Compared to other activities there
was not as much collaboration as you would usually see. Because we are doing
the work online through a Google spreadsheet, it was easier to get everyone’s
ideas. Normally group projects can be difficult because everyone has different
schedules. I enjoyed using Google Docs because it was an easy way to share the
information and everyone could do it at their own pace. Also, it is nice to know
that the teacher will be able to see what students contributed. This way
everyone gets individual credit for doing the assignment.
Now
that I see the final list, I see so many more technologies that I could use and
did not even think of. Since my group had Fine Arts majors and History majors, I
got to see other technologies that I would not have seen for my major. Blogging
is one that comes up a couple times on our spreadsheet because it is a way to
get students to use the internet and express ideas with other students. One
technology that I came across to use for a Social Studies classroom were social
networking sites. For students to create a fake MySpace page for a historical
figure is a great way to get them excited about history.
We recently just discussed using
technology to promote literacy in our READ 411. I think especially with
history, using online databases is a great to help students write research papers
while using technology. Also, Skyping with other schools and countries helps
students learn what other cultures are like first hand, rather than just
reading about them.
Hi Carly,
ReplyDeleteI too feel that online work is more convenient and easy. As I mentioned in my own blog, it can be very difficult to actually meet in person given our busy and often times, conflicting schedules. I think that we worked well together as a group and easily communicated with one another via email and text. I also think is great that though this was a group assignment, we are all held individually accountable for our work. I too am a history major and was astounded by the sheer number of versatile and useful technologies that can be incorporated into a lesson. Here I am thinking that powerpoint is the "end all, be all" technology. I think I will certainly be using some of the technologies we listed on our spread sheet in my future classroom!
I agree that online collaboration can be easier because everyone has different schedules. Google Docs, and other Google applications, are great examples of accessibility to technology today. I like the sharing option too, because it does show dates and information about who participated in the activity. A fake MySpace page, of a historical figure, sounds like a fun assignment!
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea of making a fake MySpace page for a historical figure. When I think of using social networking sites for education I tend to just think of it as a way for students to communicate with each other, but that would be a different and effective way of using them for education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that teamwork on Google Docs is a simple way for a group of 6 people to collaborate. As we all know Montclair State is very fond of group projects. I have had one in all of my education courses thus far. What usually happens is that a few people end up doing most of the work because it is difficult for everyone to meet up for an extended period of time. Although I find it is not the same experience, as one would have working with classmates in person I still think it is valuable.
ReplyDelete