This new information age where we can go on face book and find out what friends and family do daily takes the place of real relationships. One main concern as a teacher is the time students use technology, but for the wrong reasons. I am not saying it is not good that you can find out what others are doing, but if it takes up all your time how is it helpful? More importantly is it assisting students in learning about the information age of true technology?

In my opinion we have taken our eye off the proverbial ball. Global connection and competition is center for where we should be in the balance of world political and economical efforts. Friedman states Al Qaeda threatens to bankrupt us. It seems it is happening under our noses (2010). It pins the political leaders in an awkward position to turn our country around as if it were one persons fault. I agree we should not tuck our tails and hide. I believe boosting our military and continuing to support other countries in need is important when considering allies for future endeavors. However, we also have to remember that we are one country and must support ourselves in order to be in any shape to compete in global markets. Friedman discusses the importance in staying in the race for achievement in STEM careers (2010). Sputnik’s launch was over 50 years ago, with much success for the Soviet Union, but caused us to sit up and take notice. According to NASA we have the 135th launch for the last space shuttle in June of this year, and then we move on to take on Mars with a rover in the fall (NASA 2011). We are a part of the international space center which says to me that we are able to work well with others around the globe for the betterment of the world. However, since the scare tactics of 911we are falling short on looking towards the future. I wonder if somehow terrorism could be used as our Sputnik to shift us towards the new technology age. By using this horrific problem that has us turned on our heads, if we could channel the energy and frustration to build up and support STEM careers to find new possibilities for oil dependency, financial crisis, and alternative resources would we build a better world for ourselves while putting us back in the global market to compete with the high rollers of China.

Some things that could assist in sparking interest in science by the government are opportunities include monetary gains for inventions for US problems, and recognition of new ideas for technology. States could advertise competitions for improvements in alternative fuels, hold conventions to encourage more explorations, and support schools and provide funding for technology and science equipment. Local school districts could support science club competitions and teachers at the local level. Teachers are feeling the crunch as everyone else, and it is not helpful when the first thing cut is teacher positions, and include furlough days for those still working. One reminder that our principal is noted for saying is, “hang in there, you know they want us to do more with less”. I hate that there is a feeling of us versus them in the school system. More opportunities for schools to gain 21st century technology for classrooms where the local community businesses could assist with grant monies. Other possibilities are the community involvement for adding ideas for real world scenarios and local problems as discussed by Demski, where students find reasons to stay focused and learn while feeling connection (2009).

One main competitor in the technology global market is China by hosting
their first exhibition on the achievements of technological innovation-cum-Fair, where they demonstrate high levels technology improvements in electronic information, bioengineering software, appliances, industrial control, digital health, and mobile communications (Google News 20010). These developments are moving their momentum rapidly with innovation targeting a global industrial technology arena. Another country climbing the technological industry ladder in global markets is India (BRI 2011). It appears that they are cornering the market of innovative software. One idea for the United States might be to stand by our flag and start asking, “How do we improve ourselves” (Friedman, 2010)? Then as indicated by Bonk in The world is open for a reason, find the information age and learn through e-learning, and any other method possible (Bonk, 2009).
.

Resources
Bonk, Curtis. (2009, July 2). “The world is open for a reason”. eLearn Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=articles&article=85-1

Business Review India (February, 2011). Retieved from
http://www.businessreviewindia.in/technology-growth-will-boost-indian-economy
Demski, J. (2009). “STEM picks up speed”. T.H.E. Journal, 36(1), 22–26.
Google News (Sep 3, 2010). The high-tech industry in China, competing against the world
http://bioengineeringcenter.com/the-high-tech-industry-in-china-competing-against-the-world/
National Areial and Space Adminstration (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Sputniks 50th anniversary (April 2007). Retrieved from
http://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com/2007/09/sputnik-50th-anniversary.html