K-12 Online conference post

Engagning our Youngest Minds, by Jose Rodriguez, December 16, 2009
I am in awe of all of the endless information on the internet. I was previously aware of the ability to find information about different subjects, but not really sure how to find something specific about a topic. As an adult out of college since 1997, I have come to realize that I have limited computer skills. I thought I had a basic knowledge of technology and the internet, but am slowly finding out there is so much that I do not know. I found this 10 minute presentation interesting because it touched on the subject about passion and the classroom. It is something that impresses me when I see teachers make a connection with a student or take extra time out to help a student learn more than just words and numbers. This short track presented a topic dear to the presenter, passion. Not just personally, but passion in teaching young students. She was touched by a young 5 year old that started a fundraiser for a panda bear. She raised awarness as well as $200 to help support the endangered animal. The topic touched upon integrating technology into learning for individual students to maintain individual passion. Looking for that "wow" for students in a world where young students are disengaged and bored with school. Keeping them engaged in current technology helps to nurture their interests while learning at the same time. Her view is that technology can be a tool to create a book, make contact with scientists, etc. in order to keep students engaged.