Blog Journal #5
When it comes to using Twitter, I have actually had a personal account for about 5 years. I typically use it to follow friends and keep up to date with the news, but don't post my own tweets very often. After making my new Twitter account for this class, I followed several accounts such as ones belonging to my classmates, news accounts, educational organizations, etc. I have been going on this account daily and reading all of the new tweets put out by the people I follow. I find this is an effective way to stay updated with current news, both inside and outside of a school setting. I believe Twitter can be beneficial in my future career because you can really easily target the content that you see. I would be able to follow and interact with teachers everywhere, and we could all share useful information on our feeds. Twitter chats would also allow for great communication because you can use specific hashtags at specific times to communicate with people who you share interests with.
As technology becomes implemented more and more throughout the years, the digital divide becomes increasingly evident. This can greatly effect a student's success in school because without the technology that their classmates have, they have less opportunity to practice and learn on their own time. Many teachers use at- home online programs to give assignments or additional practice without realizing that some students may not have access to the internet at home. Some causes of the digital divide are lack of funds to purchase devices such as computers and tablets, not being able to access the internet, or never having learned how to use technology in general. When I become an educator, I will make sure I do my best to account for the fact that everyone has different circumstances. Although technology can be useful, I don't believe it is necessary for it to be the sole resource used in a classroom. If something must be done using the internet, I would make sure to provide printed out versions to anyone who needed it. I would want to give each student the same opportunities to thrive in my class.
Two software tools that I would like to implement in my future classroom are Canvas and Kahoot. Canvas is helpful because I can post all upcoming assignments along with instructions and examples, and students can view this easily. It also allows students to see all of their past grades and get notified when new ones are posted. As a student who uses Canvas myself, I rely on it greatly and believe it is very beneficial to use in the classroom. Kahoot is something I would use if i taught a younger aged classroom, such as elementary or middle school. Kahoot is a fun and interactive way to quiz students on their knowledge of a topic without the stress of being graded on it. My teachers in the past have used it in this way and even rewarded students who came in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place overall.
Badges are a new concept to me, for my teachers in the past never used them in the classroom. However, I can see how they would be useful in encouraging students. As a teacher, I could see myself using them as small incentives to keep students on track and making progress. Unfortunately, it is sometimes easy to lose motivation as a student, but things like badges can be used to try and prevent this from happening. Students could have the opportunity to share their accomplishments with their peers, hopefully motivating them to earn badges too!
Hey Sara! I found it interesting that you would use Canvas as a teacher because I feel like once I graduate I'll never want to see it again! I do understand why though. I like how you came up with a solution for the potential digital divide you may encounter in the classroom. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI found you blog very visually appealing so I figured I had to stop to read it! I love your use of colors and the picture that is used as the header. I can tell that you put a lot of thought into your post and liked many of the points that you made. I agree with you that the digital divide has grown increasingly over the last decade. I like how you acknowledged that though technology is great, not everyone has access to it and it should not be too heavily emphasized in the classroom.
I am glad that you found Twitter useful. :-)
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