The document discusses the author's evolving use of technology and collaboration in the classroom over time. It begins by describing how the author started using basic programs like Word but has since incorporated more interactive tools and activities. The author has also come to better understand the benefits of student collaboration. The document then notes how using student-created videos led to the idea of replacing essays with digital storytelling assignments, allowing students to develop writing skills while also learning video production roles that build creative and problem-solving abilities.
The document discusses the author's evolving use of technology and collaboration in the classroom over time. It begins by describing how the author started using basic programs like Word but has since incorporated more interactive tools and activities. The author has also come to better understand the benefits of student collaboration. The document then notes how using student-created videos led to the idea of replacing essays with digital storytelling assignments, allowing students to develop writing skills while also learning video production roles that build creative and problem-solving abilities.
The document discusses the author's evolving use of technology and collaboration in the classroom over time. It begins by describing how the author started using basic programs like Word but has since incorporated more interactive tools and activities. The author has also come to better understand the benefits of student collaboration. The document then notes how using student-created videos led to the idea of replacing essays with digital storytelling assignments, allowing students to develop writing skills while also learning video production roles that build creative and problem-solving abilities.
The document discusses the author's evolving use of technology and collaboration in the classroom over time. It begins by describing how the author started using basic programs like Word but has since incorporated more interactive tools and activities. The author has also come to better understand the benefits of student collaboration. The document then notes how using student-created videos led to the idea of replacing essays with digital storytelling assignments, allowing students to develop writing skills while also learning video production roles that build creative and problem-solving abilities.
When I first began teaching, my idea of using technology in the classroom
was using Word to create essays. Then I was introduced to the SmartBoard and I enjoyed incorporating interactive activities into my classroom. I did allow collaboration on certain projects, but I didnt understand the full impact of collaboration on the learning process. That was in 2008. Now I understand how collaboration really works, and what my actual role is with collaboration in my classroom, I love incorporating it. The same pattern holds true for using video in my classroom. Ive had students create PowerPoints and other visual presentations. Last year I accidentally had my students create a play, then make a video of their play. I say accidentally, because it wasnt my original plan. A student asked if they could make a video of their play and I thought it was a great idea. Who says teachers dont learn from their students?? I give all that as background because I really enjoyed chapter 9: Visualizing with Technologies. Between television, video games, and youtube, kids today spend a lot of time watching videos. Why not use that to our advantage in the classroom? The Aha moment I had while reading chapter 9 was; Why not replace a narrative essay assignment with a collaborative digital storytelling assignment? Students will still get the benefits of learning how to write a narrative, but they will also get the benefits of learning how to be a director, actor, videographer, and editor. Their creative thinking skills and problem solving skills will also be challenged and ultimately honed to higher order thinking skills. I love giving students the opportunity to become curious and excited about learning.