5 Back to School Must-Haves for Innovative Educators by Dana Lawit
Read through this article to see which "must-haves" you and your students might use this year in your classroom. Post a comment describing how you would use them.
41 comments:
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I think the Librevox tool can have both postive and negative aspects if used in the classroom. It would be good for students who struggle with reading, however I would not want my students to rely on this type of tool, and use it as a crutch instead of actually reading!
This article was very infomative becuase I had never heard of the topics they spoke about. The google voice sounded interesting, I'm not sure if I would ever use it as a teacher, but it is a great ways for your students to communicate with their teachers. The google templates is a great way for teachers to eliminate their stacks of paper taking home each day. Flip video camera is a very interesting way for students to be assessed through a video camera. -Deanna Careccia
I enjoyed reading this article because all the technology was new to me. I think the students will enjoy the digital voice recorder and the flip video camera because they look very similar to cell phones and we teachers know how attached students are to their cell phones. I'm not sure how realistic the use of all these technologies is considering the school budgets and demand for other technology, but like anything else, the more resources available to teachers the better. I'd be interested to hear from someone who has used some of these technologies and was not satisfied with the results they produced for their students.
This article is interesting as well as a bit bizarre for me. I love the ideas regarding the Google voice and I defiantly see how useful the recorded messages can be. As Dana Lawit stated she no longer has to carry a bunch of papers home to revise later. I do feel that the $50 digital voice recorder and the Flip video camera although both are great ideas are expensive. I looked up the Flip V.C and the Mino or Ultra are both $149.99 now if they want HD its $199.99. We as teachers have to try to set up goals for our students that are reachable. We as teachers do not know the economical status of most of our students and I feel that we need to be considerate and helpful. This back to school list can actually cause a conflict because some students will be able to buy these items and others won’t. Adding to Christine’s comment, I too feel that Librevox is not a very helpful tool because it does not help them improve their reading it does the work for them. Danyi T.
I like all of the technology in the article and agree that all five items would be helpful to have in the classroom. The Google Voice is the technology I though could be the most easily utilized as well as the most realistic. I agree with Danyi that most of this technology is expensive and it would be unrealistic to ask parents to puchase the items for their children. I do think that studnts should have access to digital cameras but it is not necessry for each child to have one or even each classroom. There is one digital camera at the school I work in. Students are welcome to sign out and use the camera when they need it for projects or assignments. Librevox looks like a great website providing it has the text you are looking for. While we want to teach students to be successful readers there are times when it can be easier for lower level readers to listen to the information and process it as opposed to struggling with the act of reading and not actually comprehending the information.
I think all of these tools have good use in the class. I think the google voice is really interesting. Having homework saved as audio recordings on a google phone number is definitely doing things with todays technolgy! You'll be able to tell whose really doing the homework also because the voice will be attached. I also really like google templates because it makes giving feedback so fast and easy. Students will be able to see comments as soon as I put them up so they do not have to even be in class to be getting some help.
I agree with Danyi, I think having each child need all of these items may be unrealistic for some families. Some of them are free though likegoogle docs and librivox. I think librivox is helpful to differentiate for students who many be auditory learners. It definitely should not be in place of traditional reading, but in some cases this can be a welcomed relief.
I found this article very interesting. I think it is important for teachers to find new technology to use in the classroom. Some of these options are free and the ones which cost money and are items the teacher could use for personal use as well(if usuing their own money). I like the idea of letting students use the voice recorder to capture their thoughts or readings. Goggle Templates would be a great way to have students work on research or a report. It also allows for teachers to share information and ideas. I agree with Christine that using the Librevox can be both positive and negative. I think it would be particularly useful to assist low-level readers and ELL students. The flip video camera would be a great tool to racord skits done by the students and also to record various activites to share with the parents. Overall I think these tools are all interesting and definitely worth considering.
What an excellent 21st Century back to school list! Truly shows what everyday technologies can be used to enhance a student's classroom experience within a reasonable budget. The best, I think, are the Googledoc and the digital voice recorder. I agree with Jessica that the voice recorder would be an real asset to an ELL as well as students learning a language other than english. They can take a teacher's voice recording and practice their pronuncations at home! Additionally, the Googledoc would be realy helpful to any age group, including Graduate students learning the Molloy Lesson Plan! Colleen F.
