Ms. Cassidy teaches the first grade in Canada. She strongly believes that it is important to integrate technology into a child's education. Educators are handicapping students when technology is not used. Her video showcases her students using technology. They blog, skype, use Nintendo DSs, use wiki, and use videos to share and collaborate.
One approach that I will most certainly use in my classroom is blogging. As Ms. Cassidy notes, blogs provide a great way to post assignments, changes, announcements, and information. The best part about blogging is that students will enjoy it. It is a fun way to share ideas and also learn a lot. Ms. Cassidy points out that kids are more encouraged to write to an audience rather than to their teacher. I think students will put in more effort if they know that there is an audience. Another benefit is that it can get the quieter students to speak. One problem that I see is with older students considering writing on their blogs "busy work" instead of a learning process. Any solutions? Honestly, I have yet to come up with how to address that issue. As teachers, we are motivated to teach, especially in our subject-area. However, that might not be the case for all students.
I would also consider using Skype for connectivity. My students can connect with other students, teachers, and experts. Ms. Cassidy used Skype in her classroom (as shown in the video) to communicate with a geologist for her students to learn more about rocks and to gain knowledge from a specialist in the field. I would apply a similar technique in my classroom. Students can gain a very different perspective on a topic or concept.
One approach that I will most certainly use in my classroom is blogging. As Ms. Cassidy notes, blogs provide a great way to post assignments, changes, announcements, and information. The best part about blogging is that students will enjoy it. It is a fun way to share ideas and also learn a lot. Ms. Cassidy points out that kids are more encouraged to write to an audience rather than to their teacher. I think students will put in more effort if they know that there is an audience. Another benefit is that it can get the quieter students to speak. One problem that I see is with older students considering writing on their blogs "busy work" instead of a learning process. Any solutions? Honestly, I have yet to come up with how to address that issue. As teachers, we are motivated to teach, especially in our subject-area. However, that might not be the case for all students.I would also consider using Skype for connectivity. My students can connect with other students, teachers, and experts. Ms. Cassidy used Skype in her classroom (as shown in the video) to communicate with a geologist for her students to learn more about rocks and to gain knowledge from a specialist in the field. I would apply a similar technique in my classroom. Students can gain a very different perspective on a topic or concept.
Hello Khushbu!
ReplyDeleteI did not find any errors in your post. I also, liked that her classroom was able to speak with a geologist. I know that made a huge impact on the kids during their lesson about rocks and minerals. Great job and great blogging! Keep up the great work.
Lauren
Khushbu,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on this post. However, I noticed you did not have clickable links in this one. Be sure to go back and add these. I think you are right that students will be more willing to put out an effort in their work if they know they have an audience other than the teacher. Still, your concerns for it being assigned as "busy work" are very real. I think if the teacher were to be sure and discuss these blog posts frequently in class and note the good and bad ones, the teacher would see even more effort. Students could also have the opportunity to blog about what they want which would make it more fun.
Actually Elizabeth, there is a clickable link. Thanks for the advice on the "busy work" issue!
ReplyDeleteAh, I finally found it. I think it is because the text is the same color as the links so they are hard to locate!
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