Kids constantly amaze adults with their seemingly innate ability to interact with technology. My son can easily get his Xbox to work on the TV, but his dad has a heck of a time getting it transfered back to the cable - and he set up the connections!
The AP chemistry students at Burke this year were an excellent example of students who understand technology systems. They not only used multiple applications as required for class, but they also decided that they would make a music video to describe, if not instruct on, a problem solving method used throughout the course. They ran into some trouble along the way, like how to imbed the sound with the video clips and how to best show the steps of the problem. Of course the whole idea came after one student got bored and inspired all at the same time and wrote a rap :) Check out the finished product on You Tube using this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPIFczEHoI
As you can see they used Microsoft Word as well as the SmartBoard to create their ICE tables. Their knowledge of Word led the kids to look for ways to create fractions and subscripts within the SmartBoard program. It took them some trying but they figured it out.
I beleive that due to our student's constant exposure to technology and their early exposure to technology this particular standard comes easily to them. They can manage themselves between various programs fairly easily and they are not 'afraid' or hesitant to try things like some adults are when encountering a new technology or program. Kids are aware of multiple programs or applications and can pick which one will best meet their needs at the time. Of all the standards in place for studnets to meet this might be one of the most natural!
Katie, I loved the video. The kids did a great job incorporating sound, video, graphics, etc. I do agree that kids are not afraid of technology and enjoy exploring the many ways they can be creative.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - I bet since the students created the video and had to know "their lines" to make the clip the material really stuck with them. Plus I bet it's really neat to be able to tell everyone they have a video on youtube - that's great student engagement!
ReplyDeleteI agree - when students have projects where they can incorporate technology like this they learn the content better than any other unit! The funny part is that sometimes kids are way ahead of us technologically! Of all of the standards handed down by the state, technology standards are probably the standards that come naturally to students today. Finding a teacher that can stay ahead of the game is sometimes a difficult task! I believe technology should be integrated into all content areas as a way to keep kids engaged and to keep their skills sharp. School districts should see technology as the future.
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