Throughout this whole course, we’ve put together an online inquiry project for use in a classroom. I’m still not sure I’m comfortable with having my students work with an inquiry on the internet, I am certainly more likely to attempt it. I’m definitely more knowledgeable about how to get students to use the internet safely and effectively. I’ve got my foot in the door so to speak. My students and extracurricular clubs have used wikis and I’m currently helping another teacher manage his ePal. Also, a fellow teacher and I linked up and allowed students to use their cell phones (a no-no at our school) to look up answers. The response was terrific. Students had a wonderful time completing an assignment while using the technology they generally have to hide from the teacher.
The knowledge and experiences gained through this course will only help accomplish furthering my students’ experiences with technology. If I cannot grant my students the access to use the technology for themselves, I will at least bring these new ideas into my classroom. According to Richardson (2009), “learning is no longer primarily fixed in time and space; it can happen anytime and anywhere that we are connected …” (p. 28). Students desperately need this connection and know how to use it efficiently.
To develop my professional skills further, I would like to implement the online inquiry with my students and continue to build upon my skills as an educator. All the while they would learn to blog, use wikis, and possibly create videos and podcasts. The possibilities are endless.
More than anything, I would like my students to blog so as to build a community and publish student work. As November 2008) states, “blogging represents one of the many tools that pioneering teachers are using to empower students to take more responsibility of managing their work and adding value to the world” (p. 81).
References
November, A. (2008). Web literacy for educators. Thousands Oaks: Corwin Press.
Richardson, W. (2009, March). Becoming network-wise. Educational Leadership, 66(6), 26-31.
Valrie
ReplyDeleteIt shall be interesting to join you in integrating technology in our content area. I find it challenging yet so needed in our world of the 21st century. I commend you courage and efforts to make this happen out of the interest of your students.
Fayette :-)