Journal #3 Navigate the Digital Rapids NETS-T# 2,3,4,5

Lindsay, J. and Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the Digital Rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6) Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

This article opened my eyes to the remarkable world of technology. Authors Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis, have introduced a forum to collaborate and focus lessons on improving education. They have introduced a project called “Flat” Classroom, which revealed how they attempt to transform education on a global scale. The objective of this plan was to incorporate resouces and tools to the classroom to make learning "exciting", which will lead to an interactive class. The article focuses on the dealema that some teachers and adminastrators are hesitent to use these tools because they are not comfortable with them. The transition from book to computers can be difficult when that is all we have known in our generation. Reaching an understanding of this information will alllow us to bridge the gap between generations. Thus incorporating social networking sites and other web-based programs can be a resource rather than an intimidating tool. Lets take a step in the right direction and create a global forum for our students, somewhere where they can communicate with other cultures in a diverse environment.

The ability to incorporate proper digital etiquette will allow students to participate in a virtual community. It was stated that Lindsay and Davis call this action being a "digital citizen" which is composed of a few aspects such as teachers being digital educators, who can bring the lesson to a modern era. They also recommend that the best way to use innovative methods to incorporative it into our daily lives. Once this can be done we can share these tools with our students and contribute to the movement. The goal as a technology teacher is to create a student-centered learning environment, promoting internet safety awareness and a growing collaboration of thoughts.

Q1: What other activities could be used to "flatten" an elementary classroom?
One activity I had in mind was on a global scale, by introducing the virtual world and asking students to communicate with a "pen pal" in another elementary across the world. The students could collaborate with other students not only in their class, but say a friend half way around the world in Europe. Once the students master this skill it could be applied to other simulations and and activities. The classroom could be transformed and facilitate an interactive world. This is a great way to incorporate a diverse curriculum and have a global personal experience.

Q2: how do you inspire students who are not familiar with the use of the internet?
As a teacher the primary job is to facilite and direct students through the "digital rapids" We need to ensure the success of our students by spending time introducing technology, but be aware of the safety precautions that are associated with internet exploration. These applications are a great tool, but need to be proactive in ensureing the discovery of appropriate sites. Another reason to incorporate digital tools is to communicate with parents, and students in a virtual world. As a teacher you could create a classroom blog, where assignments can be posted and parents can submit any questions of comments, as well as the newsletter embeded into the site. This would ensure that the parents had access, in case it did not make it home.