Journal #1

As a teacher nowadays, there are all sorts of ways to update your lessons plans using technology. New computer technology not only encourages collaborative learning but it also prepares children to use technology in there professional lives. It is important to teach children about technology and it is easy to incorporate it along with any other subject. Social bookmarking, blogs and wikis are a couple of ways to use collaborative learning in the classroom. Often children use some of these technologies out of the classroom as well, thus it is something that is familiar and fun to them already. Also make the students work available to fellow peer encourages them to put extra thought and effort into assignments. Blogging is particularly helpful with keeping students up to date. One suggestion in the article was a weekly class log that included class notes and assignments. This was particularly helpful for students who are absent or need extra help because they can find all class information missed online. However children must also be taught the proper ethical use of computer technology as well so that it is not misused.

1.)Which programs would be pertinent for elementary school children?

I think children at that age would probably benefit from blogging, social bookmarking and collaborative writing tools.

2.)How would incorporating technology into my lesson plans benefit my class?

It would prepare the class for their future social and professional lives which will most likely include technology. It will enable the student being that our society has become more and more web based. It gives another method of learning that is hands on and it is said that the more modalities you use in the classroom the better children learn. Also, it encourages collaborative learning and teaches children how to work well in groups.

References

Mader and Smith, Jared and Ben (2008,July). Blogging Right Along. Learning and Leading with Technology , Retrieved July 14, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fj

Shifflet and Toledo, Rena and Cheri (2008, July). Extreme Makeover: Updating Class. Learning Connections, Retrieved July 14, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjheil65.googlepages.com%2FJournal1.pdf&images=yes