May 25 2008
meme: passion quilt
I’ve been “tagged” for one of these blog themes that go round from time to time. I usually avoid them, like the emails that say you have to send them on or there will be consequences. This one is a little different though. I have looked at a lot of blog entries with the same title and it is amazing to see what others show to communicate their inspirations in education.
In my tardiness, I have been tagged by both Mrs Moodle and Nick Hood. Here, finally, is my image.
photo uploaded by jurvetson
Those of you who know I teach Physics will think it’s an obvious choice of image. What is it that appeals to me here? It’s obviously a geeky image with kids taking apart a piece of electronics (it’s a betamax vcr). What I really like is the fact that it is years since Betamax lost the VCR format wars but this device still has value today.
We throw things out unnecessarily these days. There is a lot of educational value in older equipment, particularly in electronics. Modern equipment is often constructed with a built in obsolescence that prevents repair or makes it uneconomic (so much for sustainability) that often also makes it difficult to see the individual components when we remove the outer cover.
In taking things apart, we offer active and engaging learning. Ask pupils questions as they “dissect” an old vcr, freeview box or electric sander. Better still, get them to film the event and add a commentary afterwards - which part are they removing, what role did it have in the unit ?
I’ve just acquired an old colour portable TV. My next S3 class will be assessed on their video of this “alien’s” autopsy.
I’m meant to tag 5 people now. It’s unlikely I will find five who have not completed this challenge but I shall try tagging