Journal 6: "Students Voices for Change"

Miller, S. (2011, June/July). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading WITH TECHNOLOGY, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

This is an encouraging article about how students are taking advantage of technology to make their voices heard. In Iowa there is a school called VanMeter Community and they have afforded every student in grades 6-12 a laptop.  Some of the multimedia devices that the students are using include; Prezi, Skype, iMovie and many others.  I was especially moved by what superintendent John Carver pointed out.  Carver states, “Our children are our greatest resources, and yet today we do not listen to or empower them” (as cited in Miller, 2011, page 22).  Which, I think is essential as community to realize because our students are our future and with out them we do not have one.

Q: 1)How are schools providing students with new opportunities to be leaders in the classroom?

A: 1)Schools like VanMeter are providing students with laptops where they can take advantage of various multimedia tools such as Skype, iMovie and Prezi.  These programs provide students with alternate opportunities to express themselves and build self-confidence. 

Q: 2)How are teachers facilitating the use of technology usage?

A: 2)They are encouraging students use of technology by one providing them with the right tools.  Also, teachers are giving students the opportunity to present and openly discuss their blogs with their classmates.