Journal+Reflection+2

This week has been rather interesting concerning technology. I have had some issues such as dealing with ridiculously slow computers, internet connections that constantly kept disconnecting, and issues with some computers having different versions of Word. These are some of the impediments my school faces in ever turning the corner to 21st Century Skills. I will say that I think many students like using technology to create and investigate new knowledge.

Moreover, when looking at Constructivism I think it is a useful theory. I think trying to use groups and getting students to think and be interactive with their learning is important. Many of the students I encounter (in my opinion) have been detrimentally affected by the standards based world we have become. What I mean is that students are so concerned with "finding the answer" and using the same skills in learning that they would to play hide and go seek. The students I deal with, by in large, have lost their creativity. For example, I had an exploratory webquest for political party learning and students were confronted with this question; "who are groups that each party are specifically targeting". The websites do not have a button that will lead them to an answer. Students must use context, creativity, and evaluation to see that there are ways to understand what a person is targeting based on what they have done or find important. For example, students should be able to discover ideas such as by creating a website they are targeting younger American's and more.

Also, we recently wrapped up a video project to discuss and describe The Bill of Rights and some students simply could not function within the creative environment. They struggle to stay on task, come up with ideas, or hold an intellectual conversation (not all but there are some). These students have been stifled in many ways because of the lack of creative expression and constructivism at earlier grade levels and when they get to me as a 12th grader they struggle. It is simply sad. i think using Constructivism as a strategy can be very helpful, but it must be taught K-12. Creativity is what students will need to succeed. Being able to state random facts and be an expert in standardized tests will not help them compete and create in the 21st Century world. I also have noticed an alarming amount of students who seem intimidated or even complacent towards using technology. Oddly, there are some students who seem irritated to do work via the technology. This leads me to believe there are many students who simply are behind the curve in my district when it comes to technology.

I also think that over the week I have thought about the constructivist approach and think that it should not be used as the only model in the classroom. It can be good, but it also can be overdone. Some curriculum is better suited for the traditional classroom and some students prefer the traditional classroom. Therefore, I think it is critical to vary the strategies and theories within the classroom.