Comments on Steven Downs 'Things you really need to learn'
http://www.downes.ca/post/38502

I've read this posting by Mr. Downs and while mildly interesting, it is vague on details and is lacking in serious objective thinking. He makes lots of definitive claims about schools teaching you things you will never remember, or even need to know. In these assertions he does not provide examples, and so he manages to sidestep criticism and closes the door on the discussion. We are left with the presumptuous attitude of a jaded skeptic.
His bleak impression of the education system is shallow and demonstrates that he has missed the point of our publicly funded education system. Education is not just about learning useless facts, though it is true we learn many 'facts' in grade 4 we cannot recall. Education is a continuum of events that is more about learning how to learn. You need to learn things in grade 4 to prepare you for grade 5, which prepares you for grade 6 and so on. It's not surprising that we cannot remember the details of specific classes. As we progress in our learning, we increase our knowledge and are continuously adding to and revising what we already know. I am personally thankful that my schema has outpaced anything I learned in grade 4. I am proud that I cannot remember anything I learned in grade 4 because I've learned so much more since then!
I think generally that my mistrust of 'blogs' is rooted in these types of ramblings that are not important to anyone but the author, yet there is a seemingly endless stream of people willing to read them. (I include my own post in this category).
Perhaps I've missed a critical piece of information along the way, but I give '2 thumbs down' to Steven Downs post "things you really need to learn". I apologize for my skeptical viewpoint. My sincerest regards go to Mr Downs, and I hold no personal animosity toward him in anyway.

Reflection the access to technology in my current class.

My field days are spent in a grade 6 class. They have a single computer in the classroom, which is rarely turned on, let alone used regularly. The class also has access to a computer lab which is equipped with enough computers that each student can use their own. Each computer is connected to the internet. I have spent time in the lab with the class. I've seen them used for research, writing, mathematics and for viewing audio visual material. They are in the lab about 2 times per week.

http://www.teach42.com/2008/11/01/day-1-all-about-the-about-page/

Week 2 Blog entry

Reflect on the process of setting up your blog and your feelings about keeping this blog.

I found setting up the blog quite easy. Just follow the instructions and presto!

I don't like adding too much personal information, things like 'favorite movie' or 'favorite book' for several reasons. First, I never think in terms of favorite movie or book; I like many movies and books and having to decide on a specific book feels like a lesson in futility. Secondly, I don't like sharing personal information when I am not personally available to comment or respond to the thoughts of those viewing my info.
Why is my favorite movie important to anyone else? How does it improve the quality of my blog?

I think that maintaining this blog will be simple enough. This is my first ever blog and I will learn some new skills. It is doubtful that I would have created a blog for my own interests and so I am glad that I am trying something new.