CH 14

The chapter changed my view of technology in the classroom. I had often thought that technology overshadowed the content of a course in most cases. However, Kajder offered a different approach to the use of technology in classroom. Kajder approached technology as simulant for students’ interest. This perspective makes sense.  Often, students may think reading is boring. However, when a form of technology is applied to a reading assignment the student may be more interested in the reading itself. For example, most students are social media consumers. An instructor can use this interest by asking students to create a twitter page for a character.

Furthermore, I was intrigued by Kajder’s thoughts on blogging.  Blogging gives students their own place to express their thoughts. Their thoughts are not simply stacked in a pile with other students’ musings. This allows the student to own their writing. I also liked the idea of using a blog as a class. A great way to utilize this may be to assign a serial novel to the class. Students would be assigned a blog entry. The first student would start the story, and then each student would add to the story. After every student has posted, the blog contains a short story created by the entire class. In this instance, the technology would aid the content, not be the central focus of the assignment. I think that this is an important distinction that many educators, from my experience, may fail to realize.

I also liked the idea that technology can open students’ writing to a “real” audience. This gives the student’s writing worth. The purpose of an assignment may not only be to obtain points, but to create a piece of writing for others. I would assume that the want for acceptance of their work outside of the classroom would motivate students to work well. Also, a “real” audience from people outside of the classroom would create a third space for the student. However, making a student’s work public could upset some parents. Parents would definitely need to be aware of the nature of the assignment and give their permission.