“The Second Educational Revolution-Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology” emphasizes that technology can individualize learning to students of varying levels and can provide a vast amount of sources for knowledge. The authors also point out how currently the education system is focused on information memorization but it should move toward emphasizing learning how to use the resources around us. “Why Our Future Depends on Libraries, Reading and Daydreaming” is about the benefits of reading. Gaiman states that reading fiction promotes reading in other contexts which leads to better communication skills and information sharing. He also states that fiction reading leads to empathy toward other people and the world in general. Reading allows people to explore other places and situations from which they can learn skills and knowledge that is applicable to their own life. Because of these obligations, Gaiman concludes that we all have an obligation to promote reading to future generations. The main points from “Freedom to Teach” Implications of the Removal of Persepolis from Chicago Schools” are that comic books are often targeted by the school system and that comic books actually promote critical thinking because readers have to analyze the text and the illustrations while reading. “Stereotypes vs Strategies for Digital Media Artists The Case for Culturally Relevant Media Production” states that culturally relevant media leads to students who are culturally competent, ask questions and feel confident about themselves. “Author Walter Dean Myers: ‘Reading is Not Optional’ for Kids” is about empowering kids, especially kids from disadvantaged background, to read and use reading to learn and grow. The Room of Requirement podcast focused on various stories related to libraries and their welcoming atmosphere.
I relate to “The Second Educational Revolution-Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology” article’s point about our school system focusing too much on memorization of information. These skills are no longer relevant to our world and as the article stated schools need to move onto teaching skills such as being able to use the resources technology provides, critical thinking skills, etc. In high school, the classes that provided me with these skills made me a better learner and prepared me for the real world compared to the classes that just focused on memorizing information. I also agree with Gaiman’s article as well as the video of Dean Myers which both promoted fiction reading for kids. As a student, fiction reading provides me with a way to expand my creativity, learn more about the world and become empathetic. Students of the future should be able to have this same experience. Although our world is increasingly becoming technological, we should still emphasize reading as an important part of education.
My question is for the class is: how has fiction reading, especially culturally relevant fiction reading, affected your perception of the world and yourself?
Siri's EDU 185 Blog 
I agree that we need to move on from rote memorization as a primary instructional method. I think the social sciences have received a poor reputation because many teachers focus on memorizing dates instead of engaging students through how events relate to one another and how broader themes affect history. Maybe reading historical fiction can also be useful for convincing students that history is worth exploring deeper.
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I also agree, that memorization has unfortunately become the main method of learning throughout young schooling. We need to inspire more critical/inventive/creative thinkers instead pf manufacture individuals as people who just memorize to fulfill their expectations. Unfortunately the education system is stuck on a platform that actually hold students back so that it can manufacture a certain amount of degrees so that the city/state can meet its quota for it’s work force. There need to be implementations that don’t restrict students to this terrible way of learning, but to also include extracurricular activities for them to gain personal growth.
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