Is the iPad really an over-sized Swiss Army Knife?

According to Jesse Schell, founder of Schell Games and former creative director of the Disney Imagineering Virtual Reality Studio, the iPad is "stupid!"...Check out his video here.

After having the opportunity to test out an iPad through Pepperdine, I'd have to say I disagree, check this article out and find how it is actually revolutionizing today's educational settings...

I'll update more later on my thoughts, but it's 3:30 am and I'm getting ready to go out on a business trip in the morning, so I'm a little tired.

My Logic Model...Version 1

This is my Logic Model for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I've narrowed down my interests in AR to my experience with BBBS. I've been a "big" for a few months now, and was an intern there when I was 16. So, it's an organization that I have been affiliated with for a while. Again, more info is found on Sakai...

AR reflections/Distributed Cognition/Learning Environments

Oscar gave me some really good food for thought in my Sakai blog.  My thoughts of AR are mostly posted within that blog since it involves much more about my passions and private thoughts.  Not gonna put too much up on here, but I'm beginning to understand AR more in terms of addressing important social issues.   Instead of getting too ahead of myself (which I tend to do...a lot) I'm thinking in simpler terms that could mutually benefit those involved within my research...

Knowledge=Freedom. 

"Liberal derives from the Latin liberalis, meaning “of or relating to the liberal arts,” which in turn derives from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.” But the word actually has much deeper roots, being akin to the Old English word leodan, meaning “to grow,” and leod, meaning “people.” It is also related to the Greek word eleutheros, meaning “free,” and goes all the way back to the Sanskrit word rodhati, meaning “one climbs,” “one grows.” Freedom and growth: here, surely, are values that lie at the very core of what we mean when we speak of a liberal education (Cronon 2)."

Cronon's article, "Only Connect," is a great resource for any education enthusiast.  He explains exactly what it means to be liberally educated.  Commonly a liberal university is coined as such because of their politically swayed ideals.  However, the true essence of a liberal education is to grow from knowledge, it "aspires to nurture the growth of human talent in the service of human freedom (1)."  He emphasizes that the use of mundane "lists" within a student's curriculum are not always in the best interest of the learning community.  Who is to say what is relevant within a person's course of study? And, why should a student that wants to learn art and its culture be forced to go through so many hoops before they can actually set forth on their passion?  His further arguments of what it means to be liberally educated etc. were almost poetic to me, or maybe I just take it as such because learning is such a beautiful thing to me.  One of my favorite quotes by Socrates is, "this only real wisdom is knowing you know nothing" and this is what keeps me motivated to continuously look for ways to expand myself, not only within the realms of education, but in learning of others as well. 

Moving forward...

One of my favorite authors thus far within our readings has been Chris Dede...I find it really alarming that the ideas of distributed learning were presented almost 15 years ago, yet it barely seems to be taking into widespread effect.  I also appreciate his writing style because he stays continuously relevant throughout his articles and doesn't have me fumbling around in circles trying to understand what he's saying like Hutchins does..

That being said,  all of his introductions to distributed learning etc., are really intriguing as it really gives us the chance to understand how exciting new developments within the field are.  Furthermore, the use of asynchronous forms of communication are very valid within actually retaining knowledge because it allows the student to reflect on thoughts/ideas being put out and really think about how they would like to respond.  Moreover, relationships between students are formed, as people who may not have wanted to connect with each other in the first place really get the chance to communicate with others in their class in a less intimidating manner.  Not to mention, since all the conversations are generally saved, it is easily accessed for future reference and further development into new ideas...

The more I read from these theorists, the more engaged I am in learning environments and virtual worlds....I really don't think that they get the credit they so rightfully deserve.  In a changing time, I'm so excited to be a part of future changes and have the opportunity to evolutionize (I made that word up) myself and those around me. 

Unfamiliar Refrain

This is my silly idea of how music will be integrated with the use of ipads.  I know, I didn't do a good job of blending at all in PS, but hey it gets my idea across. 

For reference, here is the link from the assignment: http://www.youtube.com/user/geoffkaiser#p/

Reflecting...

My blog needs a little TLC, so I'm taking the time now to update it...at 2am.  Right now I am feeling a little conflicted as to what my Action Research project is going to be.  At first I wanted to find a way to integrate the iPad within my current employment situation, but now I am not sure if it's something that would keep my interest throughout...maybe I can find a way to do video projects? I am not so sure, the idea of app development sounds so fun, and I've made a few great contacts within that field...

I also just received a job offer from a start-up company, called 2tor, that facilitates online learning for MAT students at USC.  I'm really excited, although it has nothing to do with media for children it still is something that I find I can have fun being a part of.  Since it's a brand new company the work environment is very innovative and fun ("hard fun") and bc my work hours are going to be from 12pm-9pm, I can take the beginning of my day to offer my time to my current employer.  I've been thinking of extending some sort of service within a new media department if possible to them, but the HR dept has responded to my ideas just yet.  So everything is just a work in progress right now, we shall see how everything comes to play...Obviously I've left some details out, since there is a lot to talk about...

On another note, I'm very much enjoying Ken Robinson's book, Out of Our Minds. His ideas are so revolutionary, and his writing is so crisp and easy to understand that I can't find a way to not be engaged by his words.  I truly believe that finding one's own element is important in cultivating intelligence and that creativity is a gateway into expanding knowledge.  On that note I leave you with my favorite quote thus far from Robinson:


"Intelligence is dynamic."

Dr. Riel, if you are reading this I'd love to hear your thoughts :)