10Tech Elementary Learn & Earn: Connecting With Your Students

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Connecting With Your Students

"As a teacher, you can make progress effectively and much quicker if the student feels a connection; something tangible that shows the student you care."

We have all heard something along these lines before, and most of the time it holds true. Think about yourself (in or outside of the teaching profession). Are you more apt to listen to someone you have a personal relationship with, or are you more likely to carry out orders from a stranger who starts making demands?

Connecting with Twenty-first century students, truly understanding what motivates them and what their interests are, can be challenging and perplexing; especially if you do not have children of your own around that age (ahem, me). We need to work harder to find out their interests, as they change as quickly as technology has been advancing. However, The Teacher Chronicles, a site for teachers that puts out online articles, addresses some basic steps you can take to begin to understand where most of your students are coming from in terms of the world in w

hich they are growing up. This particular article addresses basic steps teachers can take in order to better relate to the students they teach. My personal favorite is #18: "Get a new mobile phone. Your phone from 2006 is too old." Until recently, most of my fifth (and third graders last year) had better phones than me.

I also stumbled across a very interesting artcle from Edutopia that addresses the difference of how today's students brains have been trained the intake of information, and subsequently what teachers around the country are doing to tap into that learning style. It is a long article, but worth the read.

You have two options for this week's post (you can address option 1 or option 2 or both).

Option 1:
Read the article from

The Teacher Chronicles and tell us which step(s) you would like to try in order to become a "2.0 teacher." If you have completed all of the steps listed, then which ones did you find to be most beneficial for you as a teacher relating to your students?

Option 2:
Read the article from Edutopia and tell us about something interesting you learned from the article and how it might impact your teaching style and/or how you relate to your students.

Comments (40)

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Samantha Watkins · 781 weeks ago

I read through the Edutopia and agree with the article, my trouble is that now what? I want to be some of the 27% that feel adequately trained not the 70% that think it is important. I want lessons, examples and time to create with team members. I want to gain and keep my kids engaged with learning. I wanted to do my own little poll of kids and what they they work on so I asked my room of 24 first graders. Who has an IPOD? 9 A DS? 9 A DSI? 4 A cel phone? 2 A XBox? 8 Play Station? 6 Wii? 22 Leapster? 6 A Computer where they have access? 23 I asked about how much TV they watched 14 kids watch TV before school and everyone watches after school. Some kids watch up to 4 hours a day. How can I compete? I need a writer, producer and many takes to be engaging. I read the article and feel more behind. If anyone can help me please do, thank you!

3 replies · active 780 weeks ago

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denise strom · 781 weeks ago

I read The Teacher Chronicles and the steps to being a 2.0 teacher. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I have already taken some of the steps! I've got e-mail, a Facebook account, and I know how to browse around on Bing and Google. The most satisfying, I must say, is that I got rid of my 5 year old phone and upgraded to an I-Phone this year! I feel so hip... :-)
One thing I've discovered with my students, is that they are much more tech savvy than I am. "Technology" is not a foreign language to them...they were born into this era. Most folks my age or older have had to "learn" it all, while the students were born immersed in it.
While I feel like I can find my way around You Tube, I've learned that my students are much better at it than I am. Whenever I've tried to show something, I inevitably have a student helping me out. I plan to practice and get better at this so that I can be more efficient with my class time.

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Ruth Cerna · 781 weeks ago

I read the article from Edutopia. I found it interesting that Kay invented the Dynabook in collaboration with Piaget! Kay predicted it would be a hit with children but didn't think about the impact these early model laptops would have on adults. We can't adjust as fast! I especially like the quote by Ryan Ritz -- kids "like everything electronic - it's speaking their language." Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by tech as Samantha wrote in her post but I guess my advice for her would be to not try to compete with technology but rather learn about it along with your students. I'm going to try and use my Activboard in different ways and let kids have more control over it. I'm always grabbing the pen away from them in order to move the lesson along! I wonder if I hand over the control the kids will show me something new -- yeah, they probably will.

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Beth Belmondo · 781 weeks ago

I read the article The Teacher Chronicles and feel pretty confident that I'm meeting most of the steps and can relate to my students' technology use/knowledge. My students are in kindergarten so there is not much social networking/email/texting to be had in my classroom conversations. On the other hand, I had one of my students tell me to google her the other day :D!

