Journal 9- NETS (2,3,4,6)

Page, L., Sheehan, T. & Worrell, C. (2012). How to do more with less. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(6), 18-23. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/DigitalEditionMarch-April2012.aspx

Summary: In, How To Do More with Less, the authors focus on an issue that teachers are responsible to "educate more children and skills at higher standards with less time and money" (Page, Sheehan, Worrell, 2012). They pose the solutions and suggestions to save time, money, increase student engagement and digital age competencies. Furthermore, changing how you teach and using free tools can create an opportunity to develop research and internet literacy.

Q1: What is an example of a lesson/idea that incorporates a few tools offered in the article?
A1: Student could be constructed to use the tool My Fake Wall, which enables a false Facebook wall for fictitious or historical characters. Further, in a history class students will create a biography on one of the presidents or political leaders and then create a Fake Wall to share to the class.  This also incorporates blended teaching. According to the article, blended teaching is a cross of traditional face-to-face instruction and online learning practices. Overall, teachers could use the resources, and tools to enhance, extend, and transform the learning process (Page, Sheehan, Worrell, 2012).


Q2: Are there any negative effects to blended teaching?
A2: Blended teaching a very beneficial style, but can be limited. Often children who are in grade school can not complete all online activities. This blended environment efficiently works in higher grade levels. Teachers could still offer class in computer labs, but it still wont be as free as online teaching. Overall, blended teaching allows students to learn the material at their own pace by attending class and then using resources (class notes, slideshows, videos) to review after class or at home.