EDIM 508 Unit 1 Summary Posting

Media Minds: Students Use of Media Today

Ive enjoyed reading your discussions this week. I hope that the readings have better
opened your mind to the use of digital media and technological resources in education.
Id like to highlight some outstanding thoughts from this weeks discussion.

Caitlyn- I often found that with a new software program, my students were not afraid to take risks
and explore in the program. This is how they learn! They loved finding new and different ways (from what I
taught them) on how to do things in the program. I also found that most of the time, I was learning a lot from
them on how to use the ALICE software. They were not afraid to make a mistake or try a different way. This is
what makes today's students so digitally fluent; they are willing to explore and learn things on their own.

David- Besides, learning is far more authentic when lessons are taught in a student-centered,
inquiry based fashion. I see myself as a personal guide for student learning. While I understand the frustration
that teachers feel as a result of a disconnect with our digital natives, it is our responsibility as professionals
to adapt our instruction to meet the needs of a student population that will join a workforce far different from
the present one.

Derek- While todays technological tools can be a great asset to the classroom, they can also be
incredibly distracting. Its one thing when students are using their iPads to access an online teaching tool or
activity, but with this tech-based approach comes the risk of students choosing to check their Snapchat, which
then leads to the desire to browse Instagram before choosing to open Twitternot to mention the three games
they have opened on other tabsall while they are supposed to be focused on their assignment. In addition,
students will often claim that listening to music in one ear during class helps them concentrate, yet these are the
same students who most often ask me to repeat my directions.

Erika- The singularity that scientists speculate began the Big

Bang, changed matter so fundamentally that the universe formed and has been
expanding outward ever since. The singularity that is digital technology has
done just that, started as a single speck (or an idea), then the Bang (the
beginning), and technology has been expanding outward in all directions at
infinitely increasing speeds, just like our universe. This reaffirmed that I need
to change my way of thinking and teaching when it comes to students and
technology.
 Hannah P- I think it would be interesting, now that I have a better understanding of the capabilities
our students have with media, to allow the students to drive their own learning. When I worked for the South
Western School District, they were moving towards students being called learners and teachers being named
facilitators. At first, I didnt fully understand this concept. But, when I reflect on these readings, I am able to
paint a better picture of the concept, and I think it would be beneficial to try in my classroom. This way, I am
tapping into their interests by letting them drive their learning given appropriate topics, and they are taking
control and responsibility for their learning. This would also allow for fellow students to become exposed to
things that they might not have been, given a traditional learning environment.

Hannah S- I do not think that technology will be going away

anytime soon, so if you cannot beat them, join them. As an English teacher, I
want my students to fall in love with reading, and put away their devices. I know
this is unrealistic, so I try to invent new methods of reading that use technology
and are more interesting. Do not be a "digital immigrant".

Jeremy B-

Jeremy S- As teachers, we need to find new ways to convey information to our students, such as
through video games or Youtube videos. Maybe it is ok that the students are listening to music as they are
learning a new math concept. It is up to us as educators to find new ways to teach the digital natives using their
language instead of sticking to the ways we learned throughout our school careers. We need to challenge
ourselves to think outside of the box and use our students as resources to help us start to speak the digital native
language. It is a daunting task, but a necessary one.

Josh- In addition to the connection piece, we must be able to use technology

for a force of good! I know it may sound cliche, but technology is an inevitable and
powerful tool that almost all of our students have access to. The question becomes, what
are they actually doing with the devices that the Kaiser Family Foundation stated has
increased substantially. If we can transform the thinking our students have towards
intrinsic, self-motivated learning with their devices then we can take a stigmatized
negative idea and transform it into that of a positive experience for our students.

Laura- The important take away I am gaining from these readings would be
to make sure the time this student are spending with media is helping them grow. Make the hours they are
spending worth while. It may take a lot of added effort and time on the teachers part to get the programs and
lesson up and running however. I do think it will make all the difference. Meeting the students where they are
and with their interests will enhance he most academic gains.

Maggie- Although this notion of leaving the traditional ways behind as we craft the minds of the
future, can be overwhelming, teachers must do what we have done for all of history-- which is to adapt. We
will adapt to new ways of presenting information to our students. New ways of helping struggling learning
reach their potential. One thing that will allow us to do this is professional development and a willingness to
listen to those new teachers that are highered in our districts. We must understand the ways that media is
affecting our students and naturally utilize that in the classroom.

Matthew- One of the biggest obstacles that teachers need to over come in the classroom is finding
ways to create a connection with their students. This connection allows the teacher to develop a relationship
with their students that will encourage the students to be more engaged in their classroom. Developing this
connection has become more and more difficult due to the separation between teachers who were born in the
pre-digital age and the students of today. I think this is one of the biggest factors that are hindering our
education system and we need to find a way to bridge the gap between the two.

Megan- Teachers sometimes get stuck in a habit of things that they have always done. Although we
know these lessons were successful and got the objective across clearly, we are teaching it to the wrong type of
minds. We are able to keep what we have done in the past but change it to meet the needs of our
students. Instead of doing a read aloud, teachers could allow the students to watch the story being read aloud
on a smartboard or ipad. Instead of having students write all the copies of their work, allow them to type them
and make the corrections on their digital copy.

Megan G- If technology plays such an integral part in our lives and the lives of our students, its
important that we learn how to best reach them while also teaching them how to use this digital age
appropriately and to their advantage. I think the growth in the use of digital media comes with its pros and
cons, and I enjoy reading pieces like those from this week, that help strengthen the pros as well as my own
mindset.

Melissa- Technology will make lessons more streamline and exciting. On the other hand as
educators, it is our responsibility to teach students to become fruitful citizens of our country not just
academically but socially. So as a parent of two I do have a fear that technology is dehumanizing our
children. Over the past few years, I have sadly watched kids forgetting how to play and talk together. I watch
kids after school standing in groups together not looking at each other yet texting/playing on their devices. It is
important that we still be able to read human emotion and body language.
 Meredith- I think in order for our students' needs to be truly met we have to continue to push
forward even if it means it is a little uncomfortable for us. Keep learning and applying and you are admired I
am sure! I agree with you that with this new technology we as teachers really need to be adamant about
teaching social skills and encouraging students to learn how to collaborate and to solve problems with other
people. It's a balance that can at times seem hard to find but I think and hold hope that it is possible!

Shaun- It will be crucial for educators to not limit the growth of student involvement, engagement,
and attitude about school. Some changes that can be made by teachers is to allow more freedom with student
technology use and not fear or resist it. If proper classroom management procedures and expectations are in
place, this should be attainable. Another way would be to keep lectures short and change up lessons by taking
existing activities through the incorporation of engaging Web tools.

Tamberlane- We must look at both methodology and content. These new methods must be faster,
they must be parallel with more random access. Due to the changes brought by digital singularity, there are
now, according to the author, two kinds of content. Much of the Legacy content has become less important,
while the digital Future content is fascinating to todays students.

William- I feel implications for teachers should include changing the way courses are being taught
and integrating different types of technology into the classroom so our students can improve their 21st century
learning skills. Differentiated instruction and activities may be the key to success; what works for one class may
not work for the next class walking into your same room.