I feel a bit redundant, but I am so excited! I am very interested in how to safely apply technology to today's youth in a positive and interactive way. On a personal level, my eleven year old son is more internet savvy than I am, by far. Like most parents, that concerns me. Understanding that he is going to need technology skills to market himself and compete in the world, I am reluctant to limit his exposure. Although my husband and I monitor his activity closely, I often think about how great it would be if I knew of a way for me to interact with him online, as we would on the basketball court or playing a board game. This desire extends to the students I teach.
This blog has already inspired the teacher in me. As teachers, we should be providing a variety of writing experiences for our students. As a first grade teacher, I can see having my students respond to sentences starters or journal reflections, such as "The pig is in a ______." They could practice their typing skills while applying reading and spelling skills.
Oh, how the gears are spinning!
True teachers, whether they are career educators or not, always take a concept to the next level. I am not surprised that you are already thinking of how you can use what you learn to interact with your son and your students. I have a virtual classroom that I use with my students. In this classroom is the option of having them keep an online journal that only they and I can see and I can send them messages within the confines of the journal (SLC=Student Learning Community). The true teacher in you will just be delighted once you make those connections happen. Good Luck, I know you can do it.
ReplyDeleteEven though your son is savvy with the Internet and is able to go beyond you right now, this coursework will result in a much higher level of achievement for you. Teachers need to stay current within their areas. From asking my students key questions about the Internet, it's obvious that they have a very narrow view of what the Internet is all about. For them it's mainly a social networking tool and general fun and games. Also, I will remembe your blog because of your logo. I'm going to get a logo for my blog.
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