Blog #6: Undo, redo...Who Knew?

In the article, Tech can help young students learn to not fear mistakes, by Lauren Barack, we walk through Emma Mackey’s first-grade classroom that was enhanced by 23 Samsung Galaxy tablets. Emma Mackey took on the challenge of blending in tablets by utilizing digital portfolios. She had her students complete small projects and allowed the students the flexibility of choosing how to show their work. The only requirement was that the tools had to be found on the tablet. For example, a student could explain a math problem by creating a drawing, recording a video, using the audio recording, or using the Internet to find resources or photos.

While these young students learned to use their tablets, they also practiced skills about how to use verbal and written language to explain how they came up with an answer. Mackey was quoted “That’s my favorite thing about technology and younger students, they’re not afraid of pushing buttons” (Barack). This concept is exceptionally important when it comes to explaining the beginning stages of mathematics and vocabulary.

What I really appreciated about this article was the concept of mistakes being okay. Often, students fear making a mistake in front of their peers. I think students will find it beneficial to be able to practice and redo the questions until they understand the concepts. As a teacher, I like getting more concise feedback about my student’s understanding. If a student gets a math question incorrect, if they don’t show any work, or use language to explain what they did, it’s almost impossible to correct any misconceptions.

Resources:

Barack, L. (2018, July 11). Tech can help young students learn to not fear mistakes. Retrieved July 12, 2018, from https://www.educationdive.com/news/tech-can-help-young-students-learn-to-not-fear-mistakes/527355/

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Blog #5 Traveling & Culture Exposure...

It is the fifth year that students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are able to spend the summer studying in Spain. According to the article Study abroad program in Alcala open new doors for students, this year, nine students traveled to Alcala de Henares, Spain. This trip is designed to fully immerse the students in the culture, language, and education that is offered in Spain.

One student, in particular, Jacqueline Zarcone Enzbigilis, quoted “Not only am I learning the language here, but I’m learning a culture and how to adapt and understand other people…” (Erickson). Other students mentioned the same thing: the ability to learn the culture and how the education system functions in Spain is immensely helpful to their future goals.

This program allows students to take up to 12 credits and allowed several students to accomplish completing a minor while in Spain (Erickson). The diversity of this program can be seen even in the college signups. This study abroad program is open to any student, no matter the major or educational background.

I wish I had this opportunity when I was an undergraduate student. My educational background is very limited, especially when it comes to exposure to different cultures. I like that every student at Southern Illinois University has the ability to sign up and get this experience.

References:

Erickson, H. (2018, June 28). Study abroad program in Alcalá opens new doors for students. Retrieved July 04, 2018, from https://news.siu.edu/2018/06/062818-study-abroad-program-opens-new-doors.php