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It has been said over again that we cannot teach today's children the way we used to. Sitting in rows, taking out a 500 page textbook, reading a chapter then answering the odd number questions is out. It's almost like today's children need to point and click.
My daily practice includes 3 online programs. The first is a language arts program (iRead) where students K-2 create their own avatar and read their way from classroom to classroom earning badges along the way to upgrade their avatar until they complete the level. The next is math program that is set up like a video game (ST Math) where students K-5 are a penguin named Gigi that problem solves through exploration because there is no verbal or written language all while trying not loose 1 of the 3 lives given per level. The final website is actually an expansion of our Language Arts Curriculum (Benchmark) where my class can explore whole group or individual; read alouds, informational videos, sight word songs and or grammar/spelling games. Every opportunity I have to not teach "the old school" way I use. I believe it's key for a district/school to invest in it's teachers. Through trainings, workshops, key note speakers and a descent salary the message is we care and we want the best for our teachers and our students. Another important part is access to technology. To move forward we must have the proper tools.
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In response to Linda Darling-Hammond's first few chapters to The Flat World and Education I can't say that I am completely surprised because I don't think severe inequalities in our school system are new but the data and the numbers are I think what shocked me the most. In my educational experience I have had the opportunity to attend schools that didn't receive a lot of funding; had low test scores; the majority of students were minorities but then also attend schools with awards; rich kids driving new cars and new books for every class. I could say the same for my teaching experiences as well. I've had the best of both worlds and the differences are obvious. I like the fact that these issues are being addressed and discussed. They cannot be denied but we are still so far from action being taken place.
Unfortunately this isn't a quick fix. Historically there were positive jumps when federal funding and programs gave a lot of money and aid to those in need. Money talks! We also know good teachers(highly qualified)teach better. They are more successful. These teachers need good reason(incentives)to spread out and teach where they are really needed to make a difference. The idea of the world becoming flat actually reverses everything we know about the world being round. The world is supposed to be this huge mystery that only a few would ever get to explore in its entirety but now it's like the mystery is gone. Everything you want to see, know, hear, taste, is just a simple click away. It's virtually easy to get to one place across the world to another, for most. As you can imagine many will get left behind and this book tells you exactly who they are. |
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April 2019
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