Doug Johnson's list "Seven brilliant things teachers do with technology" includes several of the topics discussed in EDM310. I think his third point is an important one. "Make conferencing real-time." Not only can students benefit from the use of technology in the classroom, but so can their parents. As a parent, I have personally benefited when teachers have used technology to communicate about my child's progress. I can access their grades and averages online twenty four hours a day. This allows me to more effectively manage my child's academics. It gives us a chance to avoid any “surprise” grades by catching academic trends early and allows me to be more involved in my child's education.
I also believe his fourth point,"Put kids in touch with the world", highlights the unique usefulness that certain technologies provide. Much like a supercharged library, the internet can facilitate a child's natural curiosity to expand beyond the four walls of the classroom. This curiosity could help the teacher identify the child's passions. Then the child's own interests become a teaching tool, allowing the teacher to instill the importance of learning, researching, and communicating conclusions. These skills are intrinsic to the education process, and they always serve them well in society. In EDM310, Comments4kids introduced us to the possibility of students communicating with the world.
Our own Anthony Capps reminded us that we are creating an "intellectual trail" while using technology. Many of the mistakes listed in Doug Johnson's list "Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make with Technology" can be avoided when considering the "trail" that one is leaving.
His sixth point, "Ignoring the intrinsic interest of tech use in today's kids", is very important because classroom teachers should use every tool and method at their disposal to "motivate and interest" their students. Children do have a great deal of interest in technology. They live in a world where their games and nearly all other entertainment involves some form of technology. The possibility of a keyboard and mouse instead of paper and pencil somehow seems much more interesting. The possibility of connecting with people in other parts of the world seems much more motivating.
The third "stupid mistake" of "Not supervising computer-using students" is incredibly important. Connecting with people in other parts of the world can be a very good thing, but the possibility for bad connections should not be ignored. Teachers should consider that they should try to protect their students from access to inappropriate sites and images. Classroom computers should be used with supervision and the monitor should be visible to anyone who may pass.
The New Classroom Rules by Education Innovation includes a couple of rules which I think are important because they are part of all the social skills that everyone should learn and use no matter the situation. "Be polite, courteous, and respectful at all times in both physical and virtual space." Much of what is learned at the elementary level is about how to treat others and how to behave in public settings. Remembering to be kind and respectful while communicating with people around the world is an additional skill that will always be useful.
Rule number six is somewhat like some of the classroom management strategies I've learned. "Don't Talk to your neighbors, unless you are sharing your ideas, asking for help or giving help." Many teachers ask their students to "Ask three, then me" when they have a question in class. Students are to ask three neighbors for help. This allows for "peer tutoring" and eliminates having to repeat some instructions for the teacher.
Good summary.
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