From all five technologies listed in the article I found librevox to be interested. It would be a good source to use for students to learn how to read. Google voice also sounds like a good source to keep teachers connected. It’s a phone number for students and parents to use without affecting teachers home or cell phone. I don’t think I would use Google voice.
I enjoyed reading about the different technologies in this article. I feel that using the Digital Voice Recorder to record thoughts before writing is a great idea. A few of my students have difficulty getting their thoughts onto paper. Being able to replay their thoughts will help them to begin their writing. I also feel that using Librevox and Odiogo could be beneficial to students. These resources could help a struggling reader to stay on the same page as their classmates and understand topics they are studying in social studies or science. However, I agree with Christine that it should not be in place of traditional reading.
It is truly amazing that technology has come this far in my lifetime. When I was in school, I would have never dreamed that one day students would have access to such things as portable video devices and compact audio recorders in school, but then again, there wasn't even an internet until I was in 9th or 10th grade! With this kind of technology available to them, it is truly becoming so much easier for today's student to access information and stay up to the minute with assignments and class work. I think it's a wonderful thing.
These technologies are great for the more technologically advanced classrooms. I think it's great that we can incorporate so much technology into the classroom these days. The Librevox is good because I like how you can find a lot of books on there that can be read to your students. It's also good that you can post your own recordings if you don't find the one you want up there. Also I think the flip camera is good too. A teacher I was working with last year used one of these. She posted up a video of our class reading their letters to the class they were penpals with in Ohio. It's quick and easy and the video loads right onto the computer and can be posted on a website or sent through email. -Jeanine T.
Once again we see how technology can help in the classroom. These poor students will never have another sick day. its so easy to send home a packet of work now via computer that there is always something to do. Personally, i like the Google Docs, Librevox, and Odiogo to use in my classroom. As an english teacher GoogleDocs will be a great way to have students organize informatiion and write their comments about the topics we are working on in class. Librevox and Odiogo seem like great ways to engage readers. Some students struggle with physical reading. Audio texts are becoming a more popular way to reach out to these students. It is still a great way to have the student complete a book and build vocabulary.
I thought the use of google templates could greatly help the writing skills and organization of students. By allowing them to follow specific templates and organizers as they compose, they can easily see how to build thoughts and sentences. I also liked the Librevox, as it can be a useful tool for students who need accomodations through their IEP. I just question if students will use these devices in the way they were intended. Giving students access to a sound recorder or flip video camera may not have the results that they were originally intended for.
I enjoyed reading this article because I learned so much about new technologies. Of all the ones mentioned I find the Google Voice and Google Templates to be the most easily accessible to students and teachers. I love the idea of Google Voice, it is such an easy and convenient way to communicate with students and parents. As for Google Templates, teachers are always looking for a new way to organize information for their students. This technology is a great way to do so, as well as share your resources with other teachers. The other tools mentioned in the article are great ideas too. However - i think some of the technologies (Flip Video Recorder and Digital Voice Recorder) may be more difficult to always incorporate into your classroom.
I think introducing technology in the classroom is very important and helpful. I liked all of the different forms of technology the article mentioned. A couple of them, I never heard of. It would be interesting to talk to some teachers that have had those different kind of technologies in the classroom, and how the kids interacted with them.
I think modern technology is a wonderful thing. I know that many things help in teaching and communicating with students, but what about the personel feeling of teaching students the old fashioned way? Teacher to student using our skills as teachers not as technical assistants? Just a thought... I would use some technology in the classroom but I agree with Christine S, students need to actually read and not use a crutch
I think the google applications are great. Using these would greatly decrease the amount of paper my class would generate and the google phone is genius. That's such a great idea for having a record of phone calls and sharing messages. i did however have an issue with the voice recorder and the Flip. Asking parents to spend $50 dollars or more on a device in addition to other school supplies may be asking a lot, especially in this economy. However, if a school could get a grant for purchasing this tech and then distributing them to students as you would textbooks, that would be more reasonable.
The technologies discussed in this article are great, and they have many uses both in the classroom, and out of it. However, it might become easy to "lower the bar" so to speak, and expect students to do less and less, as technologies make things simpler and simpler. Students should e constantly expected to work harder. Conversly, items such as the flip video recorder may spark hard work, giving students the tool to document their research etc. As with anything, there is a fine line between using the technology as a supplement, or as a crutch and educators and students must be careful of this.
I think the voice recorder is an excellent tool. Currently I have a student that is new to the country and not as proficient as I need him to be during the lesson. For him I would recommend this tool.
