different ideas and all contribute to each individual assigned lesson.

When it comes to using iPad and expensive technological equipment, there are those sticky fingers that come around. When one first purchases an iPad or another device, now a days, I know at least with my phone, I can tract it. Anywhere, anytime, whenever I lose my phone, I have created an account which I have easy access to and I can find my phone with the help of a computer. Lesson that needs to be taught to students can also be a very important one about stealing others belongings, learning the consequences, and for when those times occur, if they do, there are ways into retrieving it if having the correct set-up.



Link Used a Flickr Commense License

 Human beings have  came a long way, we have the ability to create a world wiser than we think we can. Technology has came a very long way and in a very short amount of time, knowing what we are capable with technology makes me wonder how far we could truly go. Wise minds come from within and with that being said, I do believe that technology would have a great contribution to intelligent minds.