Saturday, July 23, 2011

Students using Technology

Using Ipod touch and ipads in a first grade classroom. 
RRR - Reread, record, reflect
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHJIiTzjtJU&feature=related

This teacher uses technology for games.  He has a variety of games the students play.  This is one way you can use technology, however, I believe we need to provide opportunites for students to use technology to think at higher levels as well. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSJ5LwAXxLk
But make sure you watch it to the end.  A twist in what I thought the video was about..... 
There is also a link to the teachers class website below the video.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Students Have the Technology - Week 2 Post

Students are using the technology out of school why not bring some of it in to the classroom. 

Teaching the younger students I have not utilized the social networks in my classroom.  This video shows a few great ways to use Twitter in the upper grade classrooms. 

BYOT - Bring your own technology.  Twitter in the Classroom - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32ptr5d2rw8


Here are some digital natives teaching their immigrants and using all the amazing tools Google has to offer. 

Creek Squad / Google in Schools - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkXd9xPzYQI

Monday, July 11, 2011

Can the Digital Natives Effectively Multi-Task? - Week 1 Post

Thinking back to the articles from Monday I feel I am somewhere in the middle of a digital native and immigrant.  Prensky's article proposed a shift in the digital "immigrants" way of teaching the "natives".  While I agree with many of his points, I feel there needs to be a "happy middle".    VanSlyke suggests using technology but not completely changing the methods teachers use. 

After viewing this story on the news and reading the article the LaPook wrote, I think there is something to be said about setting technology aside.  As we read in chapter 1 (Leading 21st Century Schools) and explored on the 21st Century Learning website http://www.p21.org/, technology is a piece of what students need to be successful.  This news story suggests that communication, collaboration, and even mentorship may be enhanced when technology is set aside.  It also suggests that creativity may increase when distractions are taken away and multi-tasking is limited. 

Some of the videos we watched this week suggested students need to be engaged, communicate, socialize, and share ideas.  Integrating technology is a way, but is it the only way?  Can there be a "happy middle?"

Will digital natives have enhanced creativity, engagement, and collaboration when focused on one task? Without technology (or with limited technology) and multi-tasking through the technolgy, can students master the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to succeed? 

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/11/eveningnews/main20078420.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;3

EDL 566 Blog

This blog was created for a University of Arizona Masters Class.  It will include information on how to integrate technology into the learning environment.  It will also include resources that provide various viewpoints on technology in education as well as the technology in society.