Module 4-2: Digital Literacy

I read the blog post titled "Picture Perfect: Make Your Own Motivational Posters." Using the website bighugelabs.com, teachers can now make their own motivational posters. The posters look just like the ones that you can buy at the store, however, you can now personalize them using your own pictures, titles, and messages. What a unique way to showcase your students on a poster to motivate others in the class. The blog article touches upon the thought that once you label a student lazy or not a hard worker, that is exactly what you get. But, by including a picture of this 'lazy' person on a poster, encouraging other students to try harder, you are more likely to receive a different outcome. I visited the website, and it is extremely easy to use. Simply upload a picture from your file and add a title and message. There are links included on the page in case you are at a loss for motivational phrases. The website also offers other options for you to personalize by uploading personal pictures, such as magazine covers, calendars, and jigsaw puzzles. Although, you can buy these products through BigHugeLabs.com, it is also easy to download the images as a JPEG file and print on your own.
After looking at the skillset for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, these personalized motivational posters easily supports this framework. Not only do these posters support creativity and innovation, but also technology, career, and life skills. After seeing themselves on posters to help others, students can create their own posters. This would also help to promote a comfortable and supportive learning environment necessary for students to succeed. I know that I will be using BigHugeLabs.com in the future!

Module 4: 21st Century Skills

I watched the video titled "Big Thinkers: Howard Gardner on Digital Youth," because I am familiar with some of his work using multiple intelligences. Although this video did not target this area of his research, I still felt it was very interesting and meaningful. He commented about the vast amount of information available on the Internet, and how students no longer are using the 'old school' way of research by looking in an encyclopedia. I also found it interesting that he mentioned that a teacher's role in the classroom is shifting to become more of a coach and role model. I can see how this could happen in schools, as students can educate themselves using the vast amount of resources and tools online. If kids can teach themselves how to play ( and beat) video games, text message, listen to podcasts, and how to blog, then why shouldn't they be able to teach themselves many other skills? Teachers would then become a guide, rather than a leader figure. In essence, many of us do this today in our own classrooms. We provide students with the tools they need to arrive at a conclusion and become independent thinkers.

Of the other 3 videos we watched, I was particularly intrigued with the piano stairs. What an awesome way to transmit technology into everyday life and effect a large amount of people. After watching this video, I reflected on my own thinking, since I am the one that usually does take the stairs, not the elevator or escalator. I thought about why I did this: saving time, exercise benefit? I eventually came up with the fact that I am bored riding on an escalator, I want to do something: so taking the stairs is more fun for me. If I choose to do things in a fun way, why shouldn't my students? It was easy to see the joy and excitement of the people on the piano stairs in the video. They were enjoying themselves, which is the attitude I would like to transfer to my students.

As a goal, I would like to integrate more engaging technology use into my classroom. Since school is such a large part of a student's day, why not make it fun by using technology





What a neat idea! Using technology to make something ordinary, fun!



Very powerful video!