A little Rant
John sent me this article today about a principal out east that banned blogging at the Jr. Sr. High School. I really feel strongly that the opposite should be happening. Here is an email that I was planning on sending to the principal before I relazied that the article was from 2005.
Hello Mr. Sousac,
Just read the following article online, and wanted to hear your thoughts on a little different line of thinking.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050329/NEWS/503290316/1027
I understand the dangers of students blogging, however I feel that if students in a school setting are banned from everything that may cause problems in their lives, how are they supposed to learn to deal with these issues?
When our students leave our schools, they are on their own. There will not be filters on the internet, nor will there be someone keeping an eye on them to make sure they make wise decisions. As an educator I believe that schools should be teaching appropriate use of the internet and online communities, not only how to use it as a learning tool, but also how to interact with it. In this digital age, students are immersed in an online world. They need to learn safe-use in an environment that allows growth. If we shut them down, and expect them to figure it out on their own I believe we are endangering them more. If we were to integrate these “new technologies” into our daily lessons I think our students will leave our schools not only with a greater understanding of how to integrate current technology into their business and personal lives, but also to do it in a safe manner.
I realize this requires more classroom management from our teachers, but I feel its something schools really need take a closer look at, and maybe reevaluate their current practices.
So that was it in a nut shell. Really frustrating that our schools are not educating our students, but taking away their learning expiences because they don’t want to deal with managing proper use.
So thats my rant for today. As I was walking home from work I was greeted with a beautiful sunset. Wish Erin were here to hang out with.
5 Comments
Amanda Svir on February 1st, 2007
Hey Bill-
Good to hear you can gripe with the best of them. I completely understand where you are coming from.
I hope some of your spring plans are to see a new baby in the Brainerd area!!
We are thinking of you guys today, as it is supposed to get to about -30 this weekend!!
Miss Ya
Svirs
Bill on February 1st, 2007
Nice rant! Send it anyway. I’m sure you can find the school or the principal.
As a country we’re big into control therefore someone else needs to be responsible when we goof up, so “it’s not my fault” becomes the excuse for all.
Nice sunset too.
Take care.
Mom on February 1st, 2007
The sunrise is beautiful! Your Uncle Zac would be impressed!
Good article Bill. I may need to borrow your comments sometime. Love you! Mom.
Katie on February 9th, 2007
Beautiful pictures and video of the sunrise, I am really in awe. I loved watching the video clip too, of you and Erin (on her page) climbing the wall! That is so cool, I love that you have a climbing wall in your home;0). How often can you say that?
It’s already a busy semester and I’ve only hit one day of class:0). I’ll just have to stay on top of my game. Sorry I missed you today on ichat, I’ll have to catch you another time.
I hope you guys are doing well, I love you!!
katie
Erin on January 31st, 2007
Uh Oh… is this going to become a political blog? Sounds like I’d better get home soon! Can’t wait to see you tonight – get the rest of season 2 ready. 🙂 Love you lots. Oh yeah… your skype sign on the blog says you’re online, but according to Skype you’re not. Just a friendly little rant from me.