I know it has been a long time since I've posted anything, but we, the ESS Team, have just finished the Augst rush. From that experience, I have learned that teachers are in great need of strategies for teaching reading. They need assistance in establishing small groups, and creating literacy workstations.
It's good to have and used all the games and technology that we have, but we must use it effectively. Direct instruction, guided reading in small same-ability groups in the most effective way to teach reading. The use of technology can effectively be used to support this instruction, and not replace it.
Let's make sure that every thing we do is in answer to our guiding question, "Will this help to create independent readers and writers?"
Here, here. Your comment rings so true that technology should enhance our current strategies empowering our students to transition into the 21st century. As educators, we must be careful, however, to not fall back into the twentieth century and rely only on twentieth century strategies. We can learn MUCH from our digital natives if we will open our minds and hearts and embrace and respect the knowledge they hold.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your assessment. How good is technology in the classroom if it is ineffective? There must be a balance. Technology should be used to enhance instructional best practices in any content area. I do believe that for the most part there are too many teachers who fail to plan adequately for each lesson and it has such a profound impact on student achievement.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technological tools have found their way in our classrooms and yes these resources can be used for the good of the kids..but if they become the primary resource of instruction, can have detrimental effects on the students' creative thinking. Teachers just have to remember to always stike a balance between what is conventional and innovations.
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