It's a bit of a paradox. Innovative technologies are making our lives challenging (right now, as we attempt to learn) while at the same time making our lives easier and more engaging instructionally. At some point, with lots of experience, this gap will close and the execution of all that we've learned will be seamless. (Ah, Utopia)!!
I'm starting to see the gap closing for me a bit. In reading chapter 8 about Podcasting and Livestreaming, I could at the very least, visualize these multimedia tools. I don't think I will use these within the context that I work with students however I have become familiar with the flip camera. Dan W. uses it for all of the news stories his crew in the Broadcasting Club develops. I've seen how easy it is to just plug into the computer and translate video and still shots into a broadcast that often runs that very same morning. I think this is the grabber for me. With older technologies we had to wait for the process to play out. Consider taking pictures for use in your classroom and getting them developed the old fashioned way. Think about the use of overhead projectors and transparencies and how the need to create the transparency can hinder an instructional moment. (I still love the overhead, though). These tools engage students and capture authentic moments of learning in a timely way!
Video publishing is second nature to students. This "Youtube" generation possesses a skill set that we need to catch up to; particularly if we want to design learning experiences that match the outside world.
I still love the overhead too! I have also used the flipcams for oral presentations and raps and find it simple and easy to use. I'm not sure that I would get into podcasting because I don't have a lecture based curriculum. I think older kids look at Youtube alot and might find it fun to make up a Spanish grammar video or song and put it on the web. The permission piece is still a big drawback thoufg.
ReplyDeleteYou really captured it--about it being tough now and EVENTUALLY making it easier. I think we all feel that. I hate that this generation is SO video based--but I have to admit that adding pictures to my teacherweb in its new WIKI foramt makes it much easier to read. And when I showed kids a simple photopeach show of class trait logos they's designed--they were rivetted and more kids asked to contribute something.
ReplyDeleteAs you noted--they know more than we do about how to use these tools, and I have received some ridiculously creative extra credit posters done digitally and vocabulary cards with cartoons and photos to illustrate meaning. IT does work for many kids and seems to make it a little more fun for the conscientious kids. They probably spend more time than the kids that do the stick figures--but they are stretching and enjoying.
Remember carbon copies!?! What a mess! Change is never easy, but I like technology today!
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