I now realize how many types of technology exist that kids already use and how important using technolgy for curriculum planning. Excellent tape. Teri Adams
I agree with jkulig that techonology enhanced lessons engage students in the classroom. I try to use some form of technology to teach almost every day of the school year. However, I disagreed with two of the suggestions for use. First of all I completely disagree with the use of cellphones in the classroom. I know my eighth graders are experts at using cellphones. Almost every student carries one around in their pocket throughout the school day. I also know that cellphones are more sophisticated and have many programs that could be useful. However, allowing students to use cellphones in the classroom could and most definately lead to distraction. Also, I also thought of equality. The suggestion to use iPods was a great one. I am all for allowing students to listen to podcasts. I personally listen to several from NPR. However, how could I assign soemething that not every student has access to? I know that transcripts are available for some podcasts and I could give the students without an iPod a copy, but how fair is that? Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of using technology in the classroom? Anyway, I agree that tapping into the resources that students use everyday is definately one way to engage students. I just think that we as teachers need to be informed about our choices.
As for equality, where there is a will there is a way. There are grants and money that your school is given every year for new equipment, special projects, etc, that can be used to buy ipods and other unorthodox technology. If teachers are being issued/entrusted palm pilots to administer testing, students can be trusted with ipods. Get creative. A little persuasion and the right reasons can get you what you need in your classroom. I can attest to that. I just walked in and asked the school secretary and she said "We have funds for that just write proposal to Mr. Reyes, our principal." There is money out there. There are just too many of us not taking advantage of it. Grants sound so unattainable but they are not. Some districts even give training on how to apply for these grants. Don't let that stop you. We used to check out books to take home. Our kiddos are a different breed. I am not saying books are obsolete but they are not the first choice for a resource anymore! Those day are gone and not coming back.Right?
Technology changes quickly and we as teachers should know what is available. Some technologies we will use in the classroom; some we won't. I enjoyed the video but an very skeptical about using cell phones in the classroom.
5 comments:
The video certainly makes one realize that technology-enhanced lessons would add significantly in reaching today's students.
I now realize how many types of technology exist that kids already use and how important using technolgy for curriculum planning. Excellent tape.
Teri Adams
I agree with jkulig that techonology enhanced lessons engage students in the classroom. I try to use some form of technology to teach almost every day of the school year. However, I disagreed with two of the suggestions for use. First of all I completely disagree with the use of cellphones in the classroom. I know my eighth graders are experts at using cellphones. Almost every student carries one around in their pocket throughout the school day. I also know that cellphones are more sophisticated and have many programs that could be useful. However, allowing students to use cellphones in the classroom could and most definately lead to distraction. Also, I also thought of equality. The suggestion to use iPods was a great one. I am all for allowing students to listen to podcasts. I personally listen to several from NPR. However, how could I assign soemething that not every student has access to? I know that transcripts are available for some podcasts and I could give the students without an iPod a copy, but how fair is that? Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of using technology in the classroom? Anyway, I agree that tapping into the resources that students use everyday is definately one way to engage students. I just think that we as teachers need to be informed about our choices.
As for equality, where there is a will there is a way. There are grants and money that your school is given every year for new equipment, special projects, etc, that can be used to buy ipods and other unorthodox technology. If teachers are being issued/entrusted palm pilots to administer testing, students can be trusted with ipods. Get creative. A little persuasion and the right reasons can get you what you need in your classroom. I can attest to that. I just walked in and asked the school secretary and she said "We have funds for that just write proposal to Mr. Reyes, our principal." There is money out there. There are just too many of us not taking advantage of it. Grants sound so unattainable but they are not. Some districts even give training on how to apply for these grants. Don't let that stop you. We used to check out books to take home. Our kiddos are a different breed. I am not saying books are obsolete but they are not the first choice for a resource anymore! Those day are gone and not coming back.Right?
Technology changes quickly and we as teachers should know what is available. Some technologies we will use in the classroom; some we won't. I enjoyed the video but an very skeptical about using cell phones in the classroom.
Post a Comment