[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U]

In an earlier post, I wrote about the impact of Karl Fisch’s video “Did You Know?” (a.k.a. Shift Happens 2.0).  You can also check out his blog while you’re at it.  He updates the video with current statistics such as “there are 2.7 billion searches on Google every month,” and the “amount of technical terminology is doubling every 2 years; and by 2010 it is expected to double every 72 hours.” 

Think:  What are the implications for teaching students in this fast-paced, digital world?  Do we have the resources, the money, the training, and the motivation to keep up?

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I stumbled upon a new blog by Darren Draper, a technology specialist in Utah.  He had an entry featuring his new video (that is similar to Karl Fisch’s video “Did You Know?”) entitled “Pay Attention“.  Draper states that in addition to all of Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” that students can have, they can also be “digital”.  He continues by citing the amount of time kids spend on the computer, playing video games, talking on cell phones, and text messaging their friends.  He poses interesting ideas of using cell phones and iPods in the classroom using the mentality, ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”!  For example, teachers understand how difficult it can be to reach your students using traditional lecture methods.  What if you can reach them through podcasts? 

  My thoughts: there are free podcasts of all subject areas available on the Internet.  Using podcasts can be one way to differentiate learning in the classroom.  If students were able to listen to a podcast and follow along with it on the computer, they could pause the podcast as necessary until they completed the work on the screen.  They can listen to the podcast multiple times to understand the material.  Even if the podcast is not posted to the Internet, it can be housed on the school network for students to access via the student drive.  The possibilities are endless! 

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I don’t know too many technology educators that haven’t seen Karl Fisch’s video on the impact of rapidly changing technology on our youth.  It is a six minute video created in PowerPoint that provides very thought-provoking questions on how we should address the needs of technology in the classroom so that children may be prepared for the future.  I find myself referencing it when I speak of technology in education with my peers, and believe that all schools should show this video to their staff to begin the conversation on where technology fits into an already busy schedule for their classroom.  If you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out.  )