Class+3+-+Jan+25th

Synthesis of Class 3 - Jan 25th

Summary of Reading: I do not need your network, (or your computer, or your tech plan, or your…) -Will Richardson This was another very interesting piece of reading on the use of technology in the classroom. The focus this time was on cell phones. The author begins by asking if it is really necessary to ask students to put their phones away during class. Could it be that we are missing excellent teaching opportunities by working against instead of with these devices?

Reflection What I found most interesting about this reading were the comments; especially those posted by students. I agree that it is important to use technology in the classroom along with anything else that may promote learning. However, it is also true that not all students have the same access to technology. How do we bring everyone up to speed? Like one student pointed out, some school boards can’t even afford to give textbook to their students, let alone laptops. Personally, I feel that teachers are responsible for ensuring that students have equal access to required materials. That means that unless you’re prepared to provide laptops to students who don’t’ have one, forget about making laptops mandatory. Perspectives on Cell Phone Use – YouTube video: While the use of cell phones is widespread, it’s extremely easy to find why cell phone usage can also be somewhat controversial both within and outside of the classroom. The second video demonstrates why we shouldn’t necessarily encourage students to constantly multitask.

Study: Teens texting by the boatloads

media type="custom" key="5391365" "TEXTING WHILE DRIVING” media type="custom" key="5391219" Class Discussion Not surprisingly, this reading led to a class discussion on the use of cell phones. So, how about it? Should students be allowed to use their cell phones in class? The views were mixed. While most people feel that technology should be embraced, the question is: How? After all, most of us have experienced how distracting cell phones can be in the classroom. Obviously, the answer isn’t to just give students free reign. The idea is not to promote distraction, but to use cell phones to engage students. One strategy could be to use cell phones in lieu of SRS controllers.

Social Networking Most students use social networking of some sort, so if you want to keep up with your students, you should jump on board also right? Well, not really. The line from most school boards to their teachers is something like, “Are you on Face Book? Get off!” So posting personally photos of you having a darn good time isn’t a good idea. No kidding. But does that mean that you can’t use social networking as a teaching tool? Nope. In fact, students can benefit from the use of social networking while collaborating on projects, or for providing assignment help to each other.

This video discusses precautions parents can take. The advice is drawn from the book “The smart parent’s guide to Facebook”. media type="custom" key="5747837"