Web Tools 2.0

I also think that I have a ways to go when it comes to technology. I personally prefer being able to look at a piece of paper to read and highlight important information. Although technology has its perks, I still think the good old fashion methods have an important place in the classroom. I think that with today's changing society it is important to introduce young students to different uses of technology and get them used to using more non-traditional forms of work. On the same token I think that they should also be well aware of traditional forms of literacy such as, for example, looking up a word in a dictionary. In general, I think that as educators we need to find the balance in the use of traditional and non-traditional technology.

Technology vs. Print Text

I have always considered myself to be technology illiterate - I have never been good at using new tools.  I know that as a teacher I will need to familiarize myself with the tools that are available to me, and this article really opened my eyes to how important that really is going to be.  I need to start learning the ins and outs of different available technologies, especially the defference between web 1.0 and web 2.0.  I want my students to have the best opportunity to connect to texts, and that could mean iether technology or print.  As the teacher, I will need to take responsibility to evaluate my class and see whether print or technology works for my students.

Affordances and Limitations of Technology

I really enjoyed the Becoming Critical Consumers and Producers of Text: Teaching Literacy with Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 because it opened my eyes to not only various online tools and various strategies to use within our classrooms. I especially liked our in-class activity and discussion, listing possible limitations, affordances and ways we can apply negotiations to accommodate certain students. Knowing that the authors are teachers themselves are inspirational as well to understand that applying these strategies and sources of technology is realistic.

Worksheets

I thought that the class discussion on the article Pedagogy of Control was very productive. I had not ever thought about worksheets this way before - in a negative light. I think that there can be positive uses for worksheets, but in general from our discussion it seems like there are better and more creative classroom activities. My biggest fear in using worksheets as a future educator is that my students will miss the point behind the activity, and not find any meaning. I don't ever want to have a class that is just about the grade, I want my students to learn help themselves to grow into better readers and writers . If worksheets isnt the best way to do that, I am glad it was brought to our attention!

Informal/Formal

The article we discussed today really got me thinking about informal and formal ways of instruction. I think that teachers sometimes forget that there is a place for informal teaching. Although, as Dr. Handsfield, suggested formal instruction is great to use as a base knowledge. From there you can expand into different kinds of teaching including informal. I think it is important to show kids the appropriate situation to use formal and informal communications. This is a life skill that will always be helpful. Not only that but I think when you can validate informal types of communication, such as, writing, texting, and speaking you are providing the kids with a way to feel that they are valid.

Autism Article

I absolutely loved the article about autism & inclusion! I found it so valuable for not only Special Ed. majors, but for all individuals wishing to pursue a career in education. I thought that the author had a lot of valid, research-backed points as to why it is beneficial for students with autism to be included in the general classroom. I also greatly enjoyed the figures, particularly the one that told different ways to adapt read alouds for students with autism.

"Sparked by a sensitive teacher's desire to welcome and support one community member who might have been marginalized, it ended up offering everyone rich possibilities for collaborative, inquiry-based literacy learning." I adored this quote & cannot wait to become the teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure student's learning.

Johnston Readings

I also really enjoyed the readings for this week from Johnston. I think that it's so important to get students to read, and like this week's chapters talked about, spend less time thinking about if a text is exactly fit for a reader. In other words, teachers should encourage students to read what they enjoy to get them excited about literacy as opposed to limiting choices that may not appeal to them, making reading more of a chore than anything. I liked the ideas that were given about making a specific text more easy or more difficult as opposed to limiting the texts a student can read based on its level.