“Inspiring Students with Peer Tutoring,” by Brandy Smith
Brandy Smith puts an emphasis on how technology can help at- risk students. Smith led an after school club called “The Tech- Kids.” This program would teach at risk students technology basics, so they could teach others. After these students were trained and ready to go, they were sent out to other classrooms to teach them about technology. These students were selected based on criteria. This was your typical criteria either. The kids that were eligible for this program were not the students who have straight A’s, but actually the opposite. This peer tutoring program allowed at risk students to help others. This gave them a sense of importance, and something to look forward to. They would work towards a common goal and learn to work together. They were able to build friendships, and collaborate with their peers. Smith says that there are so many benefits to technology tutoring peers. Students get to work together instead of in isolation. And, they get to learn technology skills that would be hard to find anywhere else. The results from this club were outstanding! Students came out of the program happy, and exited about learning. Students were coming out of this program with friends, and could actually use a computer. Before this program, only few students knew anything about technology, and now the majority of the school understands at least the basics of technology. This program demonstrated the great impact children could have in teaching their peers.
I think this would be a great program for the school I am working in now. The majority of the students are considered at risk, and I think this would be a great opportunity for them to not only gain knowledge in technology, but also build friendships and learn to work with one another. Technology is a tool that can be used in so many ways. In this case, it brought the school together, and students were able to make friendships while learning. When students (especially at risk students) teach other students certain tasks, it makes them feel a sense of importance, and that is so vital in their development and their future. It also gives them the responsibility that they should have in their lives. I would have my at risk students tutor younger students. It doesn’t even have to be in technology. This goes to show that when students collaborate with their peers, it has a positive effect on their lives.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Interactive Field Trips
“Making Field Trips Podtastic!” by Aliece Weller, John Bickar, and Paul McGuinnes
Students cannot only go on field trips, and use technology, but now they can incorporate the two together! The Boston Science Museum is an example of this accomplishment. This museum was designed to be highly interactive. In this case, animals (monkeys, and hens) were on display. There were computer type stations where students could learn about the exhibits. While watching the exhibits, they could also press a button that would educate them more about the animals, habitats, and behaviors. During this study, they found that students who used interactive software increased their time at the exhibit, and also increased brain on the exhibit. Podcasts in a museum setting can be used to alleviate isolation by encouraging collaboration and interaction with others. By having a successful podcasts, this should increase a student’s time at the exhibit. It is designed to get the students more interested. These authors chose podcasts because it is something that everybody can use. It is not too difficult, but is also a tool to enhance learning. By using podcasts in museums, students can increase their interaction, enhance their engagement, and also customize their learning experience.
I think this is a great way for students to interact with not only certain exhibits, but also each other. The idea of a podcast makes the student feel more comfortable. They are customizing their learning experience to their own pace and desire. This way, they get what they want out of the field trip. These days, kids get so bored very easily, and I believe that podcasts are a great way to keep students engaged, and they also can get more valuable information out of exhibits that the teacher or museum guide could not tell them.
Students cannot only go on field trips, and use technology, but now they can incorporate the two together! The Boston Science Museum is an example of this accomplishment. This museum was designed to be highly interactive. In this case, animals (monkeys, and hens) were on display. There were computer type stations where students could learn about the exhibits. While watching the exhibits, they could also press a button that would educate them more about the animals, habitats, and behaviors. During this study, they found that students who used interactive software increased their time at the exhibit, and also increased brain on the exhibit. Podcasts in a museum setting can be used to alleviate isolation by encouraging collaboration and interaction with others. By having a successful podcasts, this should increase a student’s time at the exhibit. It is designed to get the students more interested. These authors chose podcasts because it is something that everybody can use. It is not too difficult, but is also a tool to enhance learning. By using podcasts in museums, students can increase their interaction, enhance their engagement, and also customize their learning experience.
