Chapter 9

    I love the idea of digital storytelling and will absolutely use it in my classroom.  What really struck me about the digital storytelling was that the process was the most important part of this concept. Starting with pre production and the planning of the story.  The student uses the storyboards and checklists, doing these actions incorporates so many important learning aspects for the students from reading to writing and even working in cooperation with other students.  Of course the production and post production stages are a sure way to engage and hold a students interest.  The whole project gives students the importunity to learn so many things without it being a "lesson".  Very cool idea.

    Math is such a difficult subject for so many students, both young and old, that anything that adds to their ability to grasp the concepts should be used.  As is pointed out in the book not all uses of visualizing in math are computer based and have been being used for many, many (if not hundreds) of years. These include the abacus, tally sticks, and place cards. Also who can live with the graphing calculator.  One program that is computer based and mentioned in the book is TinkerPlots. This sounds very interesting and I will be exploring this program. I truly feel that learning occurs in all kinds of scenarios. Some is very formal, but some of the longest lasting is the lesson that is hands on and suttle.

    Of course it is possible to learn something just from TV.  Most people learn best by mimic and watching so if those instructions are on TV one could use them to learn.  My children learned so many basics from sesame street and other programs.  I do not believe you can learn all you need from TV, the real world also holds so very important lessons.  And it is very sad to see children being 'babysat' by the boob tube. But there are wonderful programs on TV that can and do teach.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful learning With Technology(3rd Edition). Columbus, OH: Pearson/Prentice Hall.