Upon reading all of the articles I realize that past learning has been somewhat stagnant. The world is truly at our fingertips BUT are we becoming satisfied with technology status quo? The term "jack of all trades but master of none" comes to mind. I have worked with a fellow art teacher who is much more technology savvy than I but this teacher did not know how to perform basic physical activities that were crucial in the art studio. So, how technology-focussed do we become that skill and experience in a specific field is not the central focus. How do we become experts at a skill driven task? Practice.... Experience....Comittment.....
Often when I am completing mandatory tasks at the computer I am thinking about how I would like to be creating a piece of jewelry, sculpture or painting.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Connecting Student Learning and Technology
I have already seen the benefits of making the classroom a community through technology. The community can be broadened by connecting more than one class. Through the Moodle website for my classes, student work is posted and other students can view and comment on the work. It is also helpful for students who are unclear about an assignment to view others then take off on their own. Kids feel comfortable and confident having this resource.
Here is the link if you would like to take a look.http://moodle.mcsin-k12.org/
Here is the link if you would like to take a look.http://moodle.mcsin-k12.org/
e portfolio
This article was meaningful to me in particular because this is the subject of my research proposal for completion of my masters. We will be conducting research in the fall to determine if portfolio assessment can improve student achievement. There are three of us using experimental research in 2-D art classrooms, 3-D art classrooms, and foreign language classrooms. We will be using e-portfolios in one of each of these classes and not utilizing portfolio assessment in the same class of a different block. In portfolio assessed classes the students will use reflection, check points, and peer review to monitor and improve their learning.
The most difficult task in our research will be not to use portfolios in some classes. It seems those students will be short-changed.
The most difficult task in our research will be not to use portfolios in some classes. It seems those students will be short-changed.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hello World 5-20-2010
Good Day,
The review of Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky aids in my understanding of how and why teachers and businesses need to adjust their thinking to the way today's youth receive and process information. It is not really even a choice as it is not a choice as to what race you were born. Digital technology is a tool that our current generation is engaged at the onset of life. Teachers with more experience dismiss some student behavior as inattentive, disrespectful or lazy without considering their experiences. We need to evaluate the most effective ways to get our information to the students in a meaningful and productive plan. We can also learn from them what they need as they share knowledge about technology that is helpful to us. Technology can be implemented in every classroom. (as a side note) If we are able to productively use digital technology and direct students maybe there would be less need to medicate these digital natives.
The Jukes video definitely made me feel more confident about approaching technology in the classroom and with my own children. It was nice to learn that my mental growth concerning technology is not stinted after a certain age. I am able to learn and grow with teenagers. No one ever thought my mother would ever break into digital technology but at age 68 she is texting more than she is talking on the phone. At the age of 93 my grandfather was an avid user of the internet and email. I have more of a positive attitude knowing that I can participate in the technological race without biological obstacles.
The Community of Inquiry model was perhaps the most enlightening of the readings. I already understood some of the differences in the generations but I had not considered the three components of making technology work in the classroom and at home. The student needs to feel comfortable with the technology and the environment needs to be a safe one for a positive social experience. I also realized the facilitator needs to work to ensure the student is working toward bettering social and cognitive skills through reflection and social discourse. A facilitator might assume that youth are aware of how to use technology for education but this is not always the case. This would be like assuming if you put a book in front of them they will know how to use it and learn the content and standards that are valuable to the subject matter. I think we just set them loose with technology sometimes and hope for the best.
The review of Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky aids in my understanding of how and why teachers and businesses need to adjust their thinking to the way today's youth receive and process information. It is not really even a choice as it is not a choice as to what race you were born. Digital technology is a tool that our current generation is engaged at the onset of life. Teachers with more experience dismiss some student behavior as inattentive, disrespectful or lazy without considering their experiences. We need to evaluate the most effective ways to get our information to the students in a meaningful and productive plan. We can also learn from them what they need as they share knowledge about technology that is helpful to us. Technology can be implemented in every classroom. (as a side note) If we are able to productively use digital technology and direct students maybe there would be less need to medicate these digital natives.
The Jukes video definitely made me feel more confident about approaching technology in the classroom and with my own children. It was nice to learn that my mental growth concerning technology is not stinted after a certain age. I am able to learn and grow with teenagers. No one ever thought my mother would ever break into digital technology but at age 68 she is texting more than she is talking on the phone. At the age of 93 my grandfather was an avid user of the internet and email. I have more of a positive attitude knowing that I can participate in the technological race without biological obstacles.
The Community of Inquiry model was perhaps the most enlightening of the readings. I already understood some of the differences in the generations but I had not considered the three components of making technology work in the classroom and at home. The student needs to feel comfortable with the technology and the environment needs to be a safe one for a positive social experience. I also realized the facilitator needs to work to ensure the student is working toward bettering social and cognitive skills through reflection and social discourse. A facilitator might assume that youth are aware of how to use technology for education but this is not always the case. This would be like assuming if you put a book in front of them they will know how to use it and learn the content and standards that are valuable to the subject matter. I think we just set them loose with technology sometimes and hope for the best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)