When reading through the text this week, "Generating and Testing Hypotheses", I felt that by using technology engages students in the six tasks discussed in our reading. Systems analysis, problem solving, historical investigation, invention, experimental inquiry, and decision making are all skills that are necessary for our students and as adults in our society. As educators it is our job to help prepare our students for the work world, social world, and to prepare them for what is yet to come.
By using tools like Excel, Power Point, and Podcasts, students are able to construct an end result that has meaning and exhibits some of the students style or personality. It also enables educators to teach across the curriculum, by incorporating math skills, English/grammar skills, history, etc. When educators teach across the curriculum, it creates deeper learning, reinforcement, and relevance for the student. For example: when teaching about budgeting, students can use Excel to keep up with data entry like income and expenses. By using technology students are able to see how their money comes in and where it goes out, but also using math skills and problem solving to complete this process. Any time that you can incorporate real world activities students seem to really engage into the lesson, answering that wonderful question "When am I ever going to use ...?".
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement, "By using tools like Excel, Power Point, and Podcasts, students are able to construct an end result that has meaning and exhibits some of the students style or personality." I also believe that when they use these tools to construct their end result they do a better job of retaining the information. Great Post!!
Emily,
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, I too agree that we are not just teaching these kids whatever subject or grade level we have them for but to be productive citizens for the future. So many of these programs make it easy for students to create and enjoy learning, why wouldn't others want to use them?????
Michelle :)
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI agree that real-life applications make a difference in student's attitude towards the project-based assignments. I like the ideas that you gave. Finding ways to show how the skill is applicable to their lives is a must to make the necessary connection to purpose.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI find your comment to be so true: "When educators teach across the curriculum, it creates deeper learning, reinforcement, and relevance for the student. For example: when teaching about budgeting, students can use Excel to keep up with data entry like income and expenses. By using technology students are able to see how their money comes in and where it goes out, but also using math skills and problem solving to complete this process. Any time that you can incorporate real world activities students seem to really engage into the lesson, answering that wonderful question "When am I ever going to use ...?".
My experience has been that most authentic activities end up tapping into multiple curricular areas if taught in an authentic context.
For example, a math lesson on geometry can easily connect to a study of architecture and culture/social studies--and cultural studies tap into yet other content areas--like music, art, and literature.
A real world connection to content answers students' questions about why they are studying something. I find it also helps them with conceptual attainment because they better understand how the content functions--why and how it works in the real world context.
Thank your for sharing. Interesting posting to read.
Susan
Emily,
ReplyDeleteEach year the students at my school complete a cross-curricular project. The students really see how the different subject areas tie in together. This year I am hoping my colleagues will agree to have the students to do the project as a wiki, adding the much desired technology aspect.
Amy