tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772550721968618158.post9189838293896990700..comments2009-02-18T12:56:34.614+07:00D. S. Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018494789689600356teachwatts@gmail.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772550721968618158.post-62564682902383270592009-02-18T12:56:00.000+07:002009-02-18T12:56:00.000+07:00There are definitely frustrating times. <BR/><BR/>In the end, we have to look at what the valued learning is. <BR/><BR/>Certainly that is clear to you when it comes to the poetry and what you wanted the kids to get out of writing their own.<BR/><BR/>As for the tech use, what did you hope using the tech would provide? Audience? A chance to read others and leave comments? Perhaps each student could read their poem and post the "video" of it to YouTube? These are other issues of learning that are not explicit in your Humanities curriculum, but most likely still important. Issues of communication, audience, and connectedness for students. That's what online offers and if that is not something you need with this lesson then the tech isn't necessary.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, we do KNOW that collaboration, communication, and connectedness are hugely important to successful 21st Century kids...so at some stage, it'll have to be included in what they do because this learning will serve them beyond poetry and math units into a successful wired life.<BR/><BR/>Of course, tech frustrates us all so none of this makes that any easier. But to answer your title question...it's worth it if what they get out of it is valued/valuable.D. Harterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08283077578872565271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772550721968618158.post-8753997543226163122009-02-18T09:01:00.000+07:002009-02-18T09:01:00.000+07:00I am so sorry that your frustration levels are high and you feel that you have wasted a whole lot of precious time. Please do not give up ..... We ALL go through this at varying times. I am a big fan of wikis and I think that your idea for sharing poems and having students comment on those poems is an excellent one! I'm a bigger fan of wikispaces - they have educator wikis (no ads!) and you can add students easily in bulk, there's not an age limit - and you can make it private. (I find wikispaces much easier to use with students). I have some more ideas about sharing poems etc that I would be really happy to share with you, and if you're interested in spending a bit of time with me I could help you get a wiki up and running in less than 30 minutes for the next time - what do you think? Send me an email if you're keen. Chrissy HTeaching Sagittarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06466506242900349502noreply@blogger.com