1. what is the point of Pencil Me In?
Spencer (2011) states, "Pencil me in, because life is temprary, a vapor, in constant flux, in tension and harmony"(p.146). I think his point is tht life is everchanging, and we are not meant to stay stagnant in our knowledge. Humans will always use their knowledge to invent tools to make life easier.
Nothing is permanent like ink; for that matter, even the pens are no longer the same. Over the years every tool has been changed, or made better, or replaced with better ones. They have been "erased", so to speak, and rewritten.
But the fundamentals of why those tools are used,have not changed. If a wood fire was used to cook food in the past and now an electric stove is used, the purpose of the tool is the same. As applied to teaching, the tools of pen, pencil, computer, may change but what subjects need to be taught have not. Spencer(2011) makes the point that teachers need to be trained so that they combine their "expertise on padagogy with...expertise in the new tools....it is less about tools and more about quality craftsmanship" (p.49)
2. Describe your reaction to the book. What are your take-aways from this book?
The book is very thought provoking. I especially like that in the end he seems to come to the conclusion that everone has to find their own way to blend new tools into their lives. "We'll do this journey together at our own pace" (Spencer, 2011, p. 174). It is not a one size fits all approach. You have to acknowledge the talents that all people bring to the table, even if they are not proficient with the new tools. Each can learn something from the other. Even if it is just a reminder to check our own thinking and question it.
3. What role did social media play in the book's dissimination and dialogue?
In the blog, Good.is, Pencil Chat, it was mentioned that the Twitter site #PencilChat became popular because of a response by Spencer to a Tweet sent to him about the book. The sharing of opinions and thoughts on the site probably generated the interest to purchase the book.
4. As Spencer compares computers to pencils, what paradox or terminology would you create to describe a technology or pedagogical stance in today's classrooms? (images taken from Google images)
I would compare land line phones to cell phones/smart phones. We started with landlines connecting us to people we knew, having one-to-one conversations, and sharing information in this way whereever there was a landline phone. But now cell phones connect us while we are moving, and what is more, with the social network apps we can share information with many people at one time. Information can even be dissiminated as soon as an event happens. The idea is communication, and as technology evolves, communication is no longer just one-to-one but global.
5. Would you recommend Spencer's book? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend this book to teachers and administrators. It shows the many perspectives of people as they are introduced or required to use new tools. I also like the underlying theme of respect and humility in seeking and transmitting knowledge (Spencer, 2011, p.162)
6. Has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?
The book was very informative to me in how to use tools to restructure teaching to be more engaging, with a focus on the concepts to be learned and not just using the tools. It has made me think about redoing some of my lessons.
References:
Spencer, J. T.(2011). Pencil Me In. A Journey in the fight for graphite.
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