Online Class 2 - Susan's log of the TWT Enterprise

Ever felt like you were lost, but somehow deep inside you there was hope. Well that's how I feel. I can't seem to shake the overwhelming feeling but somehow I still feel a sense of hope. This is what my picture represents -  flowers of hope in the forest. As much work as I have to get done in a short period of time, I still feel a sense of hope.

With that, I can now talk about the digital divide from my course readings because it is so true. When I observed the students in the school I substitute teach at, I really see the difference. In my case, the digital divide is the gap in technology between digital learners and non-digital teachers. The kids walk around with cell phones, i-pods, and hand-held video games - I know they are technologically inclined. However in the classroom, the teachers are still using chalk and blackboard and expect the students to use pencil and paper. The teacher assign work out of a text book and expect the students to read and answer the questions. I must say that I myself would be bored out of my mind; and this is where teaching with technology (twt) comes in.

So in my class discussion tonight we discussed the characteristics of digital learners. Each group gathered together and came back with 5-6 traits. Every group had some really good descriptions. My group came up with:  1) they are multitaskers, hypercommunicators and goal oriented 2) they need learning to be relevant and engaging 3) improved sense of self-"technology+inquiry based learning +collaborative based learning = success "4) experts at using technology such as hand held games and electronic devices and 5) think that schools are irrevelant. As teachers, we must be able to integrate technology into the classrooms to motivate and enhance learning. Referencing my reading from the required reading of the LoTi site, "research has shown that classrooms that engage students in making decisions about their learning process and that utilizes higher order thinking skills are most likely to prepare students for their future.