Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Movie Response #4

The three different school environments were a bit of a surprise to me because they were definately very different from other typical high schools. I feel that the two Tech schools do a good job of preparing the students for their careers, but I do not believe that that is what is important in high school. In William B. Travis High School in Texas, they wanted to help the students out by finding a passion and something to be interested in, with the focus primarily on computers. They did this by creating a multimedia class. This is a good way for the students to learn the computer and internet skills they might need later in life. On the other hand, when schools, like Tech High, only serve one purpose- in trying to prepare the students for their career, the students are then missing out on everything else in high school.

When the educational psychologist had talked in the movie, she said, "it is not about making a living, but about making a life." I feel that that statement sums it up. Students that are in high school should be developing academic AND social intelligence. They need to be well-rounded students, not just skilled in one particular area- computers. I feel that all of the fun events and activities, such as dances and football games, are extremely important in helping each student develop their LIFE and personality, not just skills needed in career, becuase our lives are so much more than just our job.

I feel that Tech High's business school environment is not the way of the future, becuase it is leaving out so much that students should be learning and experiencing as a young adult. I'm not saying that the preparation for a career is not important, but rather that there is a place and time for everything. There could be separate courses and places, such as the Urban League shown in the video, where students can learn these technology skills, but I don't feel that it is necessary and healthy to teach the kids ONLY what they should know for their career.

3 comments:

  1. I agree that technology schools like Tech High are not the way of the future, but I think there is a definite role for them to play. For some kids, technology is their life and what they love to do. Given the opportunity to play sports and go to dances, they wouldn't. These are the kind of kids who are targeted for technology schools, not just the average high school student.

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  2. I completely agree with the points you made. Although technology is growing every day and our society needs to meet this growth, I don't think high schools such as Tech High are the answer. High School is about transitioning students into the real world. Taking away normal high school experiences such as sports just to focus on technology is hindering this development. Students need to be well rounded individuals, not just knowledgeable in one aspect of their lives.

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