Digital Native article

"Portrait of a Digital Native" by Tom McHale is a very enlightening article. (the blogging software would not accept the website pasted form the lesson so I have deleted it) The article talks about something I see every day, and that needs to be addressed.

The pace is fast. The multitasking is beyond my comprehension. Children are processing info in nanoseconds. Certainly, that changes the way students think. Have you ever tried to get your kids too watch an old black and white movie—Yikes, it’s just way too slow for them, so if it’s a classic like “On the Waterfront”, or “Citizen Kane” for instance, they might not get the lesson. They might need something faster paced to comprehend the message. Anything fast and technical is a breeze. So absolutely, those techniques must be used in the classroom so that the students don’t doze. We can’t leave students in the dark because we are not willing to put in some extra effort.
Much as I think technology is great in some instances, and would add to student involvement, I also agree with Jane Healy, who, according to the article, feels that slower processing, more depth and concentrated focus is needed for complex problems. I also feel, personally, that, even though we want to engage the students, it’s a mistake to always teach on their terms. Part of life is having to struggle with thinking a different way, and exploring all avenues. We do students a disservice when we don’t make them see that.
I’m not saying that technology shouldn’t be a major part of education. No, It has to be at this point. We need way more good technology usage. I just think that interesting and important curriculum has to come first. Students have to learn to write decently, do math without a calculator, and have an ability for real scientific questioning. Technology is just a means to lead them in that direction. All tactics must be used.

The web site we were sent to ( E-School news http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/Multimedia_Instructional/index.cfm) was great. I love the how to articles about everything. I signed up for their newsletter, so I can get up to date information all the time. I also agree with them about the uses of technology. Many school districts that have the funds for technology aren’t taking advantage of this resource. To figure out how best to use new resources is a daunting task, when curriculums and other things are changing constantly. It could easily become just one more requirement for a busy teacher. That would be a shame though, because it is so much fun, and could relly energize the students.

The specific resouorce I picked was Show Me How Now (Website: http://webct.njcu.edu/SCRIPT/3752EDTC642/scripts/student/serve_mail).
I like having actual lessons on how to set up the technology, because until I know how things work, it troubles my mind and I can’t move beyond that.

I looked at about half the articles listed on this resource. I am definitely becoming fascinated by podcasting, because I have not used it previously. Both my husband and my son have an ipod, so I, too, would like to make use of it. Now I really want to find a relevant podcast and download it using itunes and see how to play it. That would be a triumph

Disorders-does a sense of calm help?

A child in class was just diagnosed with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder-- and luckily, not a bad case. The poor kid justcouldn't sleep if there is any transition in his life, so was sleepy in class. I know many people whose children have been seeing therapists for anxiety-- we're a nation of anxiety. Much as I think parents need to pursue all the options for their child, I also feel that there is something to be said for making children feel secure-whether at home or at school. Sometimes, when I substitute teach I start the day by saying to the children "Relax, I am a nice teacher. I am not going to yell at you, but I want to make sure that you understand the lessons for today." I see the class give a collective sigh.
A child with OCD is not so very different from them, he just worries a little more. But they all worry. Of course bad behavior can't be tolerated, children can't be throwing things around the room and standing on the desks and cursing each other (which my sweet suburban classes never do), but even if a teacher is disciplining a class, a measure of calmness, a feeling of fairness,
--security. I think it makes all the difference. So many things are changing, let there be someplace safe.

I decided to make this my main blog on my webpage. I like that you can sign in. My children are starting school late this year. Oddly enough, they don't want to try the neat new technologies I've discovered; they just want to go to Staples and buy stuff for their lockers and neat looking pens. School starts very late in our town this year, and it has given my children a vision of "no school forever", that they kind of like. Especially my 7th grader-- he could just stroll around town with his friends and not worry that his writing skills are not always the best. In a way, I think our society has gotten a bit like him-- we don't realize until too late that we need to work hard on our education

This is my second blog. With this one I will try to allow others to add to it and post there ideas on education. Should be fun. I like blogs very much. I think the allow freer espression. As long as the privacy of the blog is assured, and the subject matter is guided by a teacher, I think they are great. Do you all agree?