Chapter 9 is already here! I have loved this book and am very excited to incorporate the ideas into my classroom. I am very excited to host this last chapter and the conclusion! As a teacher who has an entire set of Chromebooks in my classroom, I totally and completely connected with this chapter. Now, on to the good stuff!
Integrating Digital Technology and Media Literacy (page 139)
--"Technology should support and expand students' learning and directly connect to the content and skills that are being taught during other instructional times." Such a fabulous thought. Too many teachers use technology as busy work and don't understand the power technology has in educating children.
--The main advantage of technology is the fact that it will "connect our students to the world" and "remove our classroom boundaries."
--"Digital tools are not a new element in teaching; in reality, they are no longer even considered optional." Oh my! Such an awesome thought! The entire educational community needs to believe and act upon these words. Too many teachers are still teaching without any technology and don't realize the world we live in is so very much a technology age. Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe some things are better done with good old fashioned paper and pencil, but not everything!
--"By integrating digital tools into our classrooms, we allow our students to apply their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in authentic learning situations." I am such a believer of this!
--By integrating technology we are helping our students become "globally aware, more proactive, and more engaged." Who wouldn't want that?
Lisa goes on to introduce us to The Six Cs of Digital Literacy (pages 140-144) and I love down-to-earth common sense of these!
1. Connect - students are able to connect to the outside world through virtual field trips and images. They no longer need to be passive observers.
2. Communicate - "Communication in the 21st century seamlessly flows between face-to-face interactions and online communications." Many educators don't use technology because the technological world is a scary place to them. My advice is to just start simply; use one aspect of technology and build from there.
3. Create - creativity = inspiration, inspiration = engagement. "Through the use of digital tools, students can synthesize and integrate their learning in creative ways."
4. Collaborate - Student collaboration is a must in the learning environment. Using technology enables this aspect in such a simple manner by using Google Drive, blogs, Edmodo, etc.
5. Consolidate - "Learning is most powerful when studnets are able to apply it and transfer it to new situations."
6. Critically Analyze - Using technology helps students learn to be "critically literate" and as teachers we need to educate them.
Working with What You've Got
-"Whatever the challenges you face, the solution comes with creativity and flexibility." Amen, amen. Flexibility is the key to challenges.
-Lisa continues by giving suggestions on how to use a few devices during the 100 Minutes. She suggests having the kids take turns by assigning them a day. This way they will have enough time to actually log in, and get enough quality time to work.
On Lisa's blog she, which she quotes in the book, talks about Kinetic Learning. I LOVE this part! I was at some teacher conference somewhere and someone replaced the word 'kinetic' with 'real'. So kinetic learning=real learning. Lisa has 5 Principles of Kinetic Learning and they are:
1. Kinetic Learning focuses on skills rather than content.
2. Kinetic Learning is forward-thinking.
3. Kinetic Learning is authentic and purposeful.
4. Kinetic Learning is multi-faceted.
5. Kinetic Learning is why and how based.
Conclusion
-I am loving this conclusion. It struck me as amazing and brilliant! The awesome presentation of the conclusion was perfect to wrap-up this great book.
-Lisa encourages us that "the simple establishment of a routine is not sufficient to keep it going." We need to keep things exciting and interesting. "All routines need maintenance." Make sure to keep your students interested so they will be motivated to be successful!
Thank you Lisa Donohue! This book was exactly what I needed to improve classroom.
Great post Tina!!! Don't forget to add your post to the linky.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thinking of Teaching