Journal # 1

Shifflet, Rena, & Toledo, Cheri (2008). Extreme makeover: updating class activities for the 21st century. Learning and Leading in Technology. 34-35. Retrieved on July 13, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjheil65.googlepages.com%2FJournal1.pdf&images=yes

This article mentions new ways to enhance and even glam up old activities taught in the classroom with easy to web based supplies. Some of the tools that could create a more intriguing outcome to keep students’ interests in teachers’ activities include writing tools such as blogs, wikis, social bookmarks and photo sharing. These tools provide students and teachers with a way of communicating for educational purposes while having fun and learning new ways to incorporate technology in to one’s daily life. While there may be some concerns about the misuse of technology, it is even more important for students to be able to use computer based tools in the classroom where it not only is a safe environment, but teachers are able to relay the proper use of technology and help guide students in the right direction when using these simple tools.

Mader, Jared, & Smith, Ben (2008). Blogging Right Along. Learning and Leading in Technology. 36. Retrieved on July 13, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjheil65.googlepages.com%2FJournal1.pdf&images=yes

This article goes into detail about how blogging in the classroom and with students could actually be a great form of communication and understanding of one’s level of participation. Having students create blogs for the class creates a safe fun way for students to be more involved and for teachers to monitor whether or not the students are grasping the material and puts their knowledge to the challenge. A tool that is recommended for use in the classroom is the iweb which allows students to take turns describing key concepts from the lessons in class. This way students can get creative with their postings and add pictures or examples that pertain to the lesson taught. It is similar to a daily log or daily journal entry but instead each student receives a turn and it is a communal log for the whole class to participate in.

Question:

1.) With this generation being one of technology, will there be any use to go to places such as the library anymore or even submit assignments in person when simple computer based tools can take care of it all for us?

2.) How will a daily blog keep students interested and wanting them to actively participate without it only being done as a requirement?

Answer:

1.) While the computer can accomplish many things such as online sources and is of convince for those who are unable to get to places such as the library, places such as libraries will still be of good use and visited often especially for students because even though the computer is an amazing source of technology and is helpful in many ways, some sources may not be found on the internet. Some assignments may get lost through the transportation of cyberspace or some of the more dated resource books may not be available on the internet.

2.) If the daily blog remains fun and innovative with fun facts and perhaps entertainment, students might be more interested to participate on their own time and even create one outside of the classroom. If a blog is boring and lifeless students are less likely to react with joy and put forth their best efforts.