BLOG #1... Let's see how this works!


Today's generation is definently a generation of technology. I believe the more ways we are able to incorporate the Internet and computers/technology into the classroom the more involved the students will become. I'm sure each and everyone of us can recall writing journals in school and I'm sure anyone who's been a teacher can remember dreading dragging home those journals each weekend. This advancement into technology not only increases the involvement/engagement of the student but makes the teachers ability and life a little easier. I personally really like the idea of using Blog's as the class journal, allowing the teacher to have access to each student's Blog. To protect my students, however, I do not believe I would have public Blog's. Another wonderful idea is the podcast. This idea gives the students an opportunity to work on a project hands-on rather than simply writing a report. I believe providing opportunities like this to our students are vital, the more they are exposed to the more their minds will expand and learn to think "outside the box."

Another point of fact is that you remember things more when they are placed in context more familiar to you or are interactive with the material. By placing the material into a realm of familiarity such as a computer, like making their journal entries in Blog form, will enhance their comprehension. Such tools as podcasts allows the students to interact with the subjects they are reporting on and become involved, thus increasing their understanding of the concepts. They will also become even more familiar with the technology as well as the concept they are discussing. This is a duel learning experience.

In my opinion technology can enhance the classroom in numerous ways and we need not be afraid of it. We also need to understand that there are safety issues to be aware of with the Internet. As long as we, as teachers, are aware of the constantly changing material, the safety issues, and the fact that our students will likely know more than us in at times in this department (:P), technology can be a wonderful asset to a classroom.