Michigan Merit Curriculum Online Experience

One of the technologies that I can use myself utilizing in my classroom is podcasting. I will safely assume that 90% of my students have an I-pod or I-phone which would make this process even easier for students to have access to. Those that do not have these technologies can listen to podcasts on their computers. I think that in an English classroom, podcasts can be used in several ways. Since I teach three different sections of English 9, the students can create podcasts that can be shared with students from another section. I can have students choose a podcast they like from another section and bring in another form of technology: blogs. Students can blog about what they’ve listened to, their opinions, ideas and evidence to contradict/support what is being discussed. Podcasts give students ownership, especially when they know other students will hear what they have to say on the subject.

With podcasts, I would use directive instruction. Students would receive feedback on their assignments, examples of how to improve it, etc… Receptive instruction would be used when I model the use of Podcasts to students. I would give an example Podcast, showing students exactly what is expected of them and how they can accomplish this feat. One difficulty would be if students do not have a good microphone that they can record their assignment with, especially because laptops have weak microphones that bring in the majority of background noise.
Another technology I can see myself using is a threaded discussion. Since the school has a class portal with messaging and message board capabilities, this is an easy and private way to get discussions going. I can pose a question and students will have to answer and reply to another student’s work. This, like the Podcast, would be modeled for students. Instructions would have to be clear and concise. The threaded discussion allows students time to reflect on what they want to say, and the ability to proofread, fully develop and support each argument.

One technology that would be difficult for me to use is synchronous learning. Despite the amount of computer access my school has, it is difficult for them to be separated from me during real time broadcasting. Students can watch live broadcasts, view videos, etc…but without me present, they will be unable to use the lab. This would be a great tool for students outside of school, if everyone can go online at the same time. If students could do that, I would love to use this learning. The problem with this technology is that students have jobs, participate in sports, etc…so it is extremely difficult to find a time where everyone can meet.

There are several technologies that seem appropriate for any classroom, especially an English room. I will continue to look into each technology and see which ones would be best suited for my classroom.