This past week when I went to Central Elementary school, I observed the 5th graders in the computer lab. I was absolutley shocked to see the difficulty in the assignment that they are working on. The students were given a strict rubric that explained what was expected of them. They were asked to research a scientific question they might have. After they found a topic to research they need to write 5 paragraph paper which includes 3 sources. Those sources are to be included in their bibliography page and cited using MLA format.
When I first saw this assignment, I thought to myself, I did not do something like this until 7th grade! I understand technology has advanced greatly since then but still thought this was quite a difficult task. I was eager to see how the students would do with this kind of project. As the week went on, the students were so excited to use the computer that they took the challenge head on! The students did well and finished this project within 2 weeks. Seeing how well the students succeeded with such a difficult task really made me realize how much teachers and myself underestimate the capability of students. This really opened eyes to challenging my students in the future.
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2 comments:
It seems that kids can surprise us all at times. I know your colleagues have often complained about hearing teachers say their kids "can't do this yet". But it seems that it might be worth the time to give them an opportunity to try. Consider how much we, as adults, learn when we fail at something only to come back and do it right the second time!
I think that it is great that your CT is challenging the students further than we were in school. I think this really shows how early students are being introduced to computers and that understanding how to use a computer is a skill that is developed early in elementary school. In my placement in third grade students are exploring writing on the computer. I can also remember my little sister who is now 12 and can type almost as well as I, used to be able to play computer games that involved typing in kindergarten. Children are using technology so much earlier than we were and I think we need to be using it more in schools to reflect this.
Computer skills are really becoming an important literacy for children. Some of the ideas included in the new literacies project are reflected in your students assignments. They are learning skills in using and in interpreting technology. I think this places a lot of pressure on us teachers to include new technologies in our classroom to help students be able to understand and communicate with the ever changing world around them.
I also think it is great that your CT gives the students a rubric. I bet these really help students understand what is expected of them. It also probably helps drive their exploration of new aspects of researching than they might have used before. The rubric can also be a great way to help students begin to understand to be critical when reading things on the internet.
I think it is great that the students are getting so much exposure to new technologies and the skills that are involved in them.
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