Learning Journal #2
Hello World Wide Web! This is my very first blog and it seems only fitting that it be for an educational technology class. I not only don't blog, I do not read blogs so please be forgiving of my format and style.
I find it ironic that I am in a Technology for Educators class when I am pursuing my Master's Degree. This is a class that every student should be required to take at the latest, middle school. Chapter 2 defines communication and the basics of the Internet and World Wide Web. My students have grown up in a world where they do not know life without a computer or WiFi however, they lack some of the very basic skills needed to operate it effectively. In my high school classes,I require typed essays in MLA format. Every year and practically every assignment I have to teach the students how to operate Microsoft Word. They have no clue as to how to change the margins or spacing. Because I can, I also explain to them what that blue square is that they click to save their document. In the day of auto correct, my students still submit essays with abbreviations such a u or ur. It kills me.
Gone are the days of typing classes where you were taught the home keys and how to type without "pecking" or looking. Students today learn how to build websites and design graphics but I would argue that they are lacking the essential basics. Bring back typing and teach students Microsoft Office so they can track data in Excel or create a resume in Word. Sure, they can tweet and use tumblr but are we preparing our students for success in a global society?
