Journal 9

Page, L., Sheehan, T., Worrell, C. (2012). How to do more with less. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(6), 18-20. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading.
This article is about creating opportunities for students to learn through the many technological mediums available, and how classroom collaboration with fellow students can be beneficial for everyone. The article lists many ways of assigning student work, including blog creation, presentation programs, and digital storytelling, to name a few.

1. What do I think of implementing these into the classroom setting?

I think using technology in the classroom is a good idea. I think it is important to realize that although budget cuts are hitting districts, causing them to direct money in rather specific areas, these online resources available- Prezi, diigo, glogster are all free. All teachers would need to do is join one of these sites, and plan a lesson that would allow students to take advantage of the resource. The other point I think is worth addressing is that many districts now are trying to become more tech-savy. Some districts are handing students laptop computers in the classroom, others are passing out IPADs for the year. With all students having access to a computer, use of these programs would be highly beneficial and accessible for students. Students would then be trained on how to use a computer's basic functions, reducing the time it would take to train students on how to use these online programs and features.

2. How can implementing these various technological programs benefit the students?

Students often do not want to learn or work when we want them to. Many students come to class sleep deprived or hungry, for countless reasons. Whether they are always that way or not is not the issue; instead, teachers must realize that these are not optimal working conditions for students to operate under. Instead, allowing students to do project-based assignments and project-based learning, while taking advantage of these free, online services, would allow students flexibility as to when they can best work. Some students work better at night- the internet is always on and these programs do not go to "sleep." Thus, teachers may be able to get better work out of their students if they are able to control, to an extent, when they work on online assignments.