Some comments on the "Supplementary Materials", etc. that were posted for the class...
1) "Welcome to the Digital Generation": Although some of the demos given were K-12 oriented, this is a helpful summary and demonstration of 20+ classroom technologies obtainable off the web, etc. For example, Wordle can be used to enhance a blog page, or it can be used to summarize in poster-form the results of a class's discussion of a particular topic. The sub-topic of "25 Techy Tips" covered some interesting hints on using the technology more creatively and easily; and
2) One of the supplements gave a good overview of the steady decline in the use of traditional media, such as newspapers, TV, etc., and the exponential rise in the use of cell phones, social media, etc. There is no doubt that these technologies are becoming very popular and are helping shape the read-write web of today. I think Slideshare might offer many of us some useful presentations that can help our students learn. For example, I found an environmental science related slide set entitled "Northeast Interactions: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Climate Change" that gives a visually pleasing and informative overview/intro to the topic of global climate change from a regional perspective.
3) I would like to try incorporating in my course project a Wordle...maybe I can find a Wikipedia article that I can paste into a Wordle...wish me luck...
From one new blogee to another new bloggee, I understand what you are saying about the read-write connection; however, many of the ideas that have been coming across in the Journal Sentinel about "Books vs. the Internet" from July 13th. As John Smith states, the students become information gatherers whereas reading is idea creation. This random picking of words does not allow for the wisdom and idea creation that the reading offers. Let's use this wonderful tool to really create good readers and writers.
ReplyDeleteI feel negative by posting this, but I think it is part of the long term thinking that is important that we teach to our students. Let's let them slow down, reflect and think so later on they can develop the wisdom we want them to pass on to the next generation.
Responding to Rita's comment, I don't think Wordle is meant to replace reading or writing by any stretch of the imagination. It is a picture of words that can be used for artistic or instructional purposes to encourage, critique or develop writing skills. It is a fun way to see your words or someone else's in a colorful design. It is a teacher's tool, not an enemy.
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