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Dear Parents,

After reading an article by Daniel Krutka and Jeffrey Carpenter, titled: "Digital Citizenship in the Curriculum," I am very excited to share with you some interesting details on the topic of digital citizenship and social media. In today’s schools, we are trying to properly prepare your students for participation in modern society. Curriculum is being modeled and shaped to bring attention to proper digital citizenship and correct social behavior. After reading this article, I want to share with you some specific points and arguments that help express the current trend in our education system, as well as express how your student is affected by this issue in our classroom.

A big point brought up by Krutka and Carpenter is the need to recognize how vital social media and digital curriculum is in our society. In the past years, news and information has been spread mainly through social media and online publishing. Digital news and updates are the primary way in which students and the younger generation absorb information and learn about current events. While it is popular, educators must recognize how the information spread can be fake and incorrect. The trend of “fake news” is not a joke. While teaching a classroom full of tech savy students, teachers must be mindful to watch what information is read and discussed in the classroom. Instead of resisting curriculum reform and remodeling, educators must recognize the need for its inclusion in classrooms. The student generation needs new curriculum. Another point discussed in the article refers to how students must learn credibility. As digital work will be incorporated in the classroom, students must be educated on how to identify and properly access research and material. In order to be responsible citizens of the current digital age, students are taught to double check and research specific sites and search engines. In order to trust where information is coming from, curriculum must be included that teaches how to learn to identify credibility and reliability in sources. This will help create a foundation for further education and establish better internet skills. Finally, students and teachers are able to learn about social media platforms. New curriculum can and should include discussion on how to properly take part in social media discussion and be inclusive of new ideas. Teachers can display first hand information and research and work to educate students on how social media platforms and movements can benefit and marginalize people.

Two sides of this article like in the argument for and against using social media in the classroom. Those in support find value in displaying how social media can be used to better prepare students for society. By including digital instruction, students can use social media to better understand social issues and use it as a tool to observe, discuss, and learn material. It is a part of their life, and we should incorporate it as much as we can. Another view point on this issue is the side that believes in distancing the use of social media and digital material to lessen distraction. Those in support of this viewpoint recognize the potential problems with focus. They believe that in order to avoid these problems, we must get rid of all reliance and curriculum involving social media aspects.

A question I have for Krutka and Carpenter is on the topic of internet safety. I am wondering if teaching safety will be overlooked and more focus will be drawn to how modern curriculum can include the resources. In past curriculum, most of the digital instruction has been focused on education students on the dangers and responsibilities that come with the territory. In order to be responsible citizens of the digital world, I feel that more focus should be drawn to this topic.

Walking away from this article, I realize how important digital content and social media instruction is in our modern-day classrooms. The instruction of digital citizenship proves to be very valuable in today’s society. I hope that you recognize the ways that your child is learning the value and power of social media in education!

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Dear Parents,

I am very excited to share with you some information and insight on assistive technology. In our classroom, I strive to create a learning environment that helps your child feel safe, welcomed, empowered, and creative. Some of your students may already be using assistive technology, but I wanted to make sure that all are aware of the benefits and uses of assistive technology in our classroom. In an article by Gabrielle Young, Ph.D. and Jeffery MacCormack M.Ed., a deeper description and explanation of assistive technologies is offered. After reading this article, I wanted to share with you how assistive technology is a great resource that can be used to help your student, whether they have a disability, or not. Overall, this type of intervention is becoming more common in classrooms, and I hope after reading this, you will feel more knowledgeable!

A big point brought up by Young and MacCormack lies in the importance of understanding how assistive technologies can range from low to high tech. The purpose of the tool is to help students progress and reach goals. Primarily used for students with disabilities, assistive technologies are used to “increase, maintain, or improve the capabilities of a student with a disability.” They do not all come in the form of a computer or tablet application. Tools range from computer programs (text-to-speech, proofreading software, word predictors) to pencil grips and calculators. It is important to understand the wide range of tools that can be offered to your student. Some are expensive and are made specially, while some are free on the internet. Another topic greatly discussed is the benefit of computerized devices being used as assistive technology. When students use computer instruction and aid, they can be provided with instantaneous, dynamic feedback. Computers also offer a wide variety of tools. Programs can help in multiple subject areas (math, spelling, etc.). One question I have for educators relates to how distracting this technology can be. Is it realistically possible to teach, and in turn trust students to use the computer only in ways specific to learning? It seems to be a very distracting tool that must be used in moderation or at least under supervision. A final topic that was discussed is the use of mid-tech devices. These consist of things like graphic organizers or calculators. By using rather low-tech devices, students can better demonstrate their understanding through these tools. Organizers, whether on paper or on a screen, can help students with writing trouble. Calculators also help students demonstrate their mathematical knowledge. Graphing calculators can help students as they are given a support that can help them verify their answers visually, and solve algebraic equations. These lower tech tools can help students just as much as a computer or more involved tool would.

