Current Event #14: Living in a Digital World
Due:
Friday, December 14th, 2012
This week is Computer
Science Education Week,
which is being observed around the United States with events aimed at
highlighting the promise of digital education. Douglas Rushkoff, a media
theorist, author, and digital media advocate, says we live in a digital age
but computer science is not a priority in schools; which causes the United States
to lag further behind other countries in this field. Rushkoff also states that
digital literacy helps us see that kids are not Facebook's customers, but the
product. His argument on Capitol Hill this week will focus on the need for individuals
to think critically about promoting digital media environments, as a liberal
art to teach students about the world.
What You Will Do
1.
Read
the CNN article found at the following link address: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/opinion/rushkoff-code-writing/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7
, in order to address the accompanying tasks.
2.
Select
3 of the author’s 10 talking points to discuss in detail, your view of support to help the author's argument, for further advancement
regarding the need of digital education in today’s society.
3.
In
what capacity do you envision our school/district accomplishing the desire to
make our students competitive in the digital education race? How can our
school/district improve in order to meet the specific needs mention by Douglas
Rushkoff?
***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCurrent event #14
Delete1. The author is right when he mentions the comparison of a mechanic to a driver. If we can only operate these computers and not know how to build them, digital society has really taken over, besides working a computer we need to know how the computer works. If we can’t know how the digital society then we as kids can’t succeed in this life. Everything in this modern life is made with technology and when it comes down to it, technology right now is our only option for survival.
2. I don’t necessarily think students should get involved in competitive technology but they should have an idea of what it’s like. The board must read this article and decide themselves if this district can get involved in this. I as a student don’t really have a say that’s why my opinion lies with the board of education.
Gabi Brenman
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
Talking Point 2
The relationship between a person and their computer is like the relationship of a driver and a passenger. The person (or passenger) deeply depends on their computer (or driver) to do things for them. If a computer were to crash, odds are the owner of the computer would not know what to do. People need to be more self sufficient when using their computer.
Talking Point 4
Right now, computer classes are about teaching children about current technology and how to use it. Computer classes should start teaching kids more about future technology and how to create it. Focusing more on the future in computer classes will help the future of technology in the USA progress. Children are the next generation, and if they learn important programming skills, they can pass them on.
Talking Point 5
Kids are not learning enough computer science. While this affects these kids the most directly, it still affects other things as well. It affects the USA greatly in the business aspect. In the USA, we are outsourcing many programming jobs to other countries. This is not necessarily because it is cheaper, but more so because there are not enough American programmers. This needs to change.
I believe our school district has the potential to accomplish a better, more accomplished digital education. At Chapel Hill High School, there are already many digital education classes offered such as web design. However, there would need to be more kids taking the digital classes offered to reach the goals of Douglas Ruckshoff. We are half way there by offering classes, now we just need students to take interest in them.
Avery Acierno
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
12/11/12
1.
Talking Point 1: People need to be able to express ideas on computers, not just do the things other put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends (like how people can read and write). If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to portray them as well. I agree with this reason, because people need be able to understand what is under their screen.
Talking Point 5: Our country is becoming less competitive in the business world because of its lack of computer science knowledge. We have to ship jobs outside our country because no one can work with computer in our country. I agree this is a vital reason to learn more about computers. If we can learn computer science, then we could help put people to work.
Talking Point 9: Students already are learning the basic steps in computer programs, so why not have them start programming? I agree with this point. We should introduce computer programs to children early on, so they can develop those skills early on and be ready to program when they get out of school.
2. I believe our district has the capability to produce students who are knowledgeable in computer science. We are in one of the better school systems in the state, so our students and teachers definitely have the potential to create a successful computer science program. I think we could become competitive in the digital race, if we create programs that start teaching computer science early on, and continue teaching throughout all of school. If we do that, we would start preparing students for the booming computer job market.
Avery Scope-Crafts
ReplyDeleteP.1
Talking point # 1: I agree with this talking point. Although most people know how to use computers, very few know what goes into the programs that make up that computer. To further know about the computer, we must learn about software. Why not just take our knowledge one step further and learn more? This is the message he is trying to get across in this point.
Talking Point # 9: Once again, I totally agree with this point. If you take all the knowledge and knowing that we already have, we should be able to do this, right? Like they say with any learning, learning at a young age is better and you are able to learn faster. So, why not start people having to do this computer stuff at a younger age? Nothing bad can come from it.
Talking Point # 6: Lastly, I agree with talking point number six. Computer programming and software is not merely a hobby or something you can to for fun. It is protecting our nation. Recently, out warfare has gone into technology, and it is important to keep our edge in that area of war.
I think that even if our school does push for technology, it certainly won’t be for a long, long time. Having the equipment for what are needed to further advance students on technology is very expensive, and right now I doubt our school budget has the money for it. Although, I do wish in the future it happens.
Veronica Kim
ReplyDelete1st period
12/11/2012
Talking Point #2:
I agree. You can't get anywhere unless you know how to drive a car; you can't really use a computer properly unless you know how it works. I mean, anyone can type. And I know I'm being a total hypocrite when I say this - because really, has anybody seen me try to program a computer? It's pathetic - but what I'm trying to say is not that I have all these skills and everyone else should be like me (although they should), but that he does have a good point here, and I agree with what he's saying.
Talking Point #4
Again, yes. People won't get anywhere if they're always one step behind. Teaching kids how to use Facebook is like teaching a toddler how to toddle - we know how to do it already. We don't need to learn how to edit our profiles. But if we are able to make programs that improve Facebook... well, that would be pretty cool.
Talking Point #9
Well, actually, I disagree with this. Probably because I can do long division (most of the time) and I can't program. Whatsoever. "Kids are doing algorithms"? HAHAHA. Not me. Some geniuses might be ready to start programming in second grade (because that's when we learn long division, right?) but I think I'll wait a bit before I get to that point in my life. As in, never.
Morgan Durant
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
dec 11 2012
Point 5 America should be more competitive and we are lacking in computure classes seice computures are so important in todays society then it should be nessisary to learn more about computures
point 6 we want are military to be as stong as posible so that we can proctet our selves from future and current threats in all cadagorys
point 1 it only makes seince to learn how to program computures if we use them all the time and we can read and write other forms of information
I think that we have enough computures to start programs like this and as said in point 1o there is lots of free software so we can easly start better computure education programs
Abby Kameny
ReplyDelete5th period
12/11/2012
Talking point #3: I agree with the fact that students should learn in detail about the technology that they are using every day. Social networks, such as Facebook or Twitter, are more than just websites to communicate with friends. Students should learn more in depth about HOW these websites or software work.
Talking point #4: The author of this article brings up a significant concern when it comes to computer classes at school. Teaching kids to program computers or write computer codes during this time period is helpful, but teaching them how to do it more efficiently in the future is even better.
Talking point #9: Again, I agree with Douglas Rushkoff in this talking point. Doing high school math such as algorithms is a great way to learn the basics of computer programming. There should be more classes in high school about this to give students more learning opportunities.
I think it is possible for our school to have a more technologically efficient education system. However, it would be very difficult to give students the opportunity to take a more in-depth computer class. Today, we are already cutting classes due to a low budget, so I believe our community would have to struggle if we wanted to pursue a more technologically advanced school.
Claire Lancaster
ReplyDelete1st period
1) I think one of the author’s best three points that he makes is the first one. He tells us that when we learn a language, we learned how to listen and speak, and he says the same thing about computer programming and that we should not only know how to use the computer, but also know how it works. I think this is a good idea because if we know how to program our computers, this will in turn save money because if we have a problem we can fix it ourselves instead of hiring someone else to just click a button. Another important point that the author makes is point #4 where he says, “‘Computer class’ can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.” This point he’s making is a good one. By this he means we will have to have another generation to create new technologies, otherwise we will just be stuck in the same era. His last point that I found important was #6 and he says that the military has no problem finding the people to actually fight but they are running out of those who will work “behind the scenes”. That is extremely important to me because we cant have any planes to fly or guns to shoot if we don’t have anyone to build and improve them.
2) I think already the schools are making an effort to catch up with technology more. I definitely think there are kids (in Chapel Hill especially) who are interested and willing to learn how to program computers and such. If the schools were to become even more technologically advanced, then that would also help our environment. If you think about it, if just our school were to stop using textbooks and make everything online-we would save tons of trees. Yeah it would be hard, and expensive too- but it would certainly be worth it.
Jessi Szymczak
ReplyDelete2nd period
Talking Point #2
Since we are so dependent on our computers and use them so frequently we should know how to fix them. We don't understand that everything is always just going to work and that these types of mechanics will be able to fix themselves or never fall apart. People need to know how to deal with these types of problems if they wee to be faced with them, which is a big part of our society now.
Talking Point #5
Kids are not learning the amount that they should about computers. The world is getting more and more competitive with each other and so we need to teach kids about the actually science of computers and how to do different types of softwares so that our country can keep up in the business that is online. I agree with this point because we aren't utilizing this strength that we could be able to maximize on if these jobs for computer science with business stayed in America.
Talking Point #7
We don't have enough people working with the science of computers with all of this new technology being put out. Since we don't have a lot of people taking part in this than the decisions that are being made with computer science as the topic aren't being made in a rational way but in a way where one person wants it done with the most money. I think to be able to change this around is to get a lot more people active in the science of computers so that decisions that are made toward our new technology and culture make sense and are what majority of the people would agree with.
I believe that our school could have the potential to be at a place where kids join in to take part in the science of computers. However, where we are now, we don't seem to have a lot of kids interested in that. A way that we could improve these numbers is to get the technology that we would need to study these types of things and to have enough of it. This poses a problem for our school in particular because of the supply of money that we have, but it can be done. Although, even if the money is there to be used you have to spark the students interest first.
Jackson Cabell
ReplyDelete7th Period
1) Talking point # 1: I don't agree with this point at all. Yes we use computers all the time and we may not know what goes on in the software but I don't think that that is an important aspect of computer use. The daily use of computers should not be effected just because we don't know what goes on.
Talking Point # 9: I agree with this point because it would be nice to educate our country sooner and faster. The technology education the occurs helps make the students learn the topic faster and it may help with the children with learning.
Talking Point # 6: I think that I agree with this point because it is great that people protect our nations security by programming software. Lately my moms credit card number has been hacked into (shh don't tell anyone please) and it would be terrible if that happened more frequently.
2)I can see everyone start to have school Ipads that they carry around instead of having binders or backpacks. It would be easier and it would be more convenient for all of the students. This way no papers will be lost and it would be tons easier to grade the papers when the teacher can finally read the hand writing! I don't know about you but it sucks to get points taken off of your work when the teacher thinks you wrote something totally different than you did since your handwriting was so terrible.
Ian Hufford
ReplyDelete12-11-12
P. 1
4. "Computer class" can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.
I think that this point is very important. If kids are learning to think outside the box, it can not only give them an advantage in the programming field, but also teach them to think of what is next and be an innovator for society.
5. The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers.
This too is a good point. If we can create a generation of technology capable people, we can outsource fewer jobs and help the economy while providing more jobs for people here.
9. Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming.
If kids are encouraged to start programming early, they can get an advantage in the field of technology, while providing them with a better understanding of what goes into making their technology work.
part 2) I think that our school can provide better computers in classrooms and encourage teachers to incorporate technology in their lessons. Although CHHS does have programming classes, an afterschool programming class for students who’s class schedule is full.
I think that as is, children already have a hard enough time learning to read and write while they are young, and that we don't need to put even more difficulty into their education.
ReplyDeleteOne point is that technology is not available in some places in the world, so this may not be an effective way to teach children.
2) He makes a very good point in this note, and he really hits it home with an effective analogy. If we, as adults or even humans, wish to be successful we must be informed and able to make our own decisions. There is now way we can be expected to operate if we are not able to control what we do.
ReplyDelete3) This is very true. Most people only are able to get their information from Google, because this is the easiest place to obtain such information. However there are much more effective ways to get much more specific information, but these ways are much well less known. If people were taught from an early age to be able to navigate in the digital world then we would be much more independent in this digital world.
7) If the people of yesterday built todays technology, then where will tomorrows technology come from if none of us put ourselves into this field? If none of us can even begin to understand technology then we have no hope of making any improvements to it. We will be locked in stasis until someone decides to take the initiative. Ideally, we should all be compelled to take this initiative, bad sadly that is not the present reality.
