Journal Article Review

Retooling the Social Studies Classroom for the Current Generation 

This article I chose discusses different tools for teaching students in the era of technology. One of the tools the authors talk about in this article in the use of blogs. One of the authors writes about how she used a blog for her AP U.S. history class. Her assignment for her students was to discuss the reason why people in Christopher Columbus' day thought that the world was flat. Another assignment that she writes about in this article was getting the students to discuss whether or not the media is biased, especially during the 2008 presidential election. In evaluating the students, she writes about how she looks at her students' ability to follow directions and responding to the prompts in a timely manner. She also looks at their grammar and punctuation to make sure that students do not use the text messaging formats and abbreviations they have become so accustomed to doing outside of school

A second web tool that is mentioned in this article is the use of wikis. One assignment that the teachers used a wiki for was for the students to collaborate on writing a biography of the explorer Hernando de Soto. Another assignment was for the students to write the biographies of the two 2008 presidential candidates and their positions on different issues.

Finally, the third tool that the authors discuss are the use of digital media-sharing in the form of digital audio and video-sharing sites. An example of using digital media-sharing was when the teacher in which the students were to create a mock campaign advertisement. The use of podcasts and vodcasts were also mentioned as a way for students to listen to further instruction and current news outside of the classroom.

After reviewing all these different web tools, I feel that these are great ways for students to stay engaged in learning. I also believe that these tools emphasize group learning and can help the students gain more insight on their assignments. Tools such as blogs and wikis also allow the students to think more critically and become more aware of the world in which they live in. The use of digital media-sharing can allow the students to become more creative in their assignments and encourage them to have fun with their school work. I believe this is one way that they will stay interested in learning. Incorporating technology in the classroom also allows the students to stay up to date with the current technologies and learn how to use different technologies. 

Of course, there are some reservations with the use of different technologies. I feel that the students should not become overly reliant on technology. With research, I feel that it is important that students are able to determine what is a reliable and unreliable source of information. However, with the right approach and correct use of technologies, students can benefit greatly from it.

My Educational Purpose Statement

Ever since I was kid I've always wanted to be a teacher. It wasn't until I was older and traveling all over the world with my mom that I realized that I wanted to be a history teacher. My mom and I had traveled to a lot of places from England to China. Being able to see the sites of major historical events fueled my passion for history. As a teacher I want to share my passion for history with my students and hopefully help them to gain a better appreciation for history.

Hello World!