First of all, I want to congratulate everyone who did a MGRP. I truly loved everyone’s presentation and gained so much knowledge from each topic.
Opinion on Evans
I understand where Evans is coming from in her piece, but if we transform our teaching to all digital we will have some serious problems. The Evans article made it sound like all teachers must incorporate technology now, because that’s what interests the children. I believe technology is important, but traditional teaching without any use of technology is just as important. Some students still can’t afford computers let alone internet. So homework online including computer games may not work for students of low-income families. Evans reveals that children play video games and watch TV, rather than have make-believe play outside. I have a problem with this. Too much technology means not moving the body; therefore, leads to health problems including obesity. Also many games are individual, so when does the student learn to work with others? I do believe computer games should be censored first as well as videos and music that will be used in the classroom for certain activities. I plan on using technology in my classroom, but want my children on their own to choose a book rather than a computer game when given a choice on an activity.
Opinions on Hill
I believe that the photostory project could be beneficial to most students in upper elementary grades even though it seems complex. I would have to explore it more on my own first, but it might be a great way to teach multiple genres of literacy. It may be like a digital MGRP!
Opinions on Igoa
The reading was very interesting and sad to me. I never really thought about what it would be like to move to another country and have to learn their language at a young age in a school very different than the one I’m used to. I don’t know how they do it. It’s amazing. The teacher talking about how to work with immigrant children obviously is a phenomenal educator based on the progress these particular children made throughout the school year. This text was more about how to teach immigrants to overcome culture shock and immerse themselves in the American way of literacy. However, I think we were suppose to focus on the film strips since that’s what we will be working on next class. I’ve never made a film strip and don’t know much about it, but Igoa made it clear that film strip making really helps immigrant children open up. I’m looking forward to are introduction to this type of technology.
Indeed, it was a good idea to have children create their own film strips and do the voiceover. I'm glad the Chinese boy took pride in something he created and could share that with others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The filmstrip was great. I am excited to see what we are doing on Monday in class. I really enjoyed the safe place that she made for them and that she gave them time to learn.
ReplyDeleteJust like what you said about technology, doesn't work all the time and shouldn't use it all the time. A healthy balance is beneficial. I am glad that we are getting so many different tools to take with us so that we can meet kids where ever they are and to push them when we can. Like your example with exercise, they can't sit around and make film strips all the time.
Yes, the filmstrip seemed to be an incredible interactive tool!
ReplyDeleteNicole, great points about technology. Here's another interesting tidbit: when I attended a conference session on reading and writing in the lower grades, the presenter had some opinions on screens. She said that a lot of the things that come from screens are great, but only if you've already acquired the language skills to take advantage of them. Several studies have shown that kids who spend a lot of time watching screens do not improve their language skills in any way. Many kids have access to screens at home, and we, as educators, have to be sure that when we're choosing screen time for them that it's really, really worth it.
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