Playing the Devil's Advocate

Granted, the vast majority of us in our LEED 6820 class are pro-technology. And, to be honest, I am on the same bandwagon as everyone else---tooting the praises of educators' use of tech, personally and professionally. Yet, here I am playing devil's advocate with some negative thoughts about our dear friend technology.

As I have been surfing the net, looking at various sites and articles related to technology and education, I began to ask myself, "What are some negatives to this boom in students' use of tech?"

For one, I have found that the surgeon general has related child obesity to inactivity, some of which is directly related to computer usage (along with tv and video games)...and it appears much of this time is also spent in some form of social isolation. Oh, kids are texting, chatting, warring with each other on online games. But, they are losing out on the positive experiences associated with playing, talking, arguing, competing (etc) with peers face-to-face.

I wondered about social development and computer use. Should the use of computer and other tech replace good ole' person-to-person socialization? For me, no, it should not. However, I must preface this with the admission that by nature, I am a social creature (ask any of my coworkers!). Before teaching, I was a therapist with a mental health agency for ten years, and our effectiveness was based on a person to person type of service. So, here, I am thinking that students would definitely need their teacher, guidance counselor, bus driver, etc (or some other living, breathing creature) to help them develop socially and emotionally. Humans need humans, right? We cannot be replace, right? We are imperative, right? Well...according to Promoting Social and Emotional Learning: Guidelines for Educators by Maurice Elias, computer labs equipped with problem-solving software are great resources for students. When a student experiences a problem at school, he/she is allowed to go to the computer lab and independently work out the problem through use of a computer program. Hmmm....I will have to think about this a little more. Guess I am "old school" and think adolescents' interpersonal problems need a personal touch.

On our LEED blog, someone joked that students would not need a live teacher (or very few live "anybodies" for that matter) in the future....this site really brought that thought home to me! Do computer labs/programs like this actually take away from some of the social/emotional development of children and adolescents? Can such technology replace the human contact needed to promote social/emotional development?

Personally, I readily admit, that I hope technology never goes so far as to replace human contact!

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!

That Time of Year...Again!

For those of us on the traditional track, the first week of school has been completed! Hope everyone has rested over the weekend and is ready to tackle week two.

I teach 6th grade English Language Arts in a rural school here in Duplin County, North Carolina. So far, this year's group of kids seems very likable. It is always so interesting to see them transitioning from elementary into the middle school setting. You should have seen all of us that first time at the lockers!

While the first couple of weeks back to school seems stressful each year, I am lucky to work with a great 6th grade team! We really enjoy the collaborative approach, and work well together using the middle school teaming concept.

Over the past few years, 6th grade students have been academically "grouped" for core classes. Since doing so, our EOG scores have improved and growth has really increased. However, this year our principal has mandated that all classes be mixed (heterogenous). I know there are pros and cons to grouping.

I was wondering what other educator's thoughts, opinions, and experience have been with grouping.....Let's Blog About It!