Something that cam up in my TE I have been thinking about the last couple of days. Should we teach kids to use the book dictionary or should we teach them to use the computer? For instance, this one girl in my class brought up a very good point that she use the auto correct for words such as govt for government. Should be teaching the students these trips for spelling since technology is taking over the classrooms?
I know, personally, that when I type a paper I often mis-spell words however I am more worried about my thoughts then my spelling. My sentences often have a few mis-spelled words but all I do is right click and there is the word I meant to type. There was no thought process on the spelling or the mistakes that I did wrong. I think that using mircosoft word has made me worse speller because I do not have to think about my spelling anymore.
Does spelling matter anymore? Do we have to focus the sounds so that words just get close to real spelling? I know on my Mac, it doesn't matter where I am typing but no matter what if I spell a word incorrectly, the red lines are going to appear and I know I have change my spelling. Does this limit my thinking about spelling? For students, do they have worry about spelling because they know the computer will fix them? Also, students know if they want a "smarter" word they can go to synonymous and the words will come up.
So my questions are, should we teach to the new up coming way? Should we be teaching students how to use Spell Checker or should we teach them to dictionary? I am torn because I feel as if knowing how to use the dictionary is so important, but think of the last time you used one? Computers are taking over the classrooms, so should we teach them the old school way or should we teach them the future?
Megan,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a very valid point. However, I truly believe that we should STILL teach children to use the dictionary. Although we live in a digital world, I personally feel that these old ways are important. After all, students they may not have internet access at all times in their lives. We should incorporate both the past and the future. The past has made what the future is today, and our students should learn to realize this.
Cheers,
Kaitlyn
Great post that really got me thinking! I think it is crucial for students to learn how to use the dictionary but when would they ever learn how to use them. School should be the place where students learn about other sources that aren't technology related and although it is important to incorporate technology into the classroom there are also basic skills that students need to know. Great ideas and questions!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and how frustrating it is that spellcheck seems to have taken the place of a dictionary. It has for me! It is hard to teach with a dictionary because in reality they will never use them. I think my classroom I am placed in right now has 3 total for her class. What my CT does is makes them sound it out and write it on their own without worrying if it is spelled right or not. Then, if they are writing a final draft she comes around and spells the words correctly for them. Is that any better? I don't think so. However, it makes them try to spell it correctly. Technology makes our job so much easier and harder at the same time!
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