In Chapter one there is a
section about tech tools. It goes in depth with each electronic that our
students are using or have at some point come in contact with. Throughout this
class I’d like to learn new ways to incorporate smart phones and tablets such
as iPod touches in my future lesson plans. On January 20, 2016 I sat down and
spoke with Jason Caissie of Dunbar High School about some apps and or ideas;
Kahoot, Google Classroom, Canvas, Microsoft Office, Learn Key and Online Expert
are just a few ways to expand learning on a smart phone or tablet. He then sent
me a youtube link which is right below the paragraph to further explain what
google classroom is and how it works. From my understanding it is a major tool
in the Lee County School District. So if you’ve never heard of this I would
check it out. If you’d also like to read the opinions of the students on how
they feel about incorporating cellphones click HERE.
Essentially what I’d like
to learn and develop further is my Technology based Learning Environment. I
feel that my classroom will probably be technology based for two reasons; one
of them being because the technology program at Dunbar High School interests me
and the second being because I was raised in a more tech friendly home. I think
seeing as how I myself am so submerged in technology between my online classes
and my own social media life. It will offer me an opportunity to be on their
level without seeming like their peer. By expanding this portion of my
knowledge I feel I will be playing on my biggest strength being my knowledge of
technology and after developing my knowledge of the tools above I can only
offer the students more ways to learn. It will allow my students who are
readers to dig deeper and my student who are hands-on will be able to divulge
in the lesson plan further than just reading the chapter.
Another Concept I’m
interested in Digital Identity. After reading this section multiple times it
still sort of baffled me. I mean I have social media, an email and I know how
to use multiple mediums of technology isn’t my identity pretty evident?
Absolutely not! Every day we research more and divulge more into the world of
the World Wide Web and even download that new app we are developing our identity
that much further. Interestingly enough there are dozens of sites to help you
see a map out or as Cat Coode refers to it as our Binary Tattoo. Most
importantly what this helped me realize is. Less is more. When I want to post
about my personal life I need to remember that my future students may see that.
Those pictures from the party last night? Yes, they may find that, but besides
students finding those possible employers could find it too. It’s so important
for my generation teachers or not to realize this concept before it’s too late.
I think by understanding this concept I will realize how important it is to
keep my personal life private but also teach my students that the only real
information that should be shared is their knowledge at least until they can
grasp the concept of telling need to know information and gossip or rants.
Essentially I feel all
these will be steps I want to take to reach a closer bond with my students without
becoming the “friend”. I’ll be able to use my gifts such as type a whole blog
on my iPhone to good use and teach them how to apply their Microsoft office
skills to their smartphones but also be able to test their knowledge with
websites like Kahoot. I want to explain to them that these little devices in
their hands were made for so much more than snapchatting their best friend. I
want to show them what I learned growing up. Although a majority of my adolescences
we had some form of social media I was only allowed to use the computer at home
for education purposes i.e. educational games or research. I with social media
being said I want to explain this less is more concept so I may save them from
the lesson I’ve had to learn and show them how social media can be positive and
safe.
Technology In the Classroon [Personal interview].
(2016, January 20).
Coode, C. (2015). Binary Tattoo. Retrieved January 24,
2016, from http://www.binarytattoo.com/about-us/
Mayer, A. (2014, September 05). Getting Started with Google
Classroom. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIfXzJMLsMQ
Nagel, D. (2013, May 08). Report: Students Use Smart
Phones and Tablets for School, Want More -- THE Journal. Retrieved January 24,
2016, from https://thejournal.com/articles/2013/05/08/report-students-use-smart-phones-and-tablets-for-school-want-more.asp
Pinette, B.
(2014, September 08). New Study Reveals U.S. Students Believe Tablets Are Game
Changers in Learning and Student Engagement. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from
http://www.pearsoned.com/news/new-study-reveals-u-s-students-believe-tablets-are-game-changers-in-learning-and-student-engagement/
