Gadgets and Gizmos

After reading the Huffington Post article titled, "Five Ways to Bring Technology into the Classroom without Gadgets", it made me think.  While I do believe it is true that technology doesn't need to be in place in every aspect of our lives, it is an important tool for children to learn and use in today's world. Children are growing up in a world where technology is advancing everyday.  I am completely aware that my children are not familiar with things such as a VCR, a camera that they cannot instantly see the picture on a screen, or a cell phone that does not have a camera.  Children need to experience and learn technology, because otherwise we are short changing them.  The article to me discussed what we have read about in flipped classrooms.

I also found the Ted video very interesting.  I truly believe that it is true that your level of ability is not based on where you are from.  Children from wealthier families are not smarter than those who are born to poorer ones.  The wealthier children just have more advantages and opprotunities given to them.  If given the same opprotunity, the poorer children may succeed as well.

To Flip or not to flip

After reading the articles presented for Week four, along with watching the videos that were included, I find the idea of a flipped classroom to be an interesting one.  From my perspective, a flipped classroom almost seems to be what a college level course would be deemed as an online or hybrid course.  I think that for certain students, the idea of a flipped classroom could be a very beneficial thing.  For example, for students who are considered more high level, the idea that they can read through and review prior to class may be more beneficial to them, than sitting through lecture and not being able to move on until others are "on the same page" as they are.  It will also allow them to move at a pace that is more their speed, as will also work for those students who are struggling.  The concerns I have regarding the flipped classroom is for those students who do not have the technology at home, or the means to access the internet.  I also worry that for students whom struggle, that they may watch the video and instead of it being a reinforcement for them, it would be more of a road block/dead end, where they feel it better to just give up.  All in all, I think it depends on the students you are dealing with as is the case with any educational decision.

Modern Day Storytellers

After viewing the digital storytelling videos, I find it to be an interesting way for people to share ideas and experiences.  With today's advancements in technology with things such as wearable cameras, that can record the sights and sounds of adventure, you can feel as though you are in the moment with the story teller and get a full grasp of the sights, sounds, feelings, and experience that is taking place.  Students would have their attention held more with the videos I saw, than by having to sit and read a textbook.  

Digital storytelling also allows the students to become the teacher and storyteller.  They can share about the things they know or their personal interests with others.  Technology and digital story telling allows for more modernized information.  Instead of many years old photographs in books, we are able to see current day photos and videos, as well, as share the experience.

Technology, to be or not to be

After reading the article on technology in the classroom, I thought two things.  First I loved the quote about technology being neither good nor bad, and how a hammer can build cathedrals and also break windows.  I believe technology is something that can be helpful in the classroom.  I think that it should not take the place of all other education, nor do I think children should be taught things such as math with the instant addition of a calculator.  I believe some teachers may be intimidated by all the new technological advances that are coming out.  The demands on teachers today is very high.  I can completely understand that some would be leery or put off by the idea of using technology in the classroom.  I also feel there could be extra work or problems for them to have a back up in case the internet is down, or there are problems with the technology.  I think there should be some technology in classrooms today, because it is DEFINATELY something that is not going away.  I think maybe schools should have some special training on in service days so that teachers may feel more at ease with using it.  Technology does not have to encompass everything, but should be used throughout the day.