8th Graders Using Blogs in Urban Education to Build Writing and Social Studies Skills

I heard from a middle school educator recently that he decided to use blogs as a writing tool for his 8th graders.  He wasn't sure how it would work because it was his first time blogging but he was willing to try it.  He posts the topic for his students on various culturally relevant current events and requires his students to research the event and then post a comment.  He does it weekly and uses it to improve skills in technology, research, writing and social studies.  He said he had complaints initially because none of the students wanted to write or read the news. They now look forward to it because there is a word limit and they like the relevancy of the topics. The students are now coming to him with suggested topics.  Imagine that! 

Good for him and lets hope others start doing the same.

Gaming in Urban Education

I recently completed research on an emerging technology known as "gamification."  I found it especially interesting that many industries are using gaming for employee training and how it improves learning outcomes for children.  I always try out new games and education sites before I allow my daughter to use them so when I found a site for vocabulary and spelling words for all levels I had to try it out.  Before I knew it, I was using it to test my own vocabulary skills.  It was fun and I've used it many times since then.  I justify playing the games by reminding myself that studies have shown that in older adults,  puzzles, word games etc. aid cognition and might even delay early onset of dimentia!  In any event, I've been gamified.

As I did research for the project, I asked my educator friends how they felt about using games in education.  The responses varied from "they are fine as long as they are used at home to supplement,"  "we barely have time to teach the material we have to cover as it is" to "the kids know more about the computers than we do."  These are the three responses that struck me the most because they evidenced a high degree of trepidation about gaming and technology.  These responses came from new to experienced teachers in Durham County.  These educators were all born since the mid 1980's and I just assumed that they were "digital natives." 

Now I am left to ponder these three things:
1.        Did these educators represent of a group of  "should be" digital natives who got left behind in the digital divide and never caught up, even in college?  If so, how many other teachers are in this position?
2.        Does the standardized test driven curriculum leave so little space for creativity and innovation that educators can't incorporate technology, even as lesson support?
3.        Is there enough professional development available for teachers to be trained in the benefits of technology integration, how to use technology, and the neccessity of learners' early exposure to technology?

This is a blog about computers in urban education so I must consider how those responses impact urban school children.  If teachers are afraid of technology, don't have time to integrate it into the daily curriculum, or lack training, how are student's impacted?  There is data in the relevant literature that shows gaming is effective as a learning tool and does increase mean scores on tests so this could improve student performance. Also, it is critical for the success of every child, especially urban children who are lacking in many other areas, to be exposed early to technology.  If they see teachers using technology regularly and they use it regularly, they become more adept with technology, less intimidated by technology and experience the reality of a 21st century education.

 I am interested in hearing the perspective of  educators on these questions.  Feel free to comment.