Feb
26
Reading Response 6: Getting students to think
February 26, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Articles:
Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom
Integrating Technology in the Classroom
These two articles work very well together. The first article makes a strong case for constructivist practices tied with technology. In a world where students are increasingly asked to synthesize ideas and draw their own conclusions (a natural part of getting more information), technology can provide the access to information and the tools to help students visualize what they are doing and present the material. If we are not using current technology, we are teaching in an artificial atmosphere because as soon as students go out the doors they will be confronted with it one way or another. Our current challenge is to find ways to provide equal types of access for students, because, as the article states, those who do not have full time access fall further and further behind. Where the second article ties in is finding the right tools for the job. So as we move forward in embedding technology in the classroom we are choosing the right tool for the job, not just the one we use most often.
The map below is an example of a possible learning/synthesis project. Using the map, students would select a house to buy based on the given criteria and any other information they can find. This could be used in a class on business, economics, math, social studies, etc… The idea then would be to have students select a presentation method and make their argument. There are other ways to use Google Maps in a classroom-to create a field trip (photos can be brought in and you can select your spots to mark), so even younger students could use it as a virtual field trip.
