Hi. My Name is Michelle. EDU 422

Journal #1
Shifflet, R, & Toledo, C (2008).  Extreme makeover: Updating class activities for the 21st century. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved July 13, 2008, from http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjheil65.googlepages.com%2FJournal1.pdf&inages=yes.

This article explores some of the newest web-based applications that can be used to update our classroom activities, along with valuable links to many of the tools and resources. The new tools are social in nature and provide great new opportunities for collaborative projects in the classroom. There are suggestions for new activities utilizing each innovation, such as using blogs for student journals, portfolios and newsletters. Ideas are offered for transforming existing activities like group projects by introducing web based collaborative writing tools and Wikis. Creative projects can be enhanced by photosharing applications like Flickr and stories can become “Flicktion”! The processes of research and of writing bibliographies are enlivened through the use of Wiki and Social bookmarking sites such as Del.icio.us. The potential for misuse exists, so it is important to also teach student to be responsible and knowledgeable users of technology.

Q: How can teachers incorporate new technologies into the classroom given the current budget situation?

A: Many of the new web-based applications can be accessed for free. From blogs to collaborative writing tools and social bookmarking, there are plenty of opportunities to include technology in the curriculum even on a very limited budget.

Mader, Jared, & Smith, Ben (2008). Blogging right along. Learning & Leading.
36-37.

Creative ways to use blogging as a tool in science classes are discussed in this article. From daily journals and class notes to photos of experiment setups and class activities, the blog can facilitate learning and be applied to every facet of the science lessons. This can be particularly helpful for those students who are visual learners, and the blog provides a cumulative review of course content and experiments for study and a forum for students to comment on the course material.

Q: In what other subjects might a class blog prove particularly useful and appropriate?

A: A blog would work particularly well in an English class. Students could post their writing and have peer review comments and teacher feedback. There could be creative writing prompts for daily journal entries.