Chapters One and Two

Chapter 1
I knew that technology could be a great tool in communicating content to my students, but I hadn’t considered that they would know more about what was available than I do. I was not aware at the large number of students that have internet access, email, IM, and value it as a research source. I am concerned about how to balance internet assignments with my students; many have limited access to computers and no way to get to public computers. With only one computer lab in my school, which we all fight over, I am concerned about how much I will be able to allow my students to utilize throughout the year even with a laptop and projector in my classroom.

Chapter 2
Blogs can accomplish many things that can otherwise be difficult to achieve with students, such as metacognitive analysis, research, organizations and synthesis of ideas skills. Weblogs also “support different learning styles.” (p.28) Richardson also states that “students at all levels show more interest in their work, and their ability to locate and reflect upon their work is greatly enhanced.” (p. 29) One of my greatest struggles last year was student motivation; I am excited to see how blogging might motivate some of my uninterested students. He also noted that students who know they will publish their thoughts on their reading tend to read more critically-which I found myself doing prior to this blog.