 |
| Photo from morguefile.com |
- Stop always giving students the answers and encourage them to discover them for themselves
- When they ask how to spell something, instruct them to consider using spell check or inserting how they think the word should be spelt in something called "Google"
- Continually remind them that when they are connected to the Internet a lot of information is at their fingertips
- But also challenge students to question Internet sources and consider from what point of view was something written, recorded, published, etc.
- Provide opportunities for students to use technology where they become the "constructors" of media and not the "consumers"
- Instead of multiple choice and short answer, consider an assessment activity where they can collaborate and create, rather than regurgitate
- Continually remind them that in the world of social media they are the product
- Yet also offer them opportunities to see the real power behind social media (beyond updating your status on a minute to minute basis)
- Debate with them what kind of digital footprint they want to leave on the Internet
- Admit you are not an expert on many things, but together we can find people who are
- Always remember that a quiet orderly classroom does not necessarily reflect good teaching, just excellent classroom management with few headaches
- Distinguish carefully between when students are genuinely challenging you or others on issues versus just being disrespectful
- Help them to distinguish it too
- Consider digital literacy as important as traditional literacy skills and numeracy
- Smartphones and other digital devices have as much (or probably much more) potential to be engaging as they do distracting
- Talk about a book, an object with real pages, and share with them how nice it feels and how good a new one smells...point out that the words can be useful as well
- Introduce sustained silent reading now and then and ask them to share what they read
- Enjoy the quiet time, because it seldom lasts long
- Sometimes learning for the sake of learning can be cool, no seriously...
- Model what it means to be a life-long learner
- Questions and issues that have no clear right or wrong answers will create more debate, frustration and interest
- Discuss copy and paste versus copy and plagiarize
- Every now and then take technology outdoors with video cameras, digital cameras and digital recorders
- Time to recharge is as important as time to engage
- Have them do projects or assignments that involve little to no typical modern day technology
- Consider how they can use the learning space and time to make connections to issues and problems in their own school and community
- Ask them to consider this too
- Then do something about it
- Look impressed when they actually use their digital tablet or pad to download a Shakespearean play
- Remember that just because you gave them instructions does not mean they plan on reading them
- Continually ask them to read instructions and confer with their partner or other group members when possible before they ask you how to do something
- Even when you trial an application before classroom use, at least one student will find an obstacle or issue you missed
- Most times there is a student who knows as much if not more about the technology you are using, or will just have this great innate ability. Take advantage of that
- Sometimes a student needs to work alone and sometimes they need to work with others...allowing them the moments to express and reflect on what is best for them is good for everyone
- Reflect on what did not work that day and change it, but also celebrate what did work
- Celebrate their achievements as much as possible and give them credit when they genuinely tried their best
- Always remember that real learning can be messy (and noisy), but also very rewarding
No comments:
Post a Comment