Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
"Writing is a dog's life, but the only life worth living." - Gustave Flaubert
A local discussion forum for past, present, and future participants in the National Writing Project.
"Writing is a dog's life, but the only life worth living." - Gustave Flaubert
14 comments:
Brad,
I have access to a Smartboard and I definitely want to use it in my teaching practice. The interactive aspect of the Smartboard and its size make it a good fit for teaching children with special needs. I also want to have my students do some of their writing on the computer. I believe a part of their frustration with writing comes from the physical nature of it. I think that for some of them typing would be easier than writing.
I need a little extra help learning new technology but with a patient teacher and a bit of practice I have been able to master most of what I have attempted.
Technology is an increasingly necessary tool. In the last few years, many teachers are experiencing an extraordinary phenomenon... our students actually know more than we do about this thing everyone is referring to as 'technology'! Whether we like it or not, science and technology are developing faster than our own learning curves. As teachers we need to stay ahead of that curve, and offer our students the opportunity and the skills to work with that which they will encounter when they leave our classrooms. This is truly a time in which teachers must keep up with their students, mastering the all of the technological learning tools that are available to us. It's a fast paced and wild world out there. Our learners are born at this speed, and often crave the fast lane in order to be engaged. Technology can help foster that engagement, through music, pod casts, blogs, and other electronic mediums. I want my students to understand that writing is not dead, but very much alive. I want them to journey through the writing process with their paper and pencil as well as their blogs (journals). I am no technology guru, not yet, but at the end of this summer, I plan to be close.
Candee-
I agree. I think that the physical act of writing can be very frustrating - that is where word processing programs can help. At the same time, I also think that there is something incredibly fulfilling about writing with a pencil. Believe it or not, it is my first choice.
Brad,
I agree with you about wrting with a pencil (or pen). I find that when it comes to recalling information what I write down on paper is more easily remembered than what I type. Using multiple senses in learning? Probably.
Beth,
What you are saying is so true. This is part of my reason for wanting my students to write any way they can. I don't want their disabilities or challenges (we all have them) to keep them from expressing themselves and from learning what they need to know to be successful adolescents and adults. One thing that will be essential for the kids of today is to have computer/technological skills. There is no doubt about that. And technology is engaging. It's another way to get kids to buy in to learning.
I work with teens in spaces where I have poor access to technology—at churches, in public library meeting rooms, and at the park. I blog, podcast, and download myself. I love using music as a springboard for writing (or as background noise). And I'd like to do some podcasts with the teens. Time to get creative with finding solutions or a grant to fund us!
All that said, there's something so amazing (as a writer) about sitting in a coffee shop and writing with a notebook and pen. It makes writing accessible to EVERYONE. I'd like my writing group to understand that they do not need any fancy tools to produce a book. Many authors (famous ones) don't use computers yet.
—Rochelle
Rochelle,
I really like how you described writing with a pen/notebook as an activity that is accessible to everyone. It is pretty amazing when you think about it. No expensive equipment, gear, or membership fees needed!
Rochelle,
I agree about accessibility for everyone can make using technology very frustrating and in no way should the manual art of writing be lost.
As far as technology in my classroom, similar to Candee K. I also have a Smartboard that I want to use in my teaching practices. When it comes to using technology in my classroom I feel very frustrated. To me it feels more as another thing that has to be piled onto the ever increasing work load that teachers have to teach on a daily basis. I would like technology to come more natural to me and simplify my day.
Dear Brad,
I really enjoy technology inside the classroom. I use alphasmarts to encourage writing. I use a projector to show video and manipulatives. I can not imagine a day without technology inside the classroom. It really helps in student engagement. The only concern I have with technology, is the reliance students have upon it. Too many times they feel they can not do a task unless they have technology.
I think technology is an important aspect of teaching in todays classroom. I agree with the previous posters that writing still needs to also be used in pencil and paper form.
I am lucky to also have a smartboard in my classroom and I use this on a daily basis. I pull up different aspects from the gallery to enhance lessons. I use power point daily--not sure if this is considered technology. This summer we (Liz and I)decided to create a summer reading blog on edublog. Students have not responded but a blog is something that I would like to incorporate into my classroom a bit more.
I guess I use technology a minimal amount. I would like to really incoporate it even MORE into my classroom and I have gotten some great ideas so far. One of my concerns is finding the time to figure out and create different technology aspects to my classroom.
I work in a district that puts a strong value on technology. The kids are quite computer literate and capable at a young age. I already feel like I have been left behind (I still haven't down loaded music into my little music thingie I got for Mother's Day 2007; I don't use my phone capabilities to the max) I am a reluctant learner, yet need to improve my knowledge so I can help my resource kids who have missed their initial instruction.
I think technology is important and necessary in the classroom, especially. I work in a district where technology is not always available at my students' homes and in a school where technology lags behind the availability of many other schools.
I have recently been introduced to alpha smarts. I think a classroom of these would be fabulous for anyone teaching writing. It allows for technology and ease of use, but it does not allow for internet access, nor does it tie up precious lab space where internet access is required.
In terms of composing and writing, almost everything I do is at a computer. Ironically my pen and paper writing has increased this summer as part of the writing project. I feel the need to "write by hand" and then convert.
My techno skills are weak. I need to bone up to keep up. I like the thought of integrating technology into the classroom. I do use an elearning platform (MPS moodle), but those skills as well as smartboard, blogs, wikis, etc remain mysteriously elusive to me. I need, like Candee, the patience and tutelage of a master as well as the luxury of regular time to practice, practice, practice.
Dear Vicki,
If you need any help with the MP3 player, I'd be glad to help. They are awesome. I use mine for podcast, little radio programs that I can listen to on my leisure. All teachers feel left behind in regards to technology. We just don't have the time to keep up.
Jason
Post a Comment