Learning Adventure #8 -- Writing a book review for Amazon.com

My Review: The Children's Machine - Seymour Papert

The Children's Machine, December 11, 2007

By
Brandy Foster "Brandy - teacher" (Hermosa Beach, CA) - See all my reviews The Children's Machine addresses the many ways students learn. Papert uncovers the reality that students learn opposite of how our westernized world sees this process. According to Papert, students learn naturally outside the four walls of a classroom in which literacy is seen as only teachable through textbooks. The Children's Machine uncovers the deficiencies by which most schools run that prevents students from learning as they should, in a self-directed manner where there are answers other than yes or no. Shades of grey are more accepted in Papert's constructivist view of education he outlines in the book rather than the "official theory" of learning which only sees black and white. Papert has self-created the LOGO program, MicroWorlds. With this program, Papert further illustrates how students can learn without restrictions. Students are encouraged to experiment and use the computer as a tool to shape their own thinking. Mistakes are encouraged, as these mistakes will be formed into discoveries. Another recommended read: Mindstorms.

The link: http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Machine-Rethinking-School-Computer/dp/0465010636/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197432473&sr=8-1

More interested in reading the book now???

Picture of Video Game... as promised!

Learning Adventure #7: MicroWorlds Video Game creation

After having watched Gary's excellent "how to" videos, I was really excited about creating my own video game. Given the limited time, I created something similar to the example and really found the tutorials to be beneficial. My final game is a pacman style version complete with points to earn. I hope to move further and add a second level to my game when time is more plentiful. What I love most about LOGO is that it tells you when something is wrong. "I don't know how to fill in the blank" ---the language is simplistic in nature, but the essence of it is real programming! I imagine that kids would enjoy the outcome of their projects and worry little about making mistakes.

It took me some time to gain motivation to work on this project, but as I watched others creating games, I became more motivated to create my own. I enjoyed the process and I am excited to move further in the more "complicated" programming. Thank you to my cadremates who produced creative version of the video game. It takes me back to the beloved PONG days!

p.s. initially when I downloaded MicroWorlds EX, I messed around with creating a PONG game. It was quite enjoyable. If only I could figure out Donkey Kong and Lemmings now!!!

See attached pictures above.

In a rut.

This week is parent conferences. The only week the district cuts our days to minimum so we can meet with 31+ parents individually. It's a tough week... but nice to clear the air with expectations, learn about kids, create goals, etc. It also motivates me more as my main focus is my students.

The Distinguished school application process was DAUNTING. It pretty much sucked being at school until 6pm on a Saturday. No extra pay, just a pat on the back and a bouquet of flowers. Happy to contribute my efforts, but it's a lot of work for someone who is already very busy. In addition, the worst part I feel is being away from my students. I feel like I betray them every time I am away at a district meeting. I have missed zero days for personal reasons, but have missed about 12 for school reasons/meetings/etc. It's going to just escalate in January when I have more district meetings and then the FETC conference in Florida. I'm excited, but again, I love to teach and I feel as though there's not a whole lot of that happening lately.

On to grad school. I have to say, as Florida time gets closer, I am more and more bothered by our cadre padre, Bill, not being there when we arrive. I feel as though he deserved it and we deserved it. I was telling a few students the other day that because of this, I just feel like the expectations of OMET have been a let down. I am not as fired up about it as I thought I was going to be when it all started. It's still an experience to remember and I am being exposed to many things that normally would not be at my reach (without the guidance) but I just wish it had ended a different way.

Todd made a comment about me not posting much... and for that matter, no one is. I wonder if it's because it's the end of the term and Christmas time... but it's just really slow. I click refresh and 20 emails don't pop up. As a matter of fact, I've received none tonight. Brent also agreed and sent an email out. Maybe it's the lack of our total participation that is causing this depression for me. I don't know.

Looking forward to Maryland for Christmas and good family time. Any gingerbread house ideas? We have quite the competition at my fiance's house.

Oh, yeah... got my wedding ring in the mail today!!!