The New Gatekeepers

The New Gatekeepers. . . what the internet knows about me!

This video does a great job explaining the algorithmic ways in which information on the Internet is personalized for me! The first thing that came to mind was big brother really is watching, but my new big brother is Google, Facebook, etc. 

I think in some ways having my search's personalized probably saves me time and creates an efficiency factor that i find to be helpful. I am concerned, however, that this automated system will in time limit my perspective and narrow my opportunities to seek and learn news ways to view life in many ways. The world wide web is a massive place to visit and maneuver through. I hope that those in control of this service of personalization will consider how this really impacts society as a whole. It could lead to a type of segregation that could mirror how we actually live in reality. If you think about it how many different places do we go to eat, shop, play and explore? Most people live in a bubble anyway. I know I spend most of my time going to familiar places because they simply match my taste and needs. 

Drive-carrots/sticks and the benefits of autonomy

Discuss a time when you’ve seen one of the seven deadly flaws of carrots and sticks in action. What lessons might you or others learn from the experience? Have you seen instances when carrots and sticks have been effective. 

I work in a district that is for the most part high achieving. There are 3 Title I schools in the district and of course they have struggled with meeting AYP benchmarks. I have had a chance to spend 12 years as a classroom teacher and 3 years as an administrator in Title I schools. As an administrator I watched my teachers going above and beyond the call of duty to reach out to help the children who are socio-economically disadvantaged to make a difference. I work closely with the other principals in the district and compare my work load with theirs. It is quite astounding to see the difference in the way the different schools are treated. The school in our district with an API of 961 gets all the credit and accolades while the Title I schools get criticized for the lower scores. It is an example of the carrot and stick because those who make it reap the benefits because it is perceived as if they have done something special when in fact the affluent community sends the kids prepared and they due well in spite of the work being done. The Title I teachers are punished with threats of sanctions and penalties and the worst part public criticism.

In education I have seen carrots and sticks in place for students where I feel it is beneficial. The school I work at has two Special Day Classes and the behavior management strategies are positive and negative reinforcement. It is a great way for these students to learn the difference between following rules and braking rules in the area of remaining safe. Students with certain disabilities do well with rewards and consequences and when a teacher is managing many students at a time it is truly a safe way to approach behavior management.

As you think about your own best work, what aspect of autonomy has been most important to you? Autonomy over what you do (task), when you do it (time), how you do it (technique), or with whom you do it (team)?

I love direction from my superiors as well as feedback. I do like to do things at my own pace and in my own though. I work in a district that truly believes in the Pink philosophies, so I have autonomy on how I choose to do things at the site level. I receive support whenever I need it, but I am trusted to do my job and to me that is a great sign of respect. I love to develop programs and I am given carte blanche to do what I want most of the time, so I pretty much live my professional life with great amounts of autonomy.

learning in new media environments reflection

Dr. Michael Wesch's video  "Learning in New Media Environments." sends a powerful message to students, parents and educators that we must change the way we view the learning process for all learners. His explanation of shifting from being knowledgable to knowledge able describes how I feel about NCLB. We have spent the last decade maintaining an environment where children listen, memorize and then choose the correct multiple choice bubble. This low level of learning is not serving them or society for that matter. As I watch teachers in my district shifting gears and providing students with project based learning that requires communication, collaboration and creativity and critical thinking, I am hopeful that we can change how students engage in learning. I unfortunately leave these stimulating rooms and just down the hall is the sage on the stage with all the students in a row not saying a word....you could hear a pin drop and god forbid a student speaks out of turn they will be chastised in front of their peers. These shifts in education are going to take effort and will power. I am excited to view these inspirational videos and see that movements like this one  will change the face of education.