After viewing and reflecting on what you've seen, what do you think about the advantages of technology in the classroom? Do these videos change your perspective of technology in the classroom? Finally, how would you engage and motivate students in the classroom by utilizing technology?
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I’d like to start by saying I just did this and hit “preview”, got an error, hit the back arrow and then everything I wrote was deleted. Super. So take 2. . .story of my life . . .
ReplyDeleteThere are many advantaged to technology in the classroom- When I think of an elementary school teacher I envision the green chalkboard in the distance. I never thought of it as a chalk-BORED, flat, lifeless drab, zero interaction. Technology is something the students are bringing to the classroom already, so we may as well use it! Digital is more efficient and it won’t get wrinkled and forgotten in the back back. One thing that stood out from the video is that even the shy kids respond. I think that is so huge. My HS son doesn’t like to push a pencil on paper, but he can tell a mean digital story with music/pix & text.
So in response to question #2- yes, the videos change my perspective of technology in the classroom.
How would I engage students with technology? Frankly, I am terrified of this class and I really have no idea what is out there and how to “do it”. I can barely yodio! I’m hoping that since apparently so few teachers use it- that when I “do” in my class, it will give my students something to look forward to, something different that they actually can relate to and find passion in. I’m amazed at the information available at our fingertips, accessible almost anywhere in the world at any given time. So beats the Encyclopedia Brittanica. So long, reading, writing and “rithmetic”, it is hello- Webbing, wiki-ing and . . .?
Becky Aylor
I know I am supposed to leap up and declare that I am an avid supporter of technology in the classroom, but I am still clinging to my chalkboard and my pen and paper.
ReplyDeleteWhile the videos were informational, they do not necessarily change my position. I am not opposed to trying new things, but I still believe that students should learn how to do some basic things before they spend time playing around on the internet or send text messages on their phones. My primary goal is to make sure students can read and write. I will use what is available to me if I think it will work, but I am opposed to using items that might be more of a distraction than anything. If my middle-school newcomer ESL students, for instance, were writing stories, I don’t think it would do them any favors to have them create their books using software. Nor would it be doing myself a favor, because then the exercise would be less about learning how to express yourself in a new language and more about learning how to navigate this program. The suggestion that we should be using technology because that is what they do all day for fun (watch television, play games or on the internet, talk on the phone) isn’t a sound argument, in my opinion. Why would I go to school to learn how to do something I already know how to do? Sending text messages is not a life skill. Learning self-control so that you don’t text and drive is a life skill. So, if my students can get through some of the basic things I’m trying to teach, then I’d be delighted to try out some of applications that they suggest using in the videos (BLOG, WIKIS—and no, I don’t know what a WIKI is).
As far as that last question goes, about how I would engage and motivate students using technology—well, we will have to wait and see. I only tried my first “blog” ever during the first course I took this year. Once I learn how to use the technology myself, then I will be happy to figure out ways to use it in the classroom. But today I was defeated by a copy machine and I don’t know how to use an overhead projector. I can hardly declare that I plan to motivate students using something that I don’t even yet know how to use. Besides, I have also seen the consequences of when technology fails in a classroom discussion, and then the teacher is left scrambling to try to fix the problem or scrambling to make up a “plan b” on the spot. As a student, what happens if all of your schoolwork is on your computer and the damned thing crashes? Do you have enough hand written notes to be able to do what you need to do? What happens if your calculator’s battery dies? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could still do basic math functions without a calculator? All I’m saying is, I have no problem teaching using technology, but I’d like to know that the students could manage without it as well.
Also, in the first video….That quote about “by 2016 China will have more English speakers and they have more honors students,” well, yes, but they also have a very different school system and different cultural values than we do. I do not see at all how that information was pertinent to us using technology in classes. Are they trying to suggest that the Chinese have more honors students because they are having FUN?
I think there are huge advantages to utilizing technology in the classroom; preparing students to enter into a tech savvy world is becoming more and more crucial. It can also make life as a teacher simpler if you know how to make the most of it and be prepared. I’ve seen technology used really well in the classroom; it’s very important for students to know how to find information. Encyclopedias are more and more useless because the internet makes gathering information so instantaneous and portable. I agree with Sarah as she talks about focusing on math and reading first, however I have seen good use of computer based technology for reading and math. Several students in the Special Education classroom I work in use Edmark on the computer; this works well because they are all at different levels and can work at their own pace.
