Before responding to the readings for week 1, I would like to express that I have completely enjoyed creating a blog. I had always heard people talking about blogging but I never really knew what it was. I want to express that I felt a bit intimidated by technology because I haven't had many opportunities to experiment with it outside of e-mail, Facebook, and online shopping. As soon as I got to school on Friday, I was so excited about creating a blog that I quickly pulled it up and showed all of my co-workers. They were quite impressed but the reality is that it wasn't that difficult to create. I am thrilled that I am taking this class and that I am going to learn something useful that I can share with the students and teachers at my school.
In response to the question about defining new literacies, my first thought was that literacy means to be able to read and write. New literacies are forms of reading and writing through technology for example, blogging, creating a website, social networking, emailing, and digital storytelling (Wikipedia, 2011). New literacies have a direct link to teaching and learning today. It may be difficult to determine the appropriateness of an electronic source and as educators it is our responsibility to help students understand which sources are reliable. The following video clip from YouTube highlights the proficiencies students need in order to attain success in the 21st century.
http://youtu.be/jiPDZUP-9ww
I have experimented with technology in my classroom through literacy and math. My students have had the opportunities to use technology during literacy and math instruction through Lexia, Bookflix, Starfall, and Envisions Math. However, I have always felt like there is a disconnect between technology and the curriculum I teach. Technology is an amazing resource for teachers but with the limited training provided to educators in many school districts, it is not being used as a means of to improve student achievement. Many of my co-workers would have no clue as how to integrate technology in an effective way to maximize their instruction or student learning.
In response to NETS for students, I think that all of the performance indicators will serve students well in the 21st century. They standards are aligned to the expectations we have for our youth and will be very beneficial in preparing our youth to compete not only nationally but globally. As for the NETS for teachers, I found that they will also benefit teachers as well because in order for our children to succeed teachers need to be on board with technology and the expectations need to be across the board. It is our responsibility as educators to implement these standards in order to improve student learning and ensure that our students are ready to become successful adults in a world full of technology.
As a classroom teacher for the past ten years, I have done my best with limited time and training to implement technology into my classroom. As I read through the standards for both teachers and student, I realize that the school system I work for isn't doing enough to make sure our students are ready to compete and succeed in this world. I have provided my students with opportunities to research information for reports on the computer and I have use videos to enhance instruction. I have also used the technology component to EnVisions Math by assigning online student work and assessments. I found that many of the students could only use the internet at school due to the fact that they do not have computers or internet access. As I think about my own children, I remember how they learned the basics about technology at school but they were able to sharpen their technological skills at home because they always had access to a computer and the internet. The students I teach are not as fortunate so that is why it is so important for teachers to be trained in how to integrate technology.
I have experimented with technology in my classroom through literacy and math. My students have had the opportunities to use technology during literacy and math instruction through Lexia, Bookflix, Starfall, and Envisions Math. However, I have always felt like there is a disconnect between technology and the curriculum I teach. Technology is an amazing resource for teachers but with the limited training provided to educators in many school districts, it is not being used as a means of to improve student achievement. Many of my co-workers would have no clue as how to integrate technology in an effective way to maximize their instruction or student learning.
In response to NETS for students, I think that all of the performance indicators will serve students well in the 21st century. They standards are aligned to the expectations we have for our youth and will be very beneficial in preparing our youth to compete not only nationally but globally. As for the NETS for teachers, I found that they will also benefit teachers as well because in order for our children to succeed teachers need to be on board with technology and the expectations need to be across the board. It is our responsibility as educators to implement these standards in order to improve student learning and ensure that our students are ready to become successful adults in a world full of technology.
As a classroom teacher for the past ten years, I have done my best with limited time and training to implement technology into my classroom. As I read through the standards for both teachers and student, I realize that the school system I work for isn't doing enough to make sure our students are ready to compete and succeed in this world. I have provided my students with opportunities to research information for reports on the computer and I have use videos to enhance instruction. I have also used the technology component to EnVisions Math by assigning online student work and assessments. I found that many of the students could only use the internet at school due to the fact that they do not have computers or internet access. As I think about my own children, I remember how they learned the basics about technology at school but they were able to sharpen their technological skills at home because they always had access to a computer and the internet. The students I teach are not as fortunate so that is why it is so important for teachers to be trained in how to integrate technology.
References
New literacies. (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_literacies
3 comments:
Marilyn, I have to agree with you when you mention the lack of training! My school is a prime example. We have all new technology and every classroom is equip with smartboards however, we were given one 30 minute training and it is just not enough to learn how to use it! I also agree that there is a huge diconnect between technology and the curriculum. They seem very seperate when they should be combined and assist each other.
I am with both of you there! I was given about 15 minutes total training on SchoolNet. I still have no idea how to use it! It is a great resource, but not if no one is schooled in it!
I'm so glad that you have enjoyed creating a blog and I do hope you will encounter many useful "things" in this class that you can use in the future, whether it be for personal or educational purposes.
In your post, you mention that new literacies includes blogging, creating a web site, social networking, etc. Those are "tools" - new literacies would be the skills necessary to navigate/use those tools. So for example, with a blog, what new literacies skills would students need to blog? How is it different than writing a paper?
Good job this week! Insightful comments!
Post a Comment