I've already learned so much more by reading and commenting on all of the incredible thinking people shared last week from the first two chapters! If you haven't already visited our Google Community, you will definitely want to head over there and take some time to drink it all in!
And don't miss out on...
Week of 7/20 - Reflecting on chapters 6 & 7
Week of 7/27 - Wrap-up Twitter chat
Reflecting...
I appreciated Franki's story about creating a book trailer and how it is so very easy for us to become wrapped up in the tools. So often, we hear, "It's not about the technology." While I wholeheartedly agree, I also wholeheartedly disagree. It's not about the technology, but it is about the technology. It's not about using technology in a lesson just for the sake of using it, but it is about using the technology in authentic, purposeful ways. So much of what I read in chapter three supports this idea; we are charged with introducing kids to new tools and how those tools might support/enhance their learning, thinking, and understanding. The questions on page 30 are ones I've pondered heavily. This concept of authenticity married with choice is absolutely crucial for learners today.
During a very eye-opening, honest conversation with my 4th graders back in May, they were sharing with me the apps and tools they use to interact with friends outside of school.
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| My 4th graders are definitely connecting digitally! |
Reading about intentionality in chapter four gave me so much to ponder. It also made me go back to the wise words of my friend Kristin Ziemke who advocates for learning a couple of really good tech tools and and using them well. This also helps to put the emphasis back on the learning rather than the novelty of the tools we're using. When introducing new concepts, tools, or ways of learning digitally, I have to remain vigilant about the WHY.
The descriptions of intentionality on page 48 really stood out to me. Isn't it so important for us, as teachers, to open the doors to the possible for kids and then step out of the doorway so they can make choices and figure things out for themselves?
Reading chapter five, I was contemplating how I've connected my kids in the past. How was I breaking down our classroom walls? Both in first and fourth grade, I created opportunities (mostly through my Twitter connections) for kids to interact on a more global level. We've blogged, interacted through our class Twitter account, have participated in Mystery Skypes, used a backchannel chat on Todays Meet to discuss a book, and made video calls to authors. But the more I pondered, the more I realized it's always been very "episodic" (as Franki and Bill called it!) Part of my goal this year is going to be to continue to find ways to weave these experiences more authentically into our learning and into our daily school lives. Again, I think if I keep my own connected life in mind, it will help me be even better at making sure I'm providing the same opportunities for my kids. I'm positive my Twitter friends will be an enormous help and inspiration for this goal!
Authenticity, intentionality, and connectedness will definitely be at the forefront of my mind as I continue to plan and ponder learning opportunities for my fourth graders!
"We believe strongly that if we create classrooms where reading is authentic, where students are connected to one another and to the world, and where students make intentional decisions as readers, we have created environments in which readers in the digital age can thrive." (p.86)
I think we must be vigilant in our assessment of what is working well, and what is not with all three of these tenets. I liked that you are looking back at what you've done, and it was a lot, yet wondered how to improve. Reflection is key, too, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Linda! And honesty in our reflections matter!
DeleteI tried to post just a little while ago, but I don't think it worked. Sorry if this is the second time this posts...I love that you state that it isn't about the technology, but that it IS about the technology. I completely agree, but didnt know how to word that idea. You put it into words perfectly! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that rang true with you, Stephanie!! I'm glad to know you understand what I'm getting at with that statement!
DeleteI loved how you asked your students to reflect with you in an open conversation! They really give us insightful answers if we're willing to ask them open-ended questions.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Cathy! And how can we provide student-driven instruction if we don't have a platform in which their voices can be heard?
DeleteI'd like to hear more about using Today's Meet. I tried it once and it was an abysmal failure. Clearly I hadn't done the right kind of lead-up.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, I'd love to share more about Today's Meet. I first heard about it from Karen Lirenman and Kristin Ziemke. It works best if students have devices in hand, or at least one device per two students (in my opinion.) I could also see it potentially working if classes are connecting and the teachers are the ones typing. I'll see if I can round up any resources about how to use it best!
DeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteSo the other day I was giving a demonstration lesson to a group of educators on the use of Before, During and After reading strategies. It is my philosophy that teachers need to experience the tools in their own reading and writing to fully appreciate how their own students will encounter them. I used a Picture Walk to activate prior knowledge, asked the educators to use Text Coding while reading, and provided a graphic organizer of a Discussion Web to record the pros and cons of the topic they read about. One of the most important parts of the lesson was the debriefing, when the educators talked about how the tools worked (or didn't work) for them. Not every tool will be a good fit for each reader, some tools may constrain the work of one reader while developing the skills of another. It is so essential to have a wide range of tools available, and help students become cognizant and articulate about when and how to choose the tool they need.
Thanks for the interesting reflections.
Suz
What a powerful lesson for your students! We must remain vigilant about providing choices and helping kids become intentional learners.
DeleteAuthenticity is key! While I strive for it, sometimes I'm afraid I'm off the mark. Have to keep reflecting!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Michele. It's something that requires continued reflection and improvement for me!
DeleteI loved your post and all your reflecting. Some of my favorite lines: "It's not about the technology, but it is about the technology. Isn't it so important for us, as teachers, to open the doors to the possible for kids and then step out of the doorway so they can make choices and figure things out for themselves?" I constantly have to remind myself to think about how does this digital tool or this app's features help foster learning in the classroom? I love that you talked about opening the door of possibilities and then getting out of the way of student learning. This is so true and powerful. We, as teachers, need to trust that our learning environment is fostering a growth mindset, allows autonomy through voice and choice, authenticity, feedback, and collaboration. I hope that we can continue to collaborate throughout the year and think about authentic ways to connect our classrooms. I will be teaching 5th grade next year. Are you participating in Global Read Aloud?
ReplyDelete