Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Using Blogs in My Classroom
Teaching social studies would be more exciting if my students could use a blog for their assignments. As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, my students could share their thoughts and information they would find online. Today I gave them a homework assignment: watch a few programs on t.v., write notes, and then compose an essay about 9/11. Since my seventh-graders were born beginning in 1998 or 1999, blogging would show the reality of what happened in 2001 (through videos and news articles).
Blogging would also make it possible for my students to update any new information they came across and post it on their blog. Our textbook was published in 2003 and I heard that this might be the last textbook adoption; instead, we will use other resources in following our curriculum. I think it's time for a change and moving away from textbooks is a step in the right direction. I use United Streaming and my students enjoy watching the videos. By blogging, they could access sources like the Portal of Texas, a seventh-grade website. There must come a time when change is unavoidable; especially when we rely so much on technology. I am still amazed at the amount of information (content) available online. In taking this class (Web Tools) I realize how limited our resources have been in the past. I plan on incorporating as much technology into my seventh-grade classses as allowable by "district policy". We need to make the most of what we have.
Blogging would also make it possible for my students to update any new information they came across and post it on their blog. Our textbook was published in 2003 and I heard that this might be the last textbook adoption; instead, we will use other resources in following our curriculum. I think it's time for a change and moving away from textbooks is a step in the right direction. I use United Streaming and my students enjoy watching the videos. By blogging, they could access sources like the Portal of Texas, a seventh-grade website. There must come a time when change is unavoidable; especially when we rely so much on technology. I am still amazed at the amount of information (content) available online. In taking this class (Web Tools) I realize how limited our resources have been in the past. I plan on incorporating as much technology into my seventh-grade classses as allowable by "district policy". We need to make the most of what we have.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Teaching the iGeneration
Wow! After reading about the iGeneration, I feel overwhelmed with the progress taking place at this moment. As a Baby Boomer, I totally agree with the research (chart) on page 12. Baby Boomers spend about an hour more online than children ages 4-8!
I recall the first time (1980's I think) I saw my first PC (but won't bore you with the details). Suffice it to say that while I am happy to be back in school and learning the new technology, there are probably millions of individuals around my age who will not benefit from what we are studying at this time.
Yes, children now expect to have their computers, iPhones, etc. So, for young adults (25-35?) who do not embrace the digital world, will they struggle or give up on technology? One 'reason' people over, say 45, give is "I don't like technology". I can't blame them if they don't have a guide. Teachers will probably be required to take several courses like "Web Tools" during their training, if they aren't already required. Maybe there will be lots of job opportunities for "knowledge brokers" as mentioned in the article (someone who will help teachers identify online resources).
As I work on these assignments and attend class, blog, etc. I agree with Mr. Rosen that we must refocus education. At some point in the not-so-distant future, this wll not be an option.
I believe 'we are there'!
I recall the first time (1980's I think) I saw my first PC (but won't bore you with the details). Suffice it to say that while I am happy to be back in school and learning the new technology, there are probably millions of individuals around my age who will not benefit from what we are studying at this time.
Yes, children now expect to have their computers, iPhones, etc. So, for young adults (25-35?) who do not embrace the digital world, will they struggle or give up on technology? One 'reason' people over, say 45, give is "I don't like technology". I can't blame them if they don't have a guide. Teachers will probably be required to take several courses like "Web Tools" during their training, if they aren't already required. Maybe there will be lots of job opportunities for "knowledge brokers" as mentioned in the article (someone who will help teachers identify online resources).
As I work on these assignments and attend class, blog, etc. I agree with Mr. Rosen that we must refocus education. At some point in the not-so-distant future, this wll not be an option.
I believe 'we are there'!
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