Ms. Cassidy has done a terrific job implementing technology with her first grade students. The video she posted showing how well her students perform using technology is excellent. It is amazing that she started doing so 10 years ago and it is wonderful that she has had the support of administrators and parents. Having the students maintain blogs is a great way to improve their writing skills and gives them incentive to do a good job because they know other people are going to see it. Since they only do it once or twice a week it is not necessary for every student to have computer access all the time. They can just schedule time in the computer lab when they blog. Having the students make only positive comments on each other’s blogs is a good way to teach them tack. I love they way her students get input from people around the world by using wiki’s to learn about traditions and rituals. Skype is also a great way to get information from experts. I did wonder where they got funding to have so many Nintendo DS’s. She talks about some federal funding, which is wonderful. Getting funding is a problem for many schools, but writing grants and making requests to local businesses can help.
I would like to implement all of Ms. Cassidy’s techniques in my future classroom. One thing that would help me do so is having access to a good technology coordinator like she has at her school. I would also need approval from my district and administrators to send forms home with students pointing out that we will post student work and try to keep the student’s identity unknown. Ms. Cassidy’s advice of having students only use their first name and not using it when posting pictures is a good way to keep their identities secret. As she points out, blogging is a great way for parents to get to see student work when it is convenient for them and shows how their writing is progressing. One problem that could come up is if a parent does not want their child to post on the Internet. In that case, I would explain the benefits to the parent and ask them to follow some of the other student blogs for a few weeks so they can get a better understanding of what we are doing. I agree with Ms. Cassidy that we have to change because the world has changed and we are handicapping our students and ourselves if we are not taking advantage of the collaborative opportunities available online. You can check out her Skype session with an EDM 310 class last semester here.
Excellent post Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest hurtles to using more technology in the classroom is getting the buy-in of administrators and parents. I think this has a lot to do with our attitude as teachers and managers of the technology. A lot of the reluctance comes from fear of change. There is a fine line between confident and cocky teachers must learn to walk to win over some of the doubters. This situation will get better but as with all change it will take time and convincing.
I am confident that you will be a teacher that will provide positive impact for change. Keep up the good work. SS
You sound like you want to use a lot of technology in your classroom! That is great. I loved Ms. Cassidy's video and the positive responses that the children have toward technology. I love the idea of the students blogging as well. I was very impressed that they began at such a young age. Their potential to be outstanding writers is extraordinary. I think that you will allow your students the same opportunity.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. I like your ambition to use all the technology you can in the classroom. You put a lot of thought into your post. Excellent post.
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