Final days

Well, the crunch is on.  The courses are winding down, and I am winding up, working overtime.  As this is a course in assistive technology, I thought the following cartoon was kind of cute:

The cartoon speaks to two things.  Firstly, how important it is for children to see meaning in what they learn, and secondly, how much a part of life technology is (for the fortunate children). 

The other course I am doing this term is called Curriculum Practice for Students at Risk.  It is a fantastic course, with a really exceptional teacher.  My final paper is on poverty and the effect that has on learning.

I always feel a weird tug when I am getting my brain into one course over the other. The two courses are focusing on different issues, it is important to move technology forward and there are many circumstances for that.  Technology has the potential to open up so many doors.  

Conversely, sometimes we have to look at the grassroots issues and causes before we can have the luxury (in context of course) of getting to the technology that can help children learn.   As well, many students, unless given the technology through schools, would not have access to the technology.  The iPod touch apps, for instance, have the potential for greatness, if the child has an iPod.  Both perspectives are good to know and part of teaching, it is just a weird switch of the brain going from one to the other.

p.s.  I am still using my iPod touch.  I am getting more and more comfortable with it.  I have a feeling that I will continue to use it, but more for adult Helen issues once the course is over.  I have three more courses I am doing this summer, so I may be very wrong about that.

:)