As usual, my last blog led to a person mental rant and encouraged me to find some more resources. I was thinking about how we don't always use technology properly or effectively in the classroom, and figured we might all like some suggestions. So, I Googled it. Shocking. Anyways, I found this blog http://www.freetech4teachers.com/ . It is written by Richard Byrne and filled with videos, lessons, and even "How To" explanations. I think using this type of resource is important for us to take advantage of. There is so much out there to guide and help us through teaching; we just need to actually use those resources.
Something like Byrne's blog could be of great use in future classrooms. He even has tips on how to "clean up" a YouTube search. That is huge! Even in our class last week we were slightly taken aback by some images that happen to show up on Pinterest. It does not always matter what you search or click, things pop up and they are not always appropriate for a school setting. Looking to other educators for help could change how you use technology and the internet, and even help to make it less stressful of an experience. I know it is not much, but I thought this website might be of interest to some in case you are ever in need. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Incorporate with a Purpose
Wilber's third chapter was interesting. Right from the start I liked what was being said; "...any teacher must have a reason for using technology in his or her teaching" (Wilber 43). I know we have talked about this a little bit, but I'd like to revisit the topic if you don't mind. There are a lot of teachers who do a wonderful job of finding the right sources, educating themselves, and properly incorporating technology in their classrooms. However, there are some who do it just to do it. I mean let's be honest for a second here. Hasn't this class made us all think, "Oh crap, I really need to use some of these things if I plan on actually reaching my students"? Well, if it hasn't done that to you, it has made the thought occur to me. I think that sometimes teachers have this same thought and then proceed to throw technology into lessons in attempt to keep students' attention. But, don't you think such a style could just be worse for the learners? I know that when a professor makes a rather sad attempt at appealing to my age group, it is ineffective. Yes, we should use different teaching tools and keep variety in our classrooms. However, this is only needed when those tools will actually aid in further learning.
Furthermore, if we use these modern methods of teaching then we can help our students use them more effectively on their own time as well. This is also something Wilber discusses, "In deciding what sources, modes, and links to incorporate, our students can learn to discern what should or should not be incorporated into the texts they create..." (46). This is a great way to look at the use of technology in schools. If we take the time to use the internet or online databases with our students, then they might not struggle as much when it is time for them to do so on their own. I know I would have greatly appreciated one of my high school teachers teaching me to research on a database, instead of having a crash course during my first college paper. Just something I thought was a great point, and one that I had never really considered. Hope you all agree!
Furthermore, if we use these modern methods of teaching then we can help our students use them more effectively on their own time as well. This is also something Wilber discusses, "In deciding what sources, modes, and links to incorporate, our students can learn to discern what should or should not be incorporated into the texts they create..." (46). This is a great way to look at the use of technology in schools. If we take the time to use the internet or online databases with our students, then they might not struggle as much when it is time for them to do so on their own. I know I would have greatly appreciated one of my high school teachers teaching me to research on a database, instead of having a crash course during my first college paper. Just something I thought was a great point, and one that I had never really considered. Hope you all agree!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Evaluating Your Success
In one of my classes, I recently had a teacher replace a quiz question with an evaluation of himself. I thought this was something to be admired in a way. I mean, it is only the 4th week of classes, and he is already trying to make sure we understand his teaching and are following what is going on in the class. I think it is import to do this as educators. We should ask for feed back from students, so that they know their opinion matters and that they do have a say in the classroom. I just really appreciated that he took a quiz and turned it into a way to learn about his teaching techniques.
I hope that I am able to do this when I am a teacher. I know that some of the comments will not be exactly what I want to hear; in fact, some might be flat out mean. But, it is worth facing a sometimes hard truth to help improve myself, and the increase the learning of my students.
So, my question to you fellow bloggers is...how do you feel about evaluations? Do you think they are important/effective? I'm curious to hear your opinions!
I hope that I am able to do this when I am a teacher. I know that some of the comments will not be exactly what I want to hear; in fact, some might be flat out mean. But, it is worth facing a sometimes hard truth to help improve myself, and the increase the learning of my students.
So, my question to you fellow bloggers is...how do you feel about evaluations? Do you think they are important/effective? I'm curious to hear your opinions!
Teaching Together
I know I've been on this trend of talking about students and teachers really working together to get the best out of the lessons and what not. But, I just think it is crucial to remember in order to have a really wholesome classroom. This idea was brought up again in Kajder when Kristen says, "They had so much energy around this, and they were totally in alignment with the outcomes I wanted them to meet" (79). Kristen's students were so excited to participate and even help make the requirements; that is what I want my class to be like. I think they were so enthusiastic because they actually had a say in their assignment. It gave them the chance to teach themselves.
