Teacher Student Cell Phone Use???

What do you think of the idea of teachers and students using cell phone to text information to each other about the class?

  - As much as I LOVE texting, I'd have to say I don't have a good feeling about it occurring between students and teachers. I'll admit that a lot of the scandals between teachers dating students that have been all over the news is a big reason why.

       



I feel texting is a lot more personal and could potentially promote negative relationships like those stories we have heard all too often. It's something so minor that can get out hand.

I like the idea of having an email with a list serv set up for all the class and one email goes out to that course that way nobody is being contacted individually on a consistent basis. I haven't reached the point where I think texting is ok especially for younger grades consisting of minors. This could be something that works in college, but then again from my experience an email has always been best. So I say PRESS.....SEND! *On an email though, not your phone!!    

Truly,
dpledge

Gaming In Education

Whack A Mole Alphabet Game

From reading Dr. Kathy's blog I know that it is VITAL to have a game that's going to be effective if you're going to implement it into the classroom. The game I found is called Whack A Mole and it's supposed to help students with learning the alphabet. This game is clearly targeted at younger kids and I must say...........I  would NOT recommend it or use it in the classroom. Why you may ask???


FIRST- you're supposed to take the hammer and hit the letters in order. When I first played it I thought you hit the letters as they pop up based on order (to provide a challenge)....NO you apparently have to wait to each letter of the alphabet pops up in order. So you go A-Z and you pretty much wait to the next letter in line pops up even though extra letters are also popping up at the same time. I must say it got rather boring just waiting for A to pop up, then B, then C etc.

SECOND-The letters pop up too fast, but the click with the sledgehammer is too slow. So even though the right letter may pop up, if it pops up in the back corner you probably won't get to it fast enough. I know if it was hard for me, it would be extremely hard for kids.

So I'm not a fan of this game and I can't see where the concept of it would be beneficial other than students practicing the alphabet after they have completed it at the top of the screen. It would require a long time hitting at the letters before completing the alphabet and I think that would waste useful instruction time in the classroom. So it may be a resource given to parents that could be something students could do at home or perhaps if in a car if on a LONG road trip!!

Truly,
dpledge