The google voice is another tool I would recommend. Whenever you have a student that is working for you I would put in that extra effort. It is practical and I don't think many others would be using it.-David B
As many of said, I think modern technology is a wonderful thing! It can be useful when used effectively within the classroom walls. This article introduced me to five new tools to consider using in my classroom. I believe the google doc. template would be most useful and accessible for classroom teachers. I think it would greatly benefit students who have difficulty completing writing assignments. Also,I believe this tool is excellent for teachers because it allows them to give feedback. Kristina B.
All 5 of these tools can be a great supplement to any lesson in the classroom. I would allow students to use the digital voice recorder to record interviews for projects, or to complete a class audio journal, where students could record their personal thoughts to the daily topic. I would use the Google documents template in my class because it can be easily accessible to the teacher and students. As a student I have personally enjoyed reading feedback from professors. This would allow for exchange of commentasry between the teacher and student. The Librevox tool would be good for those students who are visually impaired, they can participate in the classroom readings by listening to the books on tapes and then record their assignments using the voice recorder to complete assessments assigned. Melissa H.
I really love the digital voice recorder for students with writing. I know I used to get frustrated when we would have writing assignments because my mind moved faster than my hands, so I used to forget some of my ideas before I could get them out on paper. If I had the opportunity to record my thoughts and then write, writing definitely would have been easier. Also the Flip Video is super easy for people to use and could be used as a great reinforcer for students. Google voice is a cool way to do homework assignments, especially when you can share them online. I would like to use these "Must-Haves" in my classroom, especially for students with disabilities who have a hard time with writing assignments.
I agree with Kristina B that google docs is great because it allows teachers to give feedback.
I also agree with Bridget that Librevox would be great as long as it has the text you want. Sometimes you want students to read along with something else forming the words for them so that they can focus on the meaning of the words rather than on how the words pronounced.
I enjoyed reading this article, because it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom. I would definitely use the Google Voice. That may be the easiest way to share direct communication with parents. I also like the idea of allowing students to complete a unique homework assignment. The children may enjoy this new way if learning. I would also use the Flip Video. This also seems like another interesting way for students to share their knowledge with other students. I agree with Christine, in the fact that the recording of homework is a great tool. I also agree with Jeanine T., in that “These technologies are great for the more technologically advanced classrooms.” -Megan D.
I agree with Christine S. The Librevox tool may be an innovative technological device to assist students with below average reading skills, however, if technology is solely relied on as a means for improving one's skill set, students will tend to ignore their innate capabilties to strengthen their critical thinking skills.
In response to Deanna C. I have to agree... I've never heard of half of these technology devices and I'm not sure I would use them in my classroom either. All this new technology stuff is great, but, we must not ignore the nurturing classroom teacher who developed the "DTB" otherwise known as the Disposable Tissue Bag.These bags are taped to the young students desk so that they are not hopping up and down to discard their germ infested tissues in the wastepaper basket. What a timesaver and totally effective germ fighter! Technology has nothing on a teacher who really cares!
This article about the five must have's for school was very interesting. Although the tehcnology mentioned came with good ideas, I would rather my students use technology with a computer rather than reocrding thier voices. I think it is academically important to give our students as many ooportunities as they can to use computers and become comfortable with them. Librevox, google templates, and Odiog seem to be the best technologies to incorportae into class activities and/or homework. They are easy to use and easy to access without costing a lot of money. Teachers can incorporate them into centers or lessons.
I thought this article was very important for not only teachers, but for parents as well. Some of the tools I feel are more appropriate for older students rather than younger students.
One of the tools I did enjoy is the Google voice, I feel like this can be used for certain assignments in school. I think this would be useful for when students have questions about topics and assignments.
Another tool I thought would be good is the Librevox tool. I do feel that it would be very helpful for students who have literacy issues.
I do feel that all of these tools do have both positive and negative aspects and must be used accordingly.
I enjoyed reading this article, but I feel like some of the required devices are rather complex. I think there should be some variety in the classroom reguarding how assignments are submitted and maybe varying different forms of technology. In an elementary classroom, I am not sure how much variety can be enforced as far as homework assignments go.
I think it would be interesting to have students record different in-class assignments or maybe reenactments that they may do. I do think that students should be required to have a USB as a tool to save various work they do in the classroom.
As far as the devices decribed in the article I think that they may not be beneficial in the elementary age classrooms or at least the early elementary students.
