No Future Left Behind

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kra_z9vMnHo is an interesting video. There are two things in particular that I would like to address from the media clip. Students, of the digital generation, want more opportunities to create projects and assignments in a capacity they are both comfortable with and knowledgeable in. Young scholars of this nation use the Internet and other forms of technology to build, transform, and improve their personal activities outside of school, on a daily basis. Even some of the poorest students are exposed to these resources through non-profit educational organizations and public libraries. These students are urging, educators and those that have the power to change the curriculum and structure of public education, for relevant topics and information to be included in the classroom experience. One reason these students are strongly suggesting an adjustment is due to a lack of interest in traditional forms of instruction, which leads to, what they referred to as, boredom, also known as the "b" word. I personally give students reading and writing projects when they begin using the dreaded "b" word.  (This has worked well thus far, because I have been able to find reading material that is relevant to each student's learning style, interests, and academic level.) The other surfaced argument these middle schoolers made, which I believe is a valid point, is the threat of being left behind or uninformed and illiterate to the continual changes in technology. Teachers must incorporate new forms of interactive devices and presentation programs that can be used with innovative assignments, not only to appeal to students but also to instruct them on how to use alternative resources in learning. For instance, a secondary school instructor could assign a group project of no more than 3 to 4 students to research a social network, educational device, presentation program, or technological item to be presented to the class in an effort to emphasize the benefits of using the item to enhance the quality of school assignments. I think it was great idea to help a group of students speak up the outdated education system here in the US.