He talked about how his students communicated and completed projects with classes around world. I find this amazing that students would work on their school project with other students from across the world when they didn't have school. They were so intrigued with the learning process that students spent their free day doing school work.
Clarence talked about digital skills and how they are under rated in the education system. Today's students can use the computer/ iPad and other devices before they learn how to read and write. It is our job as educators to teach digital skills in our content areas. In order for students to be successful they need to understand how to find credible sites. They also need to learn how to find the information on their own. We cannot spoon feed students the information. However, before we can teach digital skills we as teachers need to know the digital skills. There should be PD sessions and mandatory information sessions on digital skills in all school divisions. We cannot teach something that we ourselves do not know.
Clarence also brought up another issue, that we implement technology without know the reason why. In my science classroom I want to implement virtual labs because sometimes the budget for labs is not there. Virtual labs also give the students hands on learning and create live animation. It is very important that we know why we are doing something because if we just implement technology for kicks we are not being good teachers.
Thank You
Jen Falk
"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek
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ReplyDelete"We cannot teach something that we ourselves do not know" - well said Jen! I agree with you; it is very important that our students learn effective digital skills, including the ability to differentiate between useful and credible information and junk. If they are going to be successful, they need this skill. I think it would be a great idea to have PD sessions available for teachers regarding this topic! I am also intrigued by your idea of a virtual lab - sounds like a very good use of technology!
ReplyDeleteI was also shocked to hear that his students were connecting with other students to work on projects for school even when they do not have school. I think that this demonstrates how technology can be used to get students interested and engaged in what they are learning. I also agree with your point about teachers needing to understand the technology before they bring it into the classroom and frequent available PD sessions are a great idea.
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