Ms. Cassidy offers some inspiring tips in her video Little Kids...Big Potential, as well as in the Skype video between her and EDM310. I love that in the video, her students pointed out that they enjoy blogging because other people see it. Blogging provides students with an audience, and allows students to share their work with friends and family who otherwise may not get to see it. Writing for an audience gives students a purpose, even if the writers are first graders.
I really like the idea of a classroom webpage and blog. This is a great way to relay information to parents and guardians as well. I will be teaching English and language arts at the high school level. I really want to incorporate blogging into my curriculum. I believe being able to share your ideas and thoughts with a world full of diversity is a learning experience in itself. Teaming up with other classrooms across the world and allowing the students to communicate with one another will promote diversity and acceptance of people who are different as well as enhance their learning experience.
I also love her idea of using a Wiki. A Wiki would be a great way to have students research and understand assigned literature readings. Many students are bored with literature assignments. However, allowing students to create a Wiki and communicate with other students in a different school may encourage students to be more involved in discussing elements of literature. For instance, students could make a Wiki for plot or symbolism.
I have heard from several teachers that Mobile County is pushing small group instruction for the teacher to get more one on one time with the students. Technology can be used to enhance this activity. While the teacher is working with one group other students can be at centers. Students can work with a smart board, computers, iPads, and their own devices. A common way to teach grammar is through worksheets as it calls for repetition. There are many grammar quiz apps available for tablets. This would be a great alternative to the worksheet. In an attempt to engage students, a teacher can make a grammar game and have students play it on the smart board.
A big obstacle in using technology in the classroom is funding and access. But with a focus on small group instruction, every student in the classroom does not have to have a tablet or computer. Students can rotate and work with one another in cases where lack of access is an issue. Another obstacle will be those students who do not wish to share their work publically and those parents who do not want their students work to be shared. This can create a great issue. Informing and educating both students and parents on the advantages and the safety measures in place can help alleviate this issue.
Hey Amanda! Your post was great and very thorough! I think the idea about working with small groups is a great idea, especially with schools that have limited funding! Good luck with the rest of the class!
ReplyDelete"Another obstacle will be those students who do not wish to share their work publically and those parents who do not want their students work to be shared. This can create a great issue." Extremely rare as far as students are concerned.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I am an enthusiastic fan of blogging. I hope you will be a blogging teacher!