Ideally students would be able to pursue whatever took their fancy in school, but frankly that is not realistic. There is only enough money and time in the day for a set number of courses, and most of them are taken up by state-required curriculum. In my middle school I saw multiple courses cut every year. I watched my favorite program get put on the chopping block. There is simply not enough resources to put these programs into effect. Any new computing programs would have to take the place of other programs, all of which have many people arguing on their behalf. If someone were willing to sacrifice the necessary programs in order to put this one into the school, I urge them to do so. However I d not think it is reasonable to make one program worth more than another.
Gavin Rothwell
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
#1: People need to be able to express ideas on computers, not just do the things other put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends. If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to communicate their ideas as well. I agree with this, because people need be able to understand what is happening in the background.
#5: Our country is becoming less competitive in the business world because of its lack of computer science. We have to ship jobs outside of the country because no one can work with computers here. I agree that this is a vital reason to learn more about computers. If we can learn computer science, then we could help put people to work.
#9: Students already are learning the basic steps in computer programs, so why not have them start programming? We should introduce computer programs to children early on, so they can develop those skills earlier and be ready to program when they get out of school.
I believe our district has the capability to produce students who are knowledgeable in computer science. We are one of the better school systems in the state, so our students and teachers definitely have the potential to create a successful computer science program. I think we could become competitive in the digital race, if we create programs that start teaching computer science early on, and continue teaching throughout all of school. If we do that, we would start preparing students for the computer science job market.
Nathan Guskiewicz
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
1. Talking point #1: I disagree I think that you don’t really need to know how to program computers to use them. I understand how in some things you should learn both ways but not with computers. Its something that I feel isn’t important, we can get other people to program them for us.
Talking point #4: I agree with what he is saying. If we teach kids about today’s computer software by the time they will use it, it will be different. But if we teach them about the concepts and future ideas, that’s something that they can work for and use later on in their life.
Talking point #9: I agree because if we can already learn this then why not. It’s not going to hurt us if we do. Also we don’t really learn anything in elementary school so why not learn something that could be beneficial later.
2. I think that it would be cool to have our education more digital. We wouldn’t have the problem of keeping up and losing papers. The school would have to do a lot like getting more technology in classrooms and for students to use. Also add more classes that are like web design and stuff like that.
Kelly Zhang
ReplyDelete2nd Period
1) I agree that this is definitely true. People mindlessly use technology and do not know how the work. They do not know how to program, which limits their understanding of technology. This is like knowing how to read or hear a language, but not knowing how to speak it. People should know how technology works, so they can use it more efficiently and potentially program and make new software.
4) There must be more people in the computer science field like the author said, we use the technology, but do not understand it and are not able to make it. People need to know how to make software, so that the human race can advance in technology.
5) The U.S. does not have many programmers because not many people are in this field. If the U.S. can get people interested in programming, then those jobs would not have to be outsourced and America’s competitiveness in business would improve. The U.S. should start with investing more money into the education of computer science.
Our school district could improve to meet those specifics. We have some computer science classes, but I do not know if many people are interested in these kinds of things. There are also some computer science classes that students can take online, though I do not believe many people know about this option. If there was more news about computer science and more push to get people interested in it, then I think our district could make the students competitive in the digital education race. Our school district is very competitive and a made up of a bunch of great public schools, so I think this is possible.
Cisem Karaca
ReplyDelete5th period
12/11/12
1) I think that technology is taking over our communities. One day we will rely only on technology and will not be able to be as efficient with our technology use. By learning how to program technology we will be able to learn more and be more efficient.
2) I Agree I think that you need to know about how to operate new technology. If you don’t know how to actually manage the technology then you cant rely on your self to finish the task. I feel that you need to know how to manage the technology in order to complete many tasks. we have become a technology based society. with the rising competition i feel that is important to stay up to date with our software and to know how to manage them
3) I agree that companies like facebook and twitter are like products in a way. We rely on them every day and there is a rapidly growing population with online social media. We have come to the point where social media takes over a large part of our lives we depend on these new technology based soft wares for communication and
* In our school technology classes are new and are not quite popular yet. Our school district should enforce new classes with more computer related learning that way we can learn our material while staying updated with our most recent goals. Even with our rising opportunities students do not seem interested in the technology-based courses.our school district is one of the best in our state and with the rising competition i feel that it is important to have the skill of being technologically educated in our modern world.
Noah Miller Johnson
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
First Period
#4. I agree that people should be trying to increase our power to do things but there are many things that we need to do. Not all of them involve computers. Computer class is for those students that are marginally interested in computer but don;t really feel like putting a lot of time in to it. Few if any schools offer really in depth computer classes. Also there is not enough money going into our education system to allow for kids to learn this stuff. #8. There are many types of computer programmers. SOme programs graphics and others program the stuff that makes the computers work. They are both important but also require very different skills. Being able to think critically about a subject does not make it automatically a liberal art. If that were true everything would be a liberal art. #9. Computer science it a lot more then basic math. The logic skills that are learned in geometry are just the very basic skills that are need to be able to program computers. Most kids currently in the U.S. were did not learn the skills they needed when they were little that would let them be programmers.
We could reduce the military budget. If we removed the tenure system then it would make it easier to replace bad teachers. We would also have to reduce our focus on english and history and move that focus to logic and computer literacy. We would need to change the core focus of our curriculum. It is not viable to do this. What we can do is make it very easy for kids to learn computer programming without other requirements. The IT academy at our school requires you to take a lot of classes and since high schoolers are supposed to be experimenting about what we want to do. If we offered a bunch of classes that taught basic languages then some classes that taught more advanced languages like C and C++.
Edward Zhuang
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Part 1
1. Programming is an extremely useful skill, and our knowledge of computers would improve tenfold if we knew how to work them. As the world becomes more and more technologically advanced, computers become a larger part of our lives. Perhaps soon the use of computers will be so great that it will be essential to know how to program them.
4. This point couldn’t be more true. We shouldn’t teach kids what to think; rather, teach them how to think. While it is understandable that innovative design need be attached onto previous knowledge, the programming teachings should provide a greater emphasis on moving forward. After all, what is the use of repeating what has been done so many times?
9. It would be good to give these children a head start. Once you are granted a lead, take advantage of it. Science shows that while the brain is young, it remains easier to comprehend new subjects. Teach them “Hello, World!” and they will take off from there.
Part 2
I see potential in our school system to move ahead in technological education. An in-depth computer science class, while still nonexistent, is not impractical. Although I understand it will take time and budget to help form such a program, I could expect it to come fairly quickly. However, once we create these classes, I imagine the ends would justify the means.
Anna Castellano
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Talking Point #4- This talking point basically says that we can’t teach kids about today’s computer software, they need to learn how to make tomorrows software. I agree with this talking point because if students don’t learn how to make tomorrow’s software then there America will fall behind in technology with the rest of the world. This is because nobody will know how to advance today’s technology. If we stay educated on how to advance technology then we will keep up with the rest of the world and its technology.
Talking Point #6- This talking point says that the military is scared. It is scared because we are not keeping up with the military technology we need to in order to be successful. I understand the author’s point of view because if we do not understand and cannot advance military technology then we will put our troops and objectives at risk. The countries that we are fighting against could have an advantage technologically, making the US the underdog.
Talking Point #9- This talking point says that after learning how to do long division, you could start to learn to do computer programming. I agree with this because it shows how simple and easy it is to start learning computer programming. We should start learning this skill. It would advance our country and create jobs that are more likely going to be available globally because we are evolving into a technology based society.
Our students need to be competitive in the digital education race. I envision our school district accomplishing this by providing more computer based classes, perhaps even going as far as to require an introductory class in computer programming. Our district can improve to meet these needs mentioned by improving access to personal working computers at school. It can also offer a broader range of technology classes that will appeal to a broader range of students.
#9
ReplyDeleteWhen he said that we have the building blocks and the capability to learn how to program technology like this it seems like a waste of talent if we dont take advantage of it. If there is a need fro learning how to work this modern technology then we have to do it. If the world is doing it then they wont wait for us to catch up. And when you live in the U.S. there is a certain obligation to strive to be the best. And that cant happen if we dont try to keep up.
#5
In a time when people are complaining about the lack of jobs and all of this unemployment than it seems strange that we wouldnt teach people these skills to help bring jobs back to the u.s and stop outsourcing. Outsourcing is one of the subjects that people are always complaining about, now we have a chance to stop or slow it down and we wont take it.
#6 One of the reasons why America has always been a powerhouse was the fact that we were always the ones with the most powerful weapons. Now in a time where military can so easily be conrtrolled by technology we are falling behind and that cant happen and hopefully as a nation we wont let it happen.
To improve students abilities with technology there are a couple of things that we cand do in our schools. First of all, we at chapel hill require one tech. class or credit to graduate. I think that we should raise it to two or three so that we really encourage and make kids take advantage of all the technologies that we posess and oppurtunities we have. I also think that there should be more oppurtunities for kids at school if they want them to learn about programing.
#1People must be able to express ideas on computers, not just do things other people put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends (like how people can read and write). If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to portray them as well. I agree with this reason, because people need be able to understand what is under their screen.
ReplyDelete#6 One of the reasons why America has always been a powerhouse in the military. Is the fact that we are always the ones with the most powerful weapons. Now in a time where military can so easily be conrtrolled by technology, we are falling behind and that can not happen, and hopefully as a nation we will not let it happen
9# It would be good to give these children a decent head start. Once you are given a lead, take advantage of it. Science shows that while the brain is young, it remains easier to comprehend new subjects. Teach them “Hello, World!” and they will take off from there.
Our students need to be competitive in the digital education race.
I see our school district accomplishing this by providing more computer based classes, perhaps even going as far as to require an introductory class in computer programming. Our district can improve to meet these needs mentioned by improving access to personal working computers at school. It can also offer a broader range of technology classes that will appeal to a broader range of students.
Sydney B
ReplyDelete5th period
TP1) My first talking point would probably be #4: "Computer class can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software." I disagree with this talking point. Computer class is to teach kids good skills that they will need on a daily basis. The skills that they will need tomorrow, not today. Will they need to use software skills for tomorrow on today's assignments? No.
TP2) My second talking point to discuss would probably be #9: "Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming." Maybe kids don't want to program computer software. I have never heard a person say "Man, I really want to program software when I grow up!" I get the argument behind this, but I don't agree with it.
TP3) The last talking point I will tell my opinion on is #5: "The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers." This talking point is probably the only one that I agree with. There do need to be more computer and software programmers but the problem is that they're hard to find. If the people associated with programming went around talking to the people that might be interested in pursuing that job, there would be a lot more programmers around. The problem is that there aren't enough people who KNOW baout a job like this. Douglas Rushkoff has the right idea here.
I don't really know how our school district can improve to meet the needs talked about by Douglas Rushkoff. Possibly there could be a person coming around to our classes to talk about programming software. We could bring in more people to teach classes at CHHS to teach about this topic. Other than that, there's not much that we can do.
Jacob Engel
ReplyDelete12/12/12
7th period
#1: People need to be able to express ideas on computers, not just do the things other put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends. If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to communicate their ideas as well. I agree with this, because people need be able to understand what is happening in the background.
#5: Our country is becoming less competitive in the business world because of its lack of computer science. We have to ship jobs outside of the country because no one can work with computers here. I agree that this is a vital reason to learn more about computers. If we can learn computer science, then we could help put people to work.
#9: Students already are learning the basic steps in computer programs, so why not have them start programming? We should introduce computer programs to children early on, so they can develop those skills earlier and be ready to program when they get out of school.
I believe our district has the capability to produce students who are knowledgeable in computer science. We are one of the better school systems in the state, so our students and teachers definitely have the potential to create a successful computer science program. I think we could become competitive in the digital race, if we create programs that start teaching computer science early on, and continue teaching throughout all of school. If we do that, we would start preparing students for the computer science job market.
Paige Haskins
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
December 12, 2012
Point #4. This point talks about how they kids of america shouldn't be learning how to use todays software, but how to create tomorrows software. I completely agree with this because if no one is taught how to make such things, then america will fall behind in the electronic world. There has to be atleast someone who can advance us further into our future or we would become exhiled from the world and its news. If someone can compete with the growing technology then we can stay up to date with all this electronic.
Point #6. This point says that the millitary is scared that the United STates will fall behind in the technology world, which will put them, the millitary, in risk of being in danger. If we cant compete with other countries militaires, example, Iraqs millitary, then our troops will automatically has a disadvantage. If other countries are develpoing and discovring new weapons and electronis that could be used against us, then were not only putting out troops at risk, but also the security of our coutry as risk.
