Lists, Lists, and more Lists...

The three lists that were looked at this week were Seven Stupid Mistakes and Seven Brilliant Things Teachers Do with Technology by Doug Johnson and New classroom Rules by Education Innovation. Doug Johnson's links can be found at: click here and the Education Innovation's list can be found at: click here.

Two of my favorite New Classroom Rules by Education Innovation were rule numbers one and two. Rule number one states, "come to school everyday, unless you would rather just go on line" (Education Innovation). I think that this is rule number one for a very important reason. I think this rule is the most important reason for learning. If students do not go to class daily, then there is no point in signing up for a class to begin with. Although, a lot of students think they can miss a couple of days of class, they really cannot in order to fully take advantage of learning. Teachers explain more in class and always say things that they may forget to tell students who do not choose to come to class. On top of not being able to learn everything on that particular day of class, a lot of teachers have discussions or participation in some way during the actual class time that cannot be made up. Again, the reason this is my number one rule and more than likely Education Innovation's number one rule is because it plays the biggest and most important role in learning. Just come to class!
My second rule, which is rule number two from Education Innovation states, "Come to class on time, or log into your online class anytime day or night, whenever it is most convenient for you" (Education Innovation). I think this rule is number two for a very important reason as well as the first rule. If students do make the decision to come to class, then they should arrive either early or on time; students should not come to class late. this rule is important because coming to class late affects the teacher as well as other students. It is not fair for students that show up to class on time to be distracted by a student showing up late. Having respect for the teacher and other classmates is shown by numerous ways, but showing up to class and on time is a large part of showing respect.

In Doug Johnson's list of Seven Brilliant Things Teachers Do With Technology, my two favorites are number four and number six. Number four on his list states, "Put kids in touch with the world" (Doug Johnson). Basically this is saying that a student's world should not be just one part of the world, which would be the life around the student daily; a student should be connected with different people in different parts of the world in order to fully take advantage of learning and technology. this is important because students can experience different cultures versus just learning about them through reading. Also, students can interact with different people from different cultures all over the world through the use of technology. It is important for teachers to connect students with other parts of the world. Students should be "networked".
Number six on Doug's list states, "Use the kids' own devices to teach them" (Doug Johnson). This is so important for many reasons. The first reason why this is important is because technology is always changing, and typically students are the ones that are the most up-to-date with the latest forms of technologies available. Not only could students teach teachers through their use of being up-to-date with the latest forms of technologies, but showing the students through relevance is also important. Students typically do not enjoy learning if teachers do not make it relevant to their lives. Having teachers use what the kids already use in their daily lives will not only make them more familiar with technology, but it will also help them enjoy learning more because they are already comfortable with it and enjoy it on a day-to-day basis. Make things relevant!

On Doug's list of Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make With Technology, my two favorites are numbers three and five. Number three states, "Not supervising computer-using students" (Doug Johnson). This is important because many teachers do not necessarily supervise their students when they know that their students are using the computers. Computers do not always filter out the "bad" things that students should not experience or the non-educational things as well. Teachers need to teach their students how to appropriately use a computer and what to look and not look for. After they have taught their students how to use a computer for educational purposes, they should still supervise their students. supervising students could prevent many unnecessary things or incidents from occurring.
Number five on Johnson's list states, "Believing that one's teaching style need not change to take full advantage of technology" (Doug Johnson). This is important because teachers do not always take advantage of the available technology that is out there. So many different types of technologies can be used for educational purposes, and great teachers need to know how to incorporate all types of teaching techniques, including how to use technology. Technology is too far advanced for teachers to think that they do not need to use it in their classrooms. Also, students need a "newer" way to learn and intrigue them. Technology could be used as motivation for learning. Also, the teacher needs to remain the expert, and with students knowing about the technologies available, they could become the experts if the teacher lacks in technology.

All of the rules and lists are important for teaching now and in the future. These were just a couple from each list.