Ep8 Positive Cinematic Spotlight - It's not 2001 and Google Meets isn't HAL - a podcast by Academy for Success

Welcome back, Wolf Pack, to another Positive Cinematic Spotlight! Last week, we looked at Samwise’s support of Frodo as he tries to destroy the key to Sauron, the evil all-seeing eye from taking over Middle Earth in the Fantasy series “The Lord of the Rings.” This week, we are looking at another evil eye, this time from the future; HAL-9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

2001 is a movie that addresses many themes and concepts, but one of the most memorable segments of the movie deals with the artificial intelligence, HAL-9000. Through HAL-9000, director Stanley Kubrik and writer Arthur C. Clarke explore mankind’s fear of new technology. HAL-9000 is put into the Discovery One spaceship to maintain systems, but it starts to malfunction, leading to a confrontation between HAL-9000 and the crew who can no longer trust the AI.

When schools had to adapt our teaching practices due to the Coronavirus, many of us had to take on a significantly different, technology based style. We were being asked to learn many new computer programs to deliver the educational content to students through the transmitting eye of a webcam. Interestingly, I recently heard a comment and was asked a question that many echo and show a concern about education’s future.

I was asked recently what I thought things were going to be like for the next 2021 - 2022 school year. I also heard from another teacher that there was a feeling of defeat after virtual lessons. Both within one week told me many of us are worried about the future and are unsatisfied with virtual teaching. But one thing I know is that as much as we would rather be in the classroom face to face with a full class, parents also want the return to traditional teaching. As a father I have children who struggle virtually, but excel in person, and children who are not hindered by virtual education… except when it malfunctions… like HAL-9000.

I do think virtual teaching isn’t going away, but I believe after the pandemic subsides, it will be greatly reduced and used to better accommodate student needs. Imagine not having to make up days cancelled due to inclement weather, because we can put assignments online. Students assigned to detention could avoid falling behind because we have work they can do online. We can see virtual schooling for extended periods of time doesn’t work for everyone, but short spans of virtuality can help students to keep up and teachers to keep moving in their curriculum.

We need not fear virtual teaching, but use it as an alternative to traditional when traditional isn’t an option, or virtual increases student safety. If anything, people are learning how important it is for us to be in the classroom. Before, we were expected to be here. Now we are needed to be here. Being needed gives us influence.

When Dave Bowman asks HAL to let him back in Discovery One, HAL respondes, “"I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that!’" But our experiences with new technology, programs, and apps can now increase our ability to say, instead, “I’m glad to say I can do that,” When families and students ask for alternative solutions to accommodate their needs, But we have proven our importance both in the classroom, and in front of the webcam, and on the keyboard.

It can be difficult and overwhelming trying to adjust to the increased technological needs, but we can adapt and incorporate these new tools to better reach more students. Just remember, a tool is useless without someone choosing to use it. They are here for us to use, not here to replace us.

I want to thank everyone for all that you do for our students, and for being the best.

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