Etherpad and JING in the classroom

jing - Google Search

Etherpad is something new to me but after exploring on this feature I can see the benefits of its uses in the classroom. Students are able to take notes as a whole class and add to the documents in real time so the teacher is observing the process and what the students need help with while the document is in front of the class. All writers have a different color so while they are collaborate on a document everyone is clear on who they are in the document and do their job while seeing how the others in the class are doing. Making changing to the document are kept current in real time also and once the document is finish it might have hundreds of revisions that are clearly labeled and available to see how many changes their document went through to become the Final one.

Another type of advance technology that can be useful in the classroom is Jing.  Jing can be used for creating instruction for the class. It can also be used to do lesson plans and explain how to do something or an assignment that the teacher might ask of the students. As an adult in the classroom it is a way to relate to the students because they are not afraid to experiment with technology and to master it better than you. Since students are visual PowerPoint and live documents will encourage students to be on their best behavior and take something from the lesson that they can use in their real life. Most important the use of Jing and Google presentation is all free and easy to learn from the advance computer person to the beginner like me.

Etherpad Basic Explanation

Cell phones in the Classroom

My thoughts on cell phone use in the classroom are good if used under the right conditions. Being that the cell phone itself is not the problem rather the behavior of the student using the cell phone is the problem. Cell phones are mobile, easy to use, and all students have one. Cell phones allow students to be connected to a world of information anytime and anywhere. Cell phones in upper grades allow learners to collaborate, create new knowledge, and share their knowledge immediately on the internet.

Google has made it possible according to the article, “Supporting Cell Phones Use in the Classroom “by Mark Geary to create SMS searches where you can text message your search query to 466453 and they will text back the results.  This is a great way to get all students in your class involved in the lesson that normally would sit in the back of the class and do nothing. The students in your class will soon be satisfied with becoming knowledgeable experts. For example: the teacher can have the class text the word collaborate then have them from groups to discuss what the definition said. The cell phone cannot do the whole lesson the students must still do their part in writing out their finding on paper. The use of cell phones is a better practice that 21 Century skilled students are having fun with while learning.

Other classroom uses for cell phones are Jott.com which converts voice notes to text, MOBCAST which creates podcast using a cell phone. The uses for mob cast range from discussion board, journaling, and collaborating on projects. Emerging technology into the classroom is a great way to get instant feedback. Now that polleverywhere is emerging into classrooms it can be use to improve current core instructional strategies. As teachers to be we have to understand that technology is not going anywhere and both cell phones and computers will continue to be an educational device that will enhance learning. The goal of teaching is to get all students involved in learning so if I can get a student who usually is considered not involved in learning engaged by the use of cell phones in the classroom I am all for it.

Cellphones In The Classroom