Growing up in Ecuador, I wasn't fortunate enough to have the latest technological gadgets available. I haven't even heard of them until I decided to move to America. Actually, I don't remember even seeing one until I got to Orlando.
So when the topic of having them as tools of learning came up, I Immediately felt uninterested. Cellphones? Not my classroom! What a liability, I thought! I have never been too fond of the idea anyway. But something changed. This week's readings pointed out some creative ways of incorporating them into our classroom. Ways that are simple and easy to do and it guarantees' students engagement.
In " 40 Quick Ways To Use Mobile Phones In The Classroom", I was shown how I could potentially use all the tools the phone offers and integrate them into my teaching. Aside from the obvious like texting and the internet , grading was one of the best ways for me to utilize the cellphone. I can't imagine being paper-free and having a software that can compute my students grades. For my students, there were a variety of ways they can use them in the class. Some are: blogging, recording podcast, discussing and field research to name a few.
I believe I am now ready to give cellphones a fair chance. I can't wait to integrate this device to my learning environment and become part of the 21st Century Technology integrated Classroom.
To access the article just click on the website - http://emergingtech.tbr.edu/40-quick-ways-use-mobile-phones-classrooms
Erica
Friday, September 19, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Using Technology to Improve Communications with Parents
I can remember back when I was in school, how my parent/teacher conferences used to be. My teachers would speak to my parents about my grades and participation in class. My parents would attentively listen and hold sacred every word they said. Not anymore! Parents and teachers communicate very differently these days.
After reading an article titled "5 Tech Tools To Boost Teacher-to-Parent Communication" , I realize the different and innovative ways technology can be incorporated into every aspect of teaching. I have been used to speaking to parents directly or emailing them if I necessary. However, this article suggests alternative ways we can use technology to make our parent communication more personable and immediate.
Some of the suggestions were to use texts as a reminder tool, creating classroom websites to keep parents informed of any event happening in the class and having a blog where teachers, students and parents can have platform for healthy discussions.
I am sure parents enjoy feeling part of their child's classroom life so why not integrate them into the school routine by using these alternative tools. As a parent myself, I appreciate when my daughters' teachers go out of their way to make me feel part of their classroom life!
After reading an article titled "5 Tech Tools To Boost Teacher-to-Parent Communication" , I realize the different and innovative ways technology can be incorporated into every aspect of teaching. I have been used to speaking to parents directly or emailing them if I necessary. However, this article suggests alternative ways we can use technology to make our parent communication more personable and immediate.
Some of the suggestions were to use texts as a reminder tool, creating classroom websites to keep parents informed of any event happening in the class and having a blog where teachers, students and parents can have platform for healthy discussions.
I am sure parents enjoy feeling part of their child's classroom life so why not integrate them into the school routine by using these alternative tools. As a parent myself, I appreciate when my daughters' teachers go out of their way to make me feel part of their classroom life!
Personal Mind Map to illustrate ideas used from MindMeister
Friday, August 29, 2014
Obsolete?
Hi everyone,
My name is Erica Guzman-Adams and I am taking a class called Fundamentals of Technology. One of my assignments was to create a blog to write about the importance of technology in education. Recently, I was assigned to read and reflect on a blog that was written by Ingvi Hrannar Ómarsson. The title is "14 Things That Are Obsolete In 21st Century Schools".
I was truly excited to read this blog. The blog talks about the things that need to change in our schools in order to create more engaged and creative students. It also provides examples of what schools should do instead.
My favorite one is "Unhealthy cafeteria food is obsolete". I couldn't agree more. We have made a lot of progress inside our schools' cafeterias. I believe there are more healthy choices available for students and teachers. Fresh fruits and some food made from scratch have made a significant progress towards a more balanced diet. But more can be done! Ómarsson points out the importance of creating healthy eating habits that our students can incorporate into their lives. I like the idea of having students grow their own "window farm".
Another idea that he brings up is that "cellphones and tablets shouldn't be banned in school". I have mixed emotions about this one. While I can understand why he believes these devices could be very useful inside a school setting I am worried that they may not be used appropriately by the students and may be hard to monitor for the faculty. Personal devices should be away from the classroom.
I enjoyed reading and learning from this blog. I recommend you read it and come up with your own conclusions ( http://ingvihrannar.com/14-things-that-are-obsolete-in-21st-century-schools/).
Erica
My name is Erica Guzman-Adams and I am taking a class called Fundamentals of Technology. One of my assignments was to create a blog to write about the importance of technology in education. Recently, I was assigned to read and reflect on a blog that was written by Ingvi Hrannar Ómarsson. The title is "14 Things That Are Obsolete In 21st Century Schools".
I was truly excited to read this blog. The blog talks about the things that need to change in our schools in order to create more engaged and creative students. It also provides examples of what schools should do instead.
My favorite one is "Unhealthy cafeteria food is obsolete". I couldn't agree more. We have made a lot of progress inside our schools' cafeterias. I believe there are more healthy choices available for students and teachers. Fresh fruits and some food made from scratch have made a significant progress towards a more balanced diet. But more can be done! Ómarsson points out the importance of creating healthy eating habits that our students can incorporate into their lives. I like the idea of having students grow their own "window farm".
Another idea that he brings up is that "cellphones and tablets shouldn't be banned in school". I have mixed emotions about this one. While I can understand why he believes these devices could be very useful inside a school setting I am worried that they may not be used appropriately by the students and may be hard to monitor for the faculty. Personal devices should be away from the classroom.
I enjoyed reading and learning from this blog. I recommend you read it and come up with your own conclusions ( http://ingvihrannar.com/14-things-that-are-obsolete-in-21st-century-schools/).
Erica
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