The multi-user virtual environments presentation was another great way to look at technology. One thing that jumped out to me was the application of Twitter for solving of many problems. Instead of banning programs like this in schools they can be used to enhance education. I found the story about people finding out about the earthquake in haiti through twitter before it was recognized in any other way interesting. This example just shows the speed and power of social networking sites. Making yourself availible through applications such as twitter, facebook, etc... will allow you to provide instant feedback to your students. If you are not availible when a question comes up students can use each other and the web to find answers and then relay the information through these networking sites.
I also liked the point that we need to stop demanding that students read traditional books and start looking for opportunities to include gaming and other technologies into our classes as a way to teach literacy. Students can read computer info or manuals for hours and in my oppinion this is just as good as reading books. Literacy is Literacy and reading information that is in relation to technology will only help students in the long run.
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Lots of good points Chad!
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to stop demanding that students read traditional books and start looking for other opportunites. In my teaching reading/thinking strategies class we talk about how to motivate students to read. Many students lack the motivation to read traditional books, but have high motivation to read by using other multi literacy practices, such as chat, email, blog, etc.
I also liked your idea about using twitter. Students may have questions outside of school hours, and twitter is a great way to connect with them to answer these questions.
It is our job as teachers, to learn about these great resources, so that it benefits our students.
I agree with Chad modern technology should be used as a learning tool to enhance the children’s education in schools. Displaying Chemistry or Physics practicals using technology is very advantageous to small schools that don’t have the finance, qualified teachers or the facilities.
ReplyDeleteI was also impressed when I heard the advantages of twitter as to get news from a distant location about an earthquake before you hear it from the local news station.