Digital Storytelling

I love to read. Always have, and suspect I always will! When I read Denise's blog, I was fascinated when the video commented that ELA teachers rarely use digital storytelling....as an ELA teacher I should know about this technological innovation, right? Well, I was ashamed that I did not really know what it was all about, so I was one of those reading teachers who has not used it...Oh, but that is about to change!

At first, I thought digital storytelling was like WebQuests...until I got into the rubrics for evaluating, creating, etc. This is a key component to boost students' critical thinking skills.

Check out digital storytelling. What do you think? How could you incorporate it?

Tech Site Worth Checking Out

The Journal is a site some of you might find interesting! Discusses an array of topics concerning education and technology.

Technology and the Achievement Gap

As I was reading the report from Cisco for our LEED technology class, I found two ideas that have really gotten me to thinking. One...what role does technology play in the achievement gap? It only makes sense that the socioeconomical status of our students put them at unfair advantages or disadvantages (depending on which end of the spectrum they fall). So, it only seem logical that those who are more financially secure will have the access to technology at home. What do some of you think about this?

Secondly, I admit that I knew the internet and cell phones helped kids feel connected to one another, even when apart. But, the statement in Cisco about school being the one place where students completely disconnect has really troubled me. I guess I want face-to-face encounters and the discussions we have in school about real-world happenings to count as connections.
What do you guys think about this issue?

Let's Blog About It!

Is Texting 4 Yr Students?

This week's ECU LEED assignment has given me much to think about. As a language arts teacher, I instruct students in writing. Of course, the state tests them on essay style writing techniques. And, I think we should possess those skills. But...aren't other writing skills important, also? I have had to learn texting skills, and how to write those types of messages. That type of writing has become important to me, especially as a way to communicate with my husband and kids! So, I have come to the conclusion that we must all continue to learn the various writing skills needed to compete in today's world, whether it be formal letter writing, research writing, or texting.
Oh well, as my 14 year old would say: C U L8ter.

Introducing Technology to Students...When, When, When?

When my sixth graders come to middle school, I am always dismayed at how little knowledge and skill they possess when it comes to technology. Few have even beginner/basic keyboarding or word processing skills!

Of course, they are excited when they see PowerPoint presentations, but what they really want is to do one themselves! This year, out of 110 sixth graders, only 4 or 5 even knew what PowerPoint was, and only 2-3 said they had ever had any experience with it. This is especially disheartening when I know that in a nearby county, every second grader (yes, second grader) must be able to complete and present a short PowerPoint presentation before moving to third grade.

We all talk about how technology engages students, how it brings excitement to the learning process. But, we have a hard time figuring out how to accomplish this. Students need more than watching the teacher use technology. When are we going to start using computers for more than Study Island, SuccessMaker, and Waterford? These are wonderful tools! However, students need to know how to do more than merely click the mouse to choose the right answer. And, I for one, want my poor, rural school to still be competitive with all others in our state...and nation!