Reflective+Statement

One of the most interesting chapters in Cummins book was the FRESCA Project. I was mesmerized by the various ways this projected took both the teachers and students. To see children willing to come in half an hour early to work on the class or to see others give up their recesses just so they could be more invloved amazed me. If only I could engage my students to this point - if only they would become as excited about learning as the students described in this chapter. (Cummins, 127-147) Since people are basically social in nature, they enjoy sharing for the purposes of entertainment and also for the purposes of sharing knowledge and informations. Providing forums where students can express themsleves and learn to apply language rule of speaking and writing promotes integrated learning and positive self esteem. Becoming proficient in communication is always an asset both inside and outside the classroom. Using technology widens the base of communication. Not only can students interact with other students but they can also interact with people across the geographical network. We can no longer be sucessful without the imput of others. Our economy shows out need for others and the need for us to communicate with them. Technology closes the gap between "the one" and others located geographically close and those located in other parts of the world. Michael Jackson's song "We are the World" is becoming a reality more and more all the time. Cummins chapter called "Vignettes of classes in global learning networks" shows the value of global learning. (Cummins, 117- 126) According to Cummings in his chapter labeled "assessment", test are used to the disadvantage of many students. Captions like "High stakes tests narrow the curriculum and promote teaching-to-the-test" and "High stakes tests conducted only in English undermine culturally responsive programs for culturally and linguistically diverse students" pointout some of the problems facing educators today. Instead of helping studehnologynts and teachers become better, we are struggling to meet standards that are norrow in their scope. Students are unique - how can we allow them to learn in a way that promotes individualism and at the same time help them meet the basic standards laid down by the Board of Edudation in each state. Technology is an area that students are very adept in. Many times parents ask their sons and daughters how to do something on the computer that is complicated for the adult and easy for the child. If we can apply technology that captures the student's attention and promotes active engagement outside the classroom, it will help strengthen the knowlegde and application base of the student. (Cummins, 68-89)

After reviewing the textbook I am more convinced than ever of the value of technology in the classroom. I watch students every day using laptops, smartphones, Ipods, Ipad, and other devices. It lets me know that they enjoy working on them. I believe any successful teacher will add that technology to their curriculum. When I first encounterjed the Wiki I was intimidated but after buiding this one, I am encouraged to try other forms of technology. More specifically the Wiki in my classroom would be a tool which parents could get on and see what their child is doing. I can also include some educational g ames that would promote learning at home. Because I am new at the Wiki, I am still investigating what I can include.

Resources:

Cummins, J., Brown,K., & Sayers, D. (2007). //Literacy, technology, and diversity: Teaching for success in changing times//. NY: Pierson: Allyn and Bacon