I can't believe tonight was the last class for my Computers in Curriculum Design & Evaluation course. It seems like just yesterday that I created this blog. Looking back from the beginning of the semester until now, I can definitely say that I gained extensive knowledge regarding how to effectively implement technology into the classroom.
There are several great online educational tools out there that I read about and/or used to assist in my projects, which I plan to definitely implement into my lessons. I especially loved QuestGarden for use in creating WebQuests, and since I am an aspiring Language Arts teacher, I think My Access! is an amazing online writing tool. I'm really looking forward to using both programs when I start teaching, which will hopefully be by this time next year.
I'm so glad that we were required to create a blog and write in it once a week as it allowed me the opportunity to learn through both my own reflection and through that of others. I definitely plan to integrate blogging in my classroom, as I think it's an extremely effective learning tool, especially for Language Arts teachers trying to instill a love for writing in their students.
I'd like to thank Dr. Luongo for a wondering learning experience, and I'd like to wish the best of luck to all of my classmates in their teaching endeavors. Happy Holidays to all!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Can the Text Message Cause Problems in the Classroom?
As most younger students are becoming increasingly more comfortable with using the text message to communicate with their friends and relatives, rather than picking up the phone or writing e-mails, I have started to wonder whether or not this will present problems in the classroom, especially for those teaching Language Arts. I recently asked a friend, who teaches high school English, for her thoughts on this topic, and her response was that she often receives e-mails and essays in "text lingo." She is finding that many of her students have little regard for proper grammar in their writing.
I wonder if there can be a similar negative impact on students' oral communication skills. If they are becoming more comfortable texting rather than communicating verbally by placing an actual phone call, can this have a negative impact on their interpersonal communication or oral presentation skills? Can the reliance on text message communication also later negatively impact their relationships with friends, relatives, co-workers, etc.?
After doing a little research to find out what other educators are saying regarding this topic, I found an article on The Columbus Dispatch Web site entitled, "Text Messages May Be Classroom Conduit." In the article, many educators seem to be in favor of the text message and note its positive impact on their students. However, there are some that cite a negative impact, as they are finding that their students are allowing the text talk to permeate through their classroom assignments.
It seems that the increased use of text message communication has both a positive and negative impact on students. However, I think that it might be a good idea for teachers, most especially those teaching Language Arts, to try to reinforce the message that the language used in text messages is not appropriate for more formal writing, such as in professional e-mails or essays for school. Also, teachers should discuss the appropriate use of the text message, stressing that there are times when an actual verbal conversation or more lengthy writing via an e-mail is necessary. I'd be curious to know what others might think about this topic.
I wonder if there can be a similar negative impact on students' oral communication skills. If they are becoming more comfortable texting rather than communicating verbally by placing an actual phone call, can this have a negative impact on their interpersonal communication or oral presentation skills? Can the reliance on text message communication also later negatively impact their relationships with friends, relatives, co-workers, etc.?
After doing a little research to find out what other educators are saying regarding this topic, I found an article on The Columbus Dispatch Web site entitled, "Text Messages May Be Classroom Conduit." In the article, many educators seem to be in favor of the text message and note its positive impact on their students. However, there are some that cite a negative impact, as they are finding that their students are allowing the text talk to permeate through their classroom assignments.
It seems that the increased use of text message communication has both a positive and negative impact on students. However, I think that it might be a good idea for teachers, most especially those teaching Language Arts, to try to reinforce the message that the language used in text messages is not appropriate for more formal writing, such as in professional e-mails or essays for school. Also, teachers should discuss the appropriate use of the text message, stressing that there are times when an actual verbal conversation or more lengthy writing via an e-mail is necessary. I'd be curious to know what others might think about this topic.
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