I think this is a great way for students to interact with not only certain exhibits, but also each other. The idea of a podcast makes the student feel more comfortable. They are customizing their learning experience to their own pace and desire. This way, they get what they want out of the field trip. These days, kids get so bored very easily, and I believe that podcasts are a great way to keep students engaged, and they also can get more valuable information out of exhibits that the teacher or museum guide could not tell them.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Virtual Learning
"Transforming Education through Online Learning,” by Julie Young, Pam Birtolo, and Raven McElmen
FLVS (Florida Virtual School) was established in 1997. It was the first public virtual school available in the United States. For more than 10 years, FLVS has given students a unique learning experience. The days of teaching all students to follow along on the same page in the textbook are over. Students can now learn math and science in other places than the classroom, and technology is the tool that can help them do that. Students can solve math problems through real life problems, students can go places where science is taking place, or they can talk to professionals in those fields to get a better understanding of the subject. This school is using texting, email, and blogging to help students develop critical thinking skills that tie in with the 21st century. Unlike regular schools where you physically attend class and follow the schedule of the school, virtual learning schools are the exact opposite. There are no classrooms, class times, bells, etc. Students log on whenever they want, and teachers are basically on call 24- 7 to meet the needs of their students. Students also get to learn at their own pace, and do not have to be held back in class, or move forward without understanding the material. A new statistic came out that said FLVS students consistently earned higher grades, received better state assessment scores, and achieved higher marks on AP exams than students in traditional schools. I can see this happening because students seem to receive more of individual attention from their teachers than they would in a crowded classroom.
To be honest, I do not know if I would want to learn only online. And I don’t think that I would want my kids to either. I think this is a great tool for those who learn at a fast pace and are constantly being slowed down in the classroom. But we also have to remember that students learn in different ways. Some students find it easy to learn online, and others need someone there explaining things step by step. As a virtual learning teacher, I do not know how I would feel about being on call 24-7, 365 days a year. I would like to see a balance between the two. Incorporating at home online learning AND in class sessions would be beneficial to all students.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Technology Problems Solved!
“Creating Valuable Class Websites,” by Elizabeth A. Baker
There are many difficulties when trying to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most teachers understand that students can benefit from using computer technology in the classroom, but they often come across obstacles. Some common problems are: teachers don’t know how to set up websites, students can only access the internet at school, there is only 1 computer in the classroom, students can only use computers when in the computer lab, or teachers wanting their students to be safe, so they avoid the internet. Even though setting up websites, or using the computer can be challenging for someone who is not tech savvy, there are many ways and tools out there that can help you become technologically successful in the classroom. Websites like Scholastic.com allows you to create your own website for free, and is available to anyone. Other websites like Blogger.com allows anyone to set up a free blogging account. These are two fun and creative ways for students to enhance their learning. Even if students can only visit the computer lab once a week, it can still work. Students can post weekly blogs to reflect on lessons they have learned in class. Students do not have to have 24- 7 access to technology to thrive. Even a little bit of exposure can make a big difference.
I would like to use blogging in my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to reflect on material covered in class. It can be something for my students to look forward to each week when we go to the computer lab. I think blogging really gets them exposure to the web. They can also make their pages a reflection of who they are. This is also a great way for distant family members to keep up on what their children and grandchildren are doing. I think it is important to understand that students do not have to be on a computer all the time to grow in technology. Even when they are only exposed to it once in a while, it can make a big difference in their knowledge, and I also think that it gives them something to look forward to.
There are many difficulties when trying to incorporate technology in the classroom. Most teachers understand that students can benefit from using computer technology in the classroom, but they often come across obstacles. Some common problems are: teachers don’t know how to set up websites, students can only access the internet at school, there is only 1 computer in the classroom, students can only use computers when in the computer lab, or teachers wanting their students to be safe, so they avoid the internet. Even though setting up websites, or using the computer can be challenging for someone who is not tech savvy, there are many ways and tools out there that can help you become technologically successful in the classroom. Websites like Scholastic.com allows you to create your own website for free, and is available to anyone. Other websites like Blogger.com allows anyone to set up a free blogging account. These are two fun and creative ways for students to enhance their learning. Even if students can only visit the computer lab once a week, it can still work. Students can post weekly blogs to reflect on lessons they have learned in class. Students do not have to have 24- 7 access to technology to thrive. Even a little bit of exposure can make a big difference.
