After reading the assigned articles I realised that I fall into the 'dinosaur' category! Ithink that the opportunity to introduce my students and fellow teachers to this technology and its potential is fantastic. I must admit that I need LOTS more practice before I can even think of teaching anyone about it.
In terms of blogging, I can see this tool being used to encourage students to reflect on their day or week at school. As a teacher I can read their posts which will give me an fair idea of the extent to which they understood the content as well as any issues that may arise. I am thinking that this is also a good way to get to know my students outside of the classroom.
The motivation here is the fact that they are using technology and not pen and paper. I can see my students beconing excited.
I also like the idea of us as teachers.. future reading specialists, forming an online community. this way we can share ideas, brainstorm or share motivating stories about our practice.
Of course, I still have reservations since I honestly cannot see myself being able to put this into practice since basic infrastructure and utilities are not available at my school as well as most of my students do not have ready access to computers and the internet.
Well Khadine,
ReplyDeleteSince the government has promised a laptop to every child who is successful in the SEA examination, it is hope that access to computers and the Internet will be a thing of the past. I believe that the computers should be sent to the schools and every form one classroom be fully equipped. That is a scary thought since thieves are all around and we will have to burglar-proof our cupboards and doors. If some-one can break into the principals office and steal the laptops what is our classrooms. An open invitation.
I have the same problem at my school in which the children do have access to internet service in the village and also in school. I will like my students to take part in blogging and using wiki but unfortunately they will not be able to so. I do hope something will be done soon so that many of the rural communties that do not have internet access will get in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI too share your concerns, since I would hate to have learn all this new skills and not be able to share it with those that really benefit from it. I,like you hope that in put into place to ensure that our students graduate to technology age with ease.
ReplyDeleteHi Khadine,
ReplyDeleteAs a senior teacher in my department, I share your sentiments. Over the years, whenever I encounter new theories or methods to be implemented, this apprehensiveness of spirit rears its ugly head. But take heart in knowing that you are not alone and this is why, as Lemoy and others shared, it is important that we use this blogging medium as a means of sharing best practices or experiences with any newly tried instructional strategies.
In terms of trying out this web 2.0 instructional technique with your students, Colin and I want to try it out next term. As you, I too do not have the infrastructures in place but I hope to start with the few who do have access and/or take my classes more regularly to the Computer Lab (at least I will make greater use of the school’s Computer Lab). So it would be interesting to follow each other’s post to see the outcomes.
If it is of any encouragement, do not think of yourself as a ‘dinosaur’ (you will become extinct in this digital age if you do not keep up) but rather as a ‘dyno–might-try–it’ professional (a dynamic professional who is known to try things out). Maybe a more appealing term might be a ‘struggling’ user of web 2.0 technologies. As Murella shared, the more we use the technologies, the quicker they become part of us and their utilization becomes easier. As Lemoy rightfully shared, if we want to produce the ideal 21st Century student, we must first be the ideal 21st Century teachers. Don’t make your situation daunt your spirit, start wherever you can. The hardest thing to do in any situation like this is to start. Make a start.
Do not forget to share your experience.
Hi Khadine, if your a dinosaur then I must be a relic but I believe that at the secondary school interventions are better structured and supported to assist students with learning difficulties. Whilst the government has promised laptops to SEA students how much of this technology will we be trained to use. It's like hanging curatins up in dirty windows. I too am enjoying these new learning experiences with the technology and hope that the Reading Specialist will be armed with the right arsenal for combat.
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