online videos

Even though two of the videos we were supposed to view did not really work for me (meaning they would not play for more than 16 or so seconds) I am pretty sure that I got the main message trying to be given to us as future teachers. We need to be aware of the changing technology and be aware of the ways we can integrate the already popular devises into our everyday classrooms. It was amazing to me how much young children are using screen media at this point. The digital learners video (the third one on the list) stated that 70% of 4-6 year olds use a computer every day and that 68% of children under 2 use screen media an average of about two hours everyday. It is probably safe to assume that those numbers are just going to increase as the technology continues to progress.
In the digital learners video they also say that out of seniors who will graduate, 28% say their school work is meaningful, 21% think their courses are interesting, and 39% feel their work will actually help them in the future. That is a shockingly low number of high school seniors who think the work they are doing in high school will help them in the future! Students should think that the work they are doing is worth something, is going to help them towards their goals, and to help them further their knowledge. Students should feel engaged with the information they are being taught.
I agree with that but as far as using cell phones to learn seems a bit absurd to me. Podcasts, on the other hand, could be a good way to give absent students the same opportunity to hear the lectures given on the days they missed. It would also be a good way for “guest” lecturers to give a lecture once and be able to provide it to multiple places at one time.
I personally think that technology, especially the use of the Internet and other computer programs in your classroom is essential, how far you go with that, is up to you. Each persons comfort level with various pieces of technology should be the basis of where you start introducing different pieces into the school’s curriculum.
All teachers should be aware of the uses of web 2.0 and how they can integrate the use of making websites, blogs, and other ways of communication on the web to their full advantage. Blogs would be a good way for students to communicate about assignments and findings with each other, teachers, and students from other schools, states, and even countries. Creating websites for a class creates an opportunity to let international students show their host parents what their life back home is like and to also show their parents what life with their host family is like.