Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Supply computers to all students?
Schools must decide whether it is a worthwhile investment to supply a computer for every student. Enabling each student to have his or her own computer is an interesting idea because it enhances students media literacy. Using computers to teach and to learn is one way to adapt to the needs of today's students. However, computers are still expensive, and supplying a computer for every single student within a school building would be an expense that few schools could absorb. Additionally, many students view computers as a way to relax and have fun, so having computers in the classroom could be a potential distraction from learning. In closing, computers are necessary to education in the current era, but supplying a computer for every student is unattainable for most schools in the current economy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
2010 Online Conference
The 2010 online conference is an innovative way for administrators, educators, and even students to connect with one another. Instead of converging on one location for a weekend of lectures and conferences, interested individuals can convene online, hence the name "2010 Online Conference." The benefits of this format are numerous, but one of the largest benefits is that educators no longer have to find the time to travel to and from the conference. Another benefit is that, since the conference is online, a person can work through it at his or her own pace, review items as needed, and never have to miss a session. Additionally, sharing information gleaned from the conference is extremely easy. One topic I found particularly relevent and interesting was the presentation titled "Shhh!!! The Students are Learning: Being an Effective Classroom Facilitator."
I enjoyed viewing this presentation because it spoke about classroom management. Personally, I think classroom management is a far greater challenge than simply teaching students a specific content area. One large idea I gained from the message was that teachers should "Be a facilitator of learning rather than a deliverer of information." What this statement essentially means is that teachers should avoid standing at the front of the classroom stating facts and lecturing students about a chosen topic. Rather, students should be actively engaged in the subject at hand. One way to do this is for the teacher to bestow students with greater roles of leadership. Theoretically, this encourages students to invest more into what they are expected to learn. In closing, the way a lesson is delivered has just as much influence on student learning as the knowledge and ability of students and teacher in the subject area.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=728
I enjoyed viewing this presentation because it spoke about classroom management. Personally, I think classroom management is a far greater challenge than simply teaching students a specific content area. One large idea I gained from the message was that teachers should "Be a facilitator of learning rather than a deliverer of information." What this statement essentially means is that teachers should avoid standing at the front of the classroom stating facts and lecturing students about a chosen topic. Rather, students should be actively engaged in the subject at hand. One way to do this is for the teacher to bestow students with greater roles of leadership. Theoretically, this encourages students to invest more into what they are expected to learn. In closing, the way a lesson is delivered has just as much influence on student learning as the knowledge and ability of students and teacher in the subject area.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=728
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