Check out literacy learning resources for all grade levels on EduTopia. You'll need a ton of time to explore this site. To get started thinking about course themes related to digital natives as learners, and bringing their stories and skills into literacy contexts, it will be helpful to explore EduTopia's resources on Digital Storytelling (somewhat recent blog post)
...as well as an older EduTopia project, Digital Generation. You can search the site for "digital youth portraits" and will also come across project resources under various subheadings ('collaborate' 'connect,' etc).
To get a sense of this part of the site, watch the videos about Jalen and Virginia
Then, post a few responses to what you've read and viewed, thinking about your interests and talents - as well as questions and concerns -- as an emerging literacy and lit-tech leader.
Watching Jalen's video, it was great to see how passionate he was about doing those animations. I feel like it is also important to be encouraging other academics. He seems to just be focused on doing those animations.
ReplyDeleteVirginia however is into technology and is passionate about, but she is aware of her use of technology. She is into books and playing sports so she is focused on more than one thing. She is a great advocator in helping other students with internet safety.
Great Post Katherine!! I think Jalen is learning how to use animation is his other subjects, in the video he mentioned doing a book report through a comic strip.
DeleteI think the videos we viewed would be a perfect addition to a workshop on using technology in the classroom (maybe send the links to reluctant parents). The videos portrayed the positive impacts of technology, it is another way for students to not only express themselves but they can use what they learned in their other subjects.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jamellah! I think these videos would be a great addition to a workshop. You make some great points about how the students can express themselves.
DeleteGreat to see students in the classroom using technology in a positive way. Not only for themselves but also being able to share online safety knowledge with younger students. Both of these students Jalen and Virginia are very mature for their age and they are able to be technological role models to their peers as well!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that Virginia realized she was on Facebook and online websites too much. Even though she realized this and gave it up for a few weeks, she still believed that technology was a good thing and wanted to teach it to other people. She educated herself on the good and bad sides of technology and made a healthy choice. I am curious to know where she is now and what she is doing.
ReplyDeleteI too thought it was bold of her to figure that she was online too much throughout the day. Many of us are blind to how much time we spend online, but this young girl was able to learn from it and apply it into classroom learning!
DeleteVirginia's video really stood out to me! I thought the learning experience her teacher offered her class was amazing. Allowing these students to interact with technology in a positive manner, showed real success in the students learning. I think these videos would be great to share with staff and administrators when addressing the idea of adding technology into classroom learning.
ReplyDeleteVirginia seems like a typical child that has grown up being immersed in technology. She is lucky that she possesses the ability to be self-aware of her technology use. I think that many children today would lack the ability to be self-aware in general, but also because they don't know a life without technology. This seems to reiterate the idea that students need to be taught how to be conscience of using technology in a safe manner; for themselves and others.
ReplyDeleteThe stories of Jalen and Virginia show me that technology can serve as fuel for ambitious students. Each of these student used technology to further pursue their pre-existing interests and passions. Mindful use of technology is EXACTLY what these kind of students need. However, not every student is like Jalen and Virginia. Some students have learned to mindlessly use technology. I believe this is where our role as an educator is to teach students HOW to use technology to enhance their thoughts and passions from the "outside world."
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