Point #5. This point states that there are not many computer programmers around because there isn't a lot of money to fund these kinds of criteria. Yes, its a very important field that the United States should have more workers in, but because of the budget this section of jobs is on, its very difficult to encourage a yound student to go into this field. The goverment should either A) fund more money to the computer science/ programming classes that our offered, if they're even offered or B) bring more awareness to this field of jobs.
I think our school is very capable of creating successful students who go into the computer technology field of work. Our school is one of the luckier schools in the system because we offer classes such as printing graphics. If students have the oppurtunity to achieve the goal that is mentioned by the author, then there is no reason why that goal woun't be reached. OUr district is very capable of creating young active minds who are ready to become one of the most important workers to help the United States stay competely ranked in the world of technology.
Talking Point 2
ReplyDeleteAmericans use computers so much in our everyday lives, we should know a bit about them. People seem to think that electronics can have a whole life without any issues, but they do. We need to be educated on how to fix mechanics when these problems do arrive and it will make the use of computers and electronics much easier.
Talking Point 5
Children should be learning more about computers.As technollogy continues to rise arond the world, children should begin learning about computer functions from a young age so we can compete better among the world. I agree with this because technology could help our country surpass so many other countries in various ways and the more educated we are the better.
Talking Point 7
There is so much available new technology and more people should utilize this. WE need more people to be working in computer science. Informing more people could save others money and help employ many people.The majority of our country would agree that we need more people working in computer science in this country.
Our school has the potential to train kids in computer science and offer classes dealing with this.. But not a lot of kids want to use computers beyond social networks and online entertainment. We could get computer science tied into the social networks somehow to make the topic more appealing to students.But you also have to have a pretty good budget.
Mimi Kramer
Francisco Coch
ReplyDelete7
I completely agree with the author’s second point, that we as a society are always dependent on our theoretical “drivers”, and that the majority of us have been the “passengers” this entire time. If the amount of people actually wanting (or willing) to learn these skills decreases over time, then society’s ability to advance in this modern society will be impaired. The next point that I agree with is the fifth one, which states that the United States is lagging behind when internationally ranked, due to the lack of education in a variety of fields, in this case it is programming. Although programming isn’t always a necessity for some jobs, it may still be a potentially important tool with others. The last point which stood out to me was number seven, which relates back to the original point: if less and less people understand things like this, then we may end up entirely relying on other, more advanced nations to accomplish things for us.
I do not envision this state, or more specifically this school district adapting such a curriculum, that is if it ever is approved, for maybe decades to come. The places that would most likely begin new policies would be California, and other, far less conservative states than the one we live in.
Joy Stouffer
ReplyDelete7th period
1) Talking point 2: Programming a computer is not like being the mechanic of an automobile. We're not looking at the difference between a mechanic and a driver, but between a driver and a passenger. If you don't know how to drive the car, you are forever dependent on your driver to take you where you want to go. You're even dependent on that driver to tell you when a place exists. I agree. People should know more about how technology works.
Talking point 5: The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers. I agree. Technology is getting ahead of us.
Talking point 10. The resources are out there: Codecademy.com is just one of many free tools (including CSUnplugged.org and Scratch.org) that any teacher can pick up and implement -- if he or she can muster the autonomy to do so. It may just happen that computer education, like the Internet itself, will depend on distributed authority and the bottom-up, enterprising nature of human beings working together. I agree. If this keeps up, I think humans will not be able to work together well.
2) I think that our school will try hard to make students competitive in the digital education race. I think our schools will enhance technology classes to contain more information about computers. We have the potential to do this.
Paige Jones
ReplyDeleteperiod 2
12/12/12
1. Point 1: I disagree I think that you don’t really need to know how to program computers to use them. I understand how in some things you should learn both ways but not with computers. Its something that I feel isn’t important, we can get other people to program them for us.
Point 2: I agree with what he is saying. If we teach kids about today’s computer software by the time they will use it, it will be different. But if we teach them about the concepts and future ideas, that’s something that they can work for and use later on in their life.
Point 9: I agree because if we can already learn this then why not. It’s not going to hurt us if we do. Also we don’t really learn anything in elementary school so why not learn something that could be beneficial later.
2. I think that it would be interesting to have our education more digital. We wouldn’t have the problem of keeping up and losing papers. The school would have to do a lot like getting more technology in classrooms and for students to use. Also add more classes that are like web design and stuff like that.
Alexis Ramirez
ReplyDelete12/12/12
Honors World History
PART 1
Point #1) I do not agree with Douglas Rushkoff in this particular point. For example what Mr. Rushkoff said its like we learned how to listen, we learned how to speak it and when we learned how to read, we then knew how to write. I agree with this point but not the point that if know how to use a computer then we should know how to program. I mean he has a point but I know to use a computer but don't know how to program it, because it is way different know how to use it then programming the computer.
Point #5) I agree with this point because America needs more computer programmers and rising programmers to not lose competitiveness with other nations. Because if teachers don't do it today then the future can change in our technology in our nation. We can descend. America cant afford American programmers but that we need American programmers. It must about the tomorrow.
Point #6) I agree with this point as well. I agree because America needs a stronger cybermilitary because America can drop the competitiveness and it will be hard to find more computer programmers and that American cybermilitary can lose its generation.
PART 2
If our district can provide computers such as laptops, ipads, and stuff and use these as our computer classes or coarse classes for lessons and stuff. I think it will be more organized like losing important papers that is already in the computer system. As years come by technology increases and comes big part, such schools it can be fun and easier to keep up with and do work in one simple machine.
Vanessa Campos-Diaz
ReplyDelete12/12/12
Honors World History
1) I agree with this because if you use a device then you should know the knowledge behind and how it was really programmed. If more people really knew how to program a computer I feel that we would have much more computer advancement than we have now because more people would be willing to know more than they already know.
5) I agree with this point also because the United States should not be lagging behind in technology and in knowledge I feel that other countries should be wanting to catch up to us not us catch up to them.
4)I agree with this point because kids are the future of this country and if kids get educated on how to do and work with technology and know how to program the technology then it seems that the United States has a bright future.
part 2
if our school district decided to add in curriculum for computer programming then i feel like people would be interested in it and it would be one step closer to advancing our technology.
ReplyDeleteIn this article I chose the three points of being able to “drive”, we are behind in our cybergeneration, and using digital media to think critically. I think that it is becoming more and more necessary to be smarter about just using things and starting to do things for ourselves, such as computer programming. If everyone could program their own computer that would not only make american individuals self sufficent it would also increase our knowledge of computers, which we desperately need. Like the military having a demand for more technologically advanced troups, soon many americans will have to step up to meet the growth of the cybergeneration. The more technologically advanced we become as a nation the more advance we may become in other skills as well such as math and science.
I think that our school district could hire more technologically advanced teachers, but also invest in better technology. Mostly in our school district we use old outdated desktops, and even then we don’t even use them to their full potential. I feel that if we got better computers and did a lot more on these computers as well then students could improve a lot more not only technologically but in other skills or classes as well.
Claire Kern , PD 7
ReplyDeletePoint 1: I disagree with this point because it is unnecessary for everyone to be able to know how to program a computer. So people, like me, are very content with just knowing how to do what we need to do. Like checking emails, playing games, surfing the web and more! I understand it is needed for some people to know how to program them, but it is unrealistic to try and make everyone understand the ins and outs of a complex machine like the computer.
Point 4: I also disagree with this statement. It is not right to make kids learn about software, programming and other technology. Not every kid is interesting in software and it is unfair to make every kid learn about something that will not interest every kid. Once they get older, then they can decide for themselves whether they want to go into that department or not.
Point 6: I agree with this point. I understand why the leaders are scared. They need to keep up with the rest of the world in this department, and are struggling to find people to help them out. They should really go to schools and try to encourage older students to take up software programming so our country can catch up.
I don’t think the school systems will change too much in terms of the digital education race.
James Menache per. 5
ReplyDelete1. I agree that everyone pretty much knows how to use their computers but not many people know how to program them. This isn't a problem right now because most people that buy computers don't actually want to know how to program their computers, but in the future when more people want to know about technology, it will be a bigger problem.
4. I agree with this because knowing how to use a computer is not very useful in life, but knowing how to make a computer or it's software is much more useful and can get you money.
9. I agree with this and find it interesting because most kids already have the potential to be programers, but the just don't know it yet.
I can't really see our school accomplishing that unless they give more of a budget for technology and upgrade the computers.
Carly LeMoine
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
To me knowing how to program a computer isn’t that important but if I had to choose three of the ten options the most persuading ones would be #1, 4, and 6. Number one says that when we got language and text week learned how to read and write, speak and understand. So why cant we learn how to use and program electronics? This is convincing because it gives examples of what we did do and that we can do it again just as easy. Number four says that computer class will be about how to program computers, this is persuasive because it shows that there is a plan that has been thought through. Number six is convincing because the military is important and we need people to be technically advanced so they can fly planes. Our schools could offer an elective that teaches what Douglas Rushkoff talked about. I don’t think that we really need it to be required, because some people aren’t interested in that kind of thing.
Francis Wemmenhove
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Point #5- This point stated that the failure to teach computer science was crippling our nation‘s competitiveness in business. It also stated that we outsource programmers because we can not find any programmers, not because we can not afford programmers. I agree with the author that this is bad and that the lack of programmers really is crippling our nation’s competitiveness when it comes to business.
Point # 1- This point states that when we got language, we did not only learn how to listen, but we also learned how to speak. It also states that when we got text, we did not only learn how to read, we also learned how to write. It states that with computers, however, we are learning how to use them, but not how to program them. I agree with this that it is bad that we are not learning how to program computers. Also, I never thought of learning how to program a computer relating to speaking a language and learning how to write.
Point #10- This point states that the resources to learning how to program are out there. It also states that Codeacademy.com is just one of the many resources that are out there that teachers can pick up at any moment. I agree that there are resources out there. However, I think a lot of people do not know that these resources exist.
Our school district does have the ability to accomplish the desire to make the students become more competitive in the digital education race. I do not know if they will accomplish this desire, but they do have the ability to. They could accomplish this desire by using some of the resources that exist to help, for example, like mentioned in the article, the could use Codeacademy.com.
Hanna Siekierski
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
12/13/12
Talking Point #2
I agree with this point. The only way you can get somewhere is if you know how to drive a car. The same goes for a computer, you can't really use it properly unless you know how it works. Most people know how to type and use the internet, but other than that, most people don't know how their computer actually functions. If a computer were to crash, the odds are that whoever owns that computer wouldn't know how to fix it. People need to know these things when it comes to their computer so they can be more self-sufficient.
Talking Point #4
Computer classes today are here to teach children about current technology and how to use it. I agree that these classes should be about teaching children how to create technology that we can use in the future. However classes shouldn't be only focused on this. Those kids needs a basic understanding of what they will be working with and therefore should spend a little time focusing on the technology of today before moving on. With these classes, they should be creating the future technology of the United States.
Talking Point #9
Some students are already learning the basic steps used in computer programs. With this information, they should probably start general computer programming. In agreement with this point, we should introduce computer programs to children early on, especially if they already have the skills. It makes sense too, because this will give them the ability to put the information they learned into use. This way they will be less likely to forget it later on and more prepared when they come out of school with a job already secured.
I believe that our school district has the potential to achieve an improved, more accomplished digital education. Here at Chapel Hill High School, there are already a multitude of digital education classes offered, such as web design. However even with these classes, students still need to take an interest in them to reach the goals of Douglas Ruckshoff. The distract is halfway there already by offering the classes, they just need to get students engaged in them.
Nikki Thai
ReplyDelete1st Period
1.) #1 - I agree with this because it is bad that we aren’t taking computer science and technology into the next level ourselves, like we had previously done with writing and reading. I’ve always thought about learning about computer programming. I never really had the passion to go through with it though.
#2 - I agree with this point because with a computer, you can't really use it to it’s full potential unless you know how it works. Most people don’t know the much besides the basics of using a computer, if that. We need to understand more of computer science and engineering to become for self-sufficient.
#6 - I agree with this point because mostly everyone can understand how to use an object. But many do not understand the mechanics behind it. Without people willing to understand those mechanics, certain objects, or in this case computers, will be produced slower.
2.) I feel that our school is doing well to organize computer mechanics, engineering and sciences programs. Recently a robotics engineering club has begun at our school every Thursday. I thought that was really cool. And as we move along, more things like that will come along as well; because we continue to adapt to the standards needed to suffice in the future.
