Computers and Motivation

Computers can motivate students to learn. I have seen many students who didn't like to write, but who were motivated to do so with the ease of a word processoring programs. I have seen many students who didn't not like to read, but who were motivated to do so with the multimedia elements that online books can provide. I have seen digitally literate students who didin't like to study using classic textbooks, but who were motivated to do so using online textbooks. Although, computers should not be perceived as the cure for all motivation issues, they certainly have become a very useful tool in educators' toolboxes.

Thing 3 - PowerPoint Reform

Some educators think that PowerPoint is passe', but I disagree - I think its uses need to be updated and that it should be used properly. I agree with the article about PowerPoint reform written by Joyce Valenze where she lists ways to update this communcation tool so that students will learn, listen, and share information. As a technology educator, I teach my students to use PowerPoint as a platform to combine and deliver several different visual/auditory elements that belong under the umbrella of multimedia. When the PowerPoint project is a stand alone project, the communication of the message is greatly enhanced when students think outside the box (as suggested by Joyce Valenze). When the PowerPoint is part of a student's presentation, communication is enhanced when students understand that their PowerPoints should not be the presentation, but rather should augment the presentation.

Thing 2 - Web 2.0

I teach technology and have been involved in the use of the Internet with my students for a long time. The use of these new Internet tools will allow students to actively communicate, participate, and discuss - and this is a good thing. These are educational tools to enhance the education of students. I will proceed with caution, however, because I know that the average student is doesn't appreciate that the Internet is a very public arena.

Thing 1 - Play

Play is probably the most challenging habit of a lifelong learner for me. I am a mother (of 5), I teach, and I volunteer. I don't have much time to play. In fact, by the time I finish completing everything that I need to do in the course of a day, I don't want to play on the computer, I want to rest!