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Justin Lansink comments on Backchannels and Consumerists, All

Justin Lansink — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:39:54 +0000

I suppose how beneficent it is to have an online discussion during class depends on the age group you're teaching. We only do that in classes that we're obviously mature enough to handle getting on a chat without saying stupid things and focusing on the task at hand. Also, I told you, it's NOT A SUBSTITUTE for an old fashioned discussion. Your fear of losing the ability to think and stuff, is why a lot of the teachers at our school believe that it's the generations before mine that is holding us back from our whole potential. My English teacher is ALL ABOUT the power of words. We all have our own blogs now. Again using the technology we have, and getting our words out into society. Back to how the generations before us hold us back from our full potential, there are kids in my school, and i'm sure there are kids just like this all over the place, that the generations before us have condemned to being stupid, or "not quite good enough." Then you give that kid a computer, and they can do things with it that you can't even imagine. You can't assume we're going to stop thinking because we have computers to "do the thinking for us." Yeah, I've heard that one before. The computer is JUST A TOOL to widen our imaginations and broaden our outlook. So, as for your fear, I'm here to reassure you, people won't lose the ability to think freely, concentrate, and really solve real life problems unless the world ends.

Emily comments on Backchannels and Consumerists, All

Emily — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:52:08 +0000

Thanks for your response, Justin. I agree (of course!) that the image of Christ in us is what makes us truly human. Well said.

Seldom does a day pass when I don't use technology in my classroom, and I will even admit to wishing my school had the funds for an initiative like yours. However, I can't agree that allowing students to chat freely online during class is a beneficial way to learn. It's great to allow everyone's voice to be heard, but there's no substitute for an old-fashioned discussion -- the kind with hands and mouths and a group struggle toward articulate expression of thought.

My fear is that, in our rush to use the latest gadgets as educational tools, we will lose the ability to think deliberately and thoughtfully. We are so quick to rush to instant judgment -- comment! like! follow! -- that we seldom claim responsibility for our words and actions, and we forget the power they can have.

James Hardman comments on Cooper Chronicles: I.17

James Hardman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:43:38 +0000

Interesting story. Taking a picture every hour must be a lot of fun. :)

Justin Lansink comments on Backchannels and Consumerists, All

Justin Lansink — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:31:16 +0000

You don't understand. This isn't a replacement for verbal communication, this was an integration of technology in our classroom that made sure every person's opinion got out. Our school has a 1 to 1 laptop initiative, and we plan to use the technology we've been given FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. I can relate on a human level just as well as anyone 20 years older than me. Some people can't get me to stop talking. And... If someone does something to make me mad, you can guarantee that I will confront them in person. The things that make us uniquely humans is the fact that Jesus Christ our Lord made us each special. As state and religion are 2 different entities, that point can not be focused on in public schools. If you've never experienced technology in the classroom, being used as something other than a distraction, don't just assume that all technology is good for is a distraction. Don't knock it until you can truly relate on a first hand level.

Emily comments on Cooper Chronicles: I.3

Emily — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Amen on both counts. I guess that's why they call it nostalgia: it feels like coming home, but it hurts, too.

My lack of upper-case letters seemed soooooo worldly and clever at the time, but now it just strikes me as pretentious. I actually considered changing it when publishing these, but that seemed overly revisionist . . . I did go mainstream after the first year, though!

Colleen comments on Cooper Chronicles: I.3

Colleen — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:20:38 +0000

I probably shouldn't be reading these again, as I am reminded of the uncertainties we felt when leaving our 17-year-old daughter in downtown Manhattan that day...but I'd forgotten how upbeat and open to adventure you were in those early days before the pressures began to take their toll on your perspective.

And I'm curious...when did you decide to use upper case?

Melanie comments on On the Upswing

Melanie — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:56:39 +0000

I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss much!

reinaelliston comments on Leading, Gently

reinaelliston — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:23:52 +0000

You're really lucky to have a vice-principal like him. He knows how to lead well. I can see he earns and not gains respect from teachers like you. I'm sure you'll learn more lessons from him.

Melanie comments on Changes are Coming

Melanie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:25:50 +0000

If you need help, feel free to give me a call.... ;)

Lance Morrisey comments on They Said It

Lance Morrisey — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:49:31 +0000

I can read your students papers all day and will never get tired of them. I just find them so amusing.