Journal #2 Finding Students Who Learn Through Media

Bull, G., Alexander, C., & Ferster, B. (2010). Finding students who learn with media. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25255&DirectListComboInd=D

This article was very interesting because I learned about sources that I haven't even heard of before. I checked out the PrimaryAccess MovieMaker and I was impressed! I think it is easy enough for children to create without and it's on the internet! The MovieMaker reminded me of a power point, but BETTER! It is a great way for children to learn the content of the subject, experiment with technology, and this gives them the opportunity to use their creativity. It was helpful the way the author ranked the childrens technology level with content. It was good to hear that with high technology and high content, "students demonstrated a high level of content knowledge, and their knowledge of the curricular material extended beyond the requirements of the class assignments." This encourages me to use these resources in the classroom.

What do you do if some students lack technologically skills and cannot keep up the rest of the class?
(i.e. do not have a computer at home)

This is likely to happen in most diverse classrooms. It would be best to teach the children basic computer skills one-on-one or in a small group. This way additional instruction does not take away from valuable class time. I would also encourage the children to use the school or public library computers to gain practice. Some children in the classroom may have an iPhone, iPod, and/or computer and another may have nothing; this is way it is important to learn about each student and accommodate their skills appropriately.

What do you do if the majority of students demonstrate high technology and low content?

This is a tough question to answer. I would say that if students were engaged by the storyboarding activity but not by the content, this needs to be used for more simple concepts that are easier to grasp. By using simpler ideas or material being reviewed, the children can gain technological skills and subconsciously absorb the previously taught concepts.