Journal Entry #7

Tech Camp Unleashes Creativity and Collaboration


By Joe Bardin

     This article discusses a one-week camp for K-12 grade teachers that immerses them into the world of technology and its uses in the classroom.  The camp enables teachers to have some hands-on experience as well have access to facilitators for questions and discussions. 

     The article speaks to the use of iMovie, Podcasts, and WebPages in the trainings offered at the Tech Camp.  The author emphasizes the potential for learning in the classroom using the above-mentioned programs.  The instructors in the camp encourage the teachers to let their students be creative in their use of technology.  By letting the students explore using their knowledge of technology it allows for them to think outside of the box.

     One teacher spoke to the learning process and ever changing applications in technology.  “I saw that the Trainers worked by trial and error too, which showed me not to be intimidated by what I didn’t know. Tech Camp released my inhibitions to ask for help and gave me the confidence to have kids experiment as well”, (Tech Camp Unleashes Creativity and Collaboration, June/July 2008). 

     The article uses several specific examples of how teachers are using different applications in the classroom and how they enhance the learning process of their students.

 How concepts are taught to 1^st Graders by using iMovie to make a film about fire safety?

Besides the obvious, of learning about fire safety the children were responsible for much of the script writing and acting.  Such a project exercises a range of fundamental skills: writing, public speaking, teamwork, and creative collaboration.

 How does one teacher use technology to help bridge a language gap with her students?

Podcasts are used an example of how technology is useful to English Language Learners.  Such students do not often hear themselves speak fully until they do a recording and then play it back. The playback gives an audible demonstration of how important it is to slow down and enunciate properly.  With this, there are plenty of room for creativity and fun as well. Audio effects lend for creativity in making voices sound distorted, either very high pitched or altered.