Project #5 C4T#1

The Church Task Believers by Ira Socol

In this post Ira talks about multitasking, mostly with regards to education. Ira addresses the topic of multitasking as being "human" and "functional", not as a problem. Ira talks about how multitasking with things like phones and computers can be a good thing if used as effective classroom tools. He explains that when these things are used as educational tools then not only will students be attentive (because they are truly interested in phones and computers) they will also learn. By doing this, positive resourceful multitasking enters the equation.

My comment to Ira

I really liked the fact that he uses phones and computers to hold the attention of his students, and also uses them to effectively teach. I especially enjoyed reading his views on PowerPoint use. Ira said it is very arrogant to assume as a teacher all students will be exclusively focused on a PowerPoint presentation, and not multitask (play on their cell phone / electronic device). This really hit home with me considering boring PowerPoint presentations have been my arch-enemy in my educational career. There is nothing else that gets me to multitask away from lecture than a boring PowerPoint.

The system design is not our fault. Its perpetuation is our problem by Ira Socol

Ira dedicates this post to the flawed educational system. He starts off by saying the system we still have in place is designed to fail most students, produce laborers, keep the separation between socioeconomic classes, and to make sure the power structure in place isn't questioned. Ira explains that teachers are given many ineffective tools such as out of date textbooks, old equipment, classrooms that are unsuitable, and goes on to say changes are needed. He said being in a teaching situation with these faulty tools isn't the teachers fault, rather the responsibility of the teacher is to fight for change. Ira cites examples of the failed system by offering the names of high school drop outs like Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers. He concludes his post by encouraging teachers to question and doubt everything. By raising questions one can start the process of change.

My comment to Ira

I really think Ira did a great job of presenting his argument. He used several visual aids (videos and educational slides) in his post that contributed well to his points. Once I started reading I was interested until the end. I thought his use of Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers was spot on. All three of those individuals were innovators and great minds of their time and they accomplished their success without the educational system. This highlights some of the flaws the system has. I really liked the way Ira encouraged teachers to question everything. Critical thinking can lead to great innovation and change in the educational system. Asking the right questions is what powers critical thinking.