ReplyDeleteThe video changed my perspective in that it really made me think about the world we are trying to prepare these kids to enter. I think what struck me the most was the statistic of 14 jobs before age 38 – and most of those jobs don’t exist yet. While it’s clearly something to look forward to using, it’s also a reminder of how lacking many schools are in the resources; there are many things you can do with limited resources, but it’s hard to have a makeshift computer.
Utilizing technology to engage seems easy; there are so many interactive ways to use technology such as the white boards with a touch screen, ELMO’s where you can see your hand on the board, and computers with interesting and interactive websites. I think using some of these as rewards could help motivate students, but by keeping the activities interesting they are motivated to learn because the material is useful.
Beth Peters
From the teacher standpoint, technology has proven to be a great advantage for me. I use a SMART board in my math classroom and a Mimio in my shop classroom. I'm able to make a .pdf of any lecture notes that I give and immediately upload them to the class website. They are there for students to reference if they missed anything or if they were out sick.
ReplyDeleteI also use a set of Senteo Clickers for warm-ups, quizzes and tests. It grades the assessments for me and is able to give me statistics on how students did as a class, on individual questions and a myriad of other things.
I also use Comic Life, Photostory and Movie Maker for projects in my classes. This allows students to be creative and become engaged in classes that are fairly dry, like math.
The videos didn't really change my perspective of technology in the classroom. I already use it and know its value.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened to me. First post, wonderful...first post deleted...profanity...second post, not as good as the first one.
Technology can be a real asset to teaching and if you put in the time to learn it, it can save you a lot of time and gray hair.
Sarah,
I agree with you on several points. Your first that students need to learn how to do the basics is right on target with what my opinion is. If they can't write their name on a piece of paper and have someone else read it, life is going to be a cold, cruel place.
I half agree with your comment about students needing to use technology because it's what they do all day for fun. I think that its getting at the idea that they are using it to be creative already and so we should let students use technology to create something that is curriculum focused and from which they can learn. They may not be learning the mechanics of the technology if they already use it, but they can still learn a lot of curriculum through it.
I love the idea of making learning accessible to students through technology. As the video points out, it allows shy students a way to participate and assists visual learners in learning complex information. Something that wasn’t mentioned in the videos, but that I’ve seen personally, is that technology is making incredible break-thrus for children with disabilities. I have a child on my caseload (foster child) that can no longer be in his regular classroom because of his behavior and disabilities. He has many disabilities and requires speech services, occupational therapy, one-on-one teachers aid and more. He is just learning to spell his name, he can write his nickname, and he is at the end of his first grade year. However, he Skypes with his parents and grandparents. He is able to enter a password to unlock his computer, click on Skype, enter another (different) password to log on, select different family members, and Skype. He is also able to type in words to use You Tube.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think the videos changed my perspective; I am enthusiastic about technology in the classroom. It did give me some ideas though. I hadn’t thought about using Facebook, maybe a class page, to engage students. I also hadn’t thought about using downloadable books (or books on CD at the library for students without MP3s).
Of course, I wonder about leaving some children behind, those that are already so disadvantaged, but I’m sure there are ways to include them and help give them this boost that they need. Without this information, none of the children will be prepared. With it, some will be more prepared than others in their socioeconomic position at schools not providing them with technology and education that meets the need of the present and future ages.
I’d like to use blogs, shared google docs, Facebook, text messages, and more! The sky’s the limit!
Advantages of Technology
ReplyDeleteI think a major advantage of technology is that it can make a teacher’s life easier. A computer can be used to grade assignments, assess student’s work, and provide a teacher with statistics that can help them determine what they should be focusing on. A computer can also serve as a tutor and help assist a student in learning. If a student doesn’t understand a lesson, with the use of technology they can repeat the lesson so that they don’t fall behind. Also, through the use of the Internet students have a wealth of information open to them and their research possibilities are endless. Often, when students are researching obscure topics, school libraries do not have the needed books and magazines and the Internet helps solve this problem.
Do these videos change my perspective?
These videos definitely reemphasize the need to use technology in the classroom. Students today communicate through technology and technology is a great way for teachers to connect with their students. Technology helps nurture global confidence in students, which prepares them for the real world. Technology also aligns the classroom with real life.
