Tools to Assist Learning

As a former middle school computer technology teacher and a current grade 8 teacher, during a class titled "Curriculum and Organization of the Middle School", I have enjoyed working with blogs, Voicethread, and Moodle, as well as the idea of using voice memos. Incorporating these tools in my class would not only provide another way to offer information and resources, but truly attract the attention of my students.

Though I've considered using blogs in the past, I have not implemented their use yet. This is mainly because my tech department is wary of students giving out information that could identify who or where they are. I believe that the readings we were asked to do will provide some support in my use of them and make those who have blocked their use in the past at least think about it. I can see this to be valuable for students, because they could be researching particular topics, voicing opinions, and responding as necessary...all supporting questioning, communicating, and learning.

Voicethread...wow! I've used Voicethread in other classes, but it was mainly for responding to artwork. Our use of it in EDC 524 has allowed me to think of other options (my creativity overflowing at this point). For example, during a unit on the Holocaust, I can see Nazi propaganda posted with the expectation that students are to respond to it and one another. Our 8th grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on US History and Maine History. I'm hoping to use it on the different sections of the Constitution. The opportunities are endless!

Moodle is used in my school and classes regularly. In the past I've used it mainly as a place to organize resources students need for various projects and assignments (because I had 1 site for both 7th and 8th graders). I'm hoping to include the use of the wiki option this coming school year, however, to allow collaboration.

The reading materials we used should be required reading for all middle level teachers! I would be curious to know if all teachers' perspectives would change by reading This We Believe in Action. It's easy for people who have been in the same position for a long period of time to forget the specifics of the development of this age group. Our expectations begin mirroring those of NCLB and become unrealistic. :)