I was in a writing workshop today. We are learning to implement the Lucy Calkins writing program. We got talking about different technology options with writing, and people started complaining about how they can’t compete with the kids’ iPods and such. I spoke right up and told them that we need to stop COMPETING and start USING the technology that the kids are using! I tried to explain what we read about digital immigrants vs. digital natives, and that their brains process information differently than ours. I explained that their brains now process information in a random-fire sort of fashion, and that we need to change the way we present information. An older teacher spoke up and said, “This is exactly the problem! We need to teach them how to USE text books! This is why they make indexes in books…so that kids can look up the information they need!” WOW. I guess that teacher isn’t a digial native…or immigrant for that matter.
Thoughts about Web reliability June 30, 2008
I have always taught kids to be aware that not everything they read on the internet is truth. But after reading the article about Zack and Dr. Butz’s website, I know now that I must go further with this teacher. I can’t just TELL them, I have to show them! It’s important for kids to know how to decipher the components of a web address. It’s important for them to know why links pointing TO a website can help you determine the validity. I can’t wait to teach these skills next year! I only wish I had more time to teach technology…
Blogs, blogs, blogs! June 23, 2008
We have been talking a lot about blog use in class. It seems that blogging is taking over the world! Really though, I feel a little ahead of the curve (FIRST TIME EVER!) at least with the blogging discussion. I’ve had a personal blog since 2005, and I’ve had a classroom blog for a year now. Attached to my class blog is also a homework blog that I update everyday (well, ok….that I SHOULD update everyday!) and it was a great replacement for a classroom newsletter. It really helps with time AND materials, being able to save on copy paper. I also liked getting feedback from parents by way of commenting on blog entries. I think the next step for me is to teach the kids how to use blogging to benefit their writing. I will work on that for next year.
ECOMP 6008 Introduction June 4, 2008
I am so excited for ECOMP 6008! I am a fifth grade teacher at a great school here in Maine. In addition to teaching, I’m also the Drama Coach at school. I love working with kids, and I love technology.
My husband Wes and I love to play golf! During the summer, I work part time at the golf course here in town, and we participate in a lot of the tournaments as well. We also like to take our chocolate lab, Necco, hiking with us. There are lots of great places to hike around here, as we are in the northern part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.
Wes and I had a house built last fall, and now we are working on finishing the upstairs ourselves! I’ve learned so much about carpentry in the last few weeks. Anyone need a wall built?
I’m really looking forward to learning lots of things I can take back and use in my classroom. Technology is extremely important in education, and I want my students to be on the front of the curve, not catching up at the rear.
