I thought the idea of the 'Burning Secrets' case study was interesting. This is a learning activity that you could do with any age group. The act of getting internal things out and expressing yourself in a public, yet in a intimate way is therapeutic. It allows a certain release that can affect anyone who partakes. I have done activities like this and had a successful experience. This could help when starting a project to seek inspiration or just to clear the mind.
As far as brainstorming my own ideas to use digital technology in the classroom, I really enjoy the use of forums and online interaction. I think with outlets like Youtube, and other digital blogs/resources it presents space for expression. These tools can be used in multiple ways but mostly to portray a particular method the student wants to share. Also, I enjoy that there is possibility to reach the teacher at anytime. Being able to have a way to contact a professor through email or blog outside of class is a wonderful source. This type of digital technology can be used with all age groups but mostly I would apply it with older middle school, or high school students.
September 2011 Archives
Does the digital classroom enfeeble the mind? A New York Times Article by: Jaron Lanier touches base on many ideas surrounding digital media in the classrooms. Nowadays is has become a controversial topic in classrooms. Should we teach the 'old fashioned' way, or push education in a digital medium. Lanier explains that the trick here is being ambidextrous, or at least being able to understand the positives to both sides. He asks himself if this 'digital era' is just a generational thing, or will it change a hundred years from now.
We have become statistics of our generation without even knowing it. We learn where to find sources, and how to organize information. So how do we truly learn? What is learning about?
I took a class about education, basically learning about learning and it helped me understand myself in the way I gathered information, in the end exciting me about learning and help me grasp more information is a way more personal to me.
The key here is engagement. Since we don't know exactly how the brain works computers are able to help build connections, creativity and build community through collaboration. Computers can bring people from around the world together in a matter of seconds.
For me as a teacher, the tools are the computers, the key is teaching. Teaching children to learn how to think, and use the tools. Technology will change as time moves forward. It is necessary to understand the culture and how it's changing.
I found this simple debate on technology in the classroom very interesting. I myself don't enjoy reading out of textbooks. I would rather do something hands on. Computers are great tools, and can be used in many different ways. I enjoy being able to harness creativity in different ways and technology is just one other way we can do this.
Source: http://www.21stcenturycollaborative.com/2010/09/does-the-digital-classroom-enfeeble-the-mind/
