Week 4
    Collaborative learning was the topic of most of this week’s readings and discussions.  This is such a great topic for schools to rethink the way that most of us teach.  Many teachers are so focused on their content that they do not know what is going on in the other classrooms.  Collaborative learning allows students to focus on their strengths and learn from others on how to improve in areas they are weak.  Technology is a great way to incorporate collaborative learning.  There are so many ways that students can collaborate with their peers.   Most students are already familiar with web 2.0 tools that will help with collaboration.  Teachers don’t even have to have students in the same class work together.  In fact students can collaborate and work with students around the world.  As I reflected on these facts I think about my own learning.  The students in my own class I have not meet.  We are working together on projects and we have never been in the same room.  Technology is so great!  But as Ringstaff, C and Kelley, L (2002) write, "Simply putting computers in schools does not mean effective technology integration has occurred. Teachers must see the connection between new hardware and software and their educational applications in the classroom. Furthermore, professional development efforts will be undermined if the computers or infrastructure are not adequately supported."  Plopping computers and technology in a room is not going to increase test scores or create better students.  Teachers do need training on how to use these products to enhance their learning.  I do agree with that, but too many times teachers use that as an excuse.  Many times teachers wait to have others give them lessons or activities to use to incoperate technology.  We have to be proactive and explore for ourselves.  Is that not what we want from our students?  We have too many instant resources to use to find lessons, activities, and ideas on ways we can use the technology we are given.  Don’t wait for somebody to train you, for Pete sake, Google it and find out yourself!