I would like to use blogging in my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to reflect on material covered in class. It can be something for my students to look forward to each week when we go to the computer lab. I think blogging really gets them exposure to the web. They can also make their pages a reflection of who they are. This is also a great way for distant family members to keep up on what their children and grandchildren are doing. I think it is important to understand that students do not have to be on a computer all the time to grow in technology. Even when they are only exposed to it once in a while, it can make a big difference in their knowledge, and I also think that it gives them something to look forward to.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Digital Whiteboards
“Build Your Own Board,” by Keith Vallis and Peter Williamson
Interactive whiteboards have become increasingly popular across the world. They are a great tool to get students to pay attention much better than traditional lectures could. It also solves the problem of having only one computer projecting the screen for all 30 students. It also makes it fun for both teachers and students to interact with educational software. This interactive whiteboard is called a “brightboard.” Teachers can build and guide lessons from the back of the classroom or from the midst of group activities, and students can contribute to their learning individually or in groups without having to walk to the front of the room. Some argue that these brightboards are more cost effective than a regular whiteboard. For every 10 wireless pen tablets purchased (needed for the brightboard), you can buy one $3,000 whiteboard. Others would say that the brightboard is not for everyone. For the teachers that would not use it regularly, this would not be the route to go. They say that in order for it to be effective, one must use it on a regular basis. Because of the budget crisis, some schools could actually be saving money by using brightboards, because you get more brightboards for your money than you would a regular whiteboard. Another benefit to the brightboard is that it can be used on school halls or theatres. You can write on the brightboard, and even the people in the back can see it.
I think that the brightboard is a great tool for the classroom. I also think that whiteboards are affective too. But schools that are headed in a more technology savvy direction would really benefit from this. I think it is great that you do not have to waste time going up to the board and writing things down, when you can just write as you are interacting with the class. I would use this in my classroom because I think it is a great way for students to be exited about learning. It is something so new and interesting to them, and I really do agree that it would probably hold their attention longer rather than a traditional lecture.
Interactive whiteboards have become increasingly popular across the world. They are a great tool to get students to pay attention much better than traditional lectures could. It also solves the problem of having only one computer projecting the screen for all 30 students. It also makes it fun for both teachers and students to interact with educational software. This interactive whiteboard is called a “brightboard.” Teachers can build and guide lessons from the back of the classroom or from the midst of group activities, and students can contribute to their learning individually or in groups without having to walk to the front of the room. Some argue that these brightboards are more cost effective than a regular whiteboard. For every 10 wireless pen tablets purchased (needed for the brightboard), you can buy one $3,000 whiteboard. Others would say that the brightboard is not for everyone. For the teachers that would not use it regularly, this would not be the route to go. They say that in order for it to be effective, one must use it on a regular basis. Because of the budget crisis, some schools could actually be saving money by using brightboards, because you get more brightboards for your money than you would a regular whiteboard. Another benefit to the brightboard is that it can be used on school halls or theatres. You can write on the brightboard, and even the people in the back can see it.
I think that the brightboard is a great tool for the classroom. I also think that whiteboards are affective too. But schools that are headed in a more technology savvy direction would really benefit from this. I think it is great that you do not have to waste time going up to the board and writing things down, when you can just write as you are interacting with the class. I would use this in my classroom because I think it is a great way for students to be exited about learning. It is something so new and interesting to them, and I really do agree that it would probably hold their attention longer rather than a traditional lecture.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Getting Past the Fear
“Let’s Welcome, Not Fear, Online Learning” by Anita McAnear
We can all acknowledge that people fear technology, particularly in the classroom. There are even some authors who instill fear of technology in us. Clayton M. Christensen, co-author along with Curtis W. Johnson and Michael B. Horn of Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, has been writing about how technology will become disruptive, and create a negative affect on the way students learn. He believes in hands- on learning, and student-centric learning. On the other hand, Bill Tucker who is the author of Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High School and Innovation in Public Education, thinks just the opposite. He believes that online learning can actually have a positive affect on student learning. He doesn’t believe in making everything digitalized, but using online tools to help students. He believes that when a student is struggling with a concept, we can search online to find content, tools, or a tutor who can help. I can understand where both of these authors are coming from, but I also think it is important that we find a common ground within the two.
I would love to use technology in my classroom. But I also think that it is important to be there physically for your students. I have had my experiences with online courses, and I don’t think they are completely bad, I still prefer in class sessions. I agree with Bill Tucker when he says that we can use the internet and technology to further help our students understand material, and move forward. The internet has so many tools out there for students, and I think that we would be cheating our students if we didn’t utilize them. I also would not like to make every digitalized in my classroom either. I would like to incorporate both Tucker and Christensen’s ideas in my classroom. We need to get past the fear of technology, but also use a hands on approach in the classroom.
