Blog Assignment #11

What Can We Learn About Technology From Kathy Cassidy?

This video is a compilation of a year of technology in Kathy Cassidy's first grade class.



All teachers should strive to be technologically literate. One thing I know for sure about technology is that it is not going away. The world has changed and we have to change with it.

Benefits of Blogging and Technology in the Classroom

Parents enjoy being able to see students' work anytime they want

Blogs serve as a portfolio of students work and good way to gage progress

Students' quality of work improves because they understand anyone in the world can see it

Students are engaged and excited

Children love not having to 'power down' when they get to school

Opportunities for collaboration with students from all over the world

Using the Internet Safely

How does Cassidy keep her students safe on the internet?

At the beginning of each school year, Cassidy sends students home with a form for parents to sign, acknowledging that they are aware their children will be using the internet.

Cassidy teaches students not to use their last names, and to never post a picture of themselves alongside their name. She teaches students about digital citizenship and the importance of leaving a positive digital footprint. When a student missteps and leaves a rude or hurtful comment, it is a valuable teaching moment. Helping students understand proper internet etiquette and how to safely and responsibly navigate the web is an important 21st century skill students will use throughout their lives.

It is also important to protect students from being exposed to inappropriate content on the web. Cassidy explains to her students which links she wants them to click on, and which links they should avoid. Students learn that avoiding advertisements and flashy links keeps them safe. These are great opportunities to teach students how to handle the internet and what to do if they accidentally find themselves on a site where they should not be.