Digital Classroom - Introduction

In my graduate class (which focuses on literacy in the content-area class), we have focused a lot on how to incorporate technology into the classroom. Now, I consider myself pretty computer literate - I mean, I write a blog, use Facebook and Twitter and can even do some basic HTML programming. But as a first-year teacher, I have been finding it difficult to find time to incorporate these things into my classroom.

For one thing, working in a high-need school, I don't have very many resources at hand. We are lucky enough to have two computer carts, but that must be shared between the 20 or so teachers. And there are only about 4 digital projectors between us. Forget about Smartboards and the like...

I used DonorsChoose to fund a projector for my own classroom, so now at least I don't have to fight for that. However, I can't use DonorsChoose for everything and it takes time to write a proposal and wait for it to be funded and delivered. Now that I have the projector, though, I have been able to incorporate videos into my lessons and have found that the one way to get every kid completely silent is to stick them in front of the screen. Even in my worst class, kids settle down when the projector comes out and a video starts.

But lately in grad school we have been discussing other ways to incorporate technology into our classrooms. There have been so many advances in what we can do with computers and over the internet that showing class videos no longer constitutes forward thinking in terms of technology. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are now being considered tools for increasing literacy. Many teachers are setting up blogs to communicate with students and get them thinking about the material outside the classroom.

It's true that I struggle to get students to do homework and something like Twitter can be accessed on a phone or Sidekick even if the student does not have a computer. Many of my students already use Twitter, but do they know how to use it responsibly? Can they use it to communicate a short, concise message that still makes sense? At first, I thought blogs could be useful but didn't see how Twitter could possibly further classroom discussion. At the same time, I myself have written about the incredible rate of change for technology today.

This week, I plan to focus on several of the articles we have read in class and discuss ways in which these tools can be incorporated more effectively into the classroom. If you are ready to make your classroom more high-tech, stay tuned for upcoming posts!

Comments

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That time is not very far away from us because every thing is changing so rapidly and changing to technology. Digital class room are going to be very exciting and will be unique experience for students and i wish ill get a chance to experience it. Very interesting and relevant article to read.