Technology in Literacy- PK to 6? Or university level?
I have had worries that I won’t fit in this class because it is specified that this class is for PK-6 teachers and my target audience has always been EFL/ESL (English as foreign/second language) students at university level, which might make the direction of my thoughts and opinions deviate from the class. However, I have decided to stay in this class. It’s not that the worry has disappeared, but I felt like the discussion and the hands on activities motivate me to think harder and most importantly, outside the box. Even though technology applied for different level literacy classes should vary, I realized in the last two weeks that the foundation and the baseline are the same and some of the technology/software can be applied to all level literacy classes as long as the pedagogy content has been thought through and justified. Therefore, I have decided to take on the challenge from this perspective, which in fact is exciting. Wordle is one good example. Different uses of Wordle for PK-6 literacy classes have been identified in class, however, it can also be used as a tool to investigate the uses of vocabulary in writing classes at university level. Wordle makes it easy to identify the frequency of target vocabulary appeared in writing assignments of each individual and of the class, which serves as a check point that helps students understand their writing better and teachers learn about students’ status of vocabulary uses. Another example is the use of Webspiration. It definitely can be a useful tool for PK to 6 classes, yet, it can also serve the purpose for university level students, speaking from my personal experience. I have used Webspiration as a pre-writing tool to guide my students through their writing assignments. On this note, people use Webspiration to create their mind map by starting a chart most of the time. However, it can also work the other way around, which is very effective as well. Students can choose to start by writing down the outline, which then can be turned into a mind map in Webspiration. I believe there will more yet to come in class, which will challenge my creativity in pedagogy content knowledge and help me learn and grow. I so much look forward to it!
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Thank you so much for sharing your ideas! I'm graduated with an elementary education degree, but I'm leaning towards the upper elementary and debating about middle school in the future. I know middle school and the university levels are quite different, but you still had some great ideas. I agree with you on the fact that many of the tools we've been shown can be used in so many different ways and at so many different ages. I'm interested to see what other spins you'll be able to put on future activities!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteAs an elementary teacher I am inspired by your enthusiasm and flexibility to adapt these technology tools with stadents at higher levels of education. I used to teach middle school and many of those teachers would have found every excuse as to why these tools weren't age appropriate for their students. I love the idea of using the Wordle as a vocabulary enhancement activity!
Thanks for taking on this challenge! I think you have the perfect attitude. As we proceed through the course, I think you will find better "fits" for the level of student you are working with. As Anita stated, many teachers/or students would sit in class and just say, "this has nothing to do with me." You attitude and approach is refreshing and appreciated!
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