After spending 2 days listening to wonderful presentations by keynote speakers has really helped me redefine my vision of the future of education. Like many teachers, I want to bring technology into the classroom but not sure how to integrate it in a successful manner with minimum support.
Breaking down the fear that teachers and parents have may be the first step. Teachers need to understand that technology is not destroying writing (i.e. cursive) its giving them a more accessible way to communicate their voice. The iPad itself gives students a chance to voice their opinion in a ways they never could before. Instead of 3 students raising their hand, 30 students can publish their identity anyway they want and teach the entire world. Students will hold themselves to high standards when they know their work is going past the teachers desk. The same media becomes transformative to them. "Technology isn't killing their ability to write, it's defining it!"
Next, to calm the fears, students need to be taught digital citizenship. From making school rules, to understanding their identity online. The new résumé in this world is a google search. Having no identity online is just as bad as having a bad identity. Students need to discuss safety and the importance of their digital portfolio. Practicing taking pictures of students, asking the student if its okay to keep or delete, will help students know what is safe to display and what is not.
Moving forward, the school needs to communicate their plan and the importance of the digital world with parents. Technology nights with open forums to help parents connect with The digital classroom. Being able to view their children's success online would make any parent proud.
Teachers are relationship builders. Students know they can get their information from a google search. Teachers will become absolute if we continue to do the same thing machines can do. Teachers need to become facilitators land teach kids how to access and use the digital world correctly.
There is so much positive attributes in teaching students to conduct a positive digital role in this world and create media instead of consume it.
I would love to discuss ideas and ways to transform your school. Lets collaborate!
Shay
My previous school was not equipped with much technology, so I was pretty limited. At my new school, we have myriad opportunities. We are not a one-to-one school, but have so far, had enough to provide opportunities. Earlier this year we connected with another school for a Syping experience. Both schools had visited a cave and through Skype, we shared our experiences. In writer's workshop, we are planning to blog with our final stories. These are just a couple of ways we have integrated technology. What about you?
ReplyDeleteI love the Skype concept, as soon as I get WiFi in my room we are going to jump right in.
ReplyDeleteSo far, our students are preparing a document of procedures, rules, consequences as how to use the technology safely. Some are making a short YouTube presentation as well to document and engage the school.
Later this year I plan on having my students create their biography report using iMovie and pictures they found online. They will narrate the story in a 2-3 minute presentation. I think it will be a very good story telling experience. We also have students narrating books for the younger students to help read as they follow along to the voice. A very good tool imo for library iPad time!
Thats great Laura that you students got to share their similar experiences with the global world. Must have been so empowering!