Johnny Huang
ReplyDelete5th period
12/13/12
Point #2:
I agree with this point because computer programming is something that is unknown, or difficult to learn for most people, and the need for new programs for new functions is proliferating. A majority of the world's population can perform simple, essential, actions on a computer, but the more advanced things like programming and things like that are untouched by them. I think that if more people know how to program, we can evolve into the better, more efficient digital age.
Point #5
I agree with this point because we are coming closer to becoming fully digital than ever before. We use computers to perform tons of functions for businesses: Marketing, advertising, informing; you name it. Without any programmers, there would be a lot less American businesses around for a number of reasons. One reason would be that there are web-based businesses, and to make a website usually requires some sort of programming experience. Another would be less advertising. Businesses get a lot of advertising done on the internet and disregarding that, they make ads on the computer as well.
Point #7
I agree with this point because of the small amount of programmers out there. Programming helps the next generation do the things they want. New programs bring new functions and new functions bring more convenience. If we have more programmers, there would be more programs and etc...
I believe that the amount of classes relating to computers could be more than it is right now. To reach the goal that Douglas Ruckshoff set would most likely take a long time. The students' interests in these subjects are also quite small; a small portion of the school's students are taking those classes.
Nick Agusta
ReplyDelete1st
Talking point #1
I agree with him that in order to know how to fully understand how to use something that we should know how to build it.
Talking Point #9
I agree because he is saying that we already have the basic skills needed so why cant we just start.
talking Point #6
I think that he is right we need those people to program the drones to help keep our country safe.
2.I think that our school/ district are taking the necessary steps to improve the education of technology.
Lillian Menkens-Weiler
ReplyDeleteHonors World History Period 5
Mr. Waters
Talking point 1
The author brings up the fact that we should be learning how to program computers. He tries to argue this point by comparing it to reading, writing, and speaking. However, I do not agree that this is a valid comparison. Reading, writing, and speaking is very important to daily life, and to most careers. In my opinion, being able to program computers does not benefit everyone. For those who work with computers and are interested by computer programming, it is a great skill to have. But I do not believe that it is a necessity for everyone.
Talking point 9
The author brings up an interesting argument. I do not know much at all about computer programming, but the author claims that math that we do in class everyday is often very similar to computer programming. I am interested by this because incorporating computer programming into a class like math would be an interactive way to practice math skills.
Talking point 10
The author points out that the resources exist, but they are simply not being utilized. I think that it is valid to let people know where they can learn these skills if it is something that interests them. But I also don’t think that it is for everyone.
I feel that our school has a large technology focus, if a student chooses to focus on that. We have the technology academy and many opportunities for students interested in technology. I would be interested to see our school incorporate technology more, although I don’t feel that it is necessary.
simondunson
ReplyDelete7th period
talking point 1: I think that point one is a great point. In order to fully understand something then we should know how to build it. I defiantly agree with him on that.
talking point 9: At this point the author brings up a great argument. I wouldn't really call myself an expert in computer programming but the author says everyday math is very similar to computer programming. I think that its pretty cool that something that seems so complicated is actually quite simple.
point 7: I defiantly support this quote because there really isn't very many computer programmers out there. New computer programs help with many different things and having people get into things like that is great.
I personally don't think that our school is very technology focused. Technology isn't for everyone though.
Erica Johnson
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
1) 1. When we got language, we didn't just learn how to listen, but how to speak. When we got text, we didn't just learn how to read, but how to write. Now that we have computers, we're learning how to use them -- but not how to program them.
I think this point is very important and convincing to his argument. I definitely agree with this statement, as it connects basic skills that most people have. Basically, if we start teaching children about technology now as much as we do with speaking, reading, and writing.
5. The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers.
I definitely agree with this statement also, because it explains how a new generation could help improve the economy by learning more about software. This statement definitely opens my eyes and gives examples of how children can help the situation-by educating themselves at young ages.
9. Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming.
This statement shows how easy it would be to include computer programming into their lessons. Basically, current third graders are ready to start being trained to start working with technology.
2) I personally think there are many ways to get children involved in technology. But hey all start with the U.S. taking action. I think it would really benefit all of society if they did, though!
Albert Yam
ReplyDelete12/13/12
Period 2
Talking point #1
I agree with this talking point. Although most people know how to use computers, very few know what goes on in the programs that make up that computer. To know more about the computer, we must learn about software. Why not just take our knowledge one step further and learn more? This is the message he is trying to get across in this point.
Talking Point #4
I agree with the point. People won't get anywhere if they're always one step behind. Teaching kids how to use Facebook basically teaching kids what they know. We don't need to learn how to edit our profiles. But if we are able to make programs that improve Facebook that would advance kids learning.
Talking Point #7
If the person of yesterday built today’s technology, then where would tomorrow’s technology come from if none of us put ourselves into this field? If none of us can even begin to understand technology then we have no chance of making any improvements to it. We would be stuck until someone decides to take the initiative and to create better technology. Ideally, we should all be compelled to take this initiative, but sadly that is not the present reality.
I think there is potential in our school system to move ahead in technological education. An in-depth computer science class, would be beneficial. I understand that it will take time and money to form such a program. I feel that these classes could be beneficial by showing kids an in-depth look at how computers work.
This current event is called “Teach U.S. kids to write computer code” this is talking about programs that make the computer and how schools should make classes about this. Douglas Rush off explains how these new technologies are good but are not used or teached in schools. He makes many points but I agree with point 1 because it’s true that we didn’t just learn how to listen but how to speak. I also agree with point 4 because we got to learn new things not just what we already know. The last point I agree is point number 10 because there is resources where you can learn these skills. I think that these kinds of programs should be in the school I go to even though it’s expensive
ReplyDeleteEmily Chang
ReplyDelete12/13
Pd. 1
Point #4: If all we do is teach people how to use what we have today, and not how to improve these things to make it into tomorrow, we will never move forward in this aspect of technology. Just because you can use something doesn't mean you can make it better. At this point in time, everything is about moving forward, about finding ways to be better. People who only know how to use today's computers won't be able to make those of tomorrow because they won't be adaptable. All they know is what there is now.
Point #5: People complain about how America outsources so many of their jobs, but the company is not at fault if Americans don't try to make themselves capable of doing what companies need to be done. If people are so set on reducing outsourcing, they need to prove that they are good enough, if not better, at doing what people are currently doing overseas.
Point #7: So much new technology is being issued. 3D printers, robots that act like humans, machines that can interpret one's thoughts, these are only a few of the new things we are making. Technology is becoming a major part of our world and we need to know how to use it and to be a part of this movement to improve our lives.
Sarah Taekman
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
2. I agree with his point here. Nowadays, if a problem arises with someone’s computer, they seek out a technologically savvy person to fix it for him or her. But if the kids of our generation rely on the grown ups to fix it for them without bothering to learn how to fix it themselves, then there will be no one to fix it for the next generation.
3. I agree with him here, as well. Learning about computers and programming can teach kids to fully utilize the sites and programs already created. I know many people (myself included) that have extreme difficulty making charts on Excel, because we don’t know how to run the program. With a little computer education, I’m sure my generation would be more proficient at dealing with computers and fully utilizing them.
5. And yet again, I agree with him. America is currently having an economic crisis, partially because we have other companies make our products for us. Yes, the labor is cheaper, etc. But we could create thousands of more jobs if we had Americans programming the computers, rather than other countries.
The main issue with achieving computer education science would be the cost. I think our district has already done a pretty good job of offering courses involving computers, computer programs, etc. But I think something that would really help improve everyone’s computer education would be to make it a core class. People opt out of these courses because ‘they can spend their time better elsewhere.’ But computers have become a huge part of our everyday lives, and will only become more and more important. It is key to have at least a basic understanding of them, since we’ll be dealing constantly with them.
Connor Korfas
ReplyDelete1st period
12/13/12
Talking Point #4
I know from personal experience that the computer classes are based on programming or creating computer technology at all. In computer classes I have taken it has all been focused on using the technology. In the class we never even touched the subject of programming. The closest I got to programming in the class was creating pie graphs on Excel.
Talking Point #5
Always when in your in school there is an emphasis on becoming career ready. Creating a good education program is always the topic of presidential speeches. Advancing in computer education just seems like the next logical step. To compete on a national level with other countries we need to keep advancing and this is what we have to do.
Talking Point #9
If programming these computer is as easy as the article then why don’t we do this in our schools. If kids are already being taught these skills needed to start this skill then I see no reason to practice this in school. Why would we not take advantage of this opportunity is the real question.
I think that our school has a lot of opportunities to learn about computers. I think there is a class that can teach every aspect of the computer. The only class we don’t have is programming. So for I think our school really lakes a programming aspect. So to improve I would think adding a programming class would be a good start.
Shamim Zarei
ReplyDelete2nd Period
Key point # 1: I like this argument he makes because he is saying people know what computers are and how to use them, but they have no idea how they are programmed and work. He wants the people to take their knowledge to the next level and learn all these things and understand how technology runs.
Key Point # 4: I agree with this agreement a lot because in computer classes they teach how to run software's of the modern computers, but in 10 years the more advanced computers we won't be able to use or understand how it runs. They need to teach us how to run and make new advanced programmings.
Key Point # 5: This argument is saying most kids don't have the opportunity to make software's because of America's economy. The prices of the equipment is very expensive and kids just can't afford them, so they can't program software's.
I think our district should learn more about computers because we have lots of them and we have great programming teachers here. These classes would be a good start to help students experience the software's of computer and other technology.
Ari Horwitz
ReplyDelete7th Period
Point 1: For generations in the past we have followed a system of events that consist of learning something than learning how to do it. Up to now majority of Americans know how to use a computer but not how to program them. We have progressed through our history in a great way and we have to continue that process to move forward.
Point 4: When kids learn to use and program computers it is not to simply teach them how to work today’s software but to shape the future software. Without the progression of learning of how to process a computer the less likely America is to move forward and advance the computers.
Point 8: computer science is not just another subject, but since it has become so depended on computer science is shaping our world and is a passageway to tomorrow. One of the most important ways to improve our future is Computer programing and Science and to accomplish the progression more people have to realize that.
To spread the realization of Computer programmers need teachers and councilors have to start advertising the decision to follow that path and become a computer programmer and also programs should be set up to teach kids to better understand the function of computers. If schools make digital education race competitive it will raise the awareness of it and make more people interested in becoming more educated on the programing of computers.
Katherine Yang
ReplyDelete12/12/2012
5th Period
2)
Talking Point #1:
The people in society nowadays should be more curious. If we don’t know how the internet, a computer, a program, or some software works, how can be use it daily without wondering? If people could learn and understand these devices and modern tools more, our world would probably advance greatly, as everyone would have the ability to produce new ideas, products, and feedback for the companies. This might diminish the need for customer service and tech support, which might help companies by saving them money that could have otherwise been used for research and development.
Talking Point #2:
If we can take control of the metaphorical wheel and decide the direction in which our technology is going these days, companies would know and be able to produce the exact products that we, the consumers, need. Google is a great example, it has an extremely user-friendly feedback system, as well as a constantly-monitored forum where users post questions and bugs regarding Google products, and Google employees as well as other users can help to solve them. They are constantly updating their layout and upgrading their products, and it’s even possible for a user to activate and try out, as well as critic the new upgrade for a month or two before Google applies it to all accounts. This is the way that companies should test their products, not just with a select few people in a small population, but within the larger group of individuals that constantly use and depend on their devices.
Talking point #3:
If all the Facebook users in the world were able to customize their personal Facebooks, as well as changing the layout that they themselves view Facebook posts, timelines, and other pages in, then the website would gain many more users, as more people could tweak Facebook’s layout to their own personal preferences.
3) I think our school should encourage creativity and innovations. I read an article before about a Japanese computer company that gives you a computer, and technically gives you a one-year warranty, but also provides instructions on how to write your own software for the computer, as well as a diagram for how the computer is put together and how to take it apart. They hosted a small expo of hundreds of users that disassembled their computers and rewrote software to their own custom wishes, everything from a seemingly steampunk typewriter that actual runs faster than many laptops to a faux submarine portal where tiny fish swim across the screen when the mouse is idle. These new innovations can only spur the creative juices of other inventors, writers, artists, futurists.
Period 1
ReplyDelete1 a) I believe that computers have not helped or hindered our ability to read and write. It’s your same ideas except in a neater form. I but I also do not think that we ALL need to be able to program computers. Having specialized people to do that has worked for a while and I don’t see a reason to change it.
b) I completely agree that Computer Classes should be teaching kids to create new software. Know how to use software is one thing, and that does not really help you society. I think that creating new software will be a better impact on the world and students
c) I think it is important to know how to program drones for the military. You can fly a drone, and you might be the best. But if your drones never change, as warfare gets more advanced, your drones will be getting shot out of the sky. Being able to make drones and other military equipment more advanced is essential.
