Since I'll be in an airport all day today, I figured I would begin this first post with a short introduction pertaining to what I know of technology and its relationship to literacy. I'll follow that with some general ruminations on what I would call my current philosophy of technology and it's importance to the classroom (and life!). Finally, I'll close with what I want to include in my future blogs from here on out.
But first, some things I've observed so far in the airport this weekend:
-A woman almost sitting on and crushing a toddler
-Flight attendents who look at you as if you had a bomb strapped to your chest when you talk to them
-A great conversation with a nuerobiologist from the seat accross from me
-Almost a 1:1 ratio of the number of people reading books vs. reading kindles
I believe that technology is a crucial instrument in the field of literacy. I was very excited when I saw this class was available for the current semester, as I haven't realistically applied any new technology skills to a hypothetical or real classroom setting since CI 202 (years ago).
Working with technology in the classroom is great. I can argue for this by merely mentioning the boon it gives for classroom management, as student interest is normally peaked whenever technology is involved. Even though we can get accustomed to technology, often see a students walk up to a elmo projector and stick his or her hand underneath it in order to see the enlarged hand on the screen. Technology is typically synonymous with fun.
Thus, I can also argue that since student interest can be peaked by technology, then they can excel at literacy simply because they're more eager to engage in literacy activities. Using technology can help ease students into the Vygotsky "zone of proximal development," the area of thought where students are being challenged and at the same time not discouraged by low spirits.
I don't have the syllabus with me, but I plan to delve into these topics (supplemented by articles) when they seem to be the most relevant, as far as class goes week-by-week:
-Texting to increase literacy skills in the classroom (I already have one article which touches on this subject, and the corresponding debate that stems from it)
-Using technology to help students with disabilities such as dyslexia, and poor eyesight
-Classroom management skills to keep students from delaying long-term projects and misusing technology.
I hope to be less general and more specific in my next post. Thanks for reading!
But first, some things I've observed so far in the airport this weekend:
-A woman almost sitting on and crushing a toddler
-Flight attendents who look at you as if you had a bomb strapped to your chest when you talk to them
-A great conversation with a nuerobiologist from the seat accross from me
-Almost a 1:1 ratio of the number of people reading books vs. reading kindles
I believe that technology is a crucial instrument in the field of literacy. I was very excited when I saw this class was available for the current semester, as I haven't realistically applied any new technology skills to a hypothetical or real classroom setting since CI 202 (years ago).
Working with technology in the classroom is great. I can argue for this by merely mentioning the boon it gives for classroom management, as student interest is normally peaked whenever technology is involved. Even though we can get accustomed to technology, often see a students walk up to a elmo projector and stick his or her hand underneath it in order to see the enlarged hand on the screen. Technology is typically synonymous with fun.
Thus, I can also argue that since student interest can be peaked by technology, then they can excel at literacy simply because they're more eager to engage in literacy activities. Using technology can help ease students into the Vygotsky "zone of proximal development," the area of thought where students are being challenged and at the same time not discouraged by low spirits.
I don't have the syllabus with me, but I plan to delve into these topics (supplemented by articles) when they seem to be the most relevant, as far as class goes week-by-week:
-Texting to increase literacy skills in the classroom (I already have one article which touches on this subject, and the corresponding debate that stems from it)
-Using technology to help students with disabilities such as dyslexia, and poor eyesight
-Classroom management skills to keep students from delaying long-term projects and misusing technology.
I hope to be less general and more specific in my next post. Thanks for reading!
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