Comments on: “An end to silly, old-fashioned book learning” http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/ Aristotle Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:47:49 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: treehouserock » Blog Archive » Comments http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-15 treehouserock » Blog Archive » Comments Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:47:49 +0000 http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/#comment-15 [...] 3 Posted by nathan Filed in Posts, Uncategorized [...] [...] 3 Posted by nathan Filed in Posts, Uncategorized [...]

]]> By: Jana http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-5 Jana Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:18:26 +0000 http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/#comment-5 First of all, I have to agree with Nathan. Technology incorporated into the classroom has to be meaningful. Not that I am against technology in education. I took a class two semesters ago, and I learned a lot about using technology in lessons. One thing that is possible now is the virtual field trip. Nowadays kids, yes, even in elementary schools, are taking less, if any field trips do to time restraints and financial loss of the schools. An answer to this sad truth is the virtual field trip. Basically, a camera, pointed at the class, connected to the computer, via internet access, allows students to communicate instantaneously with people anywhere. The idea has merit! Imagine doing a unit on sharks, then connecting with a marine biologist in Australia, who is feeding live sharks while answering your students’ questions. Oh, the possibilities… However, I feel that virtual field trips should never completely replace real world experiences. But, let’s face it, how many times did you visit Blandford Nature Center with your class? I went every year for the duration of my elementary days. Some of those I was commuting from Wayland, so I can see why educators consider traveling such a distance a waste of time. That is, at least, if the field trip isn’t worthwhile. Of course, I am a firm believer that students need to get out and touch and feel, and experience the real world. Another example, is the simple use of calculators. When I was in third grade, my teacher had a classroom set of calculators, of which I used as a crutch and never became strong at mental math. I feel that in elementary school, students need to learn the basics of mathematics, like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, in addition to estimating, etc. When students get to FST, for example, I can see how calculators are a necessity, not a hindrance. When I am a teacher, it will be my goal to use technology and real world experiences in meaningful ways. First of all, I have to agree with Nathan. Technology incorporated into the classroom has to be meaningful. Not that I am against technology in education. I took a class two semesters ago, and I learned a lot about using technology in lessons. One thing that is possible now is the virtual field trip. Nowadays kids, yes, even in elementary schools, are taking less, if any field trips do to time restraints and financial loss of the schools. An answer to this sad truth is the virtual field trip. Basically, a camera, pointed at the class, connected to the computer, via internet access, allows students to communicate instantaneously with people anywhere. The idea has merit! Imagine doing a unit on sharks, then connecting with a marine biologist in Australia, who is feeding live sharks while answering your students’ questions. Oh, the possibilities… However, I feel that virtual field trips should never completely replace real world experiences. But, let’s face it, how many times did you visit Blandford Nature Center with your class? I went every year for the duration of my elementary days. Some of those I was commuting from Wayland, so I can see why educators consider traveling such a distance a waste of time. That is, at least, if the field trip isn’t worthwhile. Of course, I am a firm believer that students need to get out and touch and feel, and experience the real world.

Another example, is the simple use of calculators. When I was in third grade, my teacher had a classroom set of calculators, of which I used as a crutch and never became strong at mental math. I feel that in elementary school, students need to learn the basics of mathematics, like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, in addition to estimating, etc. When students get to FST, for example, I can see how calculators are a necessity, not a hindrance. When I am a teacher, it will be my goal to use technology and real world experiences in meaningful ways.

]]> By: nathan http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-4 nathan Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:51:35 +0000 http://christiedeanna.edublogs.org/2007/10/23/an-end-to-silly-old-fashioned-book-learning/#comment-4 I had a chuckle at the 'individual student response devices' (are they talking about my hands?) I can see someone saying that these are helpful because they enable shy students to participate in class without the 'risk' of raising their hand in class - this argument might hold some water if we all walked around with little jeopardy buzzers... Using technology for the sake of, well using technology, is wasteful and probably more of a hinderance than simply doing without. Most of my favorite class experiences were the result engaging class discussions and activities; not necessarily what kind of technology we were using. I think you've hit on the most important aspect of using technology in the classroom here, it has to be meaningful. I had a chuckle at the ‘individual student response devices’ (are they talking about my hands?) I can see someone saying that these are helpful because they enable shy students to participate in class without the ‘risk’ of raising their hand in class – this argument might hold some water if we all walked around with little jeopardy buzzers… Using technology for the sake of, well using technology, is wasteful and probably more of a hinderance than simply doing without. Most of my favorite class experiences were the result engaging class discussions and activities; not necessarily what kind of technology we were using. I think you’ve hit on the most important aspect of using technology in the classroom here, it has to be meaningful.

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