Introduction
For my project, I chose to interact
on several different technology focused blogs for subjects within the social
sciences. I had a wonderful experience as I learned so much from seasoned
teachers who have had a lot of experience incorporating technology into their
classroom. I have learned new and unique ways to get kids excited about
learning, how to better construct lesson plans that incorporates technology,
and how to use technology to make my life easier as a teacher.
Community Selection and Rationale
When starting this project, I knew that I wanted to do something
that I could see myself continuing even after this class. I already really
enjoy reading blogs personally, in different subject areas like fitness or
fashion, and so I felt that this could be a super simple way to incorporate
this learning experience into my daily routine. I searched for different blogs
to follow, and even had to ask other teachers for recommendations. However, I
found 5 amazing blogs, most of which focused specifically on using technology
in social studies classrooms.
The following are the blogs that I found to be updated the most,
and that provided real life examples of using technology in the classroom –
This teacher is all about technology in the classroom. She has an
active Facebook group, and posts regularly.
This is a blog written by a group of teachers that aim to help
other teachers find online content for their classes, as well as was to
integrate technology into the classroom.
This is an awesome blog for teaching Psychology. They have twitter
chats, and share ideas for teaching. A lot of the content includes using
technology in the classroom.
Awesome US history blog that has a few different teacher
contributors. They have a section specifically for technology used in the
classroom.
A U.S. Government blog to help teachers find content and how to
incorporate technology in the classroom.
Time Spent Interacting with the Community
I was a little worried about this part of the project. It is much
easier to sit and passively take in the content than it is to actively
participate in the community. In the beginning I had to build up my courage to
participate. I felt intimidated because I knew that most of those I would be
interacting with would be people who have a lot more experience than I do, and
I didn’t feel that I would have anything of adequate value to share.
However, I learned that I would learn things from so many places
that I was always making connections, and always had something interesting to
contribute. I would learn something on one blog, or something in class, and I
would be able to share it on a relevant blog post later down the road. It was
great, because others became engaged, and I learned a lot from those who had
much more experience than I did. And I felt good knowing that I was helping
contribute, instead of passively taking in the content.
Insights Gained from My Community
Honestly, something that I learned was how diverse and inclusive
the idea of including technology in classroom can be.
One of my
favorite things I found was a website that graphically organizes the delegate
nominations for the presidential election. I know that it is so hard to teach
students this information, especially here in Utah, where our caucus system is
so complicated. I wish I were a teacher right now so that I could teach this
lesson in real time, as the elections were going on. This website is so simple,
but would be a great way to start a class period, and to help the visual
learners who can’t quite grasp the concept.
Another great insight I had was with understanding the power of
podcasts. I love listening to This American Life, and one of its spin off
series, Serial. When I was reading my Blog roll one morning, a Psychology
teacher talked about using a podcast that TAL had created - to teach. I loved
the idea! I knew that if I could get this hooked on podcasts, then my students
would too. So, I was able to find all sorts of intriguing podcasts in various
subject areas that I am now super interested in. Podcasters are able to present
information in such a fascinating way because of their amazing storytelling
abilities. I also love them, because they frequently include transcripts that
you can give your students to read along with as they listen. This is great for
the students who may have a hard time listening to something, but can keep them
focused. In addition, the transcripts can help those students who may have a
hearing disability.
Contributions Made to My Community
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