We can all acknowledge that people fear technology, particularly in the classroom. There are even some authors who instill fear of technology in us. Clayton M. Christensen, co-author along with Curtis W. Johnson and Michael B. Horn of Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, has been writing about how technology will become disruptive, and create a negative affect on the way students learn. He believes in hands- on learning, and student-centric learning. On the other hand, Bill Tucker who is the author of Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High School and Innovation in Public Education, thinks just the opposite. He believes that online learning can actually have a positive affect on student learning. He doesn’t believe in making everything digitalized, but using online tools to help students. He believes that when a student is struggling with a concept, we can search online to find content, tools, or a tutor who can help. I can understand where both of these authors are coming from, but I also think it is important that we find a common ground within the two.
I would love to use technology in my classroom. But I also think that it is important to be there physically for your students. I have had my experiences with online courses, and I don’t think they are completely bad, I still prefer in class sessions. I agree with Bill Tucker when he says that we can use the internet and technology to further help our students understand material, and move forward. The internet has so many tools out there for students, and I think that we would be cheating our students if we didn’t utilize them. I also would not like to make every digitalized in my classroom either. I would like to incorporate both Tucker and Christensen’s ideas in my classroom. We need to get past the fear of technology, but also use a hands on approach in the classroom.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Learning for the Future
"Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning", by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas
Many people under the age of 18 are now using social networks, simulations, and digital games. Today, many students are being taught that these technologies are not welcome in the classroom. Teachers often tell their students stories of how disruptive digital games can be. What they do not realize is that there are organizations all over the world that are trying to incorporate digital games into the classroom, and creating games that help students learn. What some people do not understand is that these new technologies can actually be beneficial in the classroom. Social networking technologies can help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space, a space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning. A science teacher in Massachusetts has been using Starlogo: The Next Generation, a simulation. Simulations are analogies of real world situations. This has allowed students to demonstrate the principles of evolution theory or the factors in a forest fire, two concepts that would otherwise be difficult for the students to experience. The authors point out that if you bring school into the modern era, students will become more and more interested in it. Although there are technologies out there that can hinder one’s learning, there are so many new technologies designed to enhance a students learning. It is our job as teachers to pick one that interests us and engage our students in it. This will only amplify their learning experience.
I think certain types of technologies like simulations, could be extremely beneficial in the classroom, particularly in a science class. I would use them in a natural science or environment type class. Students could use simulations to experience different factors of the earth’s cycle. Simulations allow them to experience natural occurrences in our world. It allows them to really understand concepts that would be difficult otherwise. I would use social networking in my classroom as well. This is a great idea having students blog and write about what they have learned. This makes sure that learning does not end in the classroom. Learning can be an ongoing tool at home. When students are writing about it outside of class, and even get their friends and classmates involved, education can be so much more enjoyable and interesting for them. I am learning that even though technology isn’t my favorite thing in the classroom, it is necessary for me to use it for my students. It is not about me, and I need to use technology to enhance THEIR learning, not mine.
Many people under the age of 18 are now using social networks, simulations, and digital games. Today, many students are being taught that these technologies are not welcome in the classroom. Teachers often tell their students stories of how disruptive digital games can be. What they do not realize is that there are organizations all over the world that are trying to incorporate digital games into the classroom, and creating games that help students learn. What some people do not understand is that these new technologies can actually be beneficial in the classroom. Social networking technologies can help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space, a space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning. A science teacher in Massachusetts has been using Starlogo: The Next Generation, a simulation. Simulations are analogies of real world situations. This has allowed students to demonstrate the principles of evolution theory or the factors in a forest fire, two concepts that would otherwise be difficult for the students to experience. The authors point out that if you bring school into the modern era, students will become more and more interested in it. Although there are technologies out there that can hinder one’s learning, there are so many new technologies designed to enhance a students learning. It is our job as teachers to pick one that interests us and engage our students in it. This will only amplify their learning experience.
