I think what Ms. Cassidy is doing with her first graders is great! She is teaching them early on the value and the benefits of technology, while making sure that they use it in safe, honest ways. Connecting to students and experts from around the world teaches them the importance and benefits of collaboration. I will definitely be using Wikis and blogs as tools in my English classes. My students will learn early on how to find useful information in secure places and how to post papers and other small writing assignments on their blogs for peer reviews and expert feedback. The most important drawback to using such technologies in a classroom are the issues of child safety on the internet and winning over parents and faculty members to the implementations of technology in the classroom. It is the concern of any parent that their child may become subject to internet predators. For this reason, I will be sure to add an internet safety portion at the beginning of the year, to ensure every child's safety. The next problem a progressive teacher might face is the "caveman" style teacher who simply doesn't understand the benefits of using technologies in the classroom. My solution? There is already a plethora of useful videos, blog posts, and online articles that explain the usefulness and importance of technological learning. I will show them such evidence of this importance. Maybe, instead, I'll make my own persuasive video... Oh the endless possibilities!
Jameson,
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say that I like the way you not only gave your ideas on implementing new things into the classroom but you also gave some examples of how you would do them. Now, I want to challenge you a little bit ... you brought up a very important issue when dealing with children and the internet. Can you give an example of what a teacher has done at a school to help with this critical issue?
Jameson,
ReplyDeleteYou sound really excited in becoming a teacher and I admire you for that. A lot of students have become burnt out by this time and have forgotten their goal. I want to say I loved how you brought up a problem, then gave a solution. I too, will be using technology in the classrooms, because I know it will benefit the class immensely! It's important to keep safety and honesty as a number one priority when dealing with students. Keep up the good work and good luck!
Mr. Tashbin,
ReplyDeleteI would like to try to answer your question, but I'm having a hard time understanding what you are asking.
Heather, thanks for the positive feedback!