In the usual “Real case scenario” style\u00a0 – I experienced educational tech integration\u00a0 issues this week as well. I have been asked to help an English 11 student create a “project” online to finish up the course. He is a hockey player and moved from SK to AB. So I asked him to do a novel study- The Kite Runner – and instead of following usual “novel study format”, I asked him to create a blog (weekly posts instead of a reflective journal, 3 main mini projects (on pages).<\/p>\n
I also encouraged him to look at my blog for support – so you know who you are…and I am VERY impressed with your perseverance if you are reading this! Keep up the good work!\u00a0 Remember that we are all learners, so I am learning from you too!<\/p>\n
Last night he e-mailed me because\u00a0 his attempts at classroom blogging were “overwhelming”. His e-mail said, “I’m so sorry – but I can’t do what you want me to do”. (What a conscientious student) I asked if we could skype – I and went through his webpage dashboard using screen share on skype – and we learned how to make a post. He had already logged in….but he found it confusing and did not know where to start. He said, “I’m sorry, I must be the only one who feels this way, but I was just overwhelmed- it is actually very easy when you explain it in chunks”.<\/p>\n
So- from Anderson’s POV, the interactions were extremely important and varied between teacher student, student\/student (he asked his fellow hockey teammates and no one knew how to help him) and student- content. Sometimes he just\u00a0 needed the content, sometimes he just needed a teacher. Once I explained that the only expectation was to write a post after each chapter…then in a week we can see how he has progressed, he visibly calmed down. While I explained what the little icons at the top of the page could add images, font etc…you could see him tense up again….I imagine that after the first or second post he will start to “expand” his horizons….but that’s the way it works with new technology.<\/p>\n
I found this article and that’s what inspired me to write another post this week. In this case, the teacher refers to using technology in the classroom as Classroom Redefinition. You can’t “force” technology, you have to try, reflect, then try again….and give it time…oh- and chunk it. Anyway…I digress…here’s the link:<\/p>\n