Adora Svitak's talk.

A recently watched a talk on Tedtalks by twelve year old Adora Svitak on what adults can learn from children. What I noticed first was how articulate and well planed the talk was, as though Adora Svitak her self was a personification of her argument; that adults can learn from children. One of the key factors that stood out to me was that children have no boundaries on their imagination; what Svitak refers to as 'irrational thinking'. I found her evidence on how this can be beneficial interesting and agreed with her point. Svitak used an example of children being able to design unique and 'irrational' designs for glass making (which sold the most). The children were able to think of glass designs that adults could not due to the lack of limitations on their imagination; they have no concept of 'impossible'. I personally was fascinated by this as I believe that children interpret knowledge in a unique and individual way that we can learn from; the example given by Svitak portrays that perfectly. An other point given to support her argument was that that children have unimaginable dreams that, as we grow up, we lose. As adults we learn that what's 'possible' is limited; kids will strive for the impossible. This is a leaf we can and should take from their book. It is important to dream and strive for the unreachable as it keeps creativity and motivation alive. The last point that caught my attention was that there is a lack of trust between children and adults. Svitak used the example of do's and dont's that are given in schools. The point that adults need to listen to what children want as well as what they themselves want was made. I agreed with this point as I believe that we should give children the opportunity to earn our trust before we create boundaries for them. I found the speech inspiring and agreed with the points made through out. I especially agreed that adults need to create more opportunities for children as they are, as Adora Svitak said 'the leaders of tomorrow'.

Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids.

www.Glogster.com - Could it be an education tool?

Glogster is a web 2 app for sharing photos, information, thoughts, and comments in a creative and visual way. This website is filled with colourful images from the moment you open the home page, this is good as it draws in viewers. After creating an account I found there were many ways that the website could be used in an educational context. Glogster has the qualities of all web 2 apps sites meaning one way it could be used in an educational context is through sharing and commenting on information. The posts can also be shared with other social networking sites such a face book. This could be useful in an educational context as information could be shared with other pupils in the class. The web 2 site has options to make posters, and store information on creative readymade templates that can be edited to suit each individual. This is a brilliant way to reflect and revise work in an interesting and entertaining way. It would be good in an educational context as pupils could use this to not only revise but back up work in a format that they will remember. There is also the option of tagging posts. This is a good feature as work can be tagged so that other pupils or students can find information on any topic. It could be used as a learning diary for students also. It is a great way to share and keep information in an interesting and unique way that is personal to each individual.

Creating Learners Blog review.

One of the blogs I am following is creating learners by Toby Fischer. After reading the blog I decided it was valuable and should be connected to my blog. I thought this for many reasons. One reason I considered the blog valuable is because it is very current. Every week there is a new post uploaded with new information on different themes with in education. This is important to me as I think it important to take in new information regularly. This blog ensures that there is new information for the reader to mould in to knowledge. The posts are filled with links to where the information has been found as opposed to articles written by the author. On the one hand I find this irritating as I would like to read it from the author’s point of view. However on the other hand, I prefer direct links. I prefer direct links because the reader can then see the exact information the author has, and re-use the information themselves. Another reason I think the blog is valuable enough to be on my blog is because of the availability of sharing posts with social networking sites such as twitter or face book. To me this is very useful as I can share any information I find interesting or important with class mates. The blog is filled with useful links and information that date back a substantial amount. There for I think the blog has earned the right to have a place on my blog.

Mmmmm Raspberry pi.. .

This week, I heard about a new piece of software emerging that both intrigued and surprised me. You may or may not have heard of it; it is called a raspberry pi. After having a look around the website I found out the following: The Raspberry pi is a small computer which can be connected to any monitor, be it computer or TV screen. It is essentially a tiny computer that is affordable. When I heard about this I was instantly won over by the company. I think that it is a brilliant idea and can't wait for it to be released. It will provide children from less fortunate backgrounds the opportunity to have a computer of their own. Not only that, but it means that computers will be more affordable for schools as well. I think this is excellent as in our world filled with ever changing technology; it is important that children are educated and are comfortable with the tech that is available to them.