This is where the "Teaching Together" aspect comes into play. We all know that when you teach something, it helps you to learn the material even more. So, why not have these students teach it too? Through these podcasts the students were able to learn more about the subject, and by having others listen they were forced look into their information more as not to make mistakes while educating their peers. This is a great way to get students more involved; and once again, even the playing field so they feel the teacher respects their opinions. In return, the students respect the teacher and the classroom becomes comfortable and open.
Basically, I just think Kristen had a great idea. It sounds like her students were engaged and very willing to participate. It was the kind of project that you remember even once you graduate, and then tell other people about when you're studying to be a teacher...or maybe you just blog about it.
This is where the "Teaching Together" aspect comes into play. We all know that when you teach something, it helps you to learn the material even more. So, why not have these students teach it too? Through these podcasts the students were able to learn more about the subject, and by having others listen they were forced look into their information more as not to make mistakes while educating their peers. This is a great way to get students more involved; and once again, even the playing field so they feel the teacher respects their opinions. In return, the students respect the teacher and the classroom becomes comfortable and open.
Basically, I just think Kristen had a great idea. It sounds like her students were engaged and very willing to participate. It was the kind of project that you remember even once you graduate, and then tell other people about when you're studying to be a teacher...or maybe you just blog about it.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Keeping Privileges at Home
During class, we discussed tablets being used in the classroom. This idea stayed with me for a while after our conversation and I kept fighting myself on whether or not I agree with them being a classroom tool. One thing that makes me think they should not be a part of our teaching is the thought of keeping them a privilege at home. I know that some parents feel they do not want their children to bring their iPads or tablets to school either because of possible damage or they feel it is distracting. One thing that I think is that it takes the electronic device and makes it a right, or automatic tool that the student deserves. It is no longer a privilege, now it is a must for the student. I think if these are going to be used so frequently then we would have to have some seriously close monitoring and strict rules to make sure the item is being used properly.
Like I said in class, I think it is a great idea to bring into the classroom every once in awhile as a fun activity or reward for a class. But, I do not think that tablets should take over the classic paper, pencil, and notebook we have used for so long. Again, it's all about finding the balance (a common theme we keep running into in class discussion). I just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on the topic. Do you think they should be used in classrooms? If so, how often? Basically, what suggestions do you guys have that you were thinking might work in your future classes?
Like I said in class, I think it is a great idea to bring into the classroom every once in awhile as a fun activity or reward for a class. But, I do not think that tablets should take over the classic paper, pencil, and notebook we have used for so long. Again, it's all about finding the balance (a common theme we keep running into in class discussion). I just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on the topic. Do you think they should be used in classrooms? If so, how often? Basically, what suggestions do you guys have that you were thinking might work in your future classes?
Professor on a Pedestal
In the Kajder reading from this week, one thing that stood out to me was Ed's comment, "'When kids talk about the spaces in which they read and write, I can't lock it out because it threatens my own confidence. Instead, it is an opportunity'" (46). I know we have addressed this a little in both NPM and YAL. Someone in YAL brought up the idea that teachers and professors cannot be afraid to admit that they do not know something. She said we have to take ourselves down from the "pedestal" and realize that this is a learning environment, not a show and tell of intelligence for the teacher. I think that is very important for educators in a digital literacy classroom to keep this in mind. It is a scary thought to imagine admitting to students that we do not know how to do something or the answers to all their questions. However, I think it is important to keep in mind what Ed was saying in the Kajder reading. We cannot let our fears hinder learning and classroom engagement of students. Actually, I think that students will appreciate the honesty from a teacher and the feeling of working together in the classroom.
So, what I'm really trying to say is that even though it will be scary to admit to our future students that they probably know more than us about technology; we might be helping to create a better classroom. I just feel that maybe it won't create the chaos and disrespect we all fear (especially right after school as young teachers). Instead, students will appreciate and respect their teachers for valuing their intelligences and allowing them to have a say in the classroom. Education is about communication and sharing diverse intelligences, why not apply this to digital literacy use in the classroom as well?
So, what I'm really trying to say is that even though it will be scary to admit to our future students that they probably know more than us about technology; we might be helping to create a better classroom. I just feel that maybe it won't create the chaos and disrespect we all fear (especially right after school as young teachers). Instead, students will appreciate and respect their teachers for valuing their intelligences and allowing them to have a say in the classroom. Education is about communication and sharing diverse intelligences, why not apply this to digital literacy use in the classroom as well?