I didn't necessarily love this article. I think most of these items are unnecessary in the classroom, and I do not think they would enhance learning in such a degree where students would need them for school. I wouldn't use any of the items listed beside the Librevox and odiogo because I liked the text to speech service that would be particulary good for lower level readers. I also liked the idea of the recorder, but I was thinking about having one in the classroom for students to be able to share. Christina A
I enjoyed the article, yet I am not sure that all of the devices would be as beneficial for students. I am not sure that I would incorporate any of these devices into my every day routine with all of my students. However, I do agree with Jackie that the Google voice could be used for certain students and assignments in school. I think this would be highly beneficial for disorganized students when copying down upcoming assignments. Unfortunately I am not sure that any of these devices would be beneficial for the everyday use and the benefits would not always out weight the costs.
I think the items in the article are beneficial for the teacher but not as practical for students. Google templates doesn't have to be use. The idea of giving feedback in the document can be easily done by using Microsoft Word. Flip videos are expensive, which makes them not a practical tool for all students. I do think the teacher having the digital voice recorder is a great idea, I personally used them in college during classes. I would find ways to record the days class and post it on the internet for students to listen to and gain a better understanding of the topic.
First, I am trying to decide what level of education these tools would be useful for. In the elementary levels, I feel that only the LibriVox would be useful. I feel this way because any low level reader can read along with the audio to reinforce the days lesson or to do their homework. I like the fact that a teacher can ad their own recording of a book that they are reading which is not on the site. All the other technology to me is good for high school students getting ready for college. I don't feel that middle or elementary school should utilize them. They need to focus on their studies and not the extended technology.
All of these "must haves" would be an excellent asset to the student and teacher. However, only for the right grade level. Google voice, Google templates and Librevox & Odiogo would be age appropriate for almost any grade, the digital voice recorder and Flip video camera would likely meet their potential with students in higher elementary school, possibly fourth or fifth grade. All of these technologies will make learning more fun and provide ways for the student to attack each lesson with different vantage points. Of course the only problem with technology to be purchased is that the price is relatively high when they first come out. But, as long as the costs are affordable and the students are able to handle it correctly while unsupervised, these must haves will be great assets to all. --Nick Maggio
I'm not sure that if I was currently in a teaching position any of these "must-haves" would be useful in my classroom. I guess a voice recorder or flip video camera might be useful for students, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable with either of them in my classroom, or if the school would even allow them. Google Voice could be a useful tool if students have questions that they need answered, but again, do I really want students being able to call me whenever they want? I'm all for the use of technology in the classroom, but sometimes it can seem a little forced and I think that is where we can run into problems
This article was interesting and helpful to me because there was only one of the five tools that I knew of. Thechnology in the classroom in the classroom is fantastic for learning, however, I agree with Tom that educators need to be more realistic about them. School budgets are very tight, and I think that most of technological equuipment in the classroom are privileges or learning enhancements, rather than necessities for learning.
These tools can indeed be used very effectivley in the classroom. The digital voice recorder, like a regular voice recorder can be used for students who have difficulty with listening skills and note taking.
The Google Voice can be used well for parent- teacher communication. This is one tool I think i would enjoy using in the classroom.
I have to be honest and say that I am a little confused as to what the google templates are....
The Librevox and Odiogo are great for students with difficulty in reading, but shes used appropriately and not all of the time for particular students.
I think the flip camera is great and can be used for a lot of classroom projects, especially science experiments that may not be able to be conducted in the classroom or if it is a long experiment the observations can be fastforwarded to show changes
Out of the 5 listed "must-haves" in this article I would say that the most useful would be the digital voice recorder. Students with disabilities or even those who need a refresher on material covered in class can use this device at home. I would recommend that the teacher record their voice, including important points in a lesson. Librevox and Odiogo is another tool that can be useful for many students. Sometimes it is easier for children to hear information rather than read it.
The article was interesting to read because I only knew about the flip camera, because it is advertised on television. However, I agree with a few people who said that the tools dont seem to be very useful in the classroom. I dont see myself using any of them except maybe the flip camera. I read in a book that an effective strategy to improve class management is to videotape a class lesson. Students could see their misbehaving on video. I think that giving students my e-mail is communication enough in that they dont need to call me at home. Like Diana, the info on the google templates confused me.
41 comments:
I think the Librevox tool can have both postive and negative aspects if used in the classroom. It would be good for students who struggle with reading, however I would not want my students to rely on this type of tool, and use it as a crutch instead of actually reading!