2. Well, for a start. I think that school need to have better computers than the crappy HP computers in the library’s and classrooms. Yes, we have a couple computer labs with good computers, but if they want kids to learn how to program software, you’re going to need computers from this decade. And make it fun, offer a reward. That will get more kids into it. Kids like working with computers, so it’s not going to be hard to find enthusiasm.
2. First of all, I find myself upset at your assumption that I AGREE with the artical. The purpose of school is not to give the students opinions, but instead give them a path to their own argument. For number 4, there is no possible way to do this. The future is neither predictable or possible to realize in the present. Besides, tommorrows software would be more difficult than todays, so it is best to start from the basics. For number 6, I do not believe it is practical to teach kids to use drones. The costs would be extremely high. Secondly, drones are used only to create mass destruction. They are assassinations, and I believe that they should not exist. Imagine an enemy war drone in America. It would cause havoc. For number 9, it is simply wrong. Programming has little to do with the maths. You need to know code and other things. There are plenty of theories attributed to it. Long division should not gauge how well it is.
ReplyDelete3. I do not imagine our school district accomplishing any of these. First of all, the school has no money. There is a lack of funds, and it would be costly to insinuate all of these. Since it is impossible, I do not invision our school doing this. The price is just too high.
Anna Grace Kelley
ReplyDelete12/13/12
Period 7
2) Personally I do not think that computers have affected our ability to read or write as much as people say. But, because our country and world has moved into such an age of technology, I believe that it is necessary for everyone to know basic computer skills. This way people are able to communicate more easily and produce new ideas, products and comments without having to do it by hand. But, I also do not believe that everyone needs to know how to program a computer. As long as a few people learn and excel at this, the society will be fine.
3) For our school and other schools like ours to excel at digital education, a lot of things need to take place. For example, computers need to be provided, people need to learn how to use them and how to use them correctly. Also, a good thing to do is to create classes strictly based on computer typing, programming and much more. This way people don’t really have to go out of their way to learn about computers and digital education.
Markale Cordova
ReplyDeletePeriod 5th
12/13/12
6. I agree on this because it's telling us about how our military is starting to use technology to defeat their enemies. Also it shows how to program drones for the military. You can fly a drone, But if your drones never change, as warfare gets more advanced. Using the drones would be key going fourth. So it's very important that we are using these drones.
1. Generations in the past we have followed a system of events that consist of learning something than learning how to do it. IF people understand these devices and modern tools more, our world would probably advance greatly, as everyone would have the ability to produce new ideas, products, and feedback for the companies. It would make our world a smarter and better place.
2. I agree with this point. The only way you can get somewhere is if you know how to drive a car. The same goes for a computer, you can't really use it properly unless you know how it works. So if we learn how to use a computer correctly and finding new codes or ways to make technology better is important. I mean you can't learn until you try it. Same thing dealing with driving, you can't drive unless you learn how to and try.
I believe our school district has the potential to accomplish a better, more accomplished digital education. At Chapel Hill High School, there are already many digital education classes offered such as web design. If they can continue to keep kids interested i wouldn't see why not one of our classmates would be a computer programmer or be in the same position these guys (on the article) are in.
Harrison Young
ReplyDelete7th Period Waters
1)point # 1: I don't agree with this point because we use computers all the time and we may not know what goes on in the software but it is not an important aspect of part use. The daily use of computers should not be effected just because we don't know what goes on.
Point # 9: I agree because its nice to educate our country sooner and faster. The technological education that occurs helps make the students learn the topics we are styding faster and it may help the children with learning
Point # 6: I think that I agree with this point because it is great that people protect our nations security by programming software. Lately my moms credit card number has been hacked into (shh don't tell anyone please) and it would be terrible if that happened more frequently.
2)I can see everyone start to have school ipads and tablets that they carry around instead of having binders or backpacks. I know Culbreth Middle school carries ipod touch's to help the students learn better. It has a book store on it also. It would be more convenient for all of the students. This way no papers will be lost and it would be very easy to grade the papers when the teacher can finally read the hand writing.
Blake Johnson
ReplyDelete12/13/12
2nd period
I agree with the author on his point on computer class. We need to be learning how to make it not just use it. There’s no point in learning it if no one is ever going to advance it. Also on his 7th point he makes and good point. That it will be also about learning how to think critically which is so very important. If more people can learn this skill the country and world would be more successful. Another good argument is in point 9 where he talks about the basics for computer programming. The way he makes it sound is that most kids already have the skills. So why shouldn’t we use these skills to help advance technology.
I think that our school district may push some for better education on technology. As for the race I’m not sure how competitive the district will want to make it in the beginning. Districts can improve to meet these standards by adding classes and making computer programming accessible and interesting.
Living in a Digital World
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
12/13/2012
Wenbo Wang
Talking point 3: Not fully understanding the fundamentals behind certain digital environments will lead to their consideration at face value. I agree with the author’s argument, for the ignorance of technology based medium will lead to undesirable consequences, along with misunderstanding the function of Facebook. Dangerous substances-such as malicious viruses and malware-can infiltrate computer technology by users who do not understand how the data is invasive on a website or downloading tool, and gullible individuals may believe that they are receiving a bargain; while the virus is lying in the data file, ready to strike. With digital education, technology components may be understood by a larger population of people than it is today, while preventing scams from occurring, due to the individual’s new knowledge of hidden consequences found in certain digital mediums that are not seen at face value.
Talking point 4: “Computer class” cannot be the teaching of today’s technology, but of the skills needed to program tomorrow’s databases. This statement made by the author is required to be made into reality, for technology is a never ending process of advancement that evolves every few months. Teaching children about today’s technology is inefficient; resulting in the change of the school system in response to the latest software sold to the public. If one can learn the principles to create tomorrow’s computer and/or software, the ideals in computer technology is obtained. Not only will the people learn about the components of a computer, but also the many possibilities in advancing mankind technologically.
Talking point 8: Computer science is not just a career based on science, technology, engineering and math; for it is a liberal art as well. The author’s point is agreeable, for computer science is not only to apply with the research in building futuristic designs found in software, but also the ability to apply STEM subjects with commercial supply and demand, statistical data, and social trends that are the most favorable for the technology; similar to an invention being processed to meet real world demands. By teaching digital education in classes, one may not only understand the fundamentals in technology, but the society’s acceptance towards the software as well.
Currently, the schools of the CHCCS district offer many programs for digital education opportunities. Technology classes start in middle school, while giving younger students an early start in elementary school, by assigning technology class/home work as well. However in some schools, classrooms do not contain student computers for use, and computer lab visits are not as frequent. By assigning computer web quests in classes, with frequent visits to the computer lab while renting laptops, and improving student interests, the specific needs mentioned by Douglas Rushkoff may be closer in reach.
Kurt Griarte
ReplyDeletePd 7
1. Talking Point 1: People need to be able to express ideas on computers, not just do the things other put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends (like how people can read and write). If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to portray them as well. I agree with this reason, because people need be able to understand what is under their screen.
Talking Point 5: Our country is becoming less competitive in the business world because of its lack of computer science knowledge. We have to ship jobs outside our country because no one can work with computer in our country. I agree this is a vital reason to learn more about computers. If we can learn computer science, then we could help put people to work.
Talking Point 9: Students already are learning the basic steps in computer programs, so why not have them start programming? I agree with this point. We should introduce computer programs to children early on, so they can develop those skills early on and be ready to program when they get out of school.
2. I believe our district has the capability to produce students who are knowledgeable in computer science. We are in one of the better school systems in the state, so our students and teachers definitely have the potential to create a successful computer science program. I think we could become competitive in the digital race, if we create programs that start teaching computer science early on, and continue teaching throughout all of school. If we do that, we would start preparing students for the booming computer job market.
Reply
Rushkoff said, “ "Computer class" can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.” I agree with this argument purely because it is the only way our technology can evolve. He also said, “America's military leaders are scared: They have no problem finding recruits who want to fly drones, but have few who want -- or are ready -- to learn how to program them. One Air Force general told me he believes America's competitive advantage on the cybermilitary frontier is one generation away from being lost.” I agree with this point because the USA’s technology keeps it ahead of its competitors in the military. He continued to say, “Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming.” I agree with this point because of how important technology is in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe our school district will make some progress towards meeting these goals. I mean, everyone already has an iphone so why not learn about those tools that we use. Also we already are seeing growth in this area with IT focused classes.
1)
ReplyDeleteThe three points that I think are most interesting, are points 3, 6, and 9. Point number three, is about the modern generation not fully understanding the purpose of technology. I think this is important, because if we want to continue to progress in technology, then each generation must understand its purpose. The second point, is about how the lack of technological education, will affect our military. This is important, because to be able to keep our country safe, we have to have the best of everything. If the lack of programmers limits the amount of drones we are able to put out, then we have to put manned planes in the air, which risks American lives. Point number 9, is about the fact that our students are so close to programming, they learn the basic steps, but many do not have the chance to learn it. This is important because to get the programmers we need, we must make it available for our students to learn to program.
2) I think our school district could be good at digital education. We have some rooms with nice computers, and teachers that know what they are doing. However, I think that there would be two major things that would need to change. Firstly, we would need to have more of the high quality computer. Besides the two or three rooms that have these, the rest are stuck with old and very slow computers. Secondly, to improve the experience on the computer, and make more students interested in it, the software would have to change. The conect to school is slow, old, and usually does not work the way you want it.
I think that the three points that interested me the most were points 4, 7, and 9. Point number three is about how the new generation of students don't fully understand the purpose of technology, and that each generation must come to understand it. This is really important because technology is one of the most quickly evolving mediums. The fourth point is about how this lack of information will affect our military. The military continues to use the newest technology and if people don't understand it they aren't able to harness it they dont do well.
ReplyDeleteI think our school district could be good at digital education if the teachers knew what they were doing. I'm currently in one right now. Also we could get some better computers with some RAMS.
Julianna Turner
ReplyDeleteDecember 14
The author makes some very good points as to why we should learn to program computers. I found his first point particularly interesting. As the author states not teaching people how to program computers is doing the equivalent to teaching a baby to read but not to write. Part of why people appreciate books is because we know how long it takes to write them, and how much work the author puts into developing the story. If you apply the same principle to technology, people only know half of the equation. We use technology every day, and take things like the internet for granted. People need to learn how much work goes into developing a single computer, if we did I think that we would be much more grateful. Another interesting point the author makes is his fourth point. It is important the America stays ahead and continues to be competitive in this world. Technology is used in everything, trade, business, education, studies, etc. And it is important that we do not fall behind, especially if we could have easily prevented it by teaching computer programming. Another point of I found alluring was the authors fifth point. If the extent of our knowledge about technology is holding us back in business, it is time to make a change. Each and every single job in America is badly needed. Unemployment is a big issue, so every job that is given to someone who is not an American citizen is weakening society. If people learn how to program computers, they would be one step ahead which would put them high on the lists of employees.
I think that our school district does have the resources to offer computer science. I think the bigger issue is will it get enough interest. It is up to the district if they are oging to make it a required class or not. If we were going to meet the authors specific conditions, we would need to start out by seeing how much interest this class gets. If it is a popular class, they may even go as far as making it required as the author has provided very specific examples of how it would enhance America.
Linda Martinez
ReplyDeletePeriod:2nd
Technology can be used in many different ways and it has been advancing dramatically through out the past few years. Many children, that we used in our every day life. We also use it at school. Stating the fact about the article I read I think there should be class student can take so they can learn not only teenagers and adults have been engaged into technology from iPod to computers to many other electronics about how the computer works but how to make programs and how to program a computer. This will provide student with more knowledge about the computer and they will be able to go above and beyond. By discovering many other things technology can do.
Lily Elnaccash
ReplyDeleteH. World History 7
1. It seems to me that he is saying that when we learn a form of communication, we should learn how to interpret it and how to use it to send our own messages. It makes sense, of course: who learns to read without learning to write those words him/herself?
9. Here, he says that students should start learning programming early. I find it interesting, because according to him, the students in my year could have been learning it long ago. It makes me wonder what we have "missed". If programming is phased in somehow, starting at an early grade, those students will end up learning things that some people never discussed at any level of education.
