The weather is getting colder and the semester is drawing to a close.
So, where do I stand with regards to using technology in the classroom?
I feel that technology can definitely make learning more engaging for students. I will likely use a great deal of PowerPoint presentations and incorporate nonlinear elements into it. I really like the idea of creating student blogs and a class website to create a school-home connection and celebrate student work and achievements.
I have discovered a wide range of Internet resources that I never knew existed. These resources (many of which are free), can be used in the classroom or can help teachers with their various responsibilities, whether in research, lesson-planning, or scheduling appointments. The Internet can make things much easier for students and teachers because it does provide instant communication and collaboration with people throughout the world.
While facebook can be useful if using it for certain topics (such as assuming the identity of a historical figure, etc.), but I cannot imagine a regular use for facebook in the classroom. Social media is a great way to share information with peers--through articles, support, and networking in general--but it may not always be appropriate to use with students (although I am curious as to how many students are facebook friends with their teachers).
In this class, I feel that my facebook participation (in general and with regards to the EDTS group) was a bit strained. I still view facebook as a means to keep in touch with friends and family rather than a news source, and it was hard to adjust to checking facebook regularly for class. I do feel that having access to a group that shares information could be helpful and informative, even though some students may feel more comfortable as passive participants.
As always, I think it is incredibly important to remember that not all students have access to technology in the class and at home. Because of that, teachers should be aware before they assign any work that requires a computer, smart phone, etc. Students may have varying levels of familiarity with technology as well. While some students enter kindergarten with the ability to surf the web, some high schoolers have little exposure to ever using a keyboard and mouse.
If schools provide access to technology such as Smartboard, computers, ipads, etc., I think that teachers should take advantage of their various functions to appeal to different learners in multiple ways.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
My Life As a Movie
As I worked on my final PowerPoint presentation, I found myself wanting to add video after video. Then, I thought, maybe I could have the students watch a full-length movie. Then maybe make their own video.
I think that the obsession with Youtube clearly demonstrates that videos can make our lives more interesting. For teachers and students, video technology can show students something that they may not be able to see outside of the classroom. Videos can be more powerful than reading a book, especially for ELLs. If they can see something and understand it without having to worry about their language deficiencies, they are more likely to become interested in it and learn from it.
Just like "a picture is worth a thousand words," for ELLs, a video may make their learning come to life.
Using video technology can be useful for engaging learners of all ages. Students make write their own script, practice it, and perform on video so they may show it to their families. Learning has a purpose--whether to do a news announcement, stage a play, or recreate a story they had read. Additionally, it has an audience.
I remember memorizing skits for language classes just long enough to forget them immediately afterword. If I knew that the performance would be videotaped, I may have studied it longer, brought in props, or tried to make the conversation interesting. With video technology, students can use multiple takes, knowing that they don't have to have everything perfect on the first try. Additionally, videos can be uploaded onto the class website for families to enjoy at home.
Videos in the classroom can help students become engaged in the classroom and excited about learning. They can help ELLs keep up with the content in the classroom while practicing their listening and comprehension skills as well.
I think that the obsession with Youtube clearly demonstrates that videos can make our lives more interesting. For teachers and students, video technology can show students something that they may not be able to see outside of the classroom. Videos can be more powerful than reading a book, especially for ELLs. If they can see something and understand it without having to worry about their language deficiencies, they are more likely to become interested in it and learn from it.
Just like "a picture is worth a thousand words," for ELLs, a video may make their learning come to life.
Using video technology can be useful for engaging learners of all ages. Students make write their own script, practice it, and perform on video so they may show it to their families. Learning has a purpose--whether to do a news announcement, stage a play, or recreate a story they had read. Additionally, it has an audience.
I remember memorizing skits for language classes just long enough to forget them immediately afterword. If I knew that the performance would be videotaped, I may have studied it longer, brought in props, or tried to make the conversation interesting. With video technology, students can use multiple takes, knowing that they don't have to have everything perfect on the first try. Additionally, videos can be uploaded onto the class website for families to enjoy at home.
Videos in the classroom can help students become engaged in the classroom and excited about learning. They can help ELLs keep up with the content in the classroom while practicing their listening and comprehension skills as well.
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