-christine sommer
This article was very infomative becuase I had never heard of the topics they spoke about. The google voice sounded interesting, I'm not sure if I would ever use it as a teacher, but it is a great ways for your students to communicate with their teachers. The google templates is a great way for teachers to eliminate their stacks of paper taking home each day. Flip video camera is a very interesting way for students to be assessed through a video camera.
-Deanna Careccia
I enjoyed reading this article because all the technology was new to me. I think the students will enjoy the digital voice recorder and the flip video camera because they look very similar to cell phones and we teachers know how attached students are to their cell phones. I'm not sure how realistic the use of all these technologies is considering the school budgets and demand for other technology, but like anything else, the more resources available to teachers the better. I'd be interested to hear from someone who has used some of these technologies and was not satisfied with the results they produced for their students.
Tom L.
This article is interesting as well as a bit bizarre for me. I love the ideas regarding the Google voice and I defiantly see how useful the recorded messages can be. As Dana Lawit stated she no longer has to carry a bunch of papers home to revise later. I do feel that the $50 digital voice recorder and the Flip video camera although both are great ideas are expensive. I looked up the Flip V.C and the Mino or Ultra are both $149.99 now if they want HD its $199.99. We as teachers have to try to set up goals for our students that are reachable. We as teachers do not know the economical status of most of our students and I feel that we need to be considerate and helpful. This back to school list can actually cause a conflict because some students will be able to buy these items and others won’t. Adding to Christine’s comment, I too feel that Librevox is not a very helpful tool because it does not help them improve their reading it does the work for them.
Danyi T.
I like all of the technology in the article and agree that all five items would be helpful to have in the classroom. The Google Voice is the technology I though could be the most easily utilized as well as the most realistic. I agree with Danyi that most of this technology is expensive and it would be unrealistic to ask parents to puchase the items for their children. I do think that studnts should have access to digital cameras but it is not necessry for each child to have one or even each classroom. There is one digital camera at the school I work in. Students are welcome to sign out and use the camera when they need it for projects or assignments. Librevox looks like a great website providing it has the text you are looking for. While we want to teach students to be successful readers there are times when it can be easier for lower level readers to listen to the information and process it as opposed to struggling with the act of reading and not actually comprehending the information.
I think all of these tools have good use in the class. I think the google voice is really interesting. Having homework saved as audio recordings on a google phone number is definitely doing things with todays technolgy! You'll be able to tell whose really doing the homework also because the voice will be attached. I also really like google templates because it makes giving feedback so fast and easy. Students will be able to see comments as soon as I put them up so they do not have to even be in class to be getting some help.
I agree with Danyi, I think having each child need all of these items may be unrealistic for some families. Some of them are free though likegoogle docs and librivox. I think librivox is helpful to differentiate for students who many be auditory learners. It definitely should not be in place of traditional reading, but in some cases this can be a welcomed relief.
I found this article very interesting. I think it is important for teachers to find new technology to use in the classroom. Some of these options are free and the ones which cost money and are items the teacher could use for personal use as well(if usuing their own money). I like the idea of letting students use the voice recorder to capture their thoughts or readings. Goggle Templates would be a great way to have students work on research or a report. It also allows for teachers to share information and ideas. I agree with Christine that using the Librevox can be both positive and negative. I think it would be particularly useful to assist low-level readers and ELL students. The flip video camera would be a great tool to racord skits done by the students and also to record various activites to share with the parents. Overall I think these tools are all interesting and definitely worth considering.
What an excellent 21st Century back to school list! Truly shows what everyday technologies can be used to enhance a student's classroom experience within a reasonable budget. The best, I think, are the Googledoc and the digital voice recorder. I agree with Jessica that the voice recorder would be an real asset to an ELL as well as students learning a language other than english. They can take a teacher's voice recording and practice their pronuncations at home! Additionally, the Googledoc would be realy helpful to any age group, including Graduate students learning the Molloy Lesson Plan!
Colleen F.
From all five technologies listed in the article I found librevox to be interested. It would be a good source to use for students to learn how to read. Google voice also sounds like a good source to keep teachers connected. It’s a phone number for students and parents to use without affecting teachers home or cell phone. I don’t think I would use Google voice.
-Saira U.
