NETS-T (1, 3, 4, 5)
What happened on January 28, 2010 sparked a fuse. The explosive? Student voices. Seven students from Van Meter Community School, ranging from grades 5-12, were brought before the Iowa House and Senate Education Appropriations Committee. They were able to speak about the fantastic experiences and opportunities that technology has brought them and how it has influenced their education. "Student Voices for Change", an article by Shannon Miller, shares the experience and describes how the movement continues through the online community via technology tools like blogging. "So what can we do to get out of your way and let you go?" asked a legislator. This is evidence teachers are innovating the classroom learning environment. Technology in the classroom has not only given students tools to do work, but infuses their creativity as they explore and play with these new tools.
How can I give my students a voice?
These seven students have set a wonderful example by speaking before a State Committee, but what about the average student? Many of these students were able to expand their voice by creating blogs. Blogs give students a voice in the online community to create a forum for feedback and shared ideas. As a journal, students are welcomed to present their thoughts or even talk about their day, knowing that people can tune in and read their work.
What can we do to continue the change?
As teachers, we need to welcome and integrate technology into our classrooms and invite parents, students and administrators to participate. By participating in technology integration, we spread the experience. Developing a PLN can be a first step to tapping into the internet as a major technology resource.
Miller, S.M. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning & leading with technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
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