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Some of my favorite low tech tools. Old
fashioned? Maybe. But they still work--
without an internet connection. |
I know technology can freak people out. Trying to learn about tools can be intimidating, frustrating, time consuming, and feel scary. Although I don't believe that being "techy" is necessary, I do think it benefits students significantly when teachers are willing to take risks to learn about tech tools and social networking. Like the writing process and reading process, I think sharing your technology process with students is useful. Web tools and apps are just tools. I recently surprised some colleagues when I submitted that I didn't like using the iPad to do running records because I could do it faster on paper. In addition, I could focus on the whole reader and their reading behaviors instead of gazing into the iPad screen. It doesn't mean that I won't use my iPad or an app to assist with record keeping, assessment, or instruction. In fact, if someone took my iPad away, I would probably go through withdrawal. I love an engaging app as much as the next person but technology needs to work for me and meet my instructional needs, not the other way around. But in order for teachers to know what tools are useful for them, they need to experiment. Smart pragmatic teacher voices are needed in the tech and app world.
You also have to know your style. How do you compose best? How do you organize. Knowing that there are multiple ways and varying process will help all of us support the students we teach better.
ReplyDeleteI was worried about the loss of eye contact when some of our teachers started using the Confer app for reading and writing conferences. For sure, it depends on the user, but I was so pleased to see that there was probably more eye contact used when conferring and using this app.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a conversation that happened in a recent PD I attended where Matt Glover shared his thoughts on conferring notes. He said you have to find a system that works for you, whether that's using post-its, a conferring note template, or an app. But, he also said that oftentimes teachers are so caught up in the recording of the conference, that they forget to be present IN the conference. As long as technology helps you rather than holding you back, you should use it. It's all about finding a balance and doing what works for you.
ReplyDelete~Jennifer
I just wish some of these tools and apps came with more instructions. I like to read or see a tutorial on how it works, then get in a play. I must confess, I usually give up when I can't figure out how to use an app.
ReplyDeleteThis is just the post I needed since I'm about to get an iPad. Thanks for having it ready "for me" just when I needed it.
ReplyDeleteI found the conferring app really distracting for my students, too. I've recently started recording conferences on my iphone and then jotting notes later - that way all my attention is on my readers. As you say, there needs to be a sense of balance and practicality to all we do...technology included.
ReplyDeleteI feel really behind as I don't have either iphone or ipad. I have been thinking about getting on ipad, but as my daughter put it the best: "Why do you need it? What would you use it for?" For me it comes down to if I can justify the expense. I would be interested in learning how it has changed your life as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteYou have just the right attitude -- tech is a great tool, but it shouldn't be the only tool! Sometimes it's wonderful, but sometimes it's not necessary. I think this is just what many teachers need to keep in mind!
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