My technology issues this week reminded me of the importance of communicating in an online community to look for help. Through the web we as teachers have the ability to contact teachers from all of the world for ideas for lessons in the classroom as well as solutions to problems we all face. I feel that even though the use of technology in the classroom can sometimes seem daunting (especially if there is a glitch in the midst of a lesson) overall our students and ourselves are able to access so much more through it.
For example, my students recently took a trip back in time to gain background knowledge by taking an "online field trip" through a hot quilts presentation I created. A hot quilt is a PowerPoint that has a "quilt" board on it that contains images/phrases related to a particular topic on it. Students then use the quilt to explore different sites on the internet/videos and other articles to gain information about the topic. My students filled out a graphic organizer while they did this that they then used to help them better understand the stories being read in class.
Even though I feel that PowerPoints can sometimes be overdone, this particular presentation was very interactive and overall,my students enjoyed it.
I love the idea of the quilt!! I have never heard of that technique for introducing a topic. I think I might have to use this in the future with my students, thank you for such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Thanks for the new idea. I had never heard of that technique either. There is so much technology out there that it can become overwhelming (ironic since we are studying how to implement technology and are pushing for more) I also agree keeping up with blogs can be difficult. I even thought I had done well by "following" my group members blogs. I joined in hopes of being notified when updates were done. This did not happen (so I am thinking now it is the user...me) I want to utilize blogs but need to find a way to 'follow' and monitor my students. I also need to find a way to use blogs without violating the AUPs since www.blogger.com is for some reason blocked at work.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with blogs taking more time than I thought. I bet I spent close to 2 hours on each blog researching, taking notes, and intelligently writing something that people would find interesting (hopefully).
ReplyDelete