Two sides of this article lie in the support of implementing more assistive technology into everyday classrooms. While many support the idea of improving special education technology and creating an inclusive classroom, researchers find flaws in how educators are not trained to use them effectively. Those in support of immediate incorporation of assistive technology emphasize the significant effect that it can have for students with disabilities. They note that the technology should be incorporated within quality instruction. This opinion neglects thinking about the specific training and quality of appliance that must happen with assistive technology, directly. The opponents are those who see problems with a “lack of common vision, limited training, access to support services, insufficient funding, and a lack of teacher time.” This opinion puts emphasis on teacher training and the importance of having informed and knowledgeable teachers. Yes, assistive technology is most effective when paired with quality instruction; however, the application of the technology must be properly administered and monitored by the teacher. I believe that this is very important to mention. When using assistive technology in our classroom, I strive to be knowledgeable of the device and know how to use it effectively.

Walking away from this article, I realize how important assistive technology is in our modern-day classrooms. These devices can empower our students to reach their goals and complete their best work. While devices range in cost and involvement, there are many options available to help our students! I hope you are encouraged to see the efforts put forth to support your student.

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Blog #3 - Technology Can Make Students More Intellectual

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Blog #3 - Technology Can Make Students More Intellectual

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Dear Parents,

I am very excited to share some interesting points with you! I have found a great article that describes the impact technology has on the intellectual. Christina Yu has compiled some great information regarding the effects the digital world has on your students. As times have changed, technology has advanced, and school value’s have changed, your child receives a much different education than those of the last century. As your child’s teacher, I strive to use methods that incorporate technology, traditional curriculum, and new collaborative ideas to help your student grow and progress from wherever they are. I hope you take the time to read this and see the changes being actively pursued by your student’s educators!

Some big ideas highlighted in the article are “just in case” vs. “just in time” learning, life giving of human history, and reading and writing research. Throughout the past decade, as technology has greatly changed and progressed, onlookers have formed opinions of student’s use of technology and education. While traditional learning focuses on using a slower pace and covering multitudes of content “just in case” students need it. Information is covered and taught through a much more formal style. Technology uses a much faster, informal pace that can be regarded as “just in time” learning. Students are taught content quicker and using a more responsive method. While these are just two viewpoints of the use of technology in education, I find them very established and valid. I do wonder if this may pose a challenge for some students. I can easily recognize that technology may move through curriculum too fast for some students and make it uncomfortable for students who struggle already with a traditional approach. Another idea greatly discussed is the advantage of giving life to history. A simple idea of using programs to create games and videos can help bring understanding to students much quicker. With technology, students can get instantaneous feedback and can help visualize ideas and master understanding. Computers help bring modern systems to the traditional classroom and allow students to grow in different ways. The last idea highlighted in the article references reading and writing research. Amazing programming allows for information storage and processing to be available at our fingertips. Heading into the future, educators and students will greatly benefit from applications allowing online research to be saved, shared, and processed. Students will greatly benefit from simple programs that help them track work and continue building their skills.

The article identifies problems and challenges within the idea of traditional education and the idea of independent thinking. In the past, schooling has been deemed effective if students could take in and store information to apply in situations without assistance. This opinion has both affirmation and opposition in the world of education. Those in support of independent thinking and the description of hallmark education find it successful if students learn multitudes of information and can apply it all situations. This refers to “just in case” learning. Education prepares students for their unpredictable future and helps acquire knowledge deemed essential for success in the social economy. The other side of this argument finds support in lessening testing and the practice of information accumulation. The idea of overload is avoided, and students are taught information in a more informal, more efficient way. They find students struggle and are not well prepared with the hallmark style. The appreciation of “great intellectual products of human history” are not prioritized with the new approach. Rather, common knowledge and modern instruction is put forward.

Walking away from this article, I hope that you see how education is changing. Technology empowers your students in many ways. I try to bring these two viewpoints of technology together and provide a positive, successful methodology of learning in our environment. Moving forward, I hope you are encouraged to see the new innovations taking place in our classroom.

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Dear Parents,

I couldn’t help but share some exciting concepts about the current educational system. As times have changed, so have learners. In an article by the 21st Century Fluency Series, topics of digital learners and traditional teachers are discussed. As your child’s teacher, I strive to meet your child wherever they are and help them grow using whatever method necessary for learning. As the disconnect between generations and teaching methods grows, this article highlights the ever-changing need for adaptation and adjustment to re-connect and communicate with the current generation. While technology and digital learning are becoming more popular, I hope to foster growth in our classroom using methods aimed to connect with your students and motivate them to learn and grow to their fullest potential. I hope you take the time to read this and see the changes being actively pursued by your student’s educators!

