Integrating appropriate technology into the classroom is a mandate given through objectives, standards, and benchmarks from federal, state, and local educational agencies. As I attempt to weave technology into my classroom that is meaningful and proper for my curricular objectives, I do not want to include it for purely technotainment purposes. As I consider incorporating blogs into my high school math and science classes, I want to make sure my students are safe from unforeseen outside distracters. While there are ways to mitigate these dangers, the nature of the internet is too complex to control all the variables. I would be interested to hear from teachers who have incorporated blogging into their classes about some of their successes and red flags to be aware of. Does the advantages blogging in a classroom setting outweigh the disadvantages? Thank you for helping me determine if blogging is appropriate for my classroom situation.
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Hi Nathan,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about trying to keep up with the fast moving pace of the technological world! In June of 2007, I enrolled in an on-line course that focused on communication and technology, as part of my undergraduate program. It was in this course that I felt overwhelmed about having to quickly adapt to so many technologies that I had heard about, but had never used. This turned out to be a fun and rewarding course! It was a great deal of pressure, because as you can imagine, the assessment was mostly performance task based, meaning one had to "show what you know!" I learned to create a blog, a podcast, and much more. Maybe, this is what sparked my interest in studying Adolescent Literacy and Technology for my Masters program. Try to relax and take it step by step. You will probably be amazed at how much you can do and how much it will change your life for the better. Everyone adapts to new technology at a different pace, but what helps to move forward, is embracing new ideas with careful examination and comparison to what we already do. More than anything, the young students we teach are growing up with technology for just about everything they do, especially with communication and the Web. As educators, we can prepare to meet them right where they are in their technology rich lives and be ready to ignite their learning in ways that strongly connect to their world. Does this make sense? As one of your colleagues, let me know if you start to sink, I'll do my best to help, so long as I can keep afloat. It takes me a week or two to get over the anxiety of starting a new class. Best of luck in your studies.
I love Alisha's statement: "As educators, we can prepare to meet them right where they are in their technology rich lives and be ready to ignite their learning in ways that strongly connect to their world." Isn't this what we are here for?... to meet students where they are?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the analogy. You must be back east? (The 'shore' and all...)
This is a great bunch... I think we'll all be able to count on one another to keep afloat.
I concur with tarebare's comments and appreciate Alicia C's. It is nice to have good company when you embark on a new journey!
ReplyDeleteWhile there are numerous applications of blogs in the classroom maybe the medium of blogs is the most appropriate. Some programs such as QuickR and Black Board allow the same interaction but provide superior protection for our students. That is the bottom line for me, I want to incorporate these ideas into my courses but I also want to ensure the safety of my students. Websites such as blogs and some social networking sites do not provide this security.
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