Journal 10

Journal 10: Making History

Shein, Esther (October 2008). Making History. The Journal, Retrieved November 2, 2008, from: http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23394

This article describes how different teachers use technology to inspire their students to learn using projects that require different technology. One example of this is a teacher who created pod casts and radio broadcasts from World War II. Each student group did different events and when the project was over, all the projects were played and the class learned as a whole about the different events that took place through this project. The projects mentioned in the article inspire students to get involved and work hard on them. They are excited to do these projects because they are creating something tangible through technology.

Questions

Do students feel more interested in technology-based projects?

I think they are. Students need a reason to create something and a grade is not always the best motivator. Technology allows students to learn, be creative and they can see how there work is evolving. Also, I believe students today prefer to do assignments using technology because it is something they enjoy doing.

What do teachers do if the technology in the classroom is cut out of the school budget that would allow for these projects?

Teachers need to establish quickly and with one voice that these projects and technology ideals are necessary for continued academic excellence in the classroom. Students and parents are only starting to understand who technology can be used, but teachers have already incorporated it. So teachers need to push the parents and community for these tools to continue to inspire students.