Ted+Talks

Welcome to my TED TALKS WIKI. __**DID YOU KNOW**__

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My opinion on the video "Shift Happens" is that it is eye-opening in someways, but I am skeptical of it's predictions of a quick US decline. I believe from research I have done for presentations that China is doing great in some ways but some of what is seen is a facade at present. They have built skyscrapers to show the world how great they are but some of those buildings are shells with only a few finished floors to show visiting investors. There's a reason that meeting is always on the 43rd floor; after the fifth floor its the only one with walls and people in it. China is actually in for some economic correction (or growth pain) very soon. India has enormous problems environmentally and socially that it will need to work on before reaching the level of a USA or EU. Also the education systems in those countries rely on memorization rather than creative thinking until someone gets to university level. Unfortunately that seems to be the direction we are going as educational form is dictated by policy makers more often than those in the schools or classrooms. So education may be the area where we get passed but I believe it is becauseare becoming more like them (top down removal of creativity) rather than the opposite.


 * __Ted Talks For Teachers extended__**

 ?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> The TED talk with Elon Musk is one of my favorite. This person presents a great example to learners of the potential we have to move the world forward as individuals. In my opinion Elon should be presented in schools as a hero of humanity today rather than one day far in the future as I am sure he will be remembered. Very few people I speak with know of him even now after co-founding PayPal, several successes in private space transport, and having his most recent Tesla auto named "best car ever" by consumer reports. This can inspire students young and old.

 I chose this TED talk because I believe it could be useful once again in inspiring young minds. It inspires me. I especially like the quote from Carl Sagan from his book"Pale Blue Dot". I read that book some years back and it is under my son's bed now where hopefully one night it will be picked up without my pushing it on him. Cox reminds me of Sagan in the way he can speak to a crowd and get them engaged in an idea. I think it is good especially in ESL classrooms to show kids how connected/related we are huddled together on a speck in wide open void like the dust mote from "Horton Hears a Who".

 Sir Ken Robinson's Ted Talk would not be one to show my students but I think it is a super choice for teachers and administrators. I would even say that if all of the policy-makers could watch it it could change things for the better in our education system. The wit of his speaking is as memorable as the wisdom in it. I would use it for a PD if I could find a good segway or connection to the lesson.

 I chose this selection of TED videos because they looked like the most obvious to use as educator resources. The link takes you to a short promo of TED Talks for educators. Then it automatically continues to Ted Talk Number One, Two, and so on. I intend to recommend this link to some of my friends and colleagues to inform and inspire.