On a side note, for the past 17 years I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry technology was vital to our existence. Our headquarters was in Switzerland, my boss lived in New Jersey, and my colleagues were scattered throughout the United States. My boss would hold videoconferences once a month and through the use of technology we’d take turns presenting our monthly statistics to each. Looking back, it’s amazing how much we relied on technology and reflecting on this makes me more passionate about incorporating technology into the classroom.
How will I utilize technology?
In the classroom I hope to integrate digital games, social networking, and simulations.
Aaron- I am at least at a 5 handicap. Mimio? Senteo? Comiclife? Photostory? MovieMaker? I have not a clue. I don't know what pdf actually means either. Pathetic, I know.
ReplyDeleteHowever, to be honest, I must say I chuckled to myself that you also "lost" your first post! The difference is that you probably learned from your mistake while I have no clue and will plan on that happening every time so will print it elsewhere first. . .like I am right now.
Sarah T- I get the "reading and writing" first part, well, for sure the reading part anyhow. My daughters school does not teach cursive writing anymore-as of last year. ? What do you think of that? I'm torn. I think it is a good skill to have, but maybe as good as juggling? I don't know.
The idea to "use technology in the classroom because it is what they do for fun already" . . .I'm not sure that is the argument- I think it is equiping the students with an edge. Similar to being bi-or tri-lingual. Clearly technology is here to stay. . .and advance. Maybe it will qualify as a language credit- it should for me.
Everything is changing so fast, just think, this course will be useless in a year or two! :)
In my pre-teaching classroom there is one class that is mixed but has 10 ERC kids (special needs- Does anyone know what ERC stands for?)- One kid brings in a "notebook" and turns in his work that way- he managed the tech part effortlessly- but clearly there was an "issue" with the students abilities. Seemed like a good enough fix to me.
(ha, ha. . it deleted it again. . but I copied and saved it first! What the heck?)
What do you think about the advantages of technology in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteI believe there are some definite advantages technology can offer in the classroom. After all, you lot wouldn't be reading this otherwise. We are all able to take a class from across the state of Oregon (and perhaps Seattle if I'm not mistaken?) that allows us to continue to work full-time or raise our families (and in extreme cases...both). I feel that technology can offer lessons that students couldn't experience 10-20 years ago. I recall watching a documentary where a teacher went spelunking and her student were able to follow her escapades into the caves. This brings life to a subject that normally would be a color photo of a cavern in a textbook at best.
The key, in my opinion, is balance. A student should learn how to utilize technology, yet not rely on it. For example, once in a classroom I was observing the Smart Board stopped working and the teacher had nothing to write on. Finding this balance will help forge a more well-rounded individual.
Do these videos change your perspective of technology in the classroom?
Wow...a lot of pertinent figures thrown at me, I had to periodically pause in order to read and reflect on some of the facts presented. The implications of some of these were astounding (the English speakers in China, for example). The videos were really interesting, although watching 'A Vision of Students Today' (the 2nd video) I did get a little motion sickness...
Overall, the videos made a great case for using technology in the classroom. Some very depressing moments (between work, school and who knows what else, how do people have time to even watch tv?) and some inspiring.
I wouldn't say the videos changed my perspective of technology per se, because I believed that technology – like anything else – is neutral. It can be used for good or bad. It's up to the teacher to help the students become 21 st century learners in a positive manner.
Finally, how would you engage and motivate students in the classroom by utilizing technology?
I have seen students more receptive to reading along if the overhead was playing an audio recording. I think there exists great opportunities here and there to capture the students attention. I would utilize videos to help illustrate points I might not have the words for. I would use computers to access information when I don't have the answer or when we, as a class, wish to explore new ideas and concepts together. I think technology's greatest asset to the classroom is in the arena of current events. I recall a teacher bringing back a chunk of the Berlin Wall which, “...fell down a few weeks ago. You might have read about it in the newspaper.” Imagine a historical events like democracy in Egypt, the tsunami in Japan, or Bin Laden ;) and how in-tune children can be nowadays. I must say, however, that I am without a doubt the most technological illiterate person in EDUC 520, so this course scares me to death!
This class couldn't come at a better time for me! As someone who is not so tech savvy I choose not to use technology when I do not have to. This program is getting me to push myself a little more with my own understanding and opportunity for uses of technology. I think that technology has a great spot in our classrooms as a tool and as a necessary topic for our children to understand now. One three year old that I nanny for was showing me his nook and how he uses it- I was blown away. He knows how to access his books, can flip through them, and use the audio feature to read to him.