All in all I'm not too worried about keeping up with technology and my students' knowledge because I kind of grew up in this "era of technology." (Yes, I'm very young...) I do facebook and have played MMO's and know how to blog and text and search on the internet effectively, because my personal interests include those things. I won't pretend that I know everything that's out there, but I don't worry about losing touch or not being aware or able to learn new software/technology/trends because that's what I've always done. I think #2 on the list is the most important - BE INTERESTED and just listen to what your kids are talking about. It works with everything else too!

1 reply · active 777 weeks ago

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Susan N. · 781 weeks ago

I read the Teacher Chronicles article. Interesting ideas. Most of them I feel up to date with. I did try out the RSS feed because that's something I've heard about but haven't done before. Hopefully it will help me keep up to date on my favorite blogs. If there's anything I don't know about online, I just ask my husband. He's much more up to date than I am. When his work required him to start a Facebook page, that's when I started one too. So any questions I have, I just ask him...

1 reply · active 778 weeks ago

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cheryl · 781 weeks ago

I'm totally safe at the preschool level... for now (ha!ha!). And presently, it's still easy to impress parents with my technology wisdom. However, in 5 more years the PARENTS will be the 'children' of the tech era and my level of technology proficiency will be notably inferior to theirs. So I agree that googling for info and dedicating time to try new things is a must!
I looked-up zoho from the 2.0 list. It was something that I have not used. Not sure I need it, but good to know how it works and that it's there if needed.

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Kim Schmitz · 781 weeks ago

I also read the Teacher Chronicles article and do feel like I am pretty up to date in most areas, though I do have a fairly new phone....it is not anything to brag about..just a phone. I rarely text...but I dabble in it a little. I do have facebook (which I am addicted to thank you very much) and a couple of blogs. I have a Myspace account that I started a few years ago and have not visited my account for at least a year....not since facebook. I know that, though I feel fairly knowledgable, I still have a lot to learn when it comes to technology. Like Susan, I would like to learn more about the RSS feeds as well as using a Wiki. I am sure I will find time for all of this somewhere....

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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mark lange · 781 weeks ago

I read both articles, but wanted to respond about Teacher 2.0. I felt the article was well written and informative. I was surprised to see that I was familiar with most of the ideas the author suggested teachers should know. The only two that I have no clue about were social networks and RSS. As for social networks, I refuse to learn about them. There are some pieces of technology that I am stubborn about and researching or having a “fakebook” page is one of them. However, the RSS feed seems interesting and I will look into it.

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Diane M. · 781 weeks ago

I read the Teacher Chronicles and in general I think it was right on point. There are so many teachers that are not willing or afraid to try something on their own before asking for help. I think I do a pretty good job of trying to solve my own tech. problems before asking for help. Most of the steps to a 2.0 teacher I have done or at least checked out the various steps. I use them personally but not really in my teaching. My struggle is how to incorporate technolgy including the sites they mentioned in the article, in a meaningful way with first graders.

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Kari Weed · 781 weeks ago

I read the teacher chronicles and I am surprised to find that I am actually pretty tech savvy. I have a facebook account, and my phone is pretty high tech. I do think this is very important and keeping on top of this is very important. I am not familiar with RSS and I will definitely for more research in this area.

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DebbieO · 781 weeks ago

As I read the above comments and the 2.0 teacher articles, I was pleasantly surprised that I too am more tech savvy then I feel! I am familiar with most of the things listed - have a yahoo email, Facebook, know how to use YouTube (even if my 5 year old uses it more than I do), follow my favorite blog, IM, etc.. I do like the reminder to use Wikipedia - that it's more than just an encyclopedia. This could be very helpful to improve my students technology skills and knowledge while integrating more technology into my curriculum. At the bottom of the page was also some "Sister Wikipedia" projects that could be very helpful - Wikionary (dictionary), Wikisource (Library), Wikinews, and Wikiquotes. I really should use this site more. I looked at the Zoho link and wondered why anyone would use it? It has all the same things as Microsoft Office, my IPhone, Facebook, IM, a planner, etc.... I'd never actually heard of it before and don't think I'd use it when I can already use my IPhone for all of the same things. Either way - feeling pretty good about my technology knowledge this week!

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Rosemary · 781 weeks ago

Okay, here's where being a digital immigrant shows. Went to school today and actually printed the articles so that I could read them while outside at home in the sunshine with my kids! Guess I really still like the paper-an-pencil part of things. While reading both articles, I was more enthusiastic about the 'Teacher Chronicle' article. I found myself gladly saying, "Yes, I do that." a few times. I added a question this past year to the parent survey I give all my incoming students and asked if they had access to a computer and if so, what activites they spend time doing. I learned a few new ones that I checked out. It really helps me understand where their ideas for reading and writing come from. I am cautious about the RSS feed and commit to learning more about it (perhaps at the May gathering). As I read, my 12 year old son came over and took poetic license to add another website to the MMO suggestion. I am continually amazed at how comfortable his MEdia generation is with the technology ins and outs.

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Melissa Morlock · 780 weeks ago

Phew! I am closer to being Teacher 2.0 than Teacher 1.0. On the list of 20 things I found that I don't know what my students do on the internet. Being the hopeful teacher I hope that they are visiting Learning Links and using all of the wonderful learning tools out there. I highly doubt that is the case, at least not on a regular basis. I want to talk to them to see what they are doing. I want to hear what they find interesting and what type of sites they spend their time on.

1 reply · active 777 weeks ago

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Renae Hanson · 780 weeks ago

After reading the Teacher 2.0 Article as well as the comments about it listed above, I'm having some mixed feelings. I really enjoyed the article and felt as though it was spot on. What bugs me is that I feel like no matter how hard I try, I'll never be 2.0. The change is just too rapid. As soon as I learn something and use it enough to be confident with it - there is something newer, faster, brighter, hotter or more efficient. There was a time when I felt extremely tech savy...now I feel like I can't keep up.

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Teresa Eccles · 780 weeks ago

Like many others I was pleased to see that I have accomplished most of the Teacher 2.0 checklist. I have no interest Twitter or Second Life but have tried everything else. I was especially glad to hear the author state that being interested in your students is the most important thing you can do. I am a firm believer that the student-teacher relationship is the biggest factor in student success.
On a side note and not on topic, I was more than a bit concerned when I read this weekend about how much time children are engaged in electronic media. Between school and home students are packing in the hours. Most are multi-tasking so the hours are compounded. I know this seems rather un-techie but when do these kids play outside???? I am including this comment in my post because I feel it shows even more that as teachers we need to get the most out of the time we have our students "plugged in" so they have time left over to feel the grass under their feet.

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Molly Klemkow · 780 weeks ago

Good Morning,
I read through the Teacher Chronicles also and found that I have completed most on the list. One thing I have found in keeping up the always developing Tech World is that things become out of date fast. I just got a new phone last summer and already feel like I need a new one. I thought getting a keyboard was hip but now you need a touch screen :)

Thank You

Molly

1 reply · active 780 weeks ago

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Rachel Cragar · 780 weeks ago

I read The Teacher Chronicles and the steps to being a 2.0 teacher. I found (thank goodness) that I had already taken most of the steps. I have always been pretty technologically efficient and a bit of a geek so I keep up pretty well with my fifth graders. The one thing that I have a hard time with my studnets is their use of 'text talk' I try very hard to speak properly even when texting but kids dont. It drives me a little batty when I see it in their every day writing. I do suppose that it is a great introduction to a mini lesson on writing for their audience :)

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Suz Chen · 780 weeks ago

I read the Edutopia article and absolutely agreed with all of its points. As a product of the generation that has never known life without computers, I can attest to the importance of incorporating technology into the classroom. If you asked me in high school who my favorite teachers were, I would have listed off all the ones who had found creative methods of using computers, video, etc. To students, these teachers are the ones who are in touch with their world.

In counseling, I've found that with some students who come in and don't want to talk, when I share that I've played Rockband or Halo it changes how they relate to me. Yes, I end up hearing a 15 minute spiel on why one video game is better than the next, but its worth it when it leads to more trusting relationships. I will definitely continue to try to keep a foot in the new and ever changing world of technology!

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Tina McDaniel · 780 weeks ago

I feel pretty good that I have accomplished much of the Teacher 2.0 checklist. I have twittered, created a blog and most recently I got a totally cool new phone that is basically a computer in my purse! I can do pretty much anything that I would do on my home computer from my phone--surf the web, check email, log into my bank account! It is amazing at one simple thing involving technology can do to change your life!

