Pencil
Let me start this by saying I'm obviously not a hipster because I had never heard of a ticonderoga pencil before now. I'm not really sure what his point to this particular cartoon was but, I think in reading his other blogs I get it. A pencil is a pencil. However if use know how to use it and use it well,it could be something really special. Maybe my logic is faulty here but I'm going with it.
Playing Games
If games get the kids to interact, think, problem solve and OMG! learning too, then why wouldn't we play? Our kids really do learn by doing, not by memorizing and "burping back". There is way to much politicizing of our systems. We have to do what works best for OUR students. Which in the end may not be suitable for others and that's o.k. too. We have to teach our students to be thinkers and doers.
Don't Teach...
Dr. Mcleod has used his sarcasm to make a point. Technology can promote so many ways to learn, collaborate and integrate. Of course there are things to beware and watch out for but this is the case every time we let the kids out the front door. But this is why we teach them caution, respect, awareness,and boundaries. This goes with any new tool they learn to use. There is a time and place for all of it. We should be integrating technology into their lessons they will have to use it in their everyday lives no matter what they do. Even the "whopperfloppers" have have to use a computerized cash register and order system.
Scott Mcleod
Scott McLeod has A Masters degree in education from William and Mary. He also has a doctorate in Educational Administration from university of Iowa. He is currently Director of Innovation in Pocahontas, Iowa at Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency. He is a staunch advocate for utilizing technology properly in the classroom. Technology can be such a wonderful tool and should be advocated. He has a blog called Dangerously Irrelevant. You should check it out he has some really neat insights. I like the way he thinks. He has sarcastic tone often which is often the way I think as well.
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post for this week's assignment. I believe the reference that Mr. McClung was trying to create with the Papermate versus Ticonderoga is PCs versus Mac computers. There is a stark difference between the two different brands. Many people would say, "a computer is a computer, so why spend all the money on a Mac?" or "Macs are so expensive." In a roundabout way this cartoon is making a reference saying that even a hipster, who tends to be on the cheaper side will spend the money when they see it as a good investment. Mr. McClung is in favor of Macs over PCs and that is the reference he was making in the cartoon. I did a little bit more in detail discussion about the cartoon on my blog if you would be interested in reading it.
When you were discussing Mr. Spencer's posts, you made a great point when you said that although there is danger lurking in allowing students to use technology, there is also danger right around the corner when you open the front door. That was a great point to make. By exposing our students to technology and teaching them how to use it in a resourceful manner, technology can be a very positively viewed tool.
I enjoyed reading your blog post this week.
Papermate is a metaphor for a PC. Ticonderoga is a metaphor for a Mac. The cartoon characters resemble the stars of the long series (66 over 4 years) of Apple ads starring John Hodgman as PC and Justin Long as Mac.
ReplyDeleteYou correctly identified Dr. McLeod's satire and his sarcastic message: you can try to keep your kids away from technology which is fine with me. Mine will use it and speed past your kids in skills, abilities and rewards.