C4T Blog Post #1

Primary Preoccupation 

Kathy Cassidy's "The Use and Abuse of Technology in the Classroom" discusses the does and don'ts of teaching while using technology with children. Most classrooms these days have Ipads and computers to help children learn with exercises on the Internet. She is very passionate about using technology to help the children actually learn and have fun doing it. She says that some teachers use technology as a crutch, having children play games on the Internet just to keep them busy. In her post, she explains some techniques in using technology in positive, educational ways.

When leaving a comment, I explained my passion for her thoughts. I agree with her a hundred percent. I also thanked Kathy for the advice and for the future lesson plan. 

C4T #2

Mike Prater's Grow Through Learning is an intriguing read. He understands that children need some kind of healthy reinforcement for their work; however, a piece of candy won't lead to long term changes. He states 3 different methods in reinforcement that may change this: Show genuine care for your students, demonstrate a constant excitement about personal learning, and finally introduce appropriate challenges. His views on showing genuine care for your students is self explanatory, show your students you care about them.  Express love and interest in their lives and their learning. In his demonstrate a constant excitement about personal learning topic, Mike explains that we as teachers must be excited about learning to be able to get our little learners excited. I looked around the web for different activities we as teachers can do within the classroom to get our students involved and I'd recommend everyone take a look at Kristina' Robertson's '5 Things'. She has a few good ideas.

Introducing appropriate challenges is the only way a student is going to learn. Challenging a student is the best way for progress. Mike states that in order for a student to succeed they must be challenged. Instead of giving your student too much to do, or frustrating them with knowledge they may not be ready for, Mike says  it's smart to let a student choose which activity they want to do. I think Mike has some great points, which I proceeded to tell him in my follow up comment. I will, no doubt, be taking his words of wisdom with me to my future classroom.