First, let me say that I really enjoyed watching everyones' Digital Story's. They were all so creative. I can see how young students could get so involved in a project such as this one.
The Schmidt article put a lot of things into perspective in terms of the connection between literacy and technology. It was helpful to read about what teachers need to know to be able to integrate technology into their literacy instruction.
It was interesting to read that literacy is considered a "moving target", in that it is constantly redefined as new types of technology emerge, and what it means to be "literate" change with the new technology. I have never thought of it this way, but it is good information to know when planning literacy instruction in the classroom.
There were some key ideas that I took away from the article:
1. Technology should involve collaboration between students, as it will foster language acquisition in students, as well as motivation and engagement.
2. Utilize different form of assessment; oral language, children's work, tests, authentic reading and writing.
3. "Developing good content requires a thoughtful interweaving of all three key sources of knowledge - technology, pedagogy and content" (Schmidt)
Personally, I feel more confident when it comes to teaching the actual technology tools then the actual literacy content. This might be due to my lack of experience at teaching reading to children, so I am sure my confidence will grow with time.
As this is the end of our blogging, I would like to ask my classmates to offer any words of wisdom or advice in terms of teaching. I am currently teaching Pre-K, but would like to teach elementary someday. The thought of this intimidates me, and I would like to hear from some of you that are already teaching.
Thanks!
6 comments:
I think you have brought up some good, valid points! I think teaching anything new will be intimidating, I am on my fifth year as a 4th grade teacher and everyday I am learning new ways to teach old materials. This class has given me so many great ideas that at times it is overwhelming. It always seems there is something to add or change to your curriculum. You have to remember that every year is going to be different then the last and you just have to find what works best for you. I give you a lot of credit for starting in the preK classroom, I am quite certain that I would not survive! Good luck to you!
I too give you credit for starting in the Pre-K, I think that if you have enough energy to work with those children you will be just fine! I cannot offer you any advice, because I too am in your same position. I will be starting to teach Title one week from today and it is so scary to think I will have my own classroom and own students to teach! I have been going into the classroom everyday to prepare, but I still don't think that is enough. After awhile, I think you need to just take a deep breathe and trust that these 4 years have taught you something! I am sure you will do great! GOOD LUCK!
Technology definately should involve collaboration between students. I find that it is impossible to cater to the different technologically literacy levels in a classroom. Depending on the higher-level students to aid those who sit near them has become a MUST.
That's also the advice I would give you as an elementary teacher who is teaching technology. Students often know much more or much less than we give them credit for. They can help each other immensely. If none of them knows a skill at the beginning of a lesson, you always have those who pick it up quicker and will help you teach the slower students.
I liked the key ideas that you picked for the article. Technology definitely motivates students and gets them engaged. My students are fascinated with the littlest things about the technology we have in our classrooms, but most of that technology is for teacher-use only. So I have to try to find other ways for them to use technology.
I definitely think that technology can help with assessment, especially with project-based or problem-based learning.
I teach a combination 2nd and 3rd grade class, and after seeing the Pre-K classes down the hall, there is a big difference. I think I would have even more trouble finding ways to use technology with the younger students - it's hard enough finding ways to use it with the 2nd and 3rd graders. Also, they tend to be very concerned about other student in the class later on in elementary school, which brings up the tattling. Tattling drives me CRAZY! But on the positive side, they are very helpful and want to be a helper. I have classroom jobs for my room and they each have one and love it!
Developing good content requires a thoughtful interweaving of all three key sources of knowledge - technology, pedagogy and content.
I think I support the key points you pull out. A lot of times, teachers want to use technology in their classroom, but they ignore one thing. Even with the latest technology, a poor structured lesson can be a useless one. How to connect the three key sources is really a crucial issue. As teachers, we need to constantly fix some parts in our lessons in order to fit the three sources well.
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