Growing up Digital

"Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction"
This article discusses the effect that technology is having this generation of learners. The article portrays several fears and distractions taking place between today's students and the technological world they inhabit.
According to this article, technology is creating a world of students who will be wired differently than previous generations. One of the advantages to technology is the interactivity piece that motivates students and allows them to work together. Interaction within technology is a powerful tool that allows students to collaborate through different means. For example, students around the world can participate in blogging (more engaging than writing a paper) and voice thread (more engaging than classroom presentations). Students can then share their knowledge and interact with other students around the world. Without this kind of technology, these type of learning opportunities would not be preset.

I would include international blogging and voice thread in my classroom to incorporate global awareness. The major concern I would need to address would be, of course, internet safety. Students will have surnames and not give out any personal information. All communication between my students and students from other classrooms will be monitored.

Three kinds of classroom activities that could be used would be international blogging (comparing and contrasting opinions about a specific topic to students in different countries), voice thread (ELLs use voice thread as a low anxiety way to present about a topic), and wordle (Students create adjectives to describe a topic of discussion). 



"10 File Management Tips" 
This article provides file management advice for computers. The article briefly discusses the importance of file management, and then lists 10 tips for organization. An advantage of this technology is that it begins teaching students the importance of productive organization. Being organized is a necessity for most modern day jobs. Students will be better prepared for their future careers if we begin to teach them how to organize documents on the computer. File management can help students to access files quicker, instead of simply flipping through millions of sheets of paper. This increases productivity and speed, so they can move forward. If some students are not use to computers, or do not regularly have access to one then this skill could take time to develop. This exposure is necessary for future careers. I think there is a place in the classroom for teaching file management, especially in middle and high school when college and careers are more of a reality. Beginning to teach this early benefit them. 

As previous stated, the potential for lack of background knowledge in computers could be a concern in teaching file management. However, I think that the exposure to technology and how to manipulate it is necessary for 21st century learners. The exposure and knowledge of computers and file management will benefit students in the long run. Teachers should be aware of the potential lack of background knowledge, and be patient in introducing the new topic. An appropriate amount of support is needed for all students.

Classroom activities that could be enhanced by file management: sorting and saving assignments, practice backing up documents, webquests to explain file management.



Designing Brochures and Newsletters 
This article introduces tips and ideas (for non designers) in making newsletters and brochures. An advantage to brochures and newsletters is that it's another way to present a topic of information. Throughout the schooling years, students are required to learn a variety of informational texts, brochures and newsletters being included. Being able to create these types of documents is a 21st skill that is needed in the work place. This type of technology creates learning opportunities by exposing different types of informational texts. It also allows students to present new information in a new and meaningful way.

A concern that I would have for this type of learning in the classroom is the lack of teacher support needed to address an average class. It's assumed that this kind of project could raise questions and confusion for students. An additional teacher would be beneficial to help students so they would avoid the frustration stage.

Types of classroom activities: brochures about a topic, brochures for community and parent involvement activities, newsletters to present to parents about classroom happenings.