Mr. Tyson’s speech was really inspiring to me. What was more inspiring was the videos that these middle schoolers created. These students really wanted to change the world. They chose topics that it would be hard for high school students, and maybe even college students, to tackle. They created videos that used technology I’ve never even touched. I think it’s wonderful that these students were provided with opportunities to use their creativity and intelligence in a productive and inspiring manner. They worked so hard, not just to get an A, but so they world could see their videos.
I like how Tyson distinguished between School 1.0 and School 2.0. He said that 1.0 is the school we live in. The one that consists of rituals and rules and routines. 1.0 makes students take in information. School 2.0 engages students in activities. It allows them to give out the information they learn. I really like the idea of having students produce products that they can share with the world. Students can actually be excited about school and proud of the work they do. If I was presented with opportunities like this in middle school I would have put so much more effort forth.
I really like the Organ Donor video. It was so well done, and I can’t believe the students filmed just about every scene by themselves. They must have put so much time and effort into that project. I like how they said that they are talking about “grown-up” problems. Kids will be so much more motivated if they can do projects about “real problems” instead of being babied.
The other videos, the one about Genetically Modified Foods and Child Slave Labor, were phenomenal. They made points and presented facts better than some shows on TV do. I was thoroughly impressed. I also loved that he showed interviews with two of the students. I think it’s great that those students got to go on stage and present their thoughts about the projects.
The last video he showed made me cry. It was so touching, and so mature. We don’t give middle schoolers enough credit to be able to look outside themselves and see how much someone else has accomplished. I would not expect a 12 yr old to make a video showing how much a mentally ill child has accomplished. I hate to say it, but when I was in middle school most kids made fun of mentally ill children. I think if we, as teachers, give students opportunities to really show how much they know and what they can do that we will be pleasantly surprised.
dcrovitz Said:
on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 am
Tyson’s comments and work with students shows us the potential that exists for transforming what school means to students and teachers. Schooling as a system often acts to opposite effect of what we would want…so we get students who are disengaged and disconnected from learning rather than the opposite. We need innovative approaches to show how learning can be re-envisioned.