Week Two- Readings

         In this week’s reading, Expanding the New Literacies Conversations, the author made the impact of technology on our education clear.  I enjoyed how it was expressed that the internet is a context in which reading, writing, and communication can occur (265).  This is something that I believe strongly in but know of many reading teachers and specialists that have different beliefs.  Currently in my building I feel as if there is a divide between us.  We have teachers that believe all content areas should incorporated into technology and then there are a group that are stick in traditional teaching that believe they should be separate.  I agree that it needs to be a collaborative approach so that those who believe they should remain separate can learn more about 21^st century classrooms and how beneficial it truly is for the students.  I really like the point the authors made in regards to students have regular access at home to the internet and them many of the times having to come to school and be restricted from using it.  I find in my own classroom that most of my students are able to make create connections when integrating technology and have a lot of background knowledge of the programs I use.  Students also seem to be more motivated with I am using technology from when they are required to just sit and read a book from their book bin or writing in their journals.  I believe there needs to be a balance between using technology and using traditional forms, however, I think most of our time needs to be spent learning new ways to incorporate technology in all content areas so there are numerous opportunities to meet each students individual needs and interests. 

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                In the other readings for this week: The C’s of Change, Digital Storytelling Finds its Place in the Classroom, and the 2011 Horizon Reports, I think the authors answered many questions about integrating technology appropriately and successful as well as explored different ways and programs that could be used.  I really liked watching the Martin Luther King iMovie.  I have been exploring with iMovie and it was great to see an example that connects to something that I just taught.  I think this is a wonderful history lesson that could be modified and used with any grade level.  The reading I enjoyed the most this week was The C’s of Change.  The author did a wonderful job of answering many questions that I know many teachers in my building are curious about.  I liked the points about challenges because it made me think about my own system and what we can offer to staff in order to eliminate some of the hesitation around 21^st century classrooms.  I strongly agree with the C’s: building creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, self-control, and comprehension skills and believe they are very important points to why technology is so important.  I shared this with colleagues in my building and the technology specialist, their response to the article was very positive and it brought up the idea of beginning virtual pen-pals with students in different places of the world!  Since then we have been using Skpye to explore our options. 

                Do you think if professional development is offered to the teachers that are resistant to the change, they may be more acceptable if they know more about the technology tools and how to incorporate them into every day learning?