Random Musings

In preparing for a “quickie” training I have to do tomorrow–I spent a little time searching for representative lesson plans for interactive white boards–It pains me to report that I found little more than blown-up worksheets that used teaching strategies that were best left in the 50’s……all in the name of “interactivity”.  The vast majority of what I saw could just have easily been done with a box of colored chalk and a damp eraser….”but the students find it engaging” is what I hear–but if the teaching, in reality, remains the same…will we need to get a new “cool toy” every year?  As students’ interest in an interactive board wanes, what will be the new “cool toy” that will scream for our technology dollars next year–all in the name of “engagement”

Today was “graduation day” for the first class of Asia Trail interpeters.  They actually let us loose on the unsuspecting public.  We spent, in partners, about 45 minutes at the Giant Panda exhibit and the my partner and I went down to Sloth Bears.  The panda exhibit was quite crowded, as all 3 of our “DC Stars” were out but, of course, snoozing.  Talked to a gentleman from Britian for a while–who was very interested in the “panda rental” plan and then a young man (8 or 9) who was quite a zoo expert.  Had a piece of “panda poop” as my “interpretive object”—and it was kind of fun to watch folks cringe–until they realized that it was fake  (we, occasionally, we do have the real thing–dried and sealed, of course).  Apparently they put the poop out on top of the elephant house to dry it out….hmmmm.

The sloth bears were much more exciting.  Hannah and Balawat were putting on quite a show–and we took down a Sloth Bear fur piece.  Most kids are more than willing to come up and touch and feel—it’s interesting to watch the adults look longingly at whatever “artifact” you have.  They are so much more reluctant to touch, feel, and experience. It’s almost as if they feel that it’s a “kid thing.”

What do we do to remove that sense of childlike wonder from our lives?  Is there something in the way we educate that says “you shouldn’t get excited about a new learning?”….just things to ponder on a Saturday night.

On another note, today’s training topic was clouded leopards…what wonderful creatures–with paws that look like they will never grow into them (actually, they don’t) and an aroboreal lifestyle that’s amazing to watch.  I found a nice little video, which I have converted to my Ipod.  Once Asia trail opens, I”m going to take my Ipod with me and use the video as my “interpretive object”—especially when the animals are inactive it may be a way to show/share more.

 

I was in the same conversation as Assorted Stuff yesterday–and the conversation about podcasting was intriguing.  It seems to focus on what’s new and cool and latest instead of focussing on the “why”…..if our students are primarily visual learners–then how is listening to audio going to help them learn?  If we build video podcasts–how do you provide them with visual detail?  Are they better off if they interact with the words in some way; highlight them, annotate them, flip down the edges….how much do you remember from a podcast vs. how much do you remember from a really good read? Is any of it learning?   Is some type of information better suited than others for podcasting?  If you take a cruddy lecture and podcast it–does it make it any less worthless?

I understand that podcasting is “sexy”–it says “look at my school; we’re doing the latest; we’re up to date with technology”  What about all of the excellent (and not-so-excellent) technology that sits unused in schools because teachers didn’t have time, support or even an inclination of what it could do?

Podcasting in education is not about the technology; it’s about the learning, synthesizing information,  the process, defining the audience and so many other skills our students truly need to have (that NCLB doesn’t come close to measuring)

I don’t have any of the answers, but I do think that it’s essential that we ask the questions….or 2 years from now we will have another collection of “cool toys” that are now sitting in the closet gathering dust. 

 

I was amazed to discover that, for almost every threatened or endangered animal,  there’s an SPP  (Species Survival Plan).  It’s basically a “stud book” that lists genetic lineage and is maintained by a coordinator.  Zoos use it to decide who gets to breed with whom.  For instance, the panda SPP is actually maintained by a gentleman at the San Diego Zoo and can be viewed at http://www.giantpandaonline.org/

Some days  it seems rather arrogant to call it a “survival plan” since the primary reason for extinction is us…but I guess it could also be seen as a statement of optimism….that we can make right what we have made so wrong.

 

While I thought I would learn more about the new Asia Trail than anything else, every evening I walk past the Cheetah habitat (I’ve learned not to call it a cage or a pen).  The cheetahs are incredibly beautiful, amazing animals–with a big problem.  They have a genetic diversity rating of 0, based on a study of 17 wild animals–which means that the animals  are too inbred to insure a successful breeding population.  To quote one of my favorites “…to hunt a species to extinction is not logical.”

Watch out–I am becoming a digital immigrant??? (if you think this counts–I’m not sure) –today I have a blog!   Why on earth would someone let me have a blog?  I’m not sure.  Working, as I do, for a large school system, I must believe that blogs are evil and should be immediately banned (hehehhehe).

What am I going to put here–why, random musings of course…..”About what?” you say.  I have 3 passions, my job (unfortunately) my family (of course) and outside interests (currently photography and the National Zoo in Washington DC.)  The original idea for this was to record what it’s like to become/be an interpreter for the zoo, but I’m sure the other things in my life will pop up from time to time.