Next Generation Learning reaction

The video showed me just how useful technology is in schools. Harry was so excited about going to school, which is something that I notice is missing in most of today's youth. The technology used at Harry's school got the students more involved in the learning process, and since education is for the students, I think that they should be more involved. The interactive white boards were a great tool for the teacher and the class. It saves time that it would take to switch between the computer and the whiteboard by combining the two. The voting systems were helpful, especially when the teacher needs to know where the class stands as a whole. Instead of just asking one student for the answer, the entire class can get involved and give their answers, which I think would better hold their attention. Harry also talked about the school's website and how he can do his homework and turn it in by using that. I think this would help students, especially the unorganized students that are always losing their homework or forgetting what was even assigned. Technology is not only becoming more useful to schools, but it is becoming very important.

Harry talked about how the students use Wii systems for academic and physical purposes. He said that "research has found that it improves concentration". I think it is great that his school is getting creative and using a gaming system, among other things, to help the students stay focused and have fun while they learn. Most of the schools in the area I am from have a strict no fun policy. They look at education as a serious thing, and the focus is getting your work done correctly and on time. I am sure that a Wii would never have been allowed in the school no matter what studies said that it is useful to the students. I think that it is great that some schools are open to trying new things, giving students more interaction in the classroom, and allowing students to have fun while they learn. I think that if more schools would encourage the students to participate in class and have fun while they learn, we would see lower drop out rates and higher success rates throughout school systems everywhere.