Technology – Page 17 – Kyle T. Shack

Wall Street Journal – Pick Up The Phone, NFL: The Future is Calling

Just read this great article from the Wall Street Journal about the NFL and its resistance to allow technology into its game. The article looks are the four major sports and their current policies towards the use of technology by the staff, coaches and players. The proposed uses for technology would be iPads, ear piece communication and data chips placed in the ball, pads and other player equipment. Great look at why these advances have been resisted, which offers the obvious parallel to the field of education.

Obviously the fields share many similarities and differences, but this is where I believe they share a very interesting issue. The hesitation to accept technology due to the idea that “we should do it this way, because its always been this way” and how that may be hurting the game. Interesting read and definitely a great catalyst for more indepth discussion.

Wordle is an amazing tool that I have wanted to use in my 9th grade World Studies class this year. However, due to some unexpected power outages and the busy schedule of an intern teacher, I am just getting around to implementing its use. I find they are really useful to pull from a student reaction to a bell ringer question or prompt. I have a few example below.

Here is an example of my first attempt. Although I did not show this to my students, this is their analysis of what a quote from the philosopher Confucius meant to them. The quote was:

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius