Journal # 1

Journal #1
Power of the Mashup, by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

This article talks about the success two teachers are having using an idea called the “mashup”. The mashup is combining new technologies with traditional teaching approaches to come up with something totally new. Jerome Burg combined his teaching of Candide with Google Earth, coming up with what he calls “lit tripping around the globe”. The students in Burgs class can visit the same locations the characters in the story do by using an interactive application of Google Earth. Using the visual aids that technology offers helps the storey come alive and lead to more involved discussions.
David Fagg, a history teacher in Australia used technology and traditional teaching to come up with his own “mashup” success storey. Fagg combined the students knowledge of MP3 players and digital cameras and had them do field work about a historical in their area. Fagg coordinated the student’s skills in podcasting with primary historical research. The students being competent in the technology found the experience fun and said “This is a better way of learning”.

Questions..

1. Can the use of technology and the idea of Mashup be counterproductive to learning?
Technology can be very interesting and become the primary focus in a learning situation. The teacher involved with combining technology and traditional learning methods must always focus on how the technology will improve student learning of the material being presented.

2. With technology changing everyday and more techno toys available for educators, how does a teacher decide what to use in a lesson that includes technology?
New technology surfaces every day, promising more and faster ways of doing things. Educators must focus on the essential learning functions, which remain fairly constant. If the use of technology supports and improves essential learning then it should be considered. On the other hand if technology does not help with essential learning then other options or traditional teaching methods should be used.