8. He calls computer science a liberal art as well as a STEM course. The first thing I that made me think of was website design, which is necessary for every website. It also made me think of blacksmiths (though less are around today than in the Middle Ages!), who, like programmers, use their artistry to make useful things.
I think that it would be great if schools taught students about how computers and programs function. Even if most students do not become programmers, it would be helpful to understand what goes on behind the scenes of the machines that most of us use every day. Last year, we worked on programming calculators, and I found myself thinking in a whole new way. It's not the same thing as programming computers, but some of the ideas and commands are probably the same (although less sophisticated).
Kunal Lodaya
ReplyDelete1st period
12/14
Talking Point 2:
I would definitely agree with the need to teach programming. I received training in programming computers and other devices in middle school and this year, and it is a very beneficial skill. It teaches how to to think in an ordered way, and helps you learn how computers work.
Talking Point 4:
Looking to the future is always important. We should be teaching our kids how to excel in their workplace, not the current one. Teaching programming in this way, as well as computer science, is vital.
Talking Point 8:
Understanding that programming is an art is key to its nature. At its heart, it is an art form, one that is expressed through computers and other devices.
Computer science and programming are key to excelling in today's world. Until another revolutionary technology replaces the computers of today, classes and education to learn about them are important. We should certainly try to incorporate this current technology into today's classrooms.
Rebecca Harless
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
December 14, 2012
For further advancement regarding the need of digital education in today’s society, I think there should be an increase in learning programming language. About the author’s point on teaching kids about making software, not just using it, I agree. In middle school, I had to take a Tech class where I learned about Excel and Word and Powerpoint, and also a bit of binary, which is kind of like programming, and it was fun. Also at my school, there was an older kid who had created this whole awful page where people could “anonymously” say anything bad about anyone. Although he got arrested, my Tech teacher said that it took a ton to learn all that programming, and so if he hadn’t done that, he could have had a ton of job offers in today’s economy, which leads to the author’s fifth point. He says that we are falling behind in computer science compared to other countries, whose programmers we have to hire is because there are not many in America; if there were, there would be more jobs and maybe a better economy. The ninth point, that we, kids, are already learning math and algorithms, we should be able to do programming too, because it is based off of that math. I think that learning programming would not only be beneficial for tomorrow, but also for our math skills which lead to other skills.
I do not think that we need a whole new armory of the newest hardware, but I do think that if our school/district were to accomplish the competitive desire, I think we would have to get and teach new software. As the author says in the tenth point, there are already free resources available, like Codecademy.com. I think the school/district should require using a website like that for a certain time of learning something, like the way the service learning works, in order to graduate. I think there should also be a year-long class offered like other CTE classes, if there is not one already, teaching programming and also learning how to use software, because, even though the author says a computer class should not be about teaching kids how to use software, I think it is important and relative to learning programming.
Blake Rasnake
ReplyDelete2nd
Point #1- I think that this is a very bad point. It is the 21st Century and we use computers all the time. We don't need to know how they work, we just use them and don't think about what goes on inside them. We should not have to know-that is the job of the people that fix them.
Point #4- I think that they are right about what they are saying. Things are going to change so fast there is really no point in teaching them right now. They should have to be able to learn it when all of the technology changed. An example is when I tought myself how to use things like my phone and laptop.
Point #9- I think that this point is true because it is good to learn at an early age. Then you have that skill your whole life. It does not hurt to learn these things.
I think that it would be really cool to have things all digital and not have to carry around a huge heavy backpack all day. We could just have Ipods. This means we would also not have to keep up with all of the papers that we have to deal with now.
Sam Nielsen
ReplyDelete1st Period
Talking Point #1 – I agree with this talking point, and I think that it is a good connection between technology and the evolution of the human race. We would not be anywhere near where we are now if we did not have the ability to speak, nor would we be very far if we did not have the ability to write. Now, people must realize that if we do not have people learn how to code, then we will not advance nearly as fast as we would if we do.
Talking Point #5 – Of all the points, this one is probably one of the more persuasive ones. It takes very real modern problems and says that these could partially be fixed if Americans were able to learn code. I think that computer programming can open up a plethora of job opportunities for those who can use it. It could create entire businesses. So, the ability to program is both useful and needed.
Talking Point #7 – I think that this is a good point. Technology is constantly growing and will continue to have a greater presence in our lives as time goes on. If we are going to have technology in our every day lives, then we should be able to effectively use it, creating an efficiency that will put the United States at a great advantage. Since technology is going to be made no matter what, we should try to be the best at it.
There are many ways our school could improve in order to take advantage of today’s rapidly improving technology. The most obvious one is to create more classes based around technology; basic computer programming foremost among them. The main obstacle, of course, is money. The cost of purchasing all the hardware and software necessary for such classes is formidable. However, it is important to note that the school already has several computers, some of which are quite good. If we already have classes like web design, then surely we could take another step and add programming courses.
Douglas Rushkoff is going making an appearance in front of the government, trying to convince them to prioritize computer programming in schools. He plans on covering 10 points that justify the importance of computer programming. The 3 points that I found the most persuasive are:
ReplyDelete5. The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers.
- This is an important point that supports Rushkoff's argument because America is one of the dominating countries in this world and in order to maintain our position of power, the future of our country (the kids) need to be adequately educated for their own futures. Considering the advancement of technology in present day, I would say that computer programming is a really important skill to be learning in order to keep up with the competitiveness in business.
7. We are putting in place a layer of technology, culture, and economics that we'd darn well better do consciously. The technology we build today is the operating system of the society of tomorrow. Right now, painfully few are participating in this -- and usually the choices are made by the highest bidder.
- This point right here makes a showing of how we need to prepare for the future as well as keep up with the new demands that turn up due to the ever-so constant changing of business.
4. "Computer class" can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.
- This is another point about "tomorrow" (the future) and what we need to do to make sure we are ready for the changes that it may bring. In addition to that, the kids need to be prepared to shape the future in the most efficient way possible in order to sustain business and the country.
I believe that because CHHS and the school district have very good academics and are constantly creating more and more opportunities for learning, I can imagine our schools having a very advanced computer programming class (we already have one) very soon. We will probably make a club or a class where you can become familiarized with technology and computers, and learn how to apply these skills to the real world. In order to meet the specific needs of Rushkoff, I think it'd be a good idea to have the computer programming teachers take a standardized test that will ensure that they are fit to teach students. Also, if Rushkoff were able to convince the government to prioritize computer programming, then schools would get more funding to buy materials for the class (computers, books, etc.) that will make the learning of computer programming more efficient and helpful to students.
Hope Davison
ReplyDelete1st Period
Rushkoff’s first point is very straightforward, and very easy to agree with, because it’s true. It relates to the majority of Americans and when he puts the computer and the programming of it in perspective, it’s clear that there is basically a two step process. Using it, which we already know how to do, and knowing how to program it, which many lack the knowledge of. His fourth point is also thought provoking. While we should know how to program today’s technology, it shouldn’t be everything we’re learning- it should be a base for designing and creating new software that could be useful in the future. Obviously, this is the direction technology is moving towards, and at an incredible pace. His sixth point, I think, is one of the strongest. When he speaks of the military and how less and less people are willing to program the military devices, it is understandable that pushing the education of programming is a smart idea not only for everyday use, but for America’s military. Things like devices and drones and things need to be built by someone who is knowledgeable in what they’re doing in order for the military devices to actually be useful when it’s time for them to come into action. Rushkoff talks smartly about his points in a way that makes it clear of many aspects regarding programming.
It's a somewhat disappointing thought to me, but I can't deny it- technology is consuming the future, and with it’s vast expanse we need more and more people knowledgeable in the field of programming. That’s the reason Rushkoff is trying to push this idea to the Congress. However, I can’t imagine it becoming a giant hit in all of the schools all at once. This is an expensive field, and training teenagers (many of whom aren’t even interested) about programming is easier said than done. I do think that the computer classes we have now are a small but good step to the overall vision of mass programming. I’m sure we can invent extra programs to educate kids computer science little by little. I believe this is a realistic goal for our school district.
Emily Molina
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
1) The first point Rushkoff brings up makes it really easy to understand where he is getting his opinion of why we should teach computer education and cure computer illiteracy. His point is that we have taken everything else we know and went down into the grit of it to understand how it operates. We need to do the same with computers, especially since these machines are becoming a very big part of our lives. Computers are already running so much of the world around us, and if the USA wants to be competitive for power or anything else, it needs to be able to function. And teaching the children of today to design the machines for tomorrow is the only way to do that.
4) Children need to learn how to program computers because we will be forever dependent on other countries who have educated their people if we don't. To excel in the future, and even now, we need to make sure that the succeeding generation knows how the world operates and how to truly take the lead. If we want to advance, we need to understand what is going on in the first place.
6) I find it ridiculous that we have not advocated more that we have so far for people to be programmers for the military. It is such an important profession, especially with all the conflicts occurring right now. So many countries around the globe are making giant leaps in weapons technology. Historically, it seems like the US has always had one of the most prepared and powerful militaries in the world. If we are going to protect ourselves from the threat of various countries with nuclear capacity and no guilt about blowing us up with long-range missiles, we need to be prepared. With the advances in computer technology and programming, that is going to be one of the best pathways for our success at protect our country.
Honestly, I cannot see our school systems doing anything in the near future about our computer illiteracy. It takes so long to get anything woven into the curriculum, and the budget right now is an extremely limiting factor. If the district was serious about getting people educated in programming, they would first need teachers to teach the classes. The only way to get them is to have college students who have an interest in programming and teaching. This type of person seems to be in very short supply. The government will have to be very ambitious about getting the stars to align when it comes to teaching programming if they really want their successors to be able to compete in the world.
Olivia Wander
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Talking Point 4. "Computer class" can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software.
Yes. This is one smart guy. When I took Webmasters, I learned how to use Word. That's great, but.... What if I want a BETTER Word? I have to wait until the next update comes out. Well, then.... What if I want a website to advertise my babysitting skills? What if I want to write my own computer game? We are not prepared to use technology to our best advantage. Right now, it looks like the field with the most discoveries waiting is technology. If we can't tell a computer EXACTY what we want it to do, we will be helpless. No discoveries or breakthroughs will be made. Our generation has the potential to shoehorn responsibility to the next group of kids, or make something great. That distinction is pretty much up to our education.
Talking Point 5. The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers.
HELLO? Are ANY politicians awake? The job market is leaning in favor of people with technology skills. Not skills like "I can use PowerPoint AND Prezi" type skills, but "I can write really awesome computer games and software" type skills. If we do not start a foundation for these skills now, we are going to be outshone again by other countries who teach their children this sort of thing from a young age. If we are going to be a self-sufficient country, having workers who understand why computers do what they do and how to tell them to do new things is going to be kind of important.
Talking Point 9. Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming.
Kids are totally up to this. It's not rocket science, it's just 1s and 0s. Even just learning the basics, like "What is binary code" and how to write simple code would give us a MUCH greater level of understanding and control over our virtual enviroment.
Talking Point 10. The resources are out there: Codecademy.com is just one of many free tools (including CSUnplugged.org and Scratch.org) that any teacher can pick up and implement -- if he or she can muster the autonomy to do so. It may just happen that computer education, like the Internet itself, will depend on distributed authority and the bottom-up, enterprising nature of human beings working together.
Yes please! I don't know if this is just me, but this stuff sounds FUN. More fun than a lot of other things we are doing. If we can't have a dedicated part of Social Studies or Math to learn about this, maybe we could have an informal after-school group? If there is one out there, MAKE YOUR SELF KNOWN! You are wanted! Kids need to know this!
Our school district can do this. We have motivated students, staff and parents who would all be willing to at least give this a go. We just need the leave to do it. Of course, everyone probably won't be writing code by the end of the year. It will take some time to organize official stuff. But that doesn't mean we can't start.
This stuff is important. Even is you aren't planning a career as a hacker or computer programmer, you should have some level of control over your tools. Even as an entrepreneur, you should be able to design your own website. Whoever makes these decisions please put code writing into the public education system. Computers are the future right now, and we need to be prepared.
Isabelle Alzona
ReplyDelete12/14/12
Talking topic 1: People need to be able to understand computers, not just use them. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had to take my computer into Best Buy and have my computer sorted out. It usually is me standing there for 5 minutes while they press a couple buttons and magically fix my problem. More people need to understand computers, because that’s the future. Technology is evolving faster than ever, why aren’t we evolving to understand it?
