Julia's+Blog

The following was originally published March 11, 2012 at http://julesnthedesert.blogspot.com/2012/03/edld-5364-week-2-reflection.html This week has been very productive, especially since I am no longer sick. My group has been amazing, and we are jumping feet first into week 2’s assignment. Each member of my group brings such unique qualities to the table, and we are able to share ideas freely without feeling our thoughts are meaningless. I feel that my group is not only fellow classmates, but also friends.

The assignment is posing a bit of a challenge since we need to narrow down our focus and ensure we are meeting the expertise areas of not only the students at hand, but also the teachers. Also, my group members represent various grade levels, so we are working together to ensure our skillset is being used to the best of each of our abilities.

A topic from the reading that I found interesting was the effects of computers on self-esteem. I find this an interesting topic since many students with low self-esteem are often our lower performing students. In the article, Technology-enriched Classrooms: Effects on Students of Low Socioeconomic Status, the author refers to several studies that prove a positive correlation between computer aided instruction and increased self-esteem. With my own students, I am seeing a similar correlation. My students with lower self-esteem are gaining a positive outlook through the use of technology. They are realizing they are quite capable of completing the online games and utilizing various computer applications to their advantage. What the student is often unable to state orally, they seem to be able to put on the computer with ease. By building this confidence, the students are showing growth in all academic areas as well. Although I am unsure as to why the technology helps, unless it is simply a comfort factor (since the students use video games and cell phones). Whatever the reasoning, if it works, why don’t more teachers use it?

Page, M. S. (2002). Technology-enriched classrooms: Effects on students of low socioeconomic status. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34(4), 389–409. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from the International Society of Education at http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Number_4_Summer_20021&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=830