I recently read a series of testimonies from teachers about how technology has enhanced their classrooms. One of them that I really enjoyed was by an ESL teacher in Massachusetts, Susan Schwartz.
Susan gave her students an assignment to interview immigrants from other countries using the iPod nano to film the interviews. Like any other assignment involving technology, there were a few who struggled to master it and a few who knew the ins and outs.
Schwartz says, "there are always a few "expert" students who know how to use the iPods for this purpose, and they teach the others what to do."
Later, Schwartz talks about how some students who are typically more shy in the classroom were able to help out other students in this area which caused them to participate more in class.
The thing I liked was that Susan found another method or material that the students LOVED and that helped make a connection and she continues to utilize it. When I become a teacher, I definitely plan on using some sort of technology in hopes of finding that exact connection that could stir up a little excitement in my students.
Susan Schwartz is one of several teachers who share how they have used technology to enhance their teaching. To read their complete stories, click {here}.
No comments:
Post a Comment