Talking topic 2: If your computer were to crash, would you know how to fix it? I wouldn’t. Most people in this day and age rely on the few people who know about computers. That should change. Instead of spending money on a repair guy that can fix your computer in a matter of minutes, why not be able to do it yourself? If everyone knew their way around a computer a little better, I think that would benefit our future.
Talking topic 4: Computer classes need to teach kids more on how to create programs. America needs to be able to create tomorrow’s technology. Teaching children the benefits of computer programming ensures that this knowledge will be passed on. America needs to teach kids more programming skills so that the United States can progress.
I think that Chapel Hill High School has the potential to excel in computer science and programming. There are already many computer courses, and kids interested in taking them. Imagine if knowledge of the computer was required. We would have a technologically advanced society. America as a whole could definitely become a leader in a digital world. All we have to do is give students a push to want to become involved with computers. Some \students think that computer programming is nerdy and isn’t for them. But computers are the future, we should know how to handle them.
Annelise ter Horst
ReplyDelete7th
Talking Point #2: I disagree with this point, for I think that even though we did not program computers, does not mean we have to learn how to. People might think that I am just being lazy and I don’t want to go through the work of programming. But really, I am not interested in programming and while I use computers, it is not as necessary for me to learn how to program rather than me learning how to drive.
Talking point #9: I agree with Douglas Rushkoff in this talking point. Doing high school math such as algorithms is a great way to learn the basics of computer programming. There should be more classes in high school about this to give students more learning opportunities. While I do not see myself programming, our high school math goes into almost every job that we aspire to do, along with programming.
Talking Point #6- This talking point says that the military is scared. It is scared because we are not keeping up with the military technology we need to in order to be successful. I understand Douglas Rushkoff’s point of view because if we do not understand and cannot advance military technology then we will put our troops and objectives at risk. The countries that we are fighting against could have an advantage technologically, making the US at a disadvantage.
Danielle Reviere
ReplyDelete5th
In his second point he talks about how programming a computer is like looking at the difference between the driver and the passenger, and how if you do not know how to drive you are dependent on the driver. I agree that more people should learn how to program software for computers and I think this analogy is a great way to explain why we need to implement these programs. In his third point he talks about how we are only accepting sites at their face value. I completely agree, most people just see Gmail as a site where you can keep in touch, but if you were to look at all the programing that went into it you would see so much more. In his fourth point he talks about how a computer class should not teach kids about the software now, but they should teach them how to make the software of tomorrow. Again, I completely agree the whole point of a computer class, in my opinion, is to learn how to use the technology so that you can make it better or learn how to fix problems.
I think our school district can do it, but it will be difficult due to budget cuts. I think the biggest thing our district can do is to change the content of the computer classes so that it is teaching us how to make new software; not how to run the software that is already in existence.
Takoda Ren
ReplyDelete2nd
14th
6.) This is true in many ways. Not many people are capable of programming this type of stuff, yet nearly anyone over the age of 18 can drive a plane or whatnot. Considering the higher payment of programming, I am surprised they haven’t at least implemented a programming class as an elective. It should at least be in one of the possible choices that you can choose for your classes. 8) I don’t think this is true, it is certainly a STEM, liberal arts, no way. You do have to critically think to get the program to work. The people who are thinking of the digital media environments are the ones that are doing the liberal arts part of the job. 9) I am not sure about this either, but I guess they are the experts. Programming probably wouldn’t seem that hard once it is implemented into the curriculum.
Our district can improve when we get even more funding that what we already have, so that means donations. Starting an electives class would be good enough for the mean time. More people than usual (0) would take it, this would be beneficial enough, I think adding it to the common core would be going a bit too far.
Kaitlin Hill
ReplyDelete2nd Period
I think that the author makes some valid points about how students need to learn about technology. We do live in a digital world and kids growing up now do need a different set of skills to succeed. Still, I don’t think it is that necessary to put more pressure on kids to learn at these things about computers. School is already competitive enough these days without extra stress about technologies.
There are some things I think that our school could do to improve our technical education. One thing we could do is offer more classes to teach students about these new technologies and we could offer them to younger students. I don’t really think there is a need to be competitive about this topic of education though. It is important that students know how to work and computer and all these new devices, but it shouldn’t be a top priority.
Harish Prasad
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
12-14-12
TP#4: I agree with this statement because technology has unlimited potential to advance. Making kids appreciate and realize next generation software is really critical to make US make competitive in a global environment. Software has multiple applications and new revolutionary ideas continue to be introduced. Computer animation in education, climate change models and new apps on mobile phones are good examples. Apps can be used to help organize our everyday life and can make things easier. For example, we can take care of your banking needs on your mobile phone just by downloading a single app or travel without paper documentation.
TP#5: The key words are training and continuing education, to be aware of new developments that are changing rapidly. What is taught to kids during early school years is carried on into their adult life. Our country is becoming less competitive in the business world because of the students’ decline in interest in science and math. This leads to scarcity of experienced and talented professionals. Therefore, we have to ultimately ship jobs outside our country because of the scarcity of highly trained scientists and engineers in our country.
TP#6: A military job is such an important profession, especially with all the conflicts occurring right now. So many countries around the world are making big advances in weapons technology. Historically, it seems like the US has always had one of the most prepared and powerful militaries in the world. If we are going to protect ourselves from the threat of various countries with nuclear capacity and no guilt about blowing us up with long-range missiles, we need to be prepared. With the advances in computer technology and programming, that is going to be one of the best pathways for our success at protect our country.
Keith Segars
ReplyDeletePd. 2
Current Event #14
Living in a Digital World
In this article, Douglas Rushkoff states that the education of U.S. students should include programming along with using digital technology. The main concern of the author is that students in the U.S. can use technology but they do not understand how the technology is build or programmed. In his view, too much of the technical details of computers are outsourced to other counties which may make the U.S. less competitive. This is his first point. I think that this may be true. It is important for the U.S. to have people that understand technical details in order to develop new business and new computer innovations. This is related to his fifth point. A lack of computer knowledge can make the U.S. dependent on other countries for innovation and lead to jobs here that are less paying. A very scary point made in the article concerns national security. It is disturbing to think that our military might be impacted because of a lack of know how in creating computer software. As a country, we need to make sure that there is a large enough group of scientists and technical people to create digital technology for our security. It is also possible that other countries will develop technologies that can be harmful to U.S. interests and we need to be ready to defend ourselves. I think the author makes some interesting points about the future of software development. I am sure that our school will use technology to deliver education online. In the future, it may be possible to take classes from teachers at Chapel Hill High or from any High School around the world. This will give students courses and experiences that are not possible in a traditional high school setting.
Ashley Yang
ReplyDelete2nd Period
Point 1: When we got language, we didn’t just learn how to listen, but how to speak. When we got text, we didn’t just learn how to read, but how to write. Now that we have computers, we’re learning how to use them—but not how to program them. I think this is a very important point because people now are very dependent on computers and it’s important that they understand the program. If people did not know how to program them, then the public would not be able to use them.
Point 4: “Computer class” can’t be about teaching kids to use today’s software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow’s software. I think this is true because we are becoming a more technologically advanced society and have become dependent on computers. As more ideas and expectations are put for the future, there still have to be people who are willing to develop these knew programs.
Point 5: The failure to teach computer science isn't just impeding kids' understanding of the digital world, but also crippling our nation's competitiveness in business. We outsource programming not because we can't afford American programmers, but because we can't find American programmers. Because the world is becoming more advanced and we are trying to find new ways to improve our lives, we turn to technology. If this is not taught to kids then there will be no future engineers for the hopes of the future. There just aren’t enough people who know and are willing to become programmers, but by teaching it more of the population might become interested in this field.
I think this district is really trying because we offer so many technological courses and there are computer programming courses online. I think the main problem is finding people who are interested in these fields. I think it’s hard to be good and diligent on a topic that you are not interested in. I think the district is doing a lot but to make our students more competitive, we may have to get more students involved in these courses.
Jeffrey He
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
Waters
I agree that this is definitely true. People mindlessly use technology and do not know how the work. They do not know how to program, which limits their understanding of technology. I think that the three points that interested me the most were points 4, 7, and 9. Point number three is about how the new generation of students don't fully understand the purpose of technology, and that each generation must come to understand it. This is really important because technology is one of the most quickly evolving mediums. The fourth point is about how this lack of information will affect our military. The military continues to use the newest technology and if people don't understand it they aren't able to harness it they dont do well.I can't really see our school accomplishing that unless they give more of a budget for technology and upgrade the computers.
Anna Zurliene
ReplyDelete7th period
Current event #14
2) This is a very valid point because we expect so many of our answers to come from our technologies and we are no longer thinking for ourselves. Instead we should be using the technologies as an initiative to overcome their knowledge and be their “master”.
4) That is something I have never really thought about, even though it is so true. We are so concerned with keeping up with modern technology that we have forgotten why we come to school; to learn and improve our futures by thinking ahead.
7) So much of our lives are about the modern computer technology we have and we need to start being aware of that. Everyone needs to be involved and we can’t always expect others to come up with new fun gadgets for us.
I think our school, if much of the united states takes notice of this digital education thing, will try it’s best to provide the resources needed to achieve a better technological understanding of the world we now live in because our school wants to be in on what’s happening in the world. With that said I feel like it will die down quickly and no longer make a big difference in the way we are schooled. In order to get the specific needs mentioned by Douglass Rushkoff, our school/district would need to make computer programming a required class for at least one year so we can learn the basics. Then if we become interested, there should be a class available to us, as there is now like an elective.
Current Event 14
ReplyDeleteShomya Mitra, 5th Period
In the first point, the author says that we, as a society, are only learning how to use computers instead of programming them. Our future is going to heavily rely on computers and getting young people today to learn how to program and work with computers will prove invaluable when we use them even more in everyday life. The ninth point the author names in his article is one I think is very interesting, where kids are already in a way being taught how to program. The math and scientific skills being taught now are preparing people for careers in computers and this could provide the next generation of computer scientists. The third point I focused on is his tenth. He says that right now, the resources are available to teach students directly how to program. This is saying that really, if teachers wanted to teach computer programming they could do it if they wanted to. This reflects a neglect in this country towards career preparation.
I think our school district actually does a better job than most at programming preparation. My math teacher does mini units on programming calculators, where she tells us what she wants the program to do, and then we have to make it do that. Also, on the computer lab computers they have a variety of softwares that improve your computer skills. Some are graphics designers and some are actually made specifically for programming. Our district is a lot better than most as far as programming is concerned.
period 2
ReplyDelete1)Computers are such a big part of ouur culture but we are limited to what programs others had made unless we learn speak and write this new "language"
3)I believe digital literacy is really important even for casual users. It can help you avoid sights that could give your computer a virus. It also allows you upgrade your software so your computer runs faster.
10)I think this is the most important point. Teachers need the freedom to use these online programs to teach computer science. Otherwise it could be a long time before any thing changes.
I think that while our school may be better than others. There are maybe one or two computer programing classes availible to student. There should be many classes for all the branches of programing such as web or game design.
Jesse Chen
ReplyDelete12/15/12
period 7
point 1: Although it is important for some people to be able to program computers, it's not necessary for everybody to learn how to use java script or what ever kind of programming language they are using. People who don't know how to program simply use the programs invented and written by other people to other important tasks to help advance society.
point 2:I think that this analogy is not entirely accurate as a passenger who doesn't know how to drive is dependent on the driver to take him to places, but people who don't know how to program are more like citizens relying on other people to build the roads and structures that they are traveling to.
point 4:Most computer classes are just to teach student how to use other people's software rather than learning how to write their own, while very few are geared towards writing software.
Although our school may be better than most in the option to learn how to program computers, it's not perfect. Including a class specifically for programming could help solve this problem.
Robert Fernald
ReplyDelete1st period
I think that the author’s three best points were, “Computer class" can't be about teaching kids to use today's software; it must be about teaching kids to make tomorrow's software”, “Kids are already doing algorithms, the basic building blocks of computer programming. Once they learn long division, they are ready to start programming” and “The resources are out there: Codecademy.com is just one of many free tools (including CSUnplugged.org and Scratch.org) that any teacher can pick up and implement -- if he or she can muster the autonomy to do so. It may just happen that computer education, like the Internet itself, will depend on distributed authority and the bottom-up, enterprising nature of human beings working together.” Those point are the best because they say that kids can start computer programming at an early age and if we start teaching kids that young then they will start developing new technologies. Also the last point proves that there are plenty of free programs that are available so there is no excuse to not start right now.
