It is very important that we as teachers recognize that there is more tools for learning out there than ever before. Students are using skype, blogs, and various other forms of online interaction to communication with each other. We need to use those same tools in our own classrooms to facilitate learning.
In a regular in person classroom, students work in groups for many projects, but after they leave the room, they are not able to continue group work. However, if the teacher showed the students how to set up a blog or wiki space, the group work could continue at home. Students could collaborate on the assignment and get more accomplished. They also may be able to help each other on individual homework if one of the group members is struggling.
The biggest thing is that teachers need to take a leap of faith and utilize what is already out there and beign used by the students to help the students achieve their highest potential.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI agree with using these tools in the classroom. Students have access and experience with many of these tools that they use at home so I think as educators, we should embrace them in the classroom and take advantage of new ways to engage our students in learning.