Journal 10

Journal 10
Making History
Esther Shein

Shein, E. (2008, October, 1). Making history. T.H.E. Journal, Retrieved January 6, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23394_5

In this article, Esther Shein takes a look at the different ways teachers are using technology to not only share information with students, but to give them an understanding of different situations they need to learn about. For a history lesson, Jennifer Dorman had her students reenact World War II in a podcast. Using information, such as video, music and speeches, the students take a pivotal moment to reenact. Students are able to get more information that isn’t in their textbooks. It also gives different perspectives from the war in a way that they really enjoy. Another teacher, Vicki Fuesz, did an activity with her students on how to run a business. After using a ‘paper’ based activity, it wasn’t a success, so she tried using a computer based program. Students learned how to manufacture, develop and finance a product. The children were very successful when they had to analyze problems in their company. One reason the students were so successful with the computer based program was that computers are their ‘comfort zone’. They are good at operating them and they are efficient. It makes it less likely for the children to get frustrated.

I think these teachers are right on with making their lessons more interactive. When I was in school, lessons that were more ‘real life’ and interactive, and those were the ones that I still remember to this day. Most situations we learn about it school are so abstract to students and they have no idea why they are learning about it. These lessons are great ways to not only teach students information, but to give them a glimpse of what real life is like. Technology only makes that easier and enhances how great these interactive projects can be.

1.) What are some lessons that can be taught in a Special Education classroom using interactive computer software instead of a paper/pencil?
It seems that in most Special Ed classrooms, there is a huge learning curve with each student. Because of that, doing any kind of interactive project is difficult. However, I think doing some sort of mock business activity would be a great idea. The students would get to use the basic math skills they are learning, as well practicing the social skills that many have problems with. The higher kids could take on the more difficult parts of the business, but everyone in the class would have input. This way everyone is working together and feel as though they have accomplished something.

2.) How does technology help a student instead of just using a pencil and paper or a textbook?
Students thrive when using technology because that is how they spend a lot of their time. They grew up using computers and playing video games and that is what they are comfortable with. The technology is not only comfortable to them, but the interactive software and learning games makes education a lot more fun than it used to be.