Tonight's Take-away

The class this evening was very informative. In many ways, I feel excited about all of the different apps and tools that are available but on the other hand it felt a little overwhelming. How will I be able to keep up with all of them? I'm the type of person who likes to be in the "know". Am I going to be that teacher who will be relying on my students to help me download the latest app? I think it's going to be a challenge but the only thing I can do is try!

The New "Green Card"

The term GreenCard can trigger a lot of emotion for some people. It's an admission ticket. It means, I'm legit. I have permission to be here. As the world becomes smaller in terms of more people crossing borders and having international exchanges and dialogues, which have been expedited because of increased access to technology (e.g., airplanes, email, Skype, social media). That being said, the tools needed to navigate in such a world becomes less and less of a convenience or perk and more of a survival tactic. In addition to passports, green cards, visas and other permits and government-approved identification, we also need to be card-carrying members of a digital world.

The reading, for this week, discussed digital citizenship. The concept resonated with me because I work for an organization that focuses on facilitating the development of young students into global citizens. So anything about "citizenship" catches my attention. Global citizenship calls for equipping students with the knowledge, tools and experiences, which not only helps that be present in their own communities, but also helps them see the broader world and their place in the world. Think of the children's geography book, Me on a Map. 

Our students learn about geography and culture by means of active learning as referenced in the text. Little do they realize that they are working through the application process for what I'm calling the new green card. Now this application or learning process is not through your traditional social studies books. The students are connecting to travel correspondents - college students who are studying abroad and have agreed to share their experiences with a classroom in the United States. The curriculum and resources involve hands on project, inquiry based lessons and group discussion to hone critical thinking skills. The "meat" of the program is our website, www.reachtheworld.org. On this website, educators access the journals, field notes and logbooks produced by the travelers. The content and posts allow the students to take a virtual tour of another country. They use all of their senses: Reading the posts and looking at the pictures posted by the traveler (seeing); listening to different types of music (hearing); trying different dishes referenced by the traveler in his/her notes (tasting/smelling); touching different materials suggested by the traveler (touch). All of this is facilitated through technology in a very creative and thoughtful way. The content is there but the teacher makes the decision to use what is relevant to meet the needs of his/her students and the lesson plan. 

Relating this back to the digital world, both teachers and students need to know how to use multi-media and other technologies effectively. Teachers need to cherry pick what makes sense and the students need to have a range of skills. From knowing the lingo to how to navigate a website to know where to go to complete homework. 

So do you think we should replace or tweak the whole system of final exams and standardized tests like SATs with an assessment that focuses on proficiency in another language, cultural competency and technology-related skills? So instead of a 8th grade or high school diploma, students receive a "green card", which would be proof that they are on their way to becoming global and digital citizens. 

Have you seen any programs in schools that come close to this idea? Please share! 

I am “Obsessive”

After reading chapter one and two, I wanted to take the Pewinternet.org’s “What Type of Tech User are You?” quiz referenced in the reading. This question seems relevant given the focus of this course and I wanted a pseudo-professional diagnosis, so I could plan accordingly to be a more effective and strategic user of technology in the classroom. Unfortunately, it appears that the research center took down the quiz. But I didn’t let this stop me. I decided to take another quiz by the same name offered on www.uquiz.com. Based on my responses to eight questions regarding my cell phone type, etiquette and preferences and social media presence, I’m apparently “Obsessive”. To clarify, according to this website:

My phone is constantly in my hand and I see screens more than I do the real world. I panic more than just a little on the inside when I can't find my phone and I’m known for being a constant presence on all types of social media.

While I do constantly check my phone to check text messages, email and twitter, some of the other characterizations of my affliction were off. I do not “panic” when I can’t find my iPhone and while I do have accounts with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, none of my friends would vouch for me as someone with a constant or active presence on any of these sites.

Despite the mischaracterization, I was pleased that I was tech savvy enough, in the eyes of the quiz makers, to be considered “Obsessive”. As a “digital immigrant”, meaning that I wasn’t honing my fine motor skills on my parents’ iPad as a toddler, it’s reassuring to know that I am not out of touch with the technology that is so popular these days with millennials and my seven year old.

As an enrichment teacher, this past summer, I recognized the value of technology in the classroom and used it often actually. However, whether I was incorporating videos from Brainpop Jr. or National Geographic Kids, I always knew that these resources supported my lesson and they were not the standalone lesson. In other words, although I’m an “obsessive” user of technology, as a prospective educator, I don’t want to rely solely on technology when teaching but rather use it to enhance my lessons. While some edutech companies may oversell technology in the classroom, I think the focus should be on filling each teacher’s “toolbox” of resources with the caveat that these are optional tools not mandatory tools. Given the various learning styles of my future students, I think it is important to create lively classroom experiences where all the students are engaged in the learning process. I think using technology can facilitate that learning and I look forward to using my “obsessive” nature to strategically make that happen in my classroom.

So what type of user are you? 

Personal Learning Goals

As a prospective special educator, I'm really excited about this course.  I see technology as a tool, which can help me become a stronger educator. I hope to learn new techniques and resources, which will help me create a dynamic environment that engages all different learning types in an effective manner.