Journal # 5

Lawlor, J. (2010). Let the kids do the work. Learning and leading with technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Let_the_Kids_Do_the_Work.htm

I think that this type of assignment will get the students more involved and excited about learning. With the poetry unit that was the example the students were very involved in the project and they made more comments then was even expected of them. I think the story about how the student posted to work for the teacher knowing that she had forgot is amazing. This students figured out how to create the document and saved the lesson for the teacher. I this demonstrates that the students enjoyed the work and were more inclined to do the assignments. I would love to use something like this in physical education to help students monitor their physical fitness. Students could give others tips and help to encourage them on their journey.

Is the work involved in setting up a wiki worth it for the students?

I think that the initial set up of this tool will take more work but in the long run the teacher will do less. The students take responsibility and create their posts while the teacher sits back and monitors their comments. Teachers job is to create the lesson plans and it is expected that they should spend time outside of the classroom to reflect and make their lessons better.

Could students feelings get hurt from a forum like this...would this affect their learning?

I think that if the teacher sets up guidelines and expectations for this assignment that students would respect each other. This would also force them to produce better quality of work because their peers will see the results. When students are set up to succeed them I believe they will.