Our reading for week 7 includes the Internet Safety link from the New York State Education Department and is as follows:
"The emergence and use of new technologies strengthen the need for all learners to know and practice safe effective, ethical use of technology through training in Internet safety. While many students and teachers use various technologies often, others may use it infrequently or lack basic access or information to use technology. Yet all learners, including the youngest students, students with special needs, and English language learners, can receive guidance in information literacy and the safe and ethical use of telecommunications tools such as social networking spaces and online coursework to meet learning standards, credit or degree requirements, and life-long learning needs. NYSED can assist by providing technical assistance for instructional programs designed to promote the proper and safe use of the Internet."
In my observation the students spend most of their time watching or listening to the teacher do or perform the technology; however when the Smart board is utilized each student that I have observed interacting on the smart board has had prior knowledge of how to make it work and what to do with it.
I would like to see the traditional "desk" make way for a laptop in the community of the classroom. Too often our students are leaving their classrooms to learn about technology as if it is somehow separate from the rest of our content curriculum. Some classrooms keep the computers covered and are used as a reward during "play time" in which the students are playing social networking type games such as "Club Penguin" or "Pandanda"
With that said there will always be a need for students to write legibly and comprehend what they read as well as navigate the internet in a safe, educational and meaning making way which complements the state and national core curriculum as well as the scope and sequence of the district.
We as pre-service teachers have a responsibility to prepare ourselves and our students to have 21st Century Skills comparable with current Industry Standards.
Happy Day!
Darcy B
During my field observations in a 3rd grade classroom, I have noticed their ability to navigate the internet very well. In fact, they are currently doing a research project on St. Patrick's Day that they will present during a morning meeting of all 2nd and 3rd graders. I have noticed how capable they are of using internet resources and what website allow them to reasearch, such as "goole" and "wikipedia". I was in awe of how well the students worked together to gather information on the topic. Following the research, they will be creating a "report" where they will display their information in either a power point or a typed word document. There are many students in the classroom who utiliize the different technologies very well.
ReplyDeleteThis past Friday, while observing, we had a substitute in the first few hours. When the sub was unsure of how to use the SMART-board, the students were able to show her exactly what to do. I have come to the conclusion, that despite being taught how to use these tools, our digital natives have a natural ability to know how these tools are used, just by implementing them into the classroom.
As teachers, just by using these tools in our classroom gives our students a technological advantage and I think it is important that we learn about new products. Allowing the students the opportunity to have these tools is great, but we do, however, need to make sure they understand the safety involved with technologies. I think by using them properly in the classroom, as well as informing them of positive and usful usage, they will gain this knowledge.
Responding to what Darcy said, it is interesting that technology is often saved in the event of extra time or free time. It is more of a reward than implemented on a regular basis. I am in a first grade classroom and they have absolutely NO technology in their classroom. On some Fridays, the teacher brings them to the computer lab for "choice time," where they can play educational games online of their choice. It is impressing how well some children can navigate the internet, but this makes me wonder... If technology is something that is perceived as a reward and some children are exposed to it as little as once a week, when is there time to teach internet safety?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that there is such a difference between classrooms and grade levels in the exposure to technology... I feel like there needs to be more consistency across the districts, and even state.
I think that it is awesome that Amanda's observational experience is going so well.
ReplyDeleteGood points about the contrasting elements Brittney, I agree with your statement regarding consistency across the state.
Are we posting the w/o SB?