I enjoyed reading about the different technologies in this article. I feel that using the Digital Voice Recorder to record thoughts before writing is a great idea. A few of my students have difficulty getting their thoughts onto paper. Being able to replay their thoughts will help them to begin their writing. I also feel that using Librevox and Odiogo could be beneficial to students. These resources could help a struggling reader to stay on the same page as their classmates and understand topics they are studying in social studies or science. However, I agree with Christine that it should not be in place of traditional reading.
*Jenny C
It is truly amazing that technology has come this far in my lifetime. When I was in school, I would have never dreamed that one day students would have access to such things as portable video devices and compact audio recorders in school, but then again, there wasn't even an internet until I was in 9th or 10th grade! With this kind of technology available to them, it is truly becoming so much easier for today's student to access information and stay up to the minute with assignments and class work. I think it's a wonderful thing.
-Jeff K.
These technologies are great for the more technologically advanced classrooms. I think it's great that we can incorporate so much technology into the classroom these days. The Librevox is good because I like how you can find a lot of books on there that can be read to your students. It's also good that you can post your own recordings if you don't find the one you want up there. Also I think the flip camera is good too. A teacher I was working with last year used one of these. She posted up a video of our class reading their letters to the class they were penpals with in Ohio. It's quick and easy and the video loads right onto the computer and can be posted on a website or sent through email.
-Jeanine T.
I agree with you Jeff. It is amazing to see how technology has grown over just a few years. It is such a great tool to incorporate in our classrooms.
*Jenny C
Once again we see how technology can help in the classroom. These poor students will never have another sick day. its so easy to send home a packet of work now via computer that there is always something to do. Personally, i like the Google Docs, Librevox, and Odiogo to use in my classroom. As an english teacher GoogleDocs will be a great way to have students organize informatiion and write their comments about the topics we are working on in class. Librevox and Odiogo seem like great ways to engage readers. Some students struggle with physical reading. Audio texts are becoming a more popular way to reach out to these students. It is still a great way to have the student complete a book and build vocabulary.
-MIKE T
I thought the use of google templates could greatly help the writing skills and organization of students. By allowing them to follow specific templates and organizers as they compose, they can easily see how to build thoughts and sentences. I also liked the Librevox, as it can be a useful tool for students who need accomodations through their IEP.
I just question if students will use these devices in the way they were intended. Giving students access to a sound recorder or flip video camera may not have the results that they were originally intended for.
I enjoyed reading this article because I learned so much about new technologies. Of all the ones mentioned I find the Google Voice and Google Templates to be the most easily accessible to students and teachers. I love the idea of Google Voice, it is such an easy and convenient way to communicate with students and parents. As for Google Templates, teachers are always looking for a new way to organize information for their students. This technology is a great way to do so, as well as share your resources with other teachers. The other tools mentioned in the article are great ideas too. However - i think some of the technologies (Flip Video Recorder and Digital Voice Recorder) may be more difficult to always incorporate into your classroom.
-Kathy M.-
I think introducing technology in the classroom is very important and helpful. I liked all of the different forms of technology the article mentioned. A couple of them, I never heard of. It would be interesting to talk to some teachers that have had those different kind of technologies in the classroom, and how the kids interacted with them.
I think modern technology is a wonderful thing. I know that many things help in teaching and communicating with students, but what about the personel feeling of teaching students the old fashioned way? Teacher to student using our skills as teachers not as technical assistants? Just a thought... I would use some technology in the classroom but I agree with Christine S, students need to actually read and not use a crutch
I think the google applications are great. Using these would greatly decrease the amount of paper my class would generate and the google phone is genius. That's such a great idea for having a record of phone calls and sharing messages. i did however have an issue with the voice recorder and the Flip. Asking parents to spend $50 dollars or more on a device in addition to other school supplies may be asking a lot, especially in this economy. However, if a school could get a grant for purchasing this tech and then distributing them to students as you would textbooks, that would be more reasonable.
Rob S.
The technologies discussed in this article are great, and they have many uses both in the classroom, and out of it. However, it might become easy to "lower the bar" so to speak, and expect students to do less and less, as technologies make things simpler and simpler. Students should e constantly expected to work harder. Conversly, items such as the flip video recorder may spark hard work, giving students the tool to document their research etc. As with anything, there is a fine line between using the technology as a supplement, or as a crutch and educators and students must be careful of this.
John G
I think the voice recorder is an excellent tool. Currently I have a student that is new to the country and not as proficient as I need him to be during the lesson. For him I would recommend this tool.