I think that in order to start teaching kids how to program, first we need to teach the teachers how to use the technology. Currently in our public schools many of the old teachers have no idea how to even use a computer so the US must recruit new teachers to teach programming.
McKenna Willoughby
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
Talking Point # 2: I agree with this point. If we don’t know how to use and program a computer, then we will be dependent on the computer itself. Computers can break and malfunction. If we can not care for them, then we should not own them. People today can’t rely on others to fix their computers. It is waste of time and money. I especially liked the authors comparison with this situation to the car situation.
Talking Point # 4: I agree with this point as well. Most computer classes now are teaching about today’s software. The technology industry is constantly changing and improving. What is helpful knowing about old technology? Computer classes should be teaching about the future technology. The more people know how to use technology, the better our society will be.
Talking Point # 6: When I read this point, I was confused as to why we have very few people who will program drones. The United State’s army is supposed to be one of the best in the world. If we don’t stay ahead with technology, other countries armies will be better advanced than ours. If we are thrown into another war, our army won’t do as well.
If the school district is really serious about it, then I believe that they would be able to do this. It would take a lot of time and money, but it would be benafitial to the community. To reach this goal, the school would have to save up a lot of money.
Sophie Heins
ReplyDelete1
We should know much more about computers than we do. I sometimes if asked a question about something along those lines will just say magic. We should either know how they work, or not use them at all. And if nobody knows how to fix them they'll all eventually break and then we would not know how to fix them.
Computer classes today should be trying to teach about future technology. Though it would be hard to teach what is still unknown so at least they are teaching todays programs not programs from 10 years ago. But if we all understood the technology better maybe we would put it to a more effective use.
I feel as though drones are not the way to go. If we make drones and other counties figure out how to hack into them they can use the drones against us. If we were to take that risk the whole country , and also on that note our allies would be in grave danger.
Honestly I don't really feel as though the school district cares enough to try to get us interested. And if we are not interested we will not pay enough attention to learn the information, there fore making the whole process completly obsolete. But if the coiupld get us interested and had the money it would be much more likely that we would be more involved int he digital age.
2. Number ten struck me, because I have been using Codecademy since August to help
ReplyDeleteme with my work as an apprentice at Shodor. I definitely think that younger people should be using Codecademy to help learn programming concepts, especially Python. I was learning how to program using a 40 dollar book, but Codecademy does twice the job for free. Now, there is a limit to the things that you can learn. After completing the Python course, I now have no idea what to do in that realm of programming, besides learning Java and Ruby.
Number six made me laugh that the american Air Force actually cares about the education of the people that enter their ranks. I mean, how many people actually enter the air force with a masters degree or higher? A few? exactly.
Number four was interesting. I understand the point that schools need to teach kids how to program, but in my experience, most teachers of ‘computer science’ at middle and high school really don’t actually know what they are talking about, so like the moderately intelligent individual they are, they don’t bother teaching so that they don't make any mistakes.
3. Our school actually bothering to take money out of regular classes and sports teams and put money into a computer programming course that was actually competent would make me have a LOT more faith in humanity. As it is, younger people who are actually interested in computer programming, and not just game creation can find a lot of cheepish sources outside of school that they can use to help teach themselves how to program. Rohan, my sister Elise and I spend 6 hours every Saturday of the week attending a computer programming center called Shodor. There are always other ways that kids that are interested in learning computer code to learn. Our school district would have to make a computer programming class that actually teaches you how to program, and has a competent corse organizer, not one of these stupid IT certification courses that say if you take them, you are certified to use various windows applications. At a young age I could use excel and word. Any student with experience can do that for free, so whats the point? There is no way that our school would actually every go for something like this though, as they have NO idea what they are doing by having these courses in the first place. If someone is ACTUALLY interested in programming, they should take the initiative and look to look for sources outside of school to learn how to program.
Jeff Richardson
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
Period 1
Point #1:The author makes some very good points as to why we should learn to program computers. I found his first point particularly interesting. As the author states not teaching people how to program computers is doing the equivalent to teaching a baby to read but not to write. Part of why people appreciate books is because we know how long it takes to write them, and how much work the author puts into developing the story. If you apply the same principle to technology, people only know half of the equation. We use technology every day, and take things like the internet for granted. People need to learn how much work goes into developing a single computer, if we did I think that we would be much more grateful.
Point #4:Another interesting point the author makes is his fourth point. It is important the America stays ahead and continues to be competitive in this world. Technology is used in everything, trade, business, education, studies, etc. And it is important that we do not fall behind, especially if we could have easily prevented it by teaching computer programming.
Point #5: Another point of I found alluring was the authors fifth point. If the extent of our knowledge about technology is holding us back in business, it is time to make a change. Each and every single job in America is badly needed. Unemployment is a big issue, so every job that is given to someone who is not an American citizen is weakening society. If people learn how to program computers, they would be one step ahead which would put them high on the lists of employees.
I think that our school district does have the resources to offer computer science. I think the bigger issue is will it get enough interest. It is up to the district if they are oging to make it a required class or not. If we were going to meet the authors specific conditions, we would need to start out by seeing how much interest this class gets. If it is a popular class, they may even go as far as making it required as the author has provided very specific examples of how it would enhance America.
Julia Perkins
ReplyDelete1st Pd. History
Talking Point 1
I agree that this is an issue. When it comes to computers, the majority of people (myself included) are only half-literate. If we want America to be a technologically competitive nation, we need more people to be just as well-versed in how computers work as they are in how to use them. Also, on a personal level, I think it would be great to know more about computer programming - that way, like my dad does with his car, if something smallish is wrong, you can fix it yourself instead of having to pay a lot of money to get someone else to do it for you.
Talking Point 5
I think that in such a prosperous country, having a shortage of programmers is astounding. Programming is a well-paying career, and I think that if it were a more accessible job option, many people would become more involved in this line of work at an earlier age. Especially considering the current financial state of the nation, I think that the more jobs we can keep within America, the better for our own economy.
Talking Point 9
I think that on a basic level, this is right, but at the same time it may be over-exaggerated. I think that plenty of second graders could be very good at programming, but programming is just not something that is introduced until at least late middle school, and then only in a rudimentary sense, like on graphing calculators. I wouldn’t expect kids to be able to do algorithms, though - that is what I think the exaggeration is. I would fully support having programming programs introduced to elementary and middle schools, but honestly I think that this would be a huge challenge considering the small size of schools’ budgets already and how programming isn’t seen as crucial as other subjects that are already being taught, such as math and science.
I think that our district in particular is doing very well as far as Rushkoff’s guidelines go. We have smartboards in many classrooms and laptop carts, and while that may not have much to do with programming, we also have a wide array of information/technology classes available. I think that Chapel Hill, being as progressive as it is, will be pretty quick to catch on that programming is the way to go, in later years.
Bobby Russell
ReplyDelete#9
When he said that we have the building blocks and the capability to learn how to program technology like this it seems like a waste of talent if we dont take advantage of it. If there is a need fro learning how to work this modern technology then we have to do it. If the world is doing it then they wont wait for us to catch up. And when you live in the U.S. there is a certain obligation to strive to be the best. And that cant happen if we dont try to keep up.
#5
In a time when people are complaining about the lack of jobs and all of this unemployment than it seems strange that we wouldnt teach people these skills to help bring jobs back to the u.s and stop outsourcing. Outsourcing is one of the subjects that people are always complaining about, now we have a chance to stop or slow it down and we wont take it.
#6 One of the reasons why America has always been a powerhouse was the fact that we were always the ones with the most powerful weapons. Now in a time where military can so easily be conrtrolled by technology we are falling behind and that cant happen and hopefully as a nation we wont let it happen.
To improve students abilities with technology there are a couple of things that we cand do in our schools. First of all, we at chapel hill require one tech. class or credit to graduate. I think that we should raise it to two or three so that we really encourage and make kids take advantage of all the technologies that we posess and oppurtunities we have. I also think that there should be more oppurtunities for kids at school if they want them to learn about programing.
1. Point 1: I disagree I think that you don’t really need to know how to program computers to use them. There are so many people out there these days who can just pick up a computer and in 5 minutes know how to use it. I understand how in some things you should learn both ways but not with computers. Its something that I feel isn’t important.
ReplyDeletePoint 2: I agree with what he is saying. If we teach kids about today’s computer software by the time they will use it, it will be different. But what we teach them now will help them during their childhood and give them a better idea of how to use things in the future
Point 9: I agree because if we can already learn this then why not. It’s not going to hurt us if we do. Also we don’t really learn anything in elementary school so why not learn something that could be beneficial later in life
2. I don't think it's a good idea to make our education more digital. It would be helpful in someways but in others it would just make people less social and more teachers would be out of jobs.
Casey Patterson
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
12/20/12
1) Talking Point 1: People need to be able to express ideas on computers, not just do the things other put on it. It is important for people to be able to understand computers from both ends (like how people can read and write). If people can’t express their ideas on computers, they will have to rely on others, who won’t be able to portray them as well. I agree with this reason, because people need be able to understand what is under their screen.
9)I agree with Douglas Rushkoff in this talking point. Doing high school math such as algorithms is a great way to learn the basics of computer programming. There should be more classes in high school about this to give students more learning opportunities
10)I think this is the most important point. Teachers need the freedom to use these online programs to teach computer science. Otherwise it could be a long time before any thing changes.
If the school district is really serious about it, then I believe that they would be able to do this. It would take a lot of time and money, but it would be benafitial to the community. To reach this goal, the school would have to save up a lot of money.
Abby Thomas
ReplyDelete2. Select 3 of the author’s 10 talking points to discuss in detail, your view of support to help the author's argument, for further advancement regarding the need of digital education in today’s society.
1) I think that being able to program your own technology is very important. We need to not only learn how to use them, but how to program them. You can’t always depend on others to do things for you because they won’t always be there when you need them.
2) Depending on another person to do work for you isn’t a good thing. When you need others to do everything for you, you not only become lazy but you become a dependent person, not an independent and in our everyday society we must be independent people.
3) Not knowing the purpose of technology is also not a good thing. It’s bad because when you use things for example a phone just for constant texting and not talking on the phone in emergencies, it’s a waste of the phone. It just breaks it and it wasn’t the intention for the device.
3. In what capacity do you envision our school/district accomplishing the desire to make our students competitive in the digital education race? How can our school/district improve in order to meet the specific needs mention by Douglas Rushkoff?
Our district needs to have several classes for not only computer education, but technology education in general. We need more computers for students in classrooms so they can be more technology active in our school because they are a useful resource.
McKenzie Matherly
ReplyDeleteTalking point 1: I think that point one is a great point. In order to fully understand something then we should know how to build it, and how to use it. I agree with the author on talking point 1.
Talking point 7: I agree with the author on this quote because there really isn't very many computer programmers out there when more people should be learning about it. New computer programs help greatly with many different things and make life just a little but easier. Having more people learning about that is great.
Talking point 9: At this point the author brings up a great argument. I have leaned the basics to computer code and java script, and it is more like learning a new language than math in my opinion. I think that its pretty cool that something complicated is actually quite simple.
I think that our school system is not very technologically advanced but it has potential. In my opinion a computer science class, would be beneficial. Although it will take time and money to form such a program I feel that these classes could be beneficial to students and to the school system.
Alex Parks
ReplyDelete1st Period
Talking Point #1 – I agree with this talking point, and I think that it is a good connection between technology and the evolution of the human race. We would not be anywhere near where we are now if we did not have the ability to speak, nor would we be very far if we did not have the ability to write. Now, people must realize that if we do not have people learn how to code, then we will not advance nearly as fast as we would if we do.
Talking Point #5 – Of all the points, this one is probably one of the more persuasive ones. It takes very real modern problems and says that these could partially be fixed if Americans were able to learn code. I think that computer programming can open up a plethora of job opportunities for those who can use it. It could create entire businesses. So, the ability to program is both useful and needed.
Talking Point #7 – I think that this is a good point. Technology is constantly growing and will continue to have a greater presence in our lives as time goes on. If we are going to have technology in our every day lives, then we should be able to effectively use it, creating an efficiency that will put the United States at a great advantage. Since technology is going to be made no matter what, we should try to be the best at it.
There are many ways our school could improve in order to take advantage of today’s rapidly improving technology. The most obvious one is to create more classes based around technology; basic computer programming foremost among them. The main obstacle, of course, is money. The cost of purchasing all the hardware and software necessary for such classes is formidable. However, it is important to note that the school already has several computers, some of which are quite good. If we already have classes like web design, then surely we could take another step and add programming courses.
This comment has been removed by the author.
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