I think certain types of technologies like simulations, could be extremely beneficial in the classroom, particularly in a science class. I would use them in a natural science or environment type class. Students could use simulations to experience different factors of the earth’s cycle. Simulations allow them to experience natural occurrences in our world. It allows them to really understand concepts that would be difficult otherwise. I would use social networking in my classroom as well. This is a great idea having students blog and write about what they have learned. This makes sure that learning does not end in the classroom. Learning can be an ongoing tool at home. When students are writing about it outside of class, and even get their friends and classmates involved, education can be so much more enjoyable and interesting for them. I am learning that even though technology isn’t my favorite thing in the classroom, it is necessary for me to use it for my students. It is not about me, and I need to use technology to enhance THEIR learning, not mine.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tech- Savvy Students
"Creating Tech Wizards" by: Beth Breiner
The Technology Wizard Program, located in the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania, is a unique program that has been designed to help students grow in technology. This program is unlike any other program out there. It is designed to transform the delivery of professional development and change traditional instructional practice by cultivating a cadre of student leaders equipped to provide teachers with technology training and support. It was designed to not only let technology- savvy students’ thrive, but is also used as a learning resource for teachers in the classroom. In the first year of the program, only 6th and 7th graders were enrolled. This ensured growth in the program. But by the second year, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders were eligible to enroll. Each Principal in the area was asked to nominate 2 teachers from their school to be advisors to the Tech students. The teachers who were nominated were then asked to nominate students for the program. These students had to demonstrate a proclivity for technology. They also had to be willing to not only participate in the program, but also lead the program at times. This program was ready to launch in October 2007, with about 26 students enrolled. Towards the end of the program, the students were asked to make a commercial like film to show to each of their individual schools. The film was designed to persuade other teachers the benefits of using technology in the classroom. The students worked on both MAC computers, and PC’s. They were given video training for this assignment. Each student brought back to their classrooms: 3 concepts they have learned in the program, and 2 they would like to learn. This convinced teachers that the program was working, but there is still so much room for growth. By the end of the program, all of the technology wizards participated in or led at least two professional development trainings with teachers. This program has been a huge success, and I think we can learn so much from this program.
I would love to use this type of program in my classroom. I think when you give students the opportunity to become teachers, they feel a sense of importance, and become motivated to learn. I would love to have my students create video assignments based on our topics in class. I would mostly use this with older students, like junior high or high school students. They could create videos in a Political Science or Government class. They could create commercial like videos persuading their ideas. They could use this video project to express how they feel, and why they feel that way. I think this program is such a wonderful way to get kids involved and exited about technology. Technology is such a wonderful idea in the classroom, and it is becoming the future of education. When we give students the opportunity to lead these types of programs, I believe it can get everybody in education involved and motivated about learning.
The Technology Wizard Program, located in the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania, is a unique program that has been designed to help students grow in technology. This program is unlike any other program out there. It is designed to transform the delivery of professional development and change traditional instructional practice by cultivating a cadre of student leaders equipped to provide teachers with technology training and support. It was designed to not only let technology- savvy students’ thrive, but is also used as a learning resource for teachers in the classroom. In the first year of the program, only 6th and 7th graders were enrolled. This ensured growth in the program. But by the second year, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders were eligible to enroll. Each Principal in the area was asked to nominate 2 teachers from their school to be advisors to the Tech students. The teachers who were nominated were then asked to nominate students for the program. These students had to demonstrate a proclivity for technology. They also had to be willing to not only participate in the program, but also lead the program at times. This program was ready to launch in October 2007, with about 26 students enrolled. Towards the end of the program, the students were asked to make a commercial like film to show to each of their individual schools. The film was designed to persuade other teachers the benefits of using technology in the classroom. The students worked on both MAC computers, and PC’s. They were given video training for this assignment. Each student brought back to their classrooms: 3 concepts they have learned in the program, and 2 they would like to learn. This convinced teachers that the program was working, but there is still so much room for growth. By the end of the program, all of the technology wizards participated in or led at least two professional development trainings with teachers. This program has been a huge success, and I think we can learn so much from this program.
I would love to use this type of program in my classroom. I think when you give students the opportunity to become teachers, they feel a sense of importance, and become motivated to learn. I would love to have my students create video assignments based on our topics in class. I would mostly use this with older students, like junior high or high school students. They could create videos in a Political Science or Government class. They could create commercial like videos persuading their ideas. They could use this video project to express how they feel, and why they feel that way. I think this program is such a wonderful way to get kids involved and exited about technology. Technology is such a wonderful idea in the classroom, and it is becoming the future of education. When we give students the opportunity to lead these types of programs, I believe it can get everybody in education involved and motivated about learning.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Chatting It Up Online: A Unique Way to Enhance Learning
Pamela Livingston’s article “Chatting It Up Online”, puts an emphasis on how technology can provide students and schools with a much broader learning experience. Technology in the classroom helps break down barriers and can bring something unique to the classroom.
