Inconvenient Truth

Tonight, I watched Al Gore's documentary The Inconvenient Truth. This movie was an eye opener to me. While, I have always believed in global warming and knew it was a large scale problem that needed to be address long ago and still is worsening while few people do anything; I did not know the scale or the effects this problem is having each and everyday. After watching the explanations of the large scale natural disasters and how global warming is having the effect of making them worse and more frequent by warming the temperature of the ocean; this problem struck closer to home. It is no longer something that is happening to the other side of the world, global warming is happening to the world. We are not just affected by the problem, yet a major cause. Being responsible for the problem it is now our turn to answer this problem. At the end of the documentary Al Gore came back with a view of hope. He presented ways in which we can use technology that we already have to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide that we are putting into the atmosphere to the point that earth will be back to having "normal" levels of carbon dioxide in the air. If we can do it, what is stopping us? This is a large scale problem that can be controlled and fixed if people start acting as a world community instead of individuals. For now though, as individuals we need to make choices that benefit the environment and spread the word of action.

The Internet in Education

The Internet is called the World Wide Web, and it is just that. Anyone in the world can put anything and view anything on it. Is this a tool or a weapon for education? Like most things it is not clear. The tool side of the Internet is having endless information, points of view, and mass media at the tips of your fingers. It can also be accessed from virtually anywhere in the world. The Internet has turned all night running from floor to floor in the library into hours sitting in a chair at a computer printing off the information that may or may not be in books. Convenience is one thing the Internet has brought to education. Another positive would be the added communication. Points of view can be found everywhere on the Internet. Chat rooms and programs like AOL and MSN allow students to connect with people in the next class or someone half way around the world. Pen pals can now be in an instant message, allowing students to receive immediate answers to questions they have. The problem side of all this is that students are exposed to everything anyone puts onto the Internet. Not only inappropriate content, but also inaccurate and non-supported information students may see as fact. Sources are endless on the Internet; therefore, distinguishing between "good" and "bad" sources is a must. Teaching students how to do this and then how to accurately site their sources is something that every teacher in this day of age must make sure they are doing. Thus, teaching students how to use the Internet responsibly and in a positive manner.

If I could change one thing...

While I believe that I had a wonderful education that guided me to furthering my education here at Luther. I don't know if I was properly prepared for the transition between high school in college curriculum. I realize that one attribute to senior year is "senioritis," which causes most students, like myself, to feel it is ok to take "easy A" classes and not do homework. This is a result of already being accepted into college and simply not caring anymore about this because it is the end of their high school education. What I am getting at is that senior year each student should be taking their most challenging classes because they are not only the most educated when it comes to students in the building, but they are also the closest to the next step which is full of uncertainties and obstacles. College is hard, yet can be made easier if students are use to working. In high school, every student should take four years of math, science, and a foreign language. Not requiring this is saying, "Ok, we give up and it is ok to not keep up with the rest of the world in education." With four years completed of these subjects and English, students can start at higher levels in college, allowing for more educational opportunities and advancement for students. If we want to compete on a global level and want to continue being a super power we must educate the next generation to know more, stretch themselves further, and be excited to be educated.

Why WeTeach

'Why do we teach?'
Teaching is an unconcious action most of the time; though, some of us are called to deliberlately teach and reteach information. I am one of those people. While I have not yet been given a classroom filled with students and told to educate them, I have been a teacher. I feel I teach to share my knowledge with whoever I come across, in hopes that they will use that to better their own lives and share the knowledge I left with them and the knowledge they already had with all they come in contact with. Teaching is about awareness. Bringing awareness to all creates a better life for everyone. Simplying opening ones eyes to problems or successes, shows them they need to take action to better the situation or gives examples to them of what they can do better to improve their life and others' lives around them. While our society has made teaching a profession, I choose to view teaching as a way of life. Being the way of life I chose, I choose to always do my part in making sure that my students, young and old alike, not only have a sense of the world around them, but use that knowledge to learn about themselves.

'What is the difference between school "work" and student "learning?"'
School work is the actions that students go through to memorize information or practice methods they have learned at school. Student learning on the other hand requires growth within the student, teacher, and classroom. When student learning takes place, the students acquire life skills. Student learning includes discovery of self, environment, community, social skills, awareness, communication skills, and the ability to be assertive.

'What makes for good teaching?'
Good teaching is the ability to connect with each of the students. Without making the effort, even though it may be difficult, to get to know your students, their background, and their future goals a teacher can not know the best way to prepare the students to fulfill their goals and reach their potential. A passion and devotion to students, curriculum, and self is also needed to be a good teacher and produce good teaching. Teaching is a day by day battle that does not pass quietly. It takes effort to prepare a classroom and learning environment for students, and more energy to motivate and teach students. Knowing oneself and values and placing that on the table with the education also for a deeper connection with students and a greater chance to reach them.