week 12

WEEK 12


Creating rap music for students
Boston Times

I thought this article was creative and fun. This is a great example of using creativity, personality, and reaching students in the classroom! I think it even has more benefits than just the topic rapped about because students can collaborate, gain confidence and public speaking skills. Hats of to this teacher for stepping out of the box and using his personal touch to reach students of all backgrounds and diverse groups! I think every student in American would like this project even if they didn’t like rap. I also think it’s a great way to put more meaning and positive lyrics to rap music. Maybe the artists will follow suit!

More video games, fewer books at schools?
Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:49PM GMT

I thought this was an amazing article because it told both sides of the issue. I am highly skeptical of articles that are one-sided. One of the quotes I liked was "It's the equivalent of giving kids a lot of sweets and then wondering why they don't want to eat regular food.” I guess since I believe that sweets are ok (and wonderful) some of the time, video games are too! I loved the approach the article took that these games were to be an addition to the curriculum. Not a replacement, but an addition. Video games could be used just as could technology as a tool to enhance learning, but not to replace already effective methods. The concern for me is when the article stated that “Several studies have shown that video-game playing corresponds to higher rates of attention deficit disorder (ADD) among children and are associated with aggressive behavior.” Another great reason to use it as a tool and another strategy, but not as the primary form of education.


MySpace establishes election hub for young voters

I think this is another great example of the internet’s positive uses. Myspace is huge right now, and getting voter information available may even increase the number to people getting to the poles! I think it is so important to be an informed voter and this is a great way to get the information out. I think it may also spur debate and conversation in blogs as well! Although all of the information won’t be true, it’s not all true coming from the T.V. either. I think Myspace will give young voters a chance to get in touch with the election and inspire them to research the candidates further on their own.

Survey in schools should use more technology

First, this quote made me laugh, “In older grades, it's all about control. They want to have the rules and regulations over technology more relaxed and want to have more control over when they can use computers." In older grades EVERYTHING is about control and that doesn’t necessarily mean students should have it! I do agree with the survey though, and I am glad to see that parents as well think that schools don’t use technology enough. I think it starts with educators themselves and confidence in their skills. If teachers initiate the push for technology along with parents, I think schools can make great progress!

Montreal district to focus on tech training

In my opinion, this is where a big part of the technology problem lies. Teachers need to be confident in technology and be open to new programs and new ideas. At first, the thought of all of that money going to waste made me sick, however, the more I thought of it, the more I think it happens in more schools than we think. Technology is a diverse area that requires cooperation on a variety of levels. I also think that when teachers do not use the technology, it is an administrative problem as well. Administrators need to implement programs for teachers to improve their technology skills as they did in Montreal.