Chapters 1 and 2

Will Richardson's chapters on the Read/Write web and weblogs are already helping me to see some different ways that technology can be used in the classroom. The idea that today's students are "digital natives" (Richardson, 6) makes it impossible to think that a modern classroom teacher can successfully prepare students for further study without the use of technology in the classroom. Students have been bombarded with the Internet, the increasing uses of computers and other various forms of technology for so long that it is part of their normal everyday life. Indeed, while it may not be possible to "catch up" in any immediate sense, that is no excuse to avoid the use of technology in the hopes of hiding the shortfalls of one's technology "know-how." At the same time, I do not want to fall into the trap of including technology for the sake of including it, without a true and meaningful purpose. Many teachers I have had in the past have made a habit of using PowerPoint presentations which were little more than an outline of the lecture, providing no real extension to what was being said. Needless to say, I did not really see the point of using such a presentation. I guess this is a sign of my being a "digital immigrant" (Richardson 7) in some aspects. Apparently I am still unsure of how to use technology in the most effective way.
Along the same idea, chapter 2 gave me some ideas of how to use technology in a more effective way. I really like the idea of setting up a class blog for students to respond to class activities, readings, and their ideas regarding topics of interest. Using a blog is quick, easy and fairly straightforward as a way to communicate one's ideas to a larger audience. With my content area of middle school English and Language Arts, the possibilities for using a class blog are numerous. It would be a great way to continue class discussions about readings or ideas from class, to begin dialogue on readings outside of class, to keep parents informed about what is going on in their student's class, and serve as a tool or resource (by way of links and the like) for students to use in their research and independent study. I really liked Richardson's idea of inviting authors or experts to follow the class's discussions as he did with author Sue Monk Kidd (Richardson 24) as his class constructed a reader's study guide to her book. Inviting others to read, follow and respond to students' work and ideas will provide them with valuable feedback, an enriching learning opportunity as being part of a dialogue, and a sense of personal achievement in that others are taking an interest in what they have to say as individuals. In addition, hearing from the author or other expert directly, in response to a particular idea allows students the opportunity to understand a text or idea in a new way. Creating and maintaining a classroom blog is definitely an option I want to pursue in my own classroom!