The google voice is another tool I would recommend. Whenever you have a student that is working for you I would put in that extra effort. It is practical and I don't think many others would be using it.-David B
As many of said, I think modern technology is a wonderful thing! It can be useful when used effectively within the classroom walls. This article introduced me to five new tools to consider using in my classroom. I believe the google doc. template would be most useful and accessible for classroom teachers. I think it would greatly benefit students who have difficulty completing writing assignments. Also,I believe this tool is excellent for teachers because it allows them to give feedback.
Kristina B.
All 5 of these tools can be a great supplement to any lesson in the classroom. I would allow students to use the digital voice recorder to record interviews for projects, or to complete a class audio journal, where students could record their personal thoughts to the daily topic. I would use the Google documents template in my class because it can be easily accessible to the teacher and students. As a student I have personally enjoyed reading feedback from professors. This would allow for exchange of commentasry between the teacher and student. The Librevox tool would be good for those students who are visually impaired, they can participate in the classroom readings by listening to the books on tapes and then record their assignments using the voice recorder to complete assessments assigned.
Melissa H.
I really love the digital voice recorder for students with writing. I know I used to get frustrated when we would have writing assignments because my mind moved faster than my hands, so I used to forget some of my ideas before I could get them out on paper. If I had the opportunity to record my thoughts and then write, writing definitely would have been easier. Also the Flip Video is super easy for people to use and could be used as a great reinforcer for students. Google voice is a cool way to do homework assignments, especially when you can share them online. I would like to use these "Must-Haves" in my classroom, especially for students with disabilities who have a hard time with writing assignments.
I agree with Kristina B that google docs is great because it allows teachers to give feedback.
I also agree with Bridget that Librevox would be great as long as it has the text you want. Sometimes you want students to read along with something else forming the words for them so that they can focus on the meaning of the words rather than on how the words pronounced.
I enjoyed reading this article, because it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom. I would definitely use the Google Voice. That may be the easiest way to share direct communication with parents. I also like the idea of allowing students to complete a unique homework assignment. The children may enjoy this new way if learning. I would also use the Flip Video. This also seems like another interesting way for students to share their knowledge with other students. I agree with Christine, in the fact that the recording of homework is a great tool. I also agree with Jeanine T., in that “These technologies are great for the more technologically advanced classrooms.”
-Megan D.
I agree with Christine S. The Librevox tool may be an innovative technological device to assist students with below average reading skills, however, if technology is solely relied on as a means for improving one's skill set, students will tend to ignore their innate capabilties to strengthen their critical thinking skills.
In response to Deanna C. I have to agree... I've never heard of half of these technology devices and I'm not sure I would use them in my classroom either. All this new technology stuff is great, but, we must not ignore the nurturing classroom teacher who developed the "DTB" otherwise known as the Disposable Tissue Bag.These bags are taped to the young students desk so that they are not hopping up and down to discard their germ infested tissues in the wastepaper basket. What a timesaver and totally effective germ fighter!
Technology has nothing on a teacher who really cares!
This article about the five must have's for school was very interesting. Although the tehcnology mentioned came with good ideas, I would rather my students use technology with a computer rather than reocrding thier voices. I think it is academically important to give our students as many ooportunities as they can to use computers and become comfortable with them. Librevox, google templates, and Odiog seem to be the best technologies to incorportae into class activities and/or homework. They are easy to use and easy to access without costing a lot of money. Teachers can incorporate them into centers or lessons.
Theresa Klee
I thought this article was very important for not only teachers, but for parents as well. Some of the tools I feel are more appropriate for older students rather than younger students.
One of the tools I did enjoy is the Google voice, I feel like this can be used for certain assignments in school. I think this would be useful for when students have questions about topics and assignments.
Another tool I thought would be good is the Librevox tool. I do feel that it would be very helpful for students who have literacy issues.
I do feel that all of these tools do have both positive and negative aspects and must be used accordingly.
- Jackie C
- Jackie C
I enjoyed reading this article, but I feel like some of the required devices are rather complex. I think there should be some variety in the classroom reguarding how assignments are submitted and maybe varying different forms of technology. In an elementary classroom, I am not sure how much variety can be enforced as far as homework assignments go.
I think it would be interesting to have students record different in-class assignments or maybe reenactments that they may do. I do think that students should be required to have a USB as a tool to save various work they do in the classroom.
As far as the devices decribed in the article I think that they may not be beneficial in the elementary age classrooms or at least the early elementary students.
