Today, one of my co-workers was discussing her son's recent trip to a university campus in Texas. She explained that the university gave each enrolled student an iPod. The iPod was to be used on the campus to take attendance (the students would just "push a button" to prove attendance), download assignments/books, etc. The campus depended on the students to use their iPods. This is the way of the future. Technology is ever-expanidng and growing and we, as teachers, may as well embrace these changes in our classrooms as well.
Currently, I am taking on-line courses through Lamar University - it is 100% on-line. I can access ALL of my school information via computer, iPod, or any other communication device.
As an adult, I use communication devices for just about everything. To better prepare our student for this "electronic world," we should teach them to use their devices to their advantage - especially when it comes to academics. These devices are more than just phones, cameras, and games...they are also calendars/planners, books, and educational tools.
As previously stated, my action research project idea is to allow students to download (free) books/novels to read in their English classes and see how it will impact the level of involvement in the read assignment(s) and their grades. My site supervisor recommended that I do this research not only for freshman English classes, but for Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors English classes as well.
I am excited to get started!
I think that would be awesome to see if students are able to use their electronic devices at school if their grades would increase. Today,I was at a training in which the very same conversation came up from the districts secondary coordinator. She said our district formed a committee to look into the very same topic. They are going to begin with a student survey to find out what kind of devices the students have access to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you! Three years ago I was McAllen ISD District Technology teacher of the year, so I was part of the technology committee for the district. One of the initiatives we tried to pass, was just this...allowing students to use their electronic devices. It did not pass. It is incredible the number of administrators and teachers out there that still do not understand/agree how useful these advices could be in engaging students, student achievement and instruction. Can't wait to see your research, Julie!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how yours comes out. As an English teacher I wonder if they will be more engaged.
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