Week4

These readings from this week, in my opinion, can spark lots of conversations and debates in the educational world. They are definetly topics that can get one to thinking! After reading Chapter 7 or Teaching Every Student, I'm almost debating with myself on whether or not I agree with the topic of written tests not being suitable for all students. Obviously students all learn in different ways, so it only makes sense that they all would perform better on a method of assessments that suit their needs. But, as mentioned on the discussion board, students will be faced with pencil/paper exams their entire life. Since I teach in a TAKS grade, I know that every student will take that exam in the multiple choice format, so I like to assess throughout the year in that manner to get them used to it. Even the special education students are assessed in that format, it just may be modified or accommodated. The chapter on Cooperative learning brought about some good ideas. We have our student's working in cooperative groups all the time by sitting in groups, mixed ability groups in centers, projects, assignments, etc. Why not with technology? They're in groups all the time in the classroom, but when we go to the lab they all sit and do their own thing at their own computer? Doesn't add up, so this chapter had some good ideas. Professional development. Groan. But chapter 5 in Web 2.0 shared some good insight on how to make professional development work. On the same token, it does raise some questions. How do we know that the content of professional development is being learned and more importantly, implemented? Who's responsibility is it to ensure that technology is being used and incorporated into curriculum? The teacher's, the campus instructional technologist's, administration? I enjoyed this week's readings, but they seemed to pose more questions than answers for me!