Jaime S.
I didn't necessarily love this article. I think most of these items are unnecessary in the classroom, and I do not think they would enhance learning in such a degree where students would need them for school. I wouldn't use any of the items listed beside the Librevox and odiogo because I liked the text to speech service that would be particulary good for lower level readers. I also liked the idea of the recorder, but I was thinking about having one in the classroom for students to be able to share.
Christina A
I enjoyed the article, yet I am not sure that all of the devices would be as beneficial for students. I am not sure that I would incorporate any of these devices into my every day routine with all of my students.
However, I do agree with Jackie that the Google voice could be used for certain students and assignments in school. I think this would be highly beneficial for disorganized students when copying down upcoming assignments.
Unfortunately I am not sure that any of these devices would be beneficial for the everyday use and the benefits would not always out weight the costs.
~Bethany H.
I think the items in the article are beneficial for the teacher but not as practical for students. Google templates doesn't have to be use. The idea of giving feedback in the document can be easily done by using Microsoft Word. Flip videos are expensive, which makes them not a practical tool for all students. I do think the teacher having the digital voice recorder is a great idea, I personally used them in college during classes. I would find ways to record the days class and post it on the internet for students to listen to and gain a better understanding of the topic.
Lauren G.
First, I am trying to decide what level of education these tools would be useful for. In the elementary levels, I feel that only the LibriVox would be useful. I feel this way because any low level reader can read along with the audio to reinforce the days lesson or to do their homework. I like the fact that a teacher can ad their own recording of a book that they are reading which is not on the site. All the other technology to me is good for high school students getting ready for college. I don't feel that middle or elementary school should utilize them. They need to focus on their studies and not the extended technology.
lisa c.
All of these "must haves" would be an excellent asset to the student and teacher. However, only for the right grade level. Google voice, Google templates and Librevox & Odiogo would be age appropriate for almost any grade, the digital voice recorder and Flip video camera would likely meet their potential with students in higher elementary school, possibly fourth or fifth grade. All of these technologies will make learning more fun and provide ways for the student to attack each lesson with different vantage points. Of course the only problem with technology to be purchased is that the price is relatively high when they first come out. But, as long as the costs are affordable and the students are able to handle it correctly while unsupervised, these must haves will be great assets to all.
--Nick Maggio
I'm not sure that if I was currently in a teaching position any of these "must-haves" would be useful in my classroom. I guess a voice recorder or flip video camera might be useful for students, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable with either of them in my classroom, or if the school would even allow them. Google Voice could be a useful tool if students have questions that they need answered, but again, do I really want students being able to call me whenever they want? I'm all for the use of technology in the classroom, but sometimes it can seem a little forced and I think that is where we can run into problems
This article was interesting and helpful to me because there was only one of the five tools that I knew of. Thechnology in the classroom in the classroom is fantastic for learning, however, I agree with Tom that educators need to be more realistic about them. School budgets are very tight, and I think that most of technological equuipment in the classroom are privileges or learning enhancements, rather than necessities for learning.
These tools can indeed be used very effectivley in the classroom. The digital voice recorder, like a regular voice recorder can be used for students who have difficulty with listening skills and note taking.
The Google Voice can be used well for parent- teacher communication. This is one tool I think i would enjoy using in the classroom.
I have to be honest and say that I am a little confused as to what the google templates are....
The Librevox and Odiogo are great for students with difficulty in reading, but shes used appropriately and not all of the time for particular students.
I think the flip camera is great and can be used for a lot of classroom projects, especially science experiments that may not be able to be conducted in the classroom or if it is a long experiment the observations can be fastforwarded to show changes
Diana Manz
Out of the 5 listed "must-haves" in this article I would say that the most useful would be the digital voice recorder. Students with disabilities or even those who need a refresher on material covered in class can use this device at home. I would recommend that the teacher record their voice, including important points in a lesson. Librevox and Odiogo is another tool that can be useful for many students. Sometimes it is easier for children to hear information rather than read it.
-Michelle A
The article was interesting to read because I only knew about the flip camera, because it is advertised on television. However, I agree with a few people who said that the tools dont seem to be very useful in the classroom. I dont see myself using any of them except maybe the flip camera. I read in a book that an effective strategy to improve class management is to videotape a class lesson. Students could see their misbehaving on video. I think that giving students my e-mail is communication enough in that they dont need to call me at home. Like Diana, the info on the google templates confused me.
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