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Amy Cassady · 780 weeks ago

I read both articles when they were posted. I wanted to comment on The Teacher Chronicles, but was denied access by our Internet Use Policy. (Something about "adult content". Ugh.) Anyhow, from what I remember from the teacher 2.0 checklist, I've thankfully been exposed to most. I have a personal blog, two classroom blogs and a newer cell phone. I know how to text, Twitter and have a Facebook page. The thing that I lack poorly in is the video game realm. I have nephews that play "vids", as they call them, for hours on end. Honestly, I have no interest in them and could care less about them! But, probably, I should have my nephews teach me a little so I can at least have a conversation with my students!

1 reply · active 780 weeks ago

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Wendy Ward · 780 weeks ago

I read the Edutopia article. I have mixed feelings. I do understand that kids are constantly bombarded with multiple electronic messages at once and are constantly multi-tasking, but when I was reading "Brain Rules" by John Medina it clearly shows how are brains can not and do not actually multi task. Instead the brain is constantly putting one thing on hold in order to attend to the next and the cycle goes on which actually wastes a lot of time jumping back and forth. Teaching kids to focus on one thing and complete it saves time and is a valuable skill. I'm cautious about jumping in and making our world so virtual that no one really gets out and lives in it or interacts face to face with real people doing active things. I watch my own 8th and 10th grade kids and get really irritated from the amount of time they waste in front of a screen. Anyway, I'm still pretty old school and like to use technology as a tool to save time so I can go out and live and I'm definately against kids spending the majority of their time using tech just to be using it but not to accomplish a purpose.

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Mona · 780 weeks ago

Well...I've tried to access the Teacher Chronicles link provided but I keep getting denied because it says that it contains adult content???? So, I'll try again later but have been trying to access that article a few times. I've read some of the posts and it sounds like I am fairly tech savvy as well but I don't feel like it. I sorta consider what I do know/use as the very basics with much room to grow. My interest is there to develop my knowledge in the world of techonology but I know it will take time and repeated exposure...and that is the hard part....

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Kim Fitzpatrick · 780 weeks ago

I read the Edutopia.org article and connected instantly with the comment regarding "memes" (various information streams constantly popping and sparking and competing for attention in our brains). Maybe that's why I love teaching 5th grade! I don't necessarily agree that we have to be technologically literate superstars about every single thing out there in order to compete for students' attention, rather, I believe we need to find ways to be engaging in order to make teaching & learning relevant. If that involves streaming videos, RSS (media authoring), YouTube, etc., that's great, but good teaching goes beyond the dazzle. It all goes back to Gardner and multiple intelligences...I'm just sayin'. Having said that, I've read through the other posts and even though I couldn't access the Teacher Chronicals (no access?), it sounds like I'm keeping up with technology just fine. Blog - check, FB - check, YouTube account - check, Flip Ultra - check, Droid - check...okay, so no apps on my phone yet, but at least I have one. Brandon, I'm going to have to come see how you put the video games up in the background.

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Jan Clemsen · 780 weeks ago

I read the article Edutopia and found it interesting. The article mentioned an author who writes on the effects new technology has on our consciousness. I wonder about the rewiring of the brain and the electromagnetic energy on our health in general. They presented that interviews with teachers found that 27% had little or no training in how to integrate technology into the curriculum.
Teachers also mentioned that federal testing requirements took precedent over creating real world applications and engaging students using tools such as technology. Another negative associated with "high-stakes" testing. I still think some of these technology applications need professional filter. Yeah, lots of this stuff is great, Facebook, and shows I'm technologically literate. Does it make me a better person, more educated, more complex thinker. Who knows. I waste a lot of time when I'd rather be taking a walk or reading a BOOK!!! Must be getting late and time for bed.

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Tenaya Williams · 780 weeks ago

I am posting late and will briefly respond to the article Edutopia. Clearly, the information age is here! The following quote makes it clear to me that we are already behind and will need to MOVE QUICKLY towards integrating technology out classroom environments in order to stay "connected" with our learners. "'There's a total disconnect between my life and what's going on in the classroom.'" But if that changes, the effect on learning could be immediate and widespread. More than half the students in a nationwide survey by the National Governors' Association said their class work is easy, and two-thirds reported they would work harder if their coursework were more interesting or challenging.__

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