Blog Journal 6

The tech center was a pretty cool place overall; I think I could probably take some friends there for an hour or so! The biggest thing I learned was that the place actually existed. I like to think I'm somewhat kept up with what's posted on the FSU pages, and I've never seen anything from them! I think they should probably push out information a bit more. I think the 3D pens and the puzzles were the best, and maybe a 3D printer. Most kids like drawing, and it's one of the best ways to engage students, so I can see it being used in K-12. I also think puzzles are extremely important in early learning, mainly in elementary school. Anything that is able to push the brain in a fun way is good for kids. I think the 3D printer is something every school should have; it's just interesting to be able to create things, but I understand why schools don't have them—they can be quite expensive. I think the drawing tools should be integrated into assignments, and probably the puzzles for people who finish things a bit early and need something to do!

On the CPALMS website I found "Assess the impact of technological advancements," also known as SC.912.TI.1.3. I think this one is the most important, as pretty much all media is biased, so understanding how to read bias is important. The media is able to influence a lot of young kids, and it stops them from truly thinking for themselves. I believe it forces them to understand what they are being told, and it challenges them to consider their own views. I will say though, this is listed as a grade 9-12 course. I heavily disagree with that, and I believe it should be implemented in middle school. Kids are given phones before they even start school, so I believe inducting these courses as early as possible is incredibly important, especially in middle school when kids are truly thinking for themselves now. 

For the educator toolkit, I ended up selecting 6th grade and then selecting "A Career Solution" and found a couple of resources geared towards helping students find a career. It talks about setting goals in the description, which I think is important, but honestly, I did not like the section! It included PowerPoints, asking students questions like, "What career interests you the most?" and then listed very broad things such as making music or fashion, things that kids are simply into at that age! I believe my opinion may be a bit controversial; however, I don't think it's helpful at all to truly have a kid try and shape their career path at this age. I can understand that it's not 100% meant to cement their path in life, but I just feel like it's a bit insane to start doing personality tests (as it says they will take) and put into students' heads that they are meant for this! Even in college, people are constantly switching their degree, and I just find it counterproductive to start introducing these things this early on. I guess this is sort of meant to help identify passions, but I simply feel like the time could be better spent elsewhere... Overall, though, I think the resources tab in general is incredibly important and gives a way for teachers to introduce the subject without having to spend extra time making their own slides.