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Things I've Noticed
So after my little rant about technology in the classroom, I started thinking about my personal experiences with it in past classes. I specifically remember when my grade school got a Smartboard and how cool it was and never being allowed to touch it unless the teacher was standing next to us. Now, almost every single classroom on campus has a Smartboard. If they don't then there is some type of projector connected to the computer so that we can access the internet as a class. Basically, without realizing it my educational life is extremely centered around technology. One interesting part of this though is the variation of use from professor to professor.
I've noticed that age has absolutely nothing to do with the use of technology in the classroom. I have older professors who use very little technology, and other older professors who use it in almost every aspect of the class. In fact, I had a class last semester in which D2L and VoiceThreads were used weekly. It was a different way to get the information to the students, and I did end up really enjoying it.
On the other hand, I have had professors who refuse to incorporate any technology at all. My first adviser actually would not even set up his email. His inbox was continually full and he insisted on using a land line to communicate or a face-to-face meeting (which was set up by going to his office and writing your name and time on a list). This radical difference is interesting to think about as both a student and aspiring teacher. What made my one professor use so much technology and gain so much education about what she used? What made my one adviser refuse to use it at all? The fact of the matter is, technology is a big part of our education now. It does aid in understanding and becoming interested in the topic being discussed; however, I am not sure if I have noticed a difference in my success in the class based on what materials were used.
That is an interesting concept to ponder. Does this new tool in education have a great impact on the student's success? What do you guys think? Just curious!
I've noticed that age has absolutely nothing to do with the use of technology in the classroom. I have older professors who use very little technology, and other older professors who use it in almost every aspect of the class. In fact, I had a class last semester in which D2L and VoiceThreads were used weekly. It was a different way to get the information to the students, and I did end up really enjoying it.
On the other hand, I have had professors who refuse to incorporate any technology at all. My first adviser actually would not even set up his email. His inbox was continually full and he insisted on using a land line to communicate or a face-to-face meeting (which was set up by going to his office and writing your name and time on a list). This radical difference is interesting to think about as both a student and aspiring teacher. What made my one professor use so much technology and gain so much education about what she used? What made my one adviser refuse to use it at all? The fact of the matter is, technology is a big part of our education now. It does aid in understanding and becoming interested in the topic being discussed; however, I am not sure if I have noticed a difference in my success in the class based on what materials were used.
That is an interesting concept to ponder. Does this new tool in education have a great impact on the student's success? What do you guys think? Just curious!
Media Diet vs. Media Anorexia
After I read Rosen's article I had a lot running through my mind. Am I on this "media diet?" Should I be on a "media diet?" I don't know how to blog or do much technological stuff, does that mean I'm media anorexic? Will such anorexia make me a weaker teacher? Yes, you could say I was slightly spastic and a little confused. My point is that I don't think everyone in our generation is as dependent on media as this article makes us out to be. I am not saying that some people do not rely on their phones and computers for everything, I am friends with some of those people. But, there is still a vast number of us who do not like how computers, online assignments, and multimodal activities have taken over our learning experience. I'm not anti-technology or against its use in the classroom; however, my biggest concern is whether or not it is used properly or too frequently.
Rosen talks about getting through to our students and that not incorporating their media diets is what makes them uninterested and hate schooling in general. I think he is correct. I just do not think it needs to be used as often as many teachers do use it. I guess what I am worried about with an article like this is our students not interacting with one another or not being active in group discussions or classic pen and paper writing. I just want to find a balance that works. A balance between a heavy media diet and scary media anorexia.
Rosen talks about getting through to our students and that not incorporating their media diets is what makes them uninterested and hate schooling in general. I think he is correct. I just do not think it needs to be used as often as many teachers do use it. I guess what I am worried about with an article like this is our students not interacting with one another or not being active in group discussions or classic pen and paper writing. I just want to find a balance that works. A balance between a heavy media diet and scary media anorexia.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Hello NPM World!
Hi everyone! So, as you know, my name is Samantha. I go by Samantha, Sammi, or Sam. I am a Secondary English Education major who has never blogged in her life and finds it strangely personal. I'm outgoing, but you probably can tell that already from discussions in class. I do talk a lot, but that is just because I get really excited about what we read and I love hearing how different the interpretations are from people who are all in similar majors. I'm scared to death and ridiculously eager to teach for the rest of my life. I hope this class provides me with new tools for teaching in the modern classroom, and equips me with the skills to create a fun but educational English classroom. Sorry if I am bad at blogging right now. Hopefully I get less awkward with time. Looking forward to getting to know you all and your thoughts on education!
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