My experience with Twitter so far has been not so easy. I find that the layout is hard to navigate. I get the same feeling as I did when I first joined Myspace. For whatever reason, the "vibe" of twitter isn't like Facebook. Granted, Facebook has its own issues, but I find it much easier to find things on Facebook. I would have to work with Twitter more to become more comfortable with using it on a daily basis. But I will say that once I get more used to it, I think it could a tool I could use to further my PLN.
The digital divide has huge impacts on students who have and students who don't have computer access as well as the internet while going through school. I agree that students who go without are at a severe disadvantage in the work force. More and more jobs are incorporating technology into their systems. Not having the experience early on could cause a person to be looked over as a job applicant. As a teacher, I would make sure that my students wouldn't be at a disadvantage. That they would have access to the technology to complete the work that does require a computer. I know that with the direction technology is heading, it would be hard to not give out homework that didn't have anything to do without using the web, however, I would do my best to ensure my students would have plenty of time in the computer lab to get the work done.
One academic software that I would use is something that my wife used when she was teaching pre-k was a program called Mimio Board. It was a smart board where students could interact. When students are engaged into the material, I feel that it helps retain information. I can say in my own experience, that being able to interact with the information made it easier to remember. Another piece of software I would use is Canvas. Reason being is that a lot of universities use Canvas and with Covid being so widespread, online courses were such a major thing. Students being familiar with Canvas and how to navigate it makes a big difference in their new college experience. There is so much to get used to when attending a college fresh out of high school and even more so if you live off campus and are away from home. Being used to the software the colleges are using will be one less obstacle to overcome.
Hi there, I enjoyed reading this post. I agree that Twitter can be confusing, especially when you first start using it. I hope you're able to become more comfortable with it over the course of the semester. It's a great idea to give your students time in the computer lab, so that they have the resources needed at least during school hours. It's an interesting perspective that you took to come at it in terms of future work applicants. Mimio Board sounds very cool--I've never heard of it, but am wondering to what extent pre-k students have a firm grasp on technology.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck the rest of the semester!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI also did find it very interesting to navigate the overall layout of Twitter when I first joined a few years back. The progression of time and several updates to the platform has made navigating somewhat easier. Remain on course and soon you will become a whiz!