Journal 1

Power of the Mashup by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss

What is a mashup? In this article the authors define a mashup as, "a hybrid application that draws from multiple sources to create something new." The concept of the mashup is to take something that is already being used in the classroom, the state standards or a specifict text or piece of literature, and incorporate it with technology to engage students in a new way. The article gave two detailed examples of classroom teachers who incorporated modern technology with timeless literature and centuries-old history to create an experience that engaged students in a new and vital way. In the examples given in the article, one of the teachers incorporated Google Earth with Voltaire's Candide, creating Google Lit Trips, while the other incorporated MP3 players with Australian history, creating the iHistory Podcast Project.

Another key element of the article, beside the concept of combining new technology with old classroom standbys, was the concept of teachers sharing their innovations with other teachers. New ideas are easily shared with internet technology. Many teachers who might be reluctant to spearhead a mashup themselves find it much easier to incorporate something that is tried and true into their existing curriculum. The innovators themselves benefit, as well; their work is improved and expanded upon through collaboration with others.

Questions:
1. How could a mashup be incorporated into lower grade levels where children might not be as tech savvy? It is important to remember that children are becoming more familiar with technology at a younger age than ever before. It is important not to underestimate children in grades K-2. Visual images, particularly 3D images like maps and video clips, will make events and stories come to life for children in the lower grades.
2. How can you overcome a teacher's reluctance to try new technology? As stated in the article, the fact that new ideas can be shared so easily via the internet will encourage many teachers who are reluctant to try something new to instead try something that may be new, but has also been tried and tested by their peers.