Blog

Recently, for a class I was asked to develop my personal philosophy on blogging. This is something that I know I have opinion about, but not something that I've ever needed to articulate; however, I feel that, as an educator, it is time I stop and take the time to verbalize my view of the issue. Before I can firmly state my philosophy, it is important for me to 'voice' some things that are floating around in my head.

I have had the priveledge of having an IWB in my classroom going on 4 years now. Though I am not even close to as computer literate on social aspects of the Internet as most of my friends, I feel like I do a pretty decent job incorporating it into my classroom. In my limited experience, technology has been an 'add-on' in most classrooms. Its there, use it when you can, but we're not going to be focusing our time on it. I know that this is likely due to the demand that we have in our state on the TAKS test, the results, and the ensueing consequences (good and bad).

Today in a blog (http://weblogg-ed.com/2009/digital-inclusion/) a reader asked if thinking needs to shift from how can technology support education to how can education support technology. I think that this is an important consideration that we all need to take into consideration. No matter the age of the individual reading this, every life in the world today has been affected by the Internet in varying degrees- both good and bad. Whether some want to accept it or not, technology is going to one of the most significant factors in the careers that our students are going to have. If we do not take the opportunity now to teach them to be learners and effective seekers and evaluators of information, then we are going to be doing them a great disservice.

Do I know, 100%, how I'm going to use blogs, wikis, etc. in my classroom? Definitely not. Do I understand what they are and how I can use them in the classroom? Yes:) I think the key to technology integration is for educators to first take the time to learn about new technologies and play with it. We need to be more like our students. Rarely do my kiddos get frustrated with how to use technology (though I sure do!). Instead, they play with it, see what they can do with it. Now that I have had the opportunity to play with these tools, I feel that I will be able to more successfully use them with my students. Am I going to get it right the first time, absolutely not! But as long as I know where I'm wanting to go with it, then I know that we will find our way. I will be better meeting the needs of my students, and having some fun with it at the same time (hopefully).

One book that I’ve read that was very impactful was “Teaching with the Brain in Mind” by Eric Jensen. Until I got my book, I didn’t know that there is a 1st and 2nd edition. I would recommend the 2nd edition- it has new information.

There are so many different strategies and suggestions that Jensen has that I really recommend that if you are interested in learning more, that you get the book. I was shocked by what an ‘easy read’ it was! My book now is covered with post-its of all the things I marked. Here are a few that I have been using:

- There is a part of the brain called the hippocampus. I refer to this as the brain’s shopping bag. Just like when you get home, you put away the groceries (or a new pair of shoes or outfit). So, after you have taught a new lesson or students have been working on an activity dealing with new information, give them time to ‘unpack.’ I turn off the lights in my room and have them put their heads down for just a couple of minutes. We then take a restroom break to get up and walk a bit. The kids have really responded to this. When we get back to the room, they are ready for the next thing!

- Having the kids move around to do different activities (stations, read aloud at the carpet, etc.) are things that teachers have been doing for ages, but they are really good for brain activity.

- One of my favorite chapters was about how to prepare children for school. Its starts with baby and goes up to high school. I don’t have my own children, but I have been making all my friends read it. For example, Jensen suggests that children should not play with toys with batteries until they are 4 years old. This got me to thinking about LeapFrog that is designed for young children and supposed to help with their brain development, but they need batteries. Another thing was that teens say and do ‘dumb’ things because of their brain development- they may not really mean to do it, but it happens! (Where was this excuse when I was in high school…ugh).

I accept that I’m a nerd, but I really can’t say enough about this book. If you get a chance to read it (I know that you have SO much extra time on your hands…), please let me know. I would love to discuss what you thought of it and how to impliment it more in the classroom.
-Jenn