Quite a few of my students have YouTube accounts and view/publish to the web on a frequent basis. So this method is nothing new to them. Besides, when we think about the visual gadgets that our students use on practically a daily basis such as smartphones, iPods, wii games, etc., it coincides with what they are accustomed to. Further, I am a visual learner as a number of my students are also. In addition, the brain is able to retain what it sees and hears far longer than just what it hears. I’m simply looking forward to the day when school systems will move away from fearing the worst in implementing these technical tools students are already using and embrace them as opportunities to maximize learning in the classroom. We can only teach our students the acceptable and responsible way to use the Internet. We cannot shield them from every piece of inappropriate content on the web. This alone should not be the reason we rule out teaching strategies that are favorable for students. Even with filtering programs, inappropriate content is subject to surface. Here again, we must teach them the correct way to respond if/when such instances do occur.
http://www.squidoo.com/Video-Blogging-In-Education
I agree with you. In this age of our student being constantly bombarding with technology in their personal lives, I believe we would be failing them if we did not incorporate it into the classroom. If nothing else, we might run the risk of losing their attention altogether. I am certain it is difficult to transition from a high tech environment at home to a stale classroom that lacks tech savvy. I feel sorry for the educator in today's world who either does not know how or refuses to teach with technology and it's possibilities.
ReplyDeleteL. Denise Wells
Hi Belinda! i agree as well. We need to hit the students where they feel most comfortable. Just as we raise our kids and enrich our students lives, we need to bring them up and teach them what is appropriate and what is not. Hopefully they will follow their teachings. Jusgg like the old saying goes- you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.
ReplyDeleteThe schools need to embrace the new technology not fear it.
Brenda Marriott
This is just a test to see if I can post...
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!!!
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm done practicing, lol, here is my reply to this post.
ReplyDeleteAfter several of my lessons, I had a few students go home and make rap videos based on what we learned in science class. They were so proud to come in the next day to show me. I was so proud of them.
I do agree that we need to teach them internet safety and trust that they will listen to what we say. Our school actually has a program that allows teachers to watch all of the computer screens while they are at school. We don't have any control over what they do at home.