Digital Blog Post #F

      This chapter went more in depth with the strategies teachers can use to incorporate more communication among themselves and their students. I found it intriguing that we use many of these resources through out our course but I had never thought about using them in a younger class setting. I also witnessed some of the newer forms of communication and convenience for students through one of the resent observation days at a local high school. I really enjoyed Chapter 8 because of its relevance to my everyday life and the insight it gave me to when I become a teacher on my own. .
     There are so many forms of communication that are easily accessible in today's world. For some it is more convenient to pick up the phone and make a direct call. For others, email or texting are the preferred choice in communication. When I was growing up it was considered inappropriate or out of the norm to have communication with your teachers anytime after the school day. Thinking back on it, this could make things inconvenient when you had a question about an assignment because you had to wait until the following day to consult with them. Even then sometimes it still wasn't clear or you would need more time for explanation. With the availability today on the internet, communication between teachers, students and parents are not only considered normal, they are also extremely helpful and insightful. I hadn't realized how important our Canvas page was to me until reading this chapter, but I would be utterly lost without its structure and communication resources. These sources also allow teachers to further reach out to students by opening up the school day to longer hours, engaging students, sharing information with families, building learning communities, publishing student work and energizing student writing. (Transforming Learning With New Technologies) The Wiki sight we have been working on as a class is a perfect example of communication, building a community as a class, engaging students and extending school hours. That assignment has given me insight on the amount of opportunities I have using technology whether it be academic or professionally related. I think if younger students are introduced to different strategies and learning tools earlier in life, they will generate a better structure on problem solving and thinking outside the box. "Newer technologies such as computers and video conferencing are not necessarily better (or worse) for teaching or learning than older technologies...they are just different...The choice of technology should be driven by the needs of the learners and the context in which we are working, not by its novelty." (Technology, open learning and distance education)

Picture provided by:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1125774/

     Teachers today have different set of circumstances in which they can be creative within their teaching. Years ago, there was a lot of printed paper worksheets, workbooks and #2 pencils. Today, they are trying to cut back on the amount of paper used and increase the amount of student participation. Many teachers are looking towards creating blogs or websites in which they can fabricate their own e-classroom and decorate or design in the way they please. A lot of these websites have a list of educational links, the class syllabus and some personal information about the teacher if they wish to share. I think this is a fun way to get kids involved within the class. I have seen instances when students may be too shy to connect with a teacher and ask questions regarding assignments or due dates. With a website or blog, I think it would be undemanding for a student to touch base with the class and it set of standards, while also connecting with the teacher and feeling them out as a person. I think it is important for students to feel comfortable with their teacher. Comfort between a pupil and educator is a great way to open the lines of communication and understanding. Teaching Today gave a multitude of risks that can be associated with student blogging but followed it up with ways to prevent any unnecessary conduct. "Policies regarding the displaying of any student work must be adhered to strictly. Take the necessary steps to secure parental permission before using the blog in a participatory manner." (Teaching Today) 
     I found it amazing that Wiki's were such a huge contributor and benefactor in student creativity and participation. Having been participating in a group Wiki I find that it can be intriguing to try and create something well written and well fabricated. This chapter really opened my eyes to the affirmation of a Wiki's benefits for student learning. A standard Wiki is described in our book as "a collection of academic information and class notes related to specific curriculum frameworks." (Transforming Learning With New Technologies) An example of what a Wiki could be used for as a teacher would be creating a student study guide. Instead of using the regular PowerPoint presentation, a teacher could create a Wiki in which students could all interact with. They could edit their own answers and study based off what the teacher provides them with. This would eliminate the use of paper copies and enable students to access their study guides anywhere with internet access. It is also a great lesson on teaching the ways to avoid plagiarism and the correct forms of citation. This is a lesson that is taught through out a students career but I think it is helpful to see it done in a collaborative setting where adjustments and changes can be made need be. Also with a Wiki, students may be graded on their class participation and the amount of work and effort they put in to their own Wiki page. Not only do students participate with on another on group assignments, but they also participate with their teachers and educators on editing and making sure their assignments are factual and written in the correct format requested. 
     Chapter 8 gave up an insight on helpful communication strategies in which we can all use as educators to help engage students and their family members. It also went in depth on helping teachers reach out to their students in less quintessential ways by stepping out of the box and engaging in more creative and personal activities. I thought this was a great chapter and I learned concepts that I hope to use in my future profession. I also learned to never fear the unknown of the future. This class was intimidating at first because of its expectations. I had never done any of the assignments required and learning them was scary. I am now confident in a whole new set of skills I have acquired and am grateful for the time I have taken to learn them. 



     
Resources:

McKimm, J., Jollie, C., & Cantillon, P. (n.d.). Web based learning. Retrieved October 7, 2015.

Maloy, R. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

Using Blogs to Integrate Technology in the Classroom, Education Up Close, Teaching Today, Glencoe Online. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015.