Teach In Their Language

By Dana Clark

The world around us is a classroom. We just have to

know how to use it.Google Earth

TED Ideas worth spreading

Edutopia: real-world issues to motivate students.

Final Thoughts and Web Addresses.

Google Earth a Teachers Best Friend

With the help of Google Earth class assignments become more then the standard report.

Students who are either visuals or hands on will be able to see the connections of who or what they are studying.

The View of the Earth“To create a digital map of authors with a mash-up of information about their locations, literary works, biographic information, and relevant images” Katie Ash

Most students by the time we get to teach them will be more comfortable with the internet and computers than us. To them it is a part of who they are. When we utilize a tool that they are familiar with they have the ability to be more creative.

In the end the student is taught to think and we remember how to learn.

Look Past My Fear

This got me to thinking on how many different lessons could use Google earth or something like it to get all students involved. Think of history, government, even mathematics. Learn who invented what, or why they went to war over her. See what the people of the time saw. Yet my fear is that my students may be more savvy on the web then I. I will have to put that aside and let them continue to teach me as I open their eyes and imaginations.

Technology that all students can better themselves with

¤ “Technology can only be helpful if it is useful, accessible, and affordable”.

¤ “The internet is a connection of people to ideas”.

¤ Both quotes are taken from Hector Ruiz when he spoke at a TED conference in June 2007.

We are not alone• Technology is out there

for all of us. The problem is for many the cost is still to great. With use of technology in the classrooms gives all students the chance to excel.

There are programs out there that are attempting to get laptops out to every student. The realization of how much more can be learned is astounding!

THROUGH TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF SUCCESS.

I have had to realize that some students I teach may not be able to get to a computer and I am going to have to do what I can for them in school. The programs that have been on TED (15 by 50 and $100 laptops) do show that there is hope. I am hopeful that all students get a chance to experience the world as many others do.

We all live in the world why not teach as that is your classroom“In project-based learning, students try to

answer a question– one that has relevence for them– that is greater than the immediate task at hand”. Diane Curtis

When something relates to your own life you become more involved. Technology is something that we are constantly involved with.

Most kids use technology in the way of games or what is now basic

communication. They need to be shown where they can start to learn

and how to do share ideas with others.

At times they accept things for the way they are. With the real –world tie in

they could have a better understanding of why.

THE ARTICLE MADE ME REALIZE THAT SO MANY OF US WERE TAUGHT BY THE BOOK AND NOT BY WHAT SURRONDS US. WHEN THE BANKING METHOD IS USED IDEAS ARE LOST.

As I get older I joke with “wow if they would have shown me that or told me about this I might have cared in school”. To me that that shows missed learning. Without involving technology and the world students are missing out.

My final thoughts

• We as educators need to embrace technology.

• Remember that we are never to old to learn.

• Anyone can be a teacher and anyone can be a student.

Here are the web sites if you are interested to know what I have learned.

Ed weeks Digital Direction http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2008/12/23/03english_web.ho2.html

TED Ideas Worth Spreading http://www.ted.com/talks/hector_ruzig_on_connecting_the _world.html

Real-world Issues Motivate Students http://www.edutopia.org/start_pyramid

For me personally I enjoy the TED web the best. It shows not only what children are capable of but how so many are wanting to change it to improve learning for all.