Reflection # 10

Teachers turning tech devices into learning tools


I loved this article! It is so interesting to see how teachers use technology to aid learning rather than let it become a distraction in the classroom. This article shows how teachers use iPods, hand held computers, and blogs to help students learn.
One language arts teacher allows students to bring iPods to class and listen to clean music in order to learn about poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. Another teacher uses hand held computers rather than more expensive desk tops to do math and research in the class. The teacher had students look up video clips of tornadoes as part of their lesson when they were studying natural disasters. Students can also use online games to learn their spelling words in fun ways rather than just looking over the words and trying to memorize them.
Teachers are also using blogs to communicate with their students by posting questions and having them respond. I think this is great because it gives students a chance to express to their teacher what they are learning even if they might be a little shy in class. It also clears up more time in class because students can ask question and respond outside of class when they are al their computer (which they will probably be on anyways). They also have more time to think about their response and will have a more thoughtful one that just answering when called on in class.
I will defiantly be doing more research into ways other teachers are incorporating technology devices into their classroom and use it in mine too.