July 9, 2010
Thing 13 – K12 Online Conference
I listened to Engaging Our Youngest Minds by Angela Maiers. She reminded teachers that education can be transformed by integrating technology instruction with children’s passions. When students are learning about topics of interest to them, they demonstrate perseverance, prolonged attentiveness, and consequently achievement rises. She is concerned that passionate learners are endangered. Ms. Maiers emphasized the importance of taking the time to learn the talents, pursuits, and the uniqueness of each student. Only then can we teach them how to share their voice and passion with the world through the use of Web 2.0. I agree that when students see relevance and real world applications, learning increases.
This lecture reminded me of how my young neighbor (adopted from Nicaragua) used the internet to raise money for his passion. After reading the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30), Angelo’s first grade teacher gave each student a dollar and challenged them to multiply it. Take a minute and watch these youtube videos. You will be amazed, as well as entertained!
A note from his mom:
Thank you so much for pledging to Angelo’s Holy Redeemer Catholic School service project. The funds you donate will go to help the Clap For Jesus organization to build schools in Ghana and also to the Catholic Charities Haitian Fund. Also, you helped a 7 year old boy learn that he can make a difference in the world! Thank you all so much for contributing and caring enough to make the world a better place.
Angelo raised over $700!
I did find the K12 Conferences a unique way for educators to share information and an easy way to provide professional development. I had to search a little more to find a subject geared to younger children.
Filed by plbright at 12:12 pm under Uncategorized
2 Comments
July 10th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I totally agree with us knowing the students wholeheartedly in order to teach them how to express themselves. I loved your story about your neighbor!
July 11th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I enjoyed reading about Engaging Our Youngest Minds by Angela Maiers. I have very similar views. Here is another session from K-12 Online Conference. You may find this interesting. It is under http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=319 and is called Prove It ” We Like our Blogging Buddies: The Write Stuff with Blogging Mentors.” It is about a college education class that was blogging buddies with a first grade class.