I chose this quote because I completely agree; you can't just stick a laptop or iPad in front of students and say that they are engaged with technology. You have to have a well thought out, planned lesson to incorporate technology. It needs to be relevant to the students' lives, and something that will benefit them. In my observation I have seen too many teachers just assign a website with generic games, and that is their technology integration for the week.
Just because students are using technology doesn't mean they are engaged or excited about it. For example, I know a lot of teachers have students create a Power Point to display what they have learned, but that is so boring. Students have been creating Power Points probably since they started school. Why not give them something more interesting? Something where they can really use technology skills, such as editing, or adding music and video. They could create a Photo Story, or an iMovie, or even a Prezi. In order for students to get the most out of our technology integration we need to incorporate new and innovative projects for them to create.
I chose the image below because it goes along with the quote above. In today's world we can't expect students to be challenged or motivated by only allowing them to create pencil and paper products. We are a technology rich generation and we should embrace that. Let our students be creative; let them show us what they are capable of .
Image found at Cartoon Stock. Retrieved from http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/g/grammar.asp
1. How might you citizen journalism project resemble a technology rich project?
During my citizen journalism project my students will be asked to interview members of the community for their opinions on the topic. They will be using digital media to record their interviews. Also, my students will be using digital media, such as Photo Story or iMovie, to present their final projects.
2. What did you learn about successful implementation of technology rich projects?
I learned that you need to have a well thought out plan before you introduce the project. I also learned that students will need guidance throughout the project (this is where my Track Star will play a big part). If the project involves group work, I would probably begin incorporating some group work before this project. Finally, students need to be interested and motivated by a topic that means something to them.
Source
Addlington, R., & Harvey, H. (2010, April 6-9). ACEC2010 - ENGAGING YOUNG LEARNERS: THE MULTI-FACETED AND CHANGEABLE NATURE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-RICH LEARNING PROJECTS. ACEC2010: DIGITAL DIVERSITY CONFERENCE.
Students need structure. They can't be engaged with something if they don't know what to do with it. Technology is great to work with; however, it is the lessons that incorporate technology that supports learning and engagement.
ReplyDeleteI chose the same quote as you, we really cannot just give kids technology and expect them to learn. You are right, one needs a well planned lesson and making it engaging (like your photostory example) is a great way to do that.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the quote that you used. I also love your image! It made me giggle.
ReplyDeleteI think you are wise to have student practice working in a group before you engage them in a collaborative project. Doing little thinkgs like putting together a jigsaw puzzle with three other students without speaking is a great way to get students working together as a team!
ReplyDeleteI really like the cartoon too!
I liked your quote and completely agree with what you said about simply sticking technology in front of them does not make it a technology-rich activity. I feel the same way about SmartBoards. If educators are just using them as a projector for simply projecting overhead-type information, how is that "Smart"?
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