After reading the articles this week, I gained more insight
into information that I have been learning throughout this experience. As
technology advances and younger students grow up using that technology, we need
to be able to incorporate different technological tools into our instruction
not only to engage, but to help students learn in a way that is natural for
them. Technology can be used simply in classrooms by accessing the internet on
a computer, using a word processor, or presentation software. Technology can
also be used to create authentic writing projects, communicate with peers from
school and outside of school, and proudly display work for families and friends
to see. One of my favorite uses of technology in the classroom is taking a
virtual field trip. With the internet being so easily accessible in almost all
schools now, students can take a trip without ever having to leave the
classroom. This increases the possibilities for students to learn about
different people, culture, places, etc. all within the classroom walls. I also
like the idea of creating a class blog or webpage. A class blog allows students
to reach out to experts in a field and get a different perspective about the
things we are learning. A class website opens communication to parents and lets
students display their work which makes the entire learning process more
meaningful and exciting.
The articles we read this week focused a great deal on
digital storytelling. What I like about digital storytelling is that students
who may not normally be motivated to write, could be inspired by the fact that
they are moving from paper and pencil to creating a project they can share with
others and revisit whenever they want. Digital storytelling allows students to
creatively display their ideas through images they draw or pictures they take
themselves. Writing can become more personal for students which helps them take
ownership of their learning
Link to technology writing lesson plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F5FNRfUwQDKwm5kp4CVgOrTgUOTJOBBiuDcS2U1IVK4/edit?usp=sharing
I agree that digital storytelling helps motivate and engage struggling writers. I like how you structured your lesson to have students create a comic book about the life of inanimate object. This would help students get creative and not be overwhelmed with the writing aspects since it is more of a short form writing.
ReplyDeleteI liked your lesson plan and how you made the writing activity authentic. Think students will love creating a comic book and it will motivate them to write.
ReplyDeleteI used to do virtual trips with my fourth graders. They loved it. I also used to do live broadcasts of some kids events as well and my students always looked forward to it. I used to also have a class blog and my students loved that as well. They loved the idea of having a place where they can communicate with their teacher and peers outside of school. These tools are truly effective and teach students so much more.
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