The article I chose for journal eight was titled “Who are today’s learners?” written by Christine Greenhow. This article came from L&L Volume 36, Number 2. When reading the article, I was surprised, just as the author said I would be, that there is no significant difference in the technological use of those from low-income or rural areas versus those from the higher income or suburban areas. In all the courses we take we learn that we need to know our students limitations when it comes to technology access and offer assignments accordingly. The list of questions would be a great tool to use on the first week of class to attach to the syllabus. The students could have their parents fill them out to effectively assess the class technology access and then adjust lessons to fit the needs. I also enjoyed hearing that students considered themselves to have competency in word processing and spreadsheet documents. Most teachers now may be fearful that students know more about technological tools than they do, but the thought of a technologically advanced classroom makes me happy. This makes it easier to integrate technology in the classroom since the time needed to learn the tools is cut down and because of this, more focus can be on the subject matter.
Question 1: What non-traditional tools can be used to engage student learning?
In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently has said that by 2010, he hopes to have all math and science textbooks digitized to save money. This will increase the usage of online book reading tools and mobile electronic books. Being able to download a book to a PDA or Smartphone will also increase the likelihood of integrating these tools into the classroom.
Question 2: From the students’ standpoint, why should we integrate technology in classrooms?
Students said that the thing they like best is using computers and doing internet research. If this is what they like best, we as teachers should teach to their strength. They will respond better to things they enjoy and therefore be more willing to learn. Students also have a desire to learn more technology tools for home and classroom use.
In response to your Q1, I was thinking about health issues. Personally I'm having eye problems because, according to my eye doctor, my work involves a lot of reading, especially on screen. That been said, it would be interesting to see how students may learn differently when math and science texts are digitized.
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