Journal #4 Create, Collaborate, Communicate

Riedel, Chris (2009, January). Create, collaborate, communicate: empowering students with 21st century skills. THE Journal, Retrieved February 18, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23872_1

In his article, Reidel discusses some innovative ways to add technology to the classroom and school setting. In many of the classrooms that you visit today, the teachers are still very uncomfortable with the use of technology. Beyond maybe a computerized grade book, many of them are still computer dinosaurs. Reidel has some great tips and ideas for teachers to begin the process of demystifying the internet and computer usage in the classroom. Many of these are ideas that are taught in technology classes in the credential programs, but for teachers and administrators who have not been a student in a while, this article is very informative.

1. How would I incorporate these ideas in the school setting?
These would be great ideas to incorporate into a professional growth day at the school. Have a couple teachers collaboratively teach each section. This helps spread the knowledge and also creates experts in certain concepts. If teachers have questions later on about the idea or tools, then they know which teachers to visit. As Reidel says, find a mentor! The fun thing is that most of the tech savvy teachers are now the newer teachers, who may need mentors in the traditional classroom items. It helps to create a partnership between some of the older teachers when information can be shared in both directions.

2. Which tools would I utilize in my classroom?
Some of the tools that I see myself utilizing in my classroom are Google Docs, EPals and Fantastic Contraptions. I love the idea of online pen pals in other countries and cities. Google Docs creates so many opportunities for students to collaboratively work on projects. Fantastic Contraptions has some wonderful physics concepts to inspire students in science.