Friday, March 23, 2012

Reflection # 8 -Caryn Hay


Caryn Hay
3/23/12
EDT 3470
Reflection # 8

            Chapter eight begins with some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom. An important way to extend the learning outside the classroom is the idea of incorporating technology. Digital tools help to allow students to connect with other people or information outside of the classroom. Many times students will try harder knowing that their audience is larger and other people they do not know so well will be seeing their work. Students can use blogs to not only connect with other students, but blogs also allow them to connect with experts on the topic they are studying at the time.
            The chapter introduces the EAST initiative model, which means environmental and spatial technologies. Students who use this technology are using it for a real purpose, meaning they can solve problems and make improvements in their communities. Technology is fun for students, they get the opportunity to use tools that are interesting, yet are learning something amazing at the same time.
            The chapter ends on the note of explaining why we need to let our students lead. Allowing our students to introduce and talk about their projects that they are interested in is exciting to them. Students learn more when they are interested in something and we, as teachers should be encouraging this behavior. If a student finds a blog that they want to join we should have an open mind and check over the site before allowing them to do so, but consider what they are insisting upon. 

2 comments:

  1. I did not think about how the students will work harder if they know someone else is going to be looking at their other than the teacher. It was goo of you to bring that up. I think you are right when you talked about the student will learn more when they choose the subject. Good job.

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  2. You're right, to students, especially at a young age, technology is fun to them. Weather its a computer, or any other device, they love using them, so incorporating that in a lesson, will be great because they will stay focused and on topic if they are interested in the materials (technology). There will always be a distracting part to it, but as long as you have good classroom management and can control what the students are doing with the devices, it will be a great and fun learning experience for them. Along the lines of having exciting things for our students, you added that it would be exciting for them to lead themselves through the project, this is also giving them leadership and independence skills that will be beneficial for them for the rest of their lives.

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