ReplyDeleteTah-Dah, technology beyond my understanding being used in a learning fashion by a three year old.
I think that the videos we watched sparked the realization of technology being a necessity for todays students. They have a lot of the knowledge to do amazing things with it and it can be a great tool for school.
Starting in kindergarten, we can allow students in little steps to use technology in a productive manner. The teacher should use all sorts of media exposing the students to the basics and opportunities with technology and offer brief chances to use it themselves. By middle school the students can use technology to produce creative, interactive, and appealing projects.
After watching those videos, my mind has changed a little about technology in the classroom. I can definitely relate to the college classroom one. Overworked, multitasking, bringing your computer to class to do other things, etc. There is not enough time in the day for work, social interaction, school, and interests. The internet and technology make all of that possible. It is amazing what I can get done when I open my home page to 5 tabs and in 5 minutes can keep up with all of my interests, check email, facebook, twitter, or whatever. The advantage of technology in the classroom is we can do things faster while engaging students today. Kids are so much smarter than we were because of the access to technology. I got my first cell phone as a freshman in college. It was a brick phone. I am 24. 6 years later every kid has a phone with internet access. Crazy. We can utilize that to our advantage.
ReplyDeleteUtilizing technology in the classroom could be tough. You can't assume that everyone has access to the internet, but it is available at schools and the public library. Is that enough to make online things mandatory in class? Some parents and students might object. I would love to use online stuff in my class. I could set up a class facebook page or blog where assignments are posted and schedules. That way no student has an excuse for missing anything or not knowing what to expect. Parents can be involved too and can see what their kids should be doing for class. I could record lectures and make them available to students who miss class. Students can take a picture of their homework and send it to me online if need be. There are endless possibilities and you wouldn't even need to require internet access, but it could be a distinct advantage for some students.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Stupid thing erased my big long comment. Too bad I'm not alone in this.
ReplyDeleteLet me try to remember what I was saying.
Aaron,
Thanks for rubbing your technology in our faces. :) heh. Actually, although I am on board with Becky with my lack of knowledge, I think it is to your benefit that you already have implemented these resources. What do you have planned in the event of some tech problems?
Becky,
Your comment about your daughter and cursive writing is right on point with me. I remember when our teachers were teaching cursive and they would say things about our high school and college teachers only accepting papers written in cursive. The last paper I wrote in cursive was in 7th grade, hah! Yet, I do not regret that I was taught something that is now irrevelant because I think that it still was of benefit in many ways. One, it improves the execution of your writing (both cursive and print) because it takes time to practice. Second, it means that I can read cursive writing, so any text I read that is in cursive is not a complete mystery to me.
When I first set foot in a middle school since my own graduation, I was astounded and shocked when I discovered the students didn't know their times tables. I think my mouth dropped open in astonishment when the teacher said they could just use calculators. What??? It probably took another two days, but I came to two conclusions. One was that my feelings probably resemble that of my father, who still remembers his slide rule with a fond smile. I remember I first scoffed when he mentioned his slide rule ("graphing calculators work much better"), but I think he must have just been wishing that I was learning the "basics" in my calculus class. The second thing I realized was that anyone in the U.S. who gets a job that uses math will probably have a calculator available to them. They will never be stranded without one, in other words. Knowing your times tables can be useful, but if you happen to miss that in elementary school, is it necessary to teach it to you in middle or high school? Hard to know.
One last thing--ERC is "education resource" (the C is for "center," I think. There is "LRC" (learning resource), ERC, EGC (emotional growth), and DLC (developmental learning). Developmental learning includes students with severe needs, so not all schools have one. That is my understanding of it, anyway.
Hi Sarah. I understand your point about wanting kids to understand the basics (reading and writing) before they spend time learning technology. After all, many kids can text at top speed, but can’t write a letter without misspelling simple words. I do feel that kids are connected and sometimes to get through to them we need to teach in a way that excites them.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeremiah. I love what you mentioned about how you would use technology in the classroom. It is true that with technology students have no excuse to miss assignments. Technology can also be used to keep parents informed about what assignments are due, how their child is doing in class, and as a quick and easy way to communicate with the teacher. Of course some of these things (websites, e-mails, blogs) can be more time consuming for a teacher to keep up. My sister’s school requires that she stay a half an hour after school to answer student’s questions and provide extra help. She says that the students almost never come to see her in person, but she more than fills the time answering their questions sent by e-mail.
