Blog Post 9

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 1

I learned a lot of valuable information from Mrs. Cassidy's informative and insightful discussion with Dr. Strange about meaningful, effective, and appropriate ways to apply technology in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy articulated the importance of understanding that technology is changing how educators instruct, and it's key for educators to adapt and present technology to our students in a way that is fun and productive. I found it fascinating to learn that her first grade students are excited about mastering new skills through technology in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy is an educator who allows her students to express their knowledge, skills, opinions, and attitudes in the classroom. Mrs. Cassidy takes a non-traditional approach to teaching. Mrs. Cassidy allows her students to express their thoughts and ideas through blogs and videos. Mrs. Cassidy talked about how her students get excited when they read comments posted on their blogs from students and educators. I also learned from Mrs. Cassidy the value of allowing students to communicate and share insightful information with other students and educators through Skype.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 2

I found it fascinating to learn about Mrs. Cassidy's instructional methods when it comes to protecting and educating her students about appropriate and safe ways to browse the World Wide Web and post comments. Mrs. Cassidy informs her students not to post negative comments or a picture of themselves on their blogs. I, too, believe it's key for students to stay positive and be kind to their peers when evaluating he or she's performance. Broadly speaking, students already have vast knowledge and experience with technology so it's important for educators to provide them with some basic guidelines on how to use technology appropriately. I believe motivation is important because students get tired of paper and pencil in the classroom. Technology allows for students to embrace and share their creativity and express their knowledge, skills, and ideas. I don't see any of Mrs. Cassidy's techniques as being unproductive, but I could see Twitter as being problematic. However, if educators set guidelines for students when it comes to Twitter and monitor the individuals they follow, I could see it as being constructive.

Interview with Kathy Cassidy Part 3

As an educator, I will incorporate some of the ideas and techniques I have learned from Mrs. Cassidy into my classroom. Mrs. Cassidy harped on the importance of collaboration in the classroom. Collaboration allows for students to connect, learn, and share knowledge and information with educators and students. As an educator, I will create a Facebook account for my class. This would allow students and parents to visit the page and see exactly when assignments and projects are due as well as watching videos of the lessons. Technology is becoming a significant part of the curriculum in today's classroom, and I believe this approach will be successful, and students will benefit greatly.