ECE 7706: Module 2 Blog

Article 1
Summary:
Educational reforms began after Sputnik's launch into space. In this article, the author focuses on the reforms in 1950's and 60's. According to the article, "post-Sputnik concerns were curricular, focusing on what was being taught and how, rather than who was being taught." Part of reforms with science education and advancements in technology were to get ahead of the curve. Sputnik's launch also helped us gain the understanding of the growing importance of science and its applications in the schools. Rutherford created a list of Sputnik’s positive contributions to science education, which include:  teachers and scientists working together on developmental projects, scientists bringing fresh ideas and new leadership energy to the challenge, stimulus was given to the inclusion of science in elementary school education and to having it be activity oriented, and teachers will respond enthusiastically and seriously to opportunities to improve their subject-matter knowledge and teaching skills and to upgrade their teaching circumstances.

Reflection: The reforms in science education since Sputnik's launch into brought new ideas that challenge our students and focus activities being student driven. This is something I've always tried to do in my classroom. I feel as though if I can incorporate hands-on activities that are students led my students will gain a more in depth understanding. Having the advancements in technology after Sputnik also important. Science and technology go hand in hand. The launch of Sputnik proved this to anyone that may have had doubts and because of it our use of technology in the schools also changed. My students have always enjoyed using technology with their lessons and activities. I think it helps them understand the content better and help them apply the skills they have learned in their everyday lives. One example was from my student teaching experience. I had just taught a lesson about rocks and minerals and the students had an opportunity to examine the samples I had provided with them. One student wrote down the different types he of the samples, went home and researched them all. The next morning he came back and was very excited about showing me all of the information he had discovered about the rocks he had seen the previous day. I believe technology has the opportunity to inspire children's learning and interests.

Link: http://www.nationalacademies.org/sputnik/ruther1.htm

Article 2
Summary:
Sputnik changed the face of education by making it clear that schools would have to change their subject matter at all levels to become scientists, or engineers, or mathematicians and compete with other nations to become number one. Support for science education and new curriculum immediately impacted the schools and challenged the students with more difficult material. The "space race" improved students' interest in science and math until a man walked on the moon in 1969, where interest began to drop dramatically. Fox said it best in her article, "we seem to have lost our curiosity about nature." As educators, we need to develop and adopt new technology and new ways to teach. We also need to recognize that our students learn completely differently than we did.

Reflection: Change is always scary and can be difficult to adapt to, however, in the case of science reform it has been for the best. The change of having a satellite being launched into space inspired many people to think differently and challenge old ideas. As educators we shouldn't be afraid of change and provide our students with new, innovative styles of teaching and meeting our students needs while using and incorporating technology throughout the lessons. In my previous field experience I worked with a teacher that was unwilling to change and incorporate technology into her lessons. The county she worked for spent a lot of money investing into several pieces of equipment that were in her classroom and could be utilized for the benefit of the students, however, this teacher was bitter that the county had chosen to provide this technology for all of its teachers and students as opposed to a raise for the teachers and refused to use the equipment. I believe this greatly impacted her students learning and is an example why we shouldn't be hesitant or unwilling to adapt to a change.


Link: http://www.nationalacademies.org/sputnik/fox1.htm

Video:
I thought this speech was very motivational for both teachers and students. One particular statement that stuck with me from the video was when the President said, "A good job requires a good education." This will ensure that students will need to continue their education to be successful in the workplace and will instill a good work ethic in students. The students at TechBoston are lucky to receive a laptop upon entering the school, however, it's not realistic for other schools, but we should take it upon ourselves as educators to integrate more technology into subject areas and make learning more engaging for our students so they will want to continue their education.