ReplyDeleteSarahT said:
ReplyDelete"The suggestion that we should be using technology because that is what they do all day for fun (watch television, play games or on the internet, talk on the phone) isn’t a sound argument, in my opinion. Why would I go to school to learn how to do something I already know how to do? Sending text messages is not a life skill. Learning self-control so that you don’t text and drive is a life skill."
Well, Sarah makes an interesting point here. While I can understand that responding via text message isn't necessarily better or worse than a scantron, what's important is that they understand the material. My belief is that technology can aid in learning as long as the student doesn't become dependant on it. I think the teacher's job should be to teach self-restraint in all walks of life (not too much tv, not too much junk food, etc.)
Jeremiah, said: "Kids are so much smarter than we were because of the access to technology." By smarter do you mean technologically-smarter? or overall, because some claim that the overall scores don't reflect that (while some of course argue the opposite). I think that the level of learning is more or less the same it's just different information being learned. For example, the kids in my classroom couldn't name one tree outside the window, but they knew an incredible amount of technological terminology and products. I wonder if it's an issue of water finding it's own level? Granted, the technology can be used to learn the type of tree so maybe it's a matter of application?
ReplyDeleteJeremiah: "I could record lectures and make them available to students who miss class". . .makes me think that perhaps in the future you only need to teach a lesson once. . .and stream it for the years of classes to follow. Eek. Not job security there.
ReplyDeleteI do remember having my roommake lug a ghetto-blaster - nothing racial intented here- to class along with a cassette tape to record a review lecture that I needed to do well on the final when I had the flu and 104degree temp and was puking all day. I was thankful for that ability then- it's sure a lot easier to do the same thing now with a hand held device with great quality!
to add too that it is much easier to read all of these posts as opposed to the Wise website clicking here and there a zillion times. So I guess I am am now a fan of blogging.
Rachel: You said that you choose not to use technology when you don’t have to, but surely there are some things that are too convenient to do without technology for you. Online banking (transfers, bill pay, account balance inquiries), or e-mailing instead of writing a letter, something like that. Or no?
ReplyDeleteYou also said students can use technology for projects by middle school… I got an e-mail from my 4th grade daughter from the computer lab the other day. She sent me a collage she had created on the computer with some pictures of her best friends. It had music set to it and features that moved on the screen! Wild huh!
Roman: You bring up an excellent point about the difficulties with relying on technology… It can stop working! Then what is your plan? I’ve also witnessed a teacher struggle when something didn’t work. All her notes for the lesson were in a Power Point and the computer/projector combination weren’t compatible (or maybe the software wasn’t matched?). She had the children journal on a topic that wasn’t enough to fill the remaining time. They spent a lot of time just talking to each other and laughing, while she tried to figure it out so the next class could learn. What about the first class?!
We haven’t had cable for almost 7 years. My 10 year old watches TV at her dad’s house, but at my house she watches movies or plays the Wii about 2 hours per week. We have a foosball table, five book shelves, an indoor slide, three desks, colored pencils, stamps, paint, etc. We have created a home intended for creative learning. That doesn’t mean she is behind though. She also has an iPod with the capability of apps and e-mail. For her 9th birthday she got a laptop from my parents. She probably spends 2-3 hours on those. I want her to be prepared, but I don’t want her to lose her ability to be creative and think on her own.
I also like what you said about how something is used that is important, it can be good or bad.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI had to ask my 16 year old sister what a WIKI was; she said it was just a wikipedia page that can be edited. I agree with the idea that students must learn the basics before they go on to the world wide web. I’ve found it interesting in the Special Education classroom I am in how proficient many students are on the internet, but struggle looking up a word in a dictionary. On one hand, it seems ridiculous. On the other hand, they are more prepared the enter the current “real world” if they can master the internet; you can google definitions all day long, and no one asks you to put things in alphabetical order.
Aaron,
You are speaking a foreign language to me, almost. I can upload a video to youtube, but haven’t got a clue what a Mimeo is. I’ve heard of the clickers being used in college classrooms, but hadn’t heard of them in high school; where are you teaching? Does your school have extra funds or are they great at finding grants? That is really cool!
