After the Bell, Beyond the Walls

“After the Bell, Beyond the Walls” by Eric Langhorst is an extraordinary article that talks about how and why teachers should integrate technology into their classrooms. Langhorst asks the question, “Do you use technology to extend your students’ learning beyond the classroom walls?” I think that from a lot of teachers the answer to that question would be no. I think that a lot of teachers are still in the mindset that chalk and talk is the best way to run their lessons and just give worksheet homework for outside of class. However, they need to be informed that using technology can really enhance students’ learning, in and outside the classroom.

The article talks about different types of technology that teachers can use with their students. Teachers or students can publish text, graphics, or videos by using internet tools such as blogs, wikispaces, podcasting, or video sharing sites. These applications allow students to “visit with one another, entertain themselves, and view media of their choice.” I think it is a great idea for teachers to make class websites where all these applications can be available to the students and where they can upload media that they have created. I think a class website it also important to students can ask questions when at home and another student or the teacher can log onto the website and answer the questions. Not to mention, a website could be a place for the teacher to upload assignments so that if a student is absent they can go to the website and be able to see what they missed that day.

One use of technology that Langhorst talks about is studycasts. A studycast is an mp3 or podcast that can be uploaded to the class website and then the students can listen to them on their own time. They can use iTunes and put them on their iPods, or they can get the studycast onto a CD and listen to them on their CD players. These studycasts explain important information about upcoming assessments. Langhorst explains how studycasts are a great tool for those students who have reading disabilities because they can repeat the studycast as much as possible. I think this is extremely helpful. Not only can a studycast be helpful to those students who have learning difficulties, but a podcast or mp3 could be made for those students who need to have tests read to them. By listening to the test the teacher has more time to help other students rather than just having to sit and read a test the whole period.

The one assignment that Langhorst describes that I really liked is the virtual book club. He made a blog about a book where students could go to discuss and ask questions to each other about the reading. He also go the author of the book to join the blog to answer questions and help further understanding of the book for the students. Langhorst explained that, “The book blog provided a different, richer experience: Reading the book became a two-way street in which inquiry was possible for both reader and author.” I think that is amazing! I wish I could have had an assignment like this when I was in 8th grade. Reading a book and being able to talk to the author and ask questions would be helpful and interesting. The blog was not only used for discussion. Students also uploaded videos and audio files of interviews and other assignments they did that dealt with the book.

This article really encompasses the essential conditions for technology integration. It has great examples of how technology can be brought into the classroom to enhance the students’ learning. The article explains that using technology is not only important in the classroom but outside the classroom as well. It is also important to make sure the technology you are using is relevant to what the students are learning, and that it’s not just a “wow” factor. Technology use needs to improve student learning not just impress them. However, there are ways to impress and excite students with technology while enhancing their learning experiences. Langhorst says in his article that, “We cheat our students if we continue to think of school as a class period that beings and ends with a bell.” I think this statement really sums up his whole view on technology use. Technology is important to use in the classroom but it is just as important to use outside the classroom. Students should be learning and exploring different tools and ideas all the time, not just in the classroom. Therefore, we cheat out students if we don’t emphasize the importance of outside classroom exploration and using technology is a great way to further exploration and learning.