TaskStream

In my lesson plan, students use search engines as well as analysis of web sources in order to present the causes of the civil war. they incorporate collaboration, research and information fluency to do this. They will be working together in groups, using the computer, to search for information and then present the information to the class. they also will need to hone their web research skills by using archive websites as well as encyclopedia sites.  

Reflection

My reaction to the article was one of excitement but also one of apprehension. Technology in the classroom is a fantastic thing, however, i would be wary of substituting computer lessons for book lessons. There is something far more personal about book learning and it would be a tragedy to leave that method in the past. especially with younger ages, it is tough for me to see it being productive to present an entire class digitall. there are so many skills that must be acquired before a child is really ready to transfer all of their efforts to the screen. It also worries me that these kids are going to get so good on the key board that conventional writing skills are going disapear and with that a certain level of creativity. for me, with pen and paper, i always focused by doodling and if that were lost, i do not know how i would have gotten through school in my late elementary years.

Creating a classroom with a focus on technology:

Personally, I intend to teach a grade level that is very focused on technology and on very open to instruction in technological fields. because i want to teach middle school, i am sure there will be many kids who know more than me in terms of computer used and all of the programs to be found online. it will be my goal to make technology a collaborative with my students. there will be an open forum where they can share what they find on the web or the software they like and i will do the same.  we as a class will put together a selection of programs and websites that assist in their learning and my teaching.