Comments for Technology In Class

Comment on Do You Give Zeros? by Spearso

Spearso — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:37:18 +0000

@ MA Public Schools: The analogy you use seems flawed to me. A student being a little late is more analogous to only doing 90% of the homework or not completing the last section of a quiz. Not doing homework, assignments projects or not taking assessments is more like actually missing work for the entire day, for which I think one would have their day’s pay docked.
@ All: I think the debate is rooted in philosophies. For me, practicing what is taught is an integral part of the learning process. Grades are to reflect what is learned, but the process is a part of learning. Also, there is an issue of equity in that child A can earn, let’s say a 72% by completing everything in the learning process, but struggle to earn that 72%. Child B can earn the same 72% yet skip some of the process. Rather than let child B, float along unmotivated or disinterested, he or she should have his or her instruction differentiated to meet specific needs, which in this case may mean an acceleration or addition of content. That student needs to learn and practice the process of learning for when he or she eventually comes up against something that actually does present significant challenge. Rather than fix how grades are assigned by starting at 50%, let’s focus on training ourselves to meet all needs of all students, different as they may be.
Making 50% a score for doing nothing is very Spinal Tap. As Nigel Tufnel said, “But these go to 11.”

Comment on Do You Give Zeros? by Cherrie Moore

Cherrie Moore — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:21:23 +0000

I am going to start this right now! I have always hated that practice, it was just the only thing I knew. I always change the zeroes to the earned grade if/when a student does turn in the work, so this method actually aligns with how I’m thinking. The student only learns the material if they do the work, but too many zeroes makes it so there is no incentive to try any longer.

Comment on If You’re a Teacher Please Stop Saying Some of These Things by Most Popular Posts on Technology In Class at Technology In Class

Most Popular Posts on Technology In Class at Technology In Class — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:04:30 +0000

[...] yeah, the most popular posts: 1. If You’re a Teacher Please Stop Saying Some of These Things 2. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (great site, whiteboard friendly) 3. Fun With Wordle [...]

Comment on Weekly Gathering by leb 03/08/2010 - Liane Benedict

leb 03/08/2010 - Liane Benedict — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:32:13 +0000

[...] Weekly Gathering at Technology In Class [...]

Comment on Free Language Learning Games by Free Geography Games at Technology In Class

Free Geography Games at Technology In Class — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:02:49 +0000

[...] March 6th, 2010 by tic@technologyinclass.com Last week I posted about Digital Dialects and their Language Learning Games. After looking around their site a little more I found a link to some Geography Games that are just [...]

Comment on Grown Up Digital 2: Facebook &c. by Cell Phones as Educational Technology at Technology In Class

Cell Phones as Educational Technology at Technology In Class — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:12:56 +0000

[...] English teachers can assign texting or twittering as creative writing. Don Tapscott tells the story about the Japanese student named Rin who wrote an entire novel via texting. She [...]

Comment on Free Web Builder From Google by Should Teachers Teach Organization Skills? at Technology In Class

Should Teachers Teach Organization Skills? at Technology In Class — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:10:37 +0000

[...] Blog, Google Sites, Websites. Having a class blog, google site, or website can help students get into the habit of keeping track of due dates, test dates, field [...]

Comment on Reduce Waste and Save Time: Nine Tips for Automation by Should Teachers Teach Organization Skills? at Technology In Class

Should Teachers Teach Organization Skills? at Technology In Class — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:08:12 +0000

[...] written about how to make life more automated, but what about getting students [...]

Comment on Grown Up Digital 1–Intro and Chapter 1 by Teaching: The Unprofessional Profession at Technology In Class

Teaching: The Unprofessional Profession at Technology In Class — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:56:46 +0000

[...] part in your own education as a teacher. That might mean reviewing some educational psychology or reading a book that you agree or disagree with. Caring can start with discussion on pedagogical topics, or [...]

Comment on National Day on Writing: Part Two by Diversity of Thought at Technology In Class

Diversity of Thought at Technology In Class — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:55:49 +0000

[...] a long novel like Moby Dick trains the mind in long thinking too. Working on one or two longer math problems will do the [...]