Reference Website: Robo Clerk?
In this search for reliable, kid friendly current events websites I came across the Scholastic website. This website includes current events that are kid friendly. After reviewing CNN students and Fox News, I still found the material to gritty for some elementary students. I think our students should have an understanