Blog Journal 8

     Using Diigo has been interesting and useful. I've learned how to use the software itself very well, but I've also learned how to find articles and how to find useful information within those articles more effectively. I suppose you could call it skimming, but I don't always have the time to read an entire article, and being able to pick out useful pieces of information without wasting time is a valuable skill to have.
     Powerpoint is an incredibly useful tool that could easily be used in all levels of the bloom taxonomy. Say I wanted to teach by students about medieval Japan. The first two levels of the pyramid, remembering and understanding, could be covered by a powerpoint that I, the teacher, could make and show in the classroom. This powerpoint would be a basic overview of medieval Japan and could consist of dates, major events, and important figures. The students could then analyze this information and draw connections between figures and events themselves. As for applying and creating, the students could then construct their own powerpoint on a topic of their choice, be it a specific period, and aspect of culture, a certain person or event. Then the students could evaluate each others work after they were presented.
     I personally do not believe that teachers are obligated to assist with technological development directly. Teachers are teachers and technology developers are technology developers. If an educator decides to enter into the tech field that's obviously fine but teachers should not be held responsible for the advancement of technology. However, teachers are absolutely responsible for keeping up with technology that will further their teaching capability. This website offers recent articles for technology, and can send newsletters upon request.