I am really excited to be implementing some of the new tools from EDUC702 as part of my prototype. I HAVE loved using screen-casting to support my students, but now feel really great about adding WeVideo into the mix. I know that for much of my prototype (A website to promote computer website education) I will be using screen-cast to demonstrate to teachers and learners how to get started, or how to develop a specific skill, but now I can also embed videos that inspire and demonstrate what that type of learning can look like. Instead of just showing visitors a computer screen and how to navigate around it, I can also show them what an energized and enthusiastic computer science classroom looks, sounds and feels. I am already a big believer in the power of social media and tweet regularly, including several weekly twitter chats, but having expanded my tweet-verse, I now have even more resources and have connected with experts in the field of computer science. I have already connected with the head computer science programmer from Khan Academy and she has agreed to participate in a short video clip for my prototype, explaining why true computer science education is so important. I love the connects and support you can gain by using Twitter. I think that it is very important that, as with any tool, textbook or device we put in the classroom, we are thoughtful about how these "things" are used. One of my coworkers once told me that they didn't want to use shared docs in Google because they kids could say mean things to each other. She is absolutely correct. When you allow students to share docs or slides, or comment on one another's work, they can write mean things, but what I pointed out to her is that they same is true of the pencil. We didn't stop handing out pencils because people wrote mean notes. This is why it is important to talk about the correct ways to use technology and part of my prototype will need to address those who fear technology and its use. Using videos made with WeVideo can help other teachers understand how tech training can support student learning, and participating in Twitter Chats to build awareness of the usefulness and importance of training in Computer Science can also support those who are unsure of the techno world. Lastly, as people fear that video games and the world of technology is ripping the very fabric of society into shreds, it is important to talk about the research that shows how much gaming helps those who play. As Gabe Zichermann discussed in his TED Talk, games provide constant challenge which helps players be always looking for new and complex solutions. Game players problem solve from level one all the way through to the final boss level, and good gamers build communities who work together to collaborate on solutions. It is important that we include the science that supports the importance of developing a rich, effective and powerful digital life. I am hoping that my prototype will ease fears while empowering those who hold them to develop their own digital skills, and then pass those skills on to their own students.
1 Comment
nancy
7/17/2017 09:06:20 pm
I love hearing how you use social media and Twitter to connect to other educators. What an awesome addition to your prototype to have a Khan Academy programmer contribute to it! And I absolutely agree that the excuse that kids might use digital technology for nefarious ends is not a valid one! Kids can take any good thing and abuse it (so can adults for that matter). One of my favorite quotes from a philosophy professor of mine was "abuse does not take away the use." Same principle here. Old tools or new tools - either can be used for good or evil.
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AuthorJen has been teaching school for awhile now. She's learned some stuff, but she's got tons more to learn. Archives
October 2017
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