Journal # 4

Journal # 4

High Tech in Hawaii: The Real World Relevance of Technology

This article from Edutopia gives a handful of wonderful examples of how technology is being used in a Hawaiian school. In Linda Mithcell’s third grade language arts class the students are using HyperStudio and KidPix to heighten their imagination and therefore improve their descriptive writing. From the work they did on their storyboard they produced animation using these two programs. Seeing the storey helped them write with more emotion and clarity.
A nine year old student used technology to do an assignment on family heritage. Mathew, the student, interviewed his grandfather about his past, who was from Japan. Mathew used HyperStudio to illustrate the assignment with pictures and drawing and then had it displayed on a website.
First grade students use technology to track Miss Junie 2, an endangered sea turtle. The sea turtle can be followed by satellite and the students track her progress writing about it in their journals.
The school is Nuuanu Elementary school and it also has its own news cast. All the students are involved in the production or the talent parts of the broadcast. Some students do the weather, some read book reviews or public service announcements, while others work behind the scene to help with the production.
Technology at Nuuanu has helped students tie learning to real world applications but also has given every student a chance to excel. A student may struggle with traditional formats of learning but might flourish when given the chance to use technology in art or other formats not available without technology.

Question.
1. How would I bring in real world learning experiences for my students?
Real world learning experiences make learning come alive for students. As a teacher I would constantly be searching for groups in the community who could involve students with their work or projects. The Chamber of Commerce is a good resources as well as personal contacts and local colleges.

2. Kids love technology. As a teacher how would I help students with the proper use of computers as it relates to school and personnel time?
As a teacher I would have a lesson (ongoing) about the health of having a balanced life. I would identify the different aspects of a whole life and teach how to maintain these. In this type of instruction I would point out the benefit and downside of a life in and out of balance.