Blog # 11

First and Foremost let me post my Filamentality website!!! Yeppie! I created my own URL. I'm so Proud of myself. Who would've ever guessed I could do such a thing? Well, when it's benefitting my students, I'll do anything! I can't wait to test out this assignment on my fourth grade reading group at work, once we finish the Chocolate Fever Book, of course. My URL is
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Take a look at it and see if everything looks okay!! I tried to motivate the students by using a wild combination of colors!!!


The Digital Divide:

This article made me aware that I could possible transmit my fear of technology onto my students if I don't have technology accessible to them. I need to make sure that technology is alive and ready to use in my classroom. This article pointed out that technology is a learning tool it's not just a "priviledge" to use one if a student has a chance. Learning with technology is actually education. I was shocked to see this in the article because earlier today I noticed on the California Content standards that Technology is actually a component on the Language Arts section. I look at the CA standards each and every day when I read with my students and never was aware of the Technology section in Language arts before. It does enhance student learning in many ways. I liked how the article noted that Computers are not just for independent work time. They are great ways of getting students to work with each other and share ideas. By placing two chairs to each computer its a way for the students to start viewing computers as not only individual work stations either. Sharing ideas facilitates learning better, take for example the old saying "Two heads are better than one." I liked the idea of having school computer labs open for students before and after school. This is a wonderful idea, especially for children who don't have access to computers at home. By being able to come before and after school to use a computer then won't get left behind or feel like they are less advanced. I believe that it is true that most teachers use the computer for teacher tasks over instructional tasks. It's unfortunate but very true. I think being faced with all of the California Standards to cover in only a year intimidates teachers to use computers since they take longer to get started, get the students situated, show each student how to use one and then give them directions versus just having them sit at their desks with pen and paper. Obviously the draw back to this is the lack of motivation, but it's definetly more time consuming. Also, with so many older teachers out there who are already set in their ways learning to teach with technology can be challenging. I know in my own future classroom I want to make sure that I am including as much technology as I can that way I am learning and so are the children, It will make my classroom more of a community. We will all want to help each other. Also, if I end up working in a low income area my students might not have access to technology so I want my classroom to provide that access and bridge the gap. Technology is fun and enlightening. Everything positive comes from technology and finding new easier faster ways to do things helps out a lot.