Livingston takes us through the process of a 2nd/ 3rd grade all boys classroom and their experience with an online chat with one of their favorite authors. These boys are avid readers, and their librarian was always on the lookout for ways to increase their learning experience. When she heard the offer of an online author chat, she reacted immediately. The class registered for the chat by submitting simple information about the school, and grade levels online. They received a confirmation a few days before the chat would begin. They did not get a confirmation as soon as they hoped for. As they waited, the boys were very anxious to see if they would be able to chat with one of their favorite authors. After receiving the confirmation, they read a list of suggestions on how to chat online. They made sure they read the list a few times so they would be as prepared as possible. They then reserved the computer lab for a certain time period, and made sure that the firewall was eliminated for the time being. This ensured a faster connection, and so every question and answer would be received on both ends. The boys had written out their questions, and were reviewed by the teacher to make sure they were valid questions. When it came time for the chat itself, the boys had a blast, and it seemed to be very successful. The boys were so exited that their questions were being answered almost instantly. Livingston points out that the boys had written to an author the previous year and waited months for an answer. With online chatting, these students can get answers right away.
Technology is such an amazing way to broaden a students’ learning. I would love to incorporate this type of program into my classroom. I would make sure that the author or person we are talking to can be tied directly to the curriculum. An example would be similar to the case in the article. If we are reading a certain book as a class whole, we could contact that author and let the students ask them questions they found interesting about the book or the author. This makes it fun for the students to learn about the authors’ ideas. If we are focusing on a certain topic, such as biology, we could try and contact a professional biologist. I think there is an excitement factor for students when they get the opportunity to interact with a professional, especially when it pertains to what they are doing in the classroom. Incorporating technology into the classroom is a great way to get students exited about learning.
ISTE Nets for Students Link-- http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf
ISTE Nets for Teachers Link--http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
Livingston takes us through the process of a 2nd/ 3rd grade all boys classroom and their experience with an online chat with one of their favorite authors. These boys are avid readers, and their librarian was always on the lookout for ways to increase their learning experience. When she heard the offer of an online author chat, she reacted immediately. The class registered for the chat by submitting simple information about the school, and grade levels online. They received a confirmation a few days before the chat would begin. They did not get a confirmation as soon as they hoped for. As they waited, the boys were very anxious to see if they would be able to chat with one of their favorite authors. After receiving the confirmation, they read a list of suggestions on how to chat online. They made sure they read the list a few times so they would be as prepared as possible. They then reserved the computer lab for a certain time period, and made sure that the firewall was eliminated for the time being. This ensured a faster connection, and so every question and answer would be received on both ends. The boys had written out their questions, and were reviewed by the teacher to make sure they were valid questions. When it came time for the chat itself, the boys had a blast, and it seemed to be very successful. The boys were so exited that their questions were being answered almost instantly. Livingston points out that the boys had written to an author the previous year and waited months for an answer. With online chatting, these students can get answers right away.
Technology is such an amazing way to broaden a students’ learning. I would love to incorporate this type of program into my classroom. I would make sure that the author or person we are talking to can be tied directly to the curriculum. An example would be similar to the case in the article. If we are reading a certain book as a class whole, we could contact that author and let the students ask them questions they found interesting about the book or the author. This makes it fun for the students to learn about the authors’ ideas. If we are focusing on a certain topic, such as biology, we could try and contact a professional biologist. I think there is an excitement factor for students when they get the opportunity to interact with a professional, especially when it pertains to what they are doing in the classroom. Incorporating technology into the classroom is a great way to get students exited about learning.
ISTE Nets for Students Link-- http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf
ISTE Nets for Teachers Link--http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
My future as an educator
I have such a passion for children and youth. I want to be positive role model for my students and their peers. I am still debating on whether to get into teaching, where I would love to teach 5th grade (upper el.)… or become a speech and language pathologist. Wherever the Lord takes me is where my heart will be. I’m just not sure where that place is yet. But He has definitely given me a passion for children. I know that being a teacher is a completely self-less profession, and I am ready for the ride. This profession is not about me, it is about my students, their needs, and their future.
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