Parents

Concerns About Technology in the Classroom

I have received some feedback about the class blog “Room 313” and it is important to respond to all families because you may have similar concerns about student safety and the Internet. I appreciate and respect all sensitivity to this subject very much, and I completely agree with those of you who have already expressed concern. And I would hope that every parent would have similar concerns.

Look at This

There are some teachers out there who aren't afraid to expose their students, even first graders, to technology in the classroom. They are even doing more that exposing their students to technology, they are finding an appropriate way to integrate it...even for first graders. Andrew Gardner at The School at Colombia University, is doing just this. His students use digital cameras to create photo journals. When a student sees something or makes something that is important to them they can easily grab a camera from its slot on the wall to document the moment. They then narrate their images in an iMovie to create a journal. Andrew has found that this method leads the students to reflect on their environment and the work they create by deciding what is important to them and what it means to capture one's work.

Reading can't be this cool...can it?

There is a podcast called the Bobby Bucket Show that is really worth looking into. It is a podcast for children and parents by a teacher. He usually highlights a book or two and talks about several literary components we are asking our students, and should be asking ourselves to be aware of while we read. It is fun and upbeat. A real master teacher sharing his craft with the world. So tune into the Bobby Bucket Show...you can listen to it on your computer or import it to your iPod. Happy listening.