Hi Sarah, I love the point that you make...everything in moderation. Too much or too little of a good thing can be bad. Finding balance is the key. Too often we rely on technology and life should be able to go on without it. Where I use to work we would have meeting canceled or postponed because of a glitch with technology. We've had customer service reps refuse to answer their phone if their computer was down because they felt that they couldn't take an order without it. I definitely agree that a student should utilize technology, not rely on it.
ReplyDeleteHi Becky,
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful how technology makes learning accessible to all students! Students who may not be willing to raise their hands in class have no qualms about writing responses and sharing ideas on a message board. (Of course, this ease of saying things without being face-to-face with someone has also led to the problem of cyber-bullying). It is great to hear a personal story about how technology has been so useful for your son! I too am a little nervous and excited to learn all about the different technological things that we can employ in our classroom.
Erin
Hi Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology can be a great help for both, students and teachers! I love the idea of using a computer program as a tutor for a student, so that they will not fall behind in the class but still get a needed review of an earlier topic. It can be hard to find time to provide each student with exactly what they need, since there is only one of us and many of them, but technology can make it possible. Students can access a computer review or resources about course content at any time, and we do not necessarily have to be present the entire time while they do it. I had not thought about this use of technology before, but it really makes sense and could be extremely beneficial!
Erin
In my elementary school years, I was lucky enough to be at a school that had the funds to introduce us to some learning technology. We used Powerpoint a lot for presentations of course content and learned how to do fancy things such as create moving pictures. I remember how exciting the use of technology was, and how engaging it made our learning. Now, even more is possible through the use of technology, but it will still have that same invigorating effect on our students! Technology can make differentiating for multiple skill levels easier, and it has the added benefit of making teachers and knowledge accessible to students at any time – especially when they are outside of the classroom. Provided that students have a computer, which could be an issue in some communities. However, even if students do not have access to the technology at home, it can still be great for students and teachers who just use it in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThese videos did not really change my positive view of technology use in the classroom, but they did expand my thinking about the things that are possible. I am surrounded by technology, but had not made the leap to thinking about how it could be utilized effectively in the classroom. Smart boards and online grade books are wonderful things that I already knew about, but now I am realizing that there is so much more! Now I am more excited to learn about other technologies and the place that they could have in my classroom.
Technology is becoming increasingly important in our world, so it makes sense for it to have a place in the classroom. Students need to be familiar with it so that they grow into competent, informed adults who are prepared to do their jobs and live in our technologically-depended society. One thing that I am excited to use in my classroom is online videos. These can make any subject come alive by offering students a chance to see it in action. When teaching about the US government, why not share video clips of the president or secretary of state speaking? The internet has the amazing potential to link us to primary sources, whether those are videos of historic events and leaders or written accounts from witnesses or historical figures. It makes sense to take advantage of these types of things to make content more accessible, real, and relevant to students.
Erin
After watching the first two videos and reading some of the facts about how much we rely on technology, I immediately felt depressed. I think I felt this way because I know it is true and it is not real living. Real life is not a virtual life such as the ones we have created in chat rooms and on Facebook. In today’s classrooms, many students have lost the ability to have casual conversations face to face and would rather text message with a person who is far away. It is not uncommon during “free time” to see students standing or sitting in a circle all with their cell phones out.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am disappointed to learn how much of our lives are consumed with technology, there are many benefits as well. Certainly, we should be teaching students technological skills that are applicable in the real world. As educators, our role is to prepare them for the real world. Learning how to create a website is an invaluable tool for people in just about all careers, especially entrepreneurs or small business owners. Since our society relies so heavily on technology and young people seem to know more about the applications on their cell phones than U.S. History, some students may be motivated by using technology to learn. They may not know or care who the 3rd president of the United States was, but if we asked them to create a YouTube video of a skit based on the era, they may be more motivated to learn about it.
Dave McKae
As Beth said, use of enclyclopedias is almost obsolete now. We need to teach students today to be able to find information quickly by using search engines and the internet. What are they talking about in the video when they say the average person will have 14 jobs by age 38? What are these jobs and how is the turnover related to technology?
ReplyDeleteJeremy mentions use of a Facebook page or blog to keep students on track with what is going on in class and for parents to be aware as well. Most schools have a form of this already. The one we use is called Student Assist and it is run through our district website. Parents are able to log on using the student's ID and see every assignment the student has done and the grade he or she received. This may be the topic of another debate: do parents really want to know this much information and be on top of their kids this much?
ReplyDelete