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.
I agree, we need to teach to our audience.We have to meet the students half way. Using technology would make our jobs much easier. The problem is that we are not comfortable or sure of how to monitor our students while they are using the computers. It would be nice for each student to have access to a computer at school.
I’ve used the Lucy Calkins writing curriculum for 2 years now! I absolutely love it, as do my students. Have you used it yet? Let me know if you have any questions about it. I teach 2nd grade and I’m always amazed at how much writing my kids produce, even at the beginning of the year!
Wow is right!
Well, as you move through your own education and experience with technology in the classroom, you will be able to speak confidently and with experience to the Digital “not-in-my-classroom” types. Hopefully, their reticence is due to unfamiliarity rather than hostility towards tech tools. I feel for their students.
Christina