C4T #1

My C4T #1 was about Brian Crosby, an upper elementary teacher for 30 years who guides the learning in a model technology classroom in Sparks, Nevada. This was truly an amazing video to say the least. Crosby started off this blog on the subject of innovative pedagogy, which means creating new ways of educating our children. I must say that I'm not a huge fan of technology in the home or classroom because of what children can be exposed to, but after reading this blog, I have a change of opinion.


Leaving Their Mark – Redux, Redux


For starters, Crosby explains how this class, has been his students for the pass 3 years, which has created a type of positive bond. Crosby had this one student who had to leave the class because of cancer but through the awesome technology of Skype, he was not only able to join her back with the class, but she also could answer and participate. This eventually lead him to join with other teacher all across the globe, in sharing this same idea and concept. For example, he and his class was interview by Lee Barber's class in Virginia by using skype. Crosby also was able to interview Christine McAuliffe, who was the mother of the "Teacher in space" who was killed when the space shuttle Challenger exploded in space. This same interview went out to Virginia and New York. Now, what we have to keep in mind is that this is a group of 4th through 6th graders; this type of innovation is barely discovered in college.


Another beautiful things was how Crosby monitored the kids on Myspace and educated them on the importance of safety and honestly. I believe that more than half of the children who  are exposed to uncensored domains were never educated on what to avoid. So I thought this to be very wise because this is a huge concern with my future classroom. Time would not permit for me to type all that Crosby has and continues to accomplish, but this is truly a man on a mission to change the way our young children learn, in a broader and more positive manner.


My 1st Reply:


Hello, my name is Fredric Robinson. I attend the University of South Alabama in pursuit of a degree in Physical Education with a teachers certificate. I want to start off by congratulating you on such a great accomplishment with your students. We live in world where technology is being abused in so many ways, so it’s very refreshing to see it used in such a positive manner. In your blog you spoke about examples of innovative pedagogy, and I must say that you are truly using new ways of educating. I’m actually not a user of Skype but I have a different mindset of its possibilities, especially in reference to the teaching methods of my future students. Your story truly touched my heart to see the power of technology, how you included your student with cancer (Celeste McKarlie) into class through Skype; and I’m sure that there are many others who would agree and have taken advantage of your classes discovery. I hope that you continue to "leave the mark," within the world in a positive way.

2 Responses to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?

My C4T#2 is about a question that Brian Crosby presented " One Response to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?" This article was a deep debate about if test scores should be apart of a teacher's evaluation. There was so many thoughts given about this idea, that I was very engaged in my reading. Some of the teachers agreed with this idea, but said that it should only play a small part of the evaluation. (10 to 20 percent) While Brian Crosby was not so much convinced on the idea. He said, "No one says that poverty means that these kids can’t learn,” he added, “but that is the meme that is promoted. Instead, we need to recognize the problem, and like America has always been admired for, take it head on and solve the problem.” I love this idea by Crosby because he addressed the issue, from a outside the box perspective or the normal way of thinking. He took a deeper look into the problem. Some kids just come from troubled backgrounds but are just as equal as any other kids. I think we should stop showing favoritism and labor with some kids more than others, while understanding that not all kids think at the same pace nor on the same level, even though they are in the same grade. 


In conclusion, Crosby said, "An ideal evaluation system would involve the input of other teachers, administrators, and parents in a system of checks and balances.” Saying that peers of teaching should learn from each other. We are the experts and should not be locked in classrooms only 20 feet down the hall and not know each others names.


My 2nd Reply:

Hi Brian!

This is Frederic again from EDM310(Dr John Strange). I recently reviewed the full article that was posted about “One Response to Should kids’ grades call the shots on who teaches and who goes home?” This is a very sensitive subject between the students, parents, and teachers. Honestly, I believe the conduct and grades that our children produce has to do a lot with their home life. Now of course the method in which they are taught plays a huge part, but here is a covered secret. If we study the number of failing students, who has divorced parents or absent fathers in the home, we would be shocked. Now, again we can’t put it all on the parents nor all on the teachers but we should find a balance of what the real issue is, and as you said in your writing, “face it head on.”

Overall, learning from our peers should never stop, from our youth unto the grave, we can always learn from those around us. Put it this way, all the God given wisdom that man has, isn’t deposited into one person, so we all should learn a little from each other. Thank you for your continued effort to change the lives of our future generation.