Thoughts on digital writing in classrooms (Dec 2, 2008)
As I review the blog posts I composed during the course of the semester, I realize the extent of reflection I've done in regards to 1) using technology in an English classroom and schools in general, 2) the affordability and efficiency of various digital software,and 3) using technology as teaching vs. learning tools.
Certain conclusions have been reiterated: 1) Simple is better; students are able to focus on content if the process is straightforward. 2) It's crucial to rehearse the programs and software BEFORE incorporating it into your classroom! 3) A teacher needs to consider copyright violations, etc. An English teacher, in particular, must model using the Internet for research. As students visit the library less and less, they must be able to sort out reliable sources, how to access academic sites, and how to cite their sources in papers. Although we didn't work on this much during Teaching Digital Writing, I think teaching students how to find information in the digital age is CRUCIAL! And, 4) I am less skeptical of the value of using digital tools in classrooms. I understand that digital supporters are not necessarily arguing to drop print books...rather, their argument is legitimate- our world is digitizing and teachers need to acknowledge this so that young people can negotiate their future career and college paths.
If I asked my intercession students to create an e-portfolio, I would require them to post a minute or two of their adaptation films on Midsummer Night's Dream. I would also ask them to post reflections of the rehearsal process, a scene that they wrote, and some music that they would add if the film had a soundtrack. I think the students would enjoy creating blogs so that they could make their e-portfolio multi-modal and available to the public.
Without a doubt, I am excited to use many of the Teaching Digital Writing tools in my future classroom. I plan to have a class wiki. Further, I would consider using imovie, VoiceThread, podcasts (including gcast with phones...awesome!), and blogs. I am also eager to encourage and help future colleague use technology in their classrooms!
Certain conclusions have been reiterated: 1) Simple is better; students are able to focus on content if the process is straightforward. 2) It's crucial to rehearse the programs and software BEFORE incorporating it into your classroom! 3) A teacher needs to consider copyright violations, etc. An English teacher, in particular, must model using the Internet for research. As students visit the library less and less, they must be able to sort out reliable sources, how to access academic sites, and how to cite their sources in papers. Although we didn't work on this much during Teaching Digital Writing, I think teaching students how to find information in the digital age is CRUCIAL! And, 4) I am less skeptical of the value of using digital tools in classrooms. I understand that digital supporters are not necessarily arguing to drop print books...rather, their argument is legitimate- our world is digitizing and teachers need to acknowledge this so that young people can negotiate their future career and college paths.
If I asked my intercession students to create an e-portfolio, I would require them to post a minute or two of their adaptation films on Midsummer Night's Dream. I would also ask them to post reflections of the rehearsal process, a scene that they wrote, and some music that they would add if the film had a soundtrack. I think the students would enjoy creating blogs so that they could make their e-portfolio multi-modal and available to the public.
Without a doubt, I am excited to use many of the Teaching Digital Writing tools in my future classroom. I plan to have a class wiki. Further, I would consider using imovie, VoiceThread, podcasts (including gcast with phones...awesome!), and blogs. I am also eager to encourage and help future colleague use technology in their classrooms!
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