1. Understanding of ELA instruction
After reading the articles and viewing the standards I have a clearer understanding of the ELA curriculum. I believe the main objective of the ELA curriculum is to use a variety of ways to create successful students with the knowledge of literacy. Literacy and language is a part of everyday life and as teachers its our job to instill this into our students so they can understand how important it is to develop their literacy skills. Students should be able to build connections with what they read to their real life experiences. In order to achieve this goal there are 5 key components:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and Listening
- Language
The ELA standards is a clear break down to help the teachers achieve their ELA goals and have a measurement of where their students should be at the beginning and ending of the school year. The ELA standards is also something that parents should view and have an understanding of because I feel it will help parents support their children in their academic achievements.
2. Technology Tool that supports the ELA instruction is
Glogster EDU is a creative platform for students to display their knowledge and skills. Students create GLOGS (interactive posters) which allow them to add text, photos, video, graphics, sounds, drawing, attachments and so much more. Glogster EDU also allows teachers and students to share their work online and have a community to interact with. I have used this tool in my classroom and possibilities is endless.
3. Interview with a ELA teacher about integrating technology into their classroom.
I spoke to two different ELA teachers in two different schools and surprisingly they had the same problem about integrating technology into their classrooms. Both teachers work in public schools in Brooklyn, one is a JHS teacher and the other is in Elementary school. The problem they have with integrating technology into their classrooms is the lack of technology. Both teachers are tech savvy and would love the opportunity to enhance their lessons with technology but the availability is limited. The teachers have smart boards in their rooms but they will like to have computers in their rooms for students to use. As a technology teacher I hear this complaint a lot. I have conducted trainings in the past and I find the teachers are excited about the technology tool but at the same time they get discouraged because they do not have access to technology or the technology they do have access to is very old and outdated. I believe the main problem with integrating technology into the classroom especially NYC Public Schools is that technology is advancing but the public schools are always behind may it be their internet connectivity, computer hardware or software. I feel like the public schools are always playing catchup.
I agree with you that parents should have an understanding of what it is that teacher's are trying to accomplish with their students in terms of ELA education. To take it one step further, I think when old enough, students should also be shown what it is that they are striving for each year. When students have an understanding of clear goals that they are working towards, and that their teachers are helping them achieve, it feels more like a partnership in learning rather than teachers trying to 'trick' students into learning. I feel they would be more motivated to work towards these goals as well, almost like a checklist.
ReplyDeleteAnother point well made is it does often feel like public school are playing catch up, and unfortunately this is truer for some schools over others. There are some schools trying to get the newest version of technology, but there are still schools that are simply trying to get the newest version of textbooks or upgrades to their school buildings. There are obvious glitches in the system.
I agree students should be aware and understand the standards maybe it will help them understand the urgency of their academic career.
DeleteThank you for sharing Glogster! It is indeed a fun tool that can bring out students' creativity in the ELA learning. There are ways to use the limited technology and access to connection to integrate technology in the classrooms. Let's keep exploring. But I agree this has been a major obstacle in addition to the teacher training. :)
ReplyDeleteGlogster is great! I've used it many times and so have other teachers in my school! -Maggie
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love Glogster! It is so creative and a great way to display your work in a variety of ways.
DeleteSome schools are all set as far as technology is concerned but training for teachers then becomes an issue. Ensuring proper training to use smart boards or other technology also can be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am also a NYC school teacher and I do feel that we are a bit behind the curve when it comes to having technologies readily available to us but I also see that as a good thing. We can skip the trial and error stage and learn about products as well and from others schools mistakes so we can jump into it and hit the ground running instead of wasting time trying to be the innovator.
ReplyDeleteSeria,
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean when you said that the teachers you inteviewed have the problem of lack of technology. I believe schools should look into how many positive outcomes can come from the use of technology in the classrooms and how much fun they can be to students.
I love learning about new tools and website to enhance learning! So now I know Glogster is one, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love glogster!!!!!!! It opens the door for creativity and collaboration amongst students. Students could complete many ELA related assignments using glogster. For example, this month is Black history month students could create a glog on black inventors. Great tool!!!
ReplyDelete