Comments on: Encouraging Reading by Stephen Krashen

By: Moving at the Speed of Creativity » Blog Archive » Improve reading skills with basic solutions

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:26:55 +0000

[...] Dr. Krashen shared his opinion at the end of his 3rd presentation last week (which is available as a podcast) that we should spend more on school libraries, and less on technology. Both Brian Crosby and Darren Kuropatwa responded to this, and I agree with their sentiments. I think that: [...]

By: Wesley Fryer

Wesley Fryer — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:14:11 +0000

I think you are both correct, Dean and Brian– the experiential and anecdotal evidence seems to be in on blogs and students reading on the web. Kids read more, they read better. Same for writing. I think Dr. Krashen, as he said in an earlier presentation, is “bound by the evidence” to a degree and doesn’t see that research yet on student blogging. This makes a compelling case for action research relating to blogging in the classroom!

Anthony, I think your suggestion is an interesting one. Unfortunately most schools seem pretty tied to traditional ways of doing things, and suggesting a curriculum based on videogames would be received about like a suggestion like “let’s turn off the bells and stop changing classes every 50 minutes” in a high school. Marc Prensky, author of Don’t Bother Me Mom, I’m Learning is one author that definitely shares your perspectives on the potential value of video games in education. Sadly I don’t think many administrators and teachers are seriously listening and implementing Prensky’s ideas.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 05:17:25 +0000

I am curious to see what would happen to student achievement if we divert more money from assessment products and into tools that students would appreciate using more. How about more tools that are similar to video games?

By: Learning Is Messy - Blog » Blog Archive » We Should Cut Back On Technology In Schools?

Sun, 03 Sep 2006 07:50:47 +0000

[...] Iâ€™m sure Iâ€™m not the only one that sees a hole in the logic here. I know Dean Shareski for one is questioning the reasoning (note his comment on Wes’s post). My short version response is: [...]

By: Dean Shareski

Dean Shareski — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 04:34:42 +0000

I’m sure the podcast will clarify but I’m wondering about your thoughts on his statement regarding technology spending and data regarding blogs. My initial thought is that the lack of data is either not available but also irrelevant in terms of its impact on reading. The intent of blogs isn’t necessarily to improve reading, it may be a by-product but their intent is to connect and build ideas.

Anyways, I hope you can clarify this point…other than that he sounds like he’s got some great things to consider.

By: Miguel Guhlin

Miguel Guhlin — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:29:57 +0000

this is great! I’ve always wanted to hear him speak but never had the opportunity. Thanks to your podcast of the talk, I’ll be able to realize my dream.

Thank you, Wes!!

Tears trickling down my cheeks,
Miguel