So, we all know that today's tech savvy students can't seem to let go of their phones, iPods, MP3 players or computers. And, it is probably are rarity to find a high-school student (and possibly middle school student) without a FaceBook or MySpace account. So, can using what our students use really engage them in today's curriculum?
If you ask Chuck Moore, a Tinley Park High School English teacher, he would definitely urge you to use classroom friendly web tools to engage your students and keep them interested in what they are doing in class long after the bell rings.
Mr. Moore just gave his fellow colleagues, as well as district board members and parents, a presentation on how he is using PBworks and edmodo (free web tools) to help students stay focused and deleve deeper into ancient=old classroom tools...books. "'They use this site and they start talking about the book ... it's like natural to them,' he said. 'It's like what they're used to doing when they socialize with each other.'...Although this style of learning gives students a bit more autonomy, Moore has noticed they actively contribute and are respectful of their peers' contributions." (Fanuko, 2010).
Mr. Moore feels that his students have grasped and developed a greater understanding of the current book they are reading - Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five" - due to the students being able to use what comes natural to them to study the content. "This online component allowed students to quickly grasp the book's historical elements, which in turn helped them develop a deeper understanding of the book's content, he [Moore] said. (Fanuko, 2010).
Personally, as a 30-something year-old, I love social media and technology. That love is even deeper for generations younger then myself. Using tools that kids already have a love and understanding of helps engage them in what they are doing. I hope that educators, administrators and parents continue to realize the potential behind classroom friendly tools.
Resource:
Tinley teachers uses social media as learning tool. Kate Fanuko. Southtown Star. 11-22-10. Retrieved 11-27-10.
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