Growing up with unprecedented access to technology has changed the way young people, "digital natives," communicate, interact, process information, and learn (Oblinger & Oblinger, 2005; Prensky, 2001a, 2001b). Thus, many new teachers entering 21st century classrooms are digital natives teaching digital natives (Prensky, 2001a). Lei's (2009) study of a group of digital native preservice teachers suggests that, although future teachers may hold strong positive beliefs about technology and may be proficient with a variety of software applications, they may be unable to translate this knowledge to their teaching. "Digital natives," Lei argued, "need to develop a systematic understanding of the technology, subject matter, pedagogy, and how these aspects work together" (p. 93).
jremingtonasd on 09 Jan 13Using TED Talks videos to help teach: Collaboration Communication Critical Thinking Creativity As a Language Arts teacher, I get the honor of encouraging any content area as a topic since my focus is on communication of that topic. I say "honor" because it means I get to learn from them. However, with the Common Core standards, and the four Cs, which are peppered throughout them, stressing the importance of communication is no longer limited to English class. All classes must find a way to use these skills to communicate subject matter expertise. This year, I have decided that I don't call my class Language Arts. I instead refer to what happens in my room as The Art of Using Language. This unit, therefore, focuses on as many aspects of using language and communicating as I could think of: Creating a website Designing an infographic Recording a podcast Developing a Powerpoint or Prezi more......
