Modern technology provides new opportunities for both teachers and their students to use English, or any other language, in an interactive way. Certainly, there are some excellent new developments - but there are also some ideas that are rather inappropriate for use in class. The ability to critically assess and revise both material and online features is therefore crucial to all teachers. This paper is an attempt to evaluate some of those recent trends that were used in the creation of the classroom-kit for Cory Doctorow’s “Little Brother”.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Creating a blog
- Finding suitable online material
- Wordle
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper evaluates the use of modern teaching methods and online tools, specifically a blog, online image searches, and Wordle, in a classroom setting focused on Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother." It assesses both the advantages and disadvantages of integrating these technologies into the learning process, highlighting the importance of critical assessment and revision of both online materials and student work.
- Critical evaluation of modern teaching methods
- Assessment of online tools for language learning
- The importance of teacher oversight in online student work
- Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of technology integration in education
- Development of digital literacy skills in students
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the abundance of online teaching materials and the opportunities and challenges presented by modern technology in language learning. It emphasizes the crucial role of critical assessment in selecting and utilizing online resources effectively and announces the paper's aim to evaluate recent trends used in a classroom kit for Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother."
Creating a blog: This chapter examines the use of a class blog as a tool for integrating the content of the "Little Brother" course with internet use. While it highlights advantages such as enhanced student engagement, collaborative learning, and increased motivation due to wider audience reach, it also acknowledges significant drawbacks. These include the need for constant teacher monitoring to prevent the posting of inappropriate content, the risk of quick online dissemination of errors, and the responsibility of ensuring the accuracy and quality of student work. The chapter uses the example of the "About the Title" blog post to demonstrate the need for rigorous teacher feedback to address issues such as factual inaccuracies, insufficient detail, poor writing style (including grammar, vocabulary and phrasing), and a lack of formal tone. The chapter also touches upon the logistical challenges associated with ensuring equitable access to the internet for all students. Despite the challenges, the conclusion leans towards the blog's overall benefit in boosting student reading interest and productivity, given sufficient teacher oversight and resource allocation.
Finding suitable online material: This chapter discusses the assignment of finding online materials that correspond to different chapters of "Little Brother," specifically focusing on the use of cartoons and images. It showcases the positive aspect of this task: enhancing students’ internet research skills, a crucial skill in the modern world. However, it also points out significant shortcomings in the chosen materials: the confusing design of a cartoon used in relation to "Chapter Two," and the omission of key scenes. Once again, the lack of teacher feedback is highlighted as a missed opportunity to guide students toward more effective use of visuals and improve their selection criteria. The chapter suggests alternative approaches, such as interdisciplinary projects with art classes, to produce more relevant and engaging materials.
Wordle: This chapter analyzes the use of the online program "Wordle" to create word-cloud images related to the book's content. It identifies several positive uses for Wordle, including interactive engagement with the text, identifying word redundancy, and vocabulary introduction. It also suggests uses for educators, such as brainstorming and book analysis. The chapter, however, points out a crucial flaw: the lack of explanation regarding the content and creation of the Wordle image on the blog, limiting reader understanding and hindering its effectiveness as a learning tool.
Keywords
Modern teaching methods, online learning tools, blog, digital literacy, technology integration in education, student engagement, teacher feedback, critical assessment, Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother", Wordle, online resources.
Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother": A Classroom Technology Integration Study - FAQ
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the use of modern teaching methods and online tools (a class blog, online image searches, and Wordle) within a classroom setting focused on Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother." It examines both the benefits and drawbacks of integrating these technologies into the learning process, emphasizing the importance of critical assessment and teacher oversight.
What online tools are discussed in the paper?
The paper discusses the use of three main online tools: a class blog for collaborative writing and discussion, online image searches for finding visuals related to the book, and Wordle for creating word clouds to visualize key themes and vocabulary.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include critical evaluation of modern teaching methods, assessment of online tools for language learning, the importance of teacher oversight in online student work, balancing the benefits and drawbacks of technology integration, and the development of digital literacy skills in students.
What are the advantages of using a class blog in this context?
Using a class blog is presented as enhancing student engagement, fostering collaborative learning, and increasing motivation through a wider audience reach. It can also encourage students to write more.
What are the disadvantages of using a class blog?
Disadvantages include the need for constant teacher monitoring to prevent inappropriate content, the risk of quick online dissemination of errors, and the responsibility of ensuring the accuracy and quality of student work. Equitable internet access for all students is also a concern.
What were the findings regarding online image searches?
The paper highlights the positive aspect of improving students' internet research skills. However, it also points out shortcomings in the quality and relevance of some chosen materials, emphasizing the need for teacher feedback to guide students toward better selection criteria.
How was Wordle used in the classroom?
Wordle was used to create word-cloud images related to the book's content. Positive uses included interactive engagement with the text, identifying word redundancy, and vocabulary introduction. However, a lack of explanation regarding the content and creation of the Wordle image limited its effectiveness.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper regarding technology integration?
While acknowledging challenges, the paper generally advocates for the benefits of technology integration in education, emphasizing the crucial role of teacher guidance, feedback, and critical assessment to maximize the effectiveness and mitigate the risks.
What are some of the key challenges highlighted in the paper?
Key challenges include ensuring the quality and accuracy of online student work, providing sufficient teacher oversight and feedback, ensuring equitable access to technology, and developing students' critical assessment skills when using online resources.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Modern teaching methods, online learning tools, blog, digital literacy, technology integration in education, student engagement, teacher feedback, critical assessment, Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother", Wordle, online resources.
- Citation du texte
- Marc Schubert (Auteur), 2011, Modern Teaching Methods, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183791