Some big ideas highlighted in the article are instructional approach, collaboration, and assessment. As an educator who struggles to keep young children focused through lectures and reading, I recognize the importance of variance when it comes to instruction. The article describes the great problem with reliance on “telling” versus “discovery learning.” While educational philosophies describe and support many different methods of learning, the basic idea aligns with wanting to empower students to think for themselves and use creative outlets to learn, rather than listen and memorize. By providing multiple ways to introduce content, whether through technology, physical activity, etc., learners can absorb content and understand material through 21st century methodology. Another main idea brought to my attention is the idea of collaboration. It is important to recognize the need to collaborate with people and technology. The article so greatly describes the value of encouraging students to come together with digital devices and learn using this creative outlet. While preparing learners for their future, our time requires students to be able to confidently use digital resources and tools for fundamental tasks. There is so much potential for students when given the chance to collaborate with technology. Personally, I do wonder what young students think of digital collaboration. I wonder what new struggles are brought up with this issue, and I wonder what new problems may come with this technology. Lastly, the topic of assessment stood out to me.  As students have changed, so must testing and evaluation. Today’s testing focuses on how well students can regurgitate material. Instead, students should be challenged to apply and use what skills they learn. In the classroom, students should be given the space to practice and work towards a goal and achievement. With proper tools and mentoring, students should be encouraged to demonstrate their use of tools and technique rather than textbook knowledge of its primary purpose. Students must be coached and mentored as humans, not robots.

The article identifies problems and challenges the idea of traditional curriculum. Two sides of the argument include the firm believer in tradition and the idea of changing curriculum to adapt to the new age of learners. I believe in the idea of a moldable, yet traditional curriculum. While times and students have changed, I recognize the need to teach essential truths and transmit culture to each generation. Through this lens, I do, however, see the need to adapt for each child that comes through the education system. It is our responsibility to encourage and guide students through the learning process. This must be done through the utilization of tools that are of interest and worth to the specific generation. While traditional educators may struggle to see the importance of new digital tools, I can easily understand their argument for traditional curriculum. It is important to teach older skills and use familiar strategies; however, education must meet the student where their needs are. This requires educators to explore tools that provide the most help to your student.

Walking away from this article, I hope that you see how education is changing. Our classroom is a place for development and creation. With generations coming together, the use of new tools and approaches is important. Moving forward, I hope you are encouraged to see the new innovations taking place in our classroom.

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Blog #1 - Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

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Blog #1 - Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

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Dear Parents,

I couldn’t help but share some exciting concepts about the current educational system. As your child’s teacher, I strive to incorporate technology and use learning methods focused on reaching all kinds of students. In the article, “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” by Marc Prensky, the fundamental concept of radically changing students working in an outdated education system is discussed. Our classroom is filled with children of a different generation. I strive to incorporate methods that can connect with your child and their preferred method of learning. I hope you take the time to read this and see the changes being actively pursued by your student’s educators.

Some big ideas included in the article are perspective, content, and engagement. Coming from a different generation, I recognize my own struggles in adapting to more digital curriculum. In my elementary education, I did not use the modern methods that are popular today. I am, to put it as Prensky states, a “digital immigrant.” I am continually learning to better my skills of this new methodology. Your students have been introduced to the new technology and are accustomed to the trends of their generation. We strive to meet them where they are and help them grow with methods that are more comfortable and familiar. Another main idea brought to my attention is the content being taught in this new language. In our classroom, new lessons are crafted to include the older, more traditional curriculum as well as new digital content. We invent in the classroom, and material is created to update and mold to the new generations. Lastly, engagement is so very important. In order to teach my students effectively, I am striving to incorporate skills they already have and apply them to academics. Instead of discouraging digital reliance, we want to encourage students to use their skills and use technology to display their knowledge of subjects.

Prensky identifies the possible problems with this ideology. Two sides include the appreciation of a moldable curriculum and adaptation to meet a new generation versus the idea of incompatible material. I believe that our classroom will be a host to reinvention. Digital resources and curriculum can enhance basic understanding and help reach students who are typically lost in the traditional instructional methods. I hope to meet every student where they are and present information in an interesting and appealing way. I do think that some methods are outdated and are being applied to a generation that cannot digest information in the same way. By using a more entertaining platform, learning can be appealing and interesting to all students. Some believe that some material is not able to be updated and taught effectively in a more modern setting. These arguments are grounded and understandable, however, we can always adapt. By adding new materials, topics are discovered through new facets and invented all the time. Education is an ever changing field, and new methodologies are always being invented. We can always do better.

Walking away from this article, I hope that you see how education is changing. Our classroom is a place for development and creation. With generations coming together, new methodology is important. I wonder how students may struggle with this blend of traditional and modern techniques. Moving forward, I hope you are encouraged to see the innovation taking place in our classroom.