Bloggers United

Incorporating methods of effective learning for all students is a concept that is easier said than done. Chapter 14 introduces new concepts about technology that allows for instruction to be completed online or through other methods of technology. Beers states, "...valuing and seeing the ways in which kids are engaging with new technologies outside of school can teach us a great deal about possibilities engaging them as readers and writers outside our classroom" (213). I think that this concept is extremely important because knowing how our students behave outside of class is just as important as knowing how they behave within the classroom. These behaviors intertwine to create their student profiles. We now see more students texting, listening to a form of a music player with headphones and especially using a form of social media. These forms of technology not only entertain our generation but may also be used to instruct our students even more effectively. A new(er) form of this technological use is the use of classroom blogs. I was never exposed to the use of a blog until this semester. Through this class. Blogging not only allows me to be myself but allows me to not feel afraid of what others may think of me because I can't see their facial expressions. I feel as though blogs could be used effectively within the classroom as long as each student participates in a manner that makes the blog effective. Students could blog about infinite ideas: responding to the reading, creating a new topic based on the reading, a blog about topics not covered or misunderstood within the classroom...the list could virtually go on and on. I really, really like the idea of using blogs as a form of more effective learning about a topic being covered within the class. Another idea Beers presented that I think I will use within my classroom s podcasting. I didn't really understand HOW to use it but I know that I have heard about it and that it's not only super hipster, but is really effective in learning or viewing. I believe that using this would be effective for the visual or auditory learners within the classroom. Using blogs and podcasts are just two ways of using technology that I will apply within my classroom curricula. Beers finishes with, "...the English classroom is always about looking, whether it's seeing kids and the range of talents and literacies that they bring into our classrooms or it's seeing the possibilities in a new tool that allows me to amplify curricula for the better: (229). I have no doubt that I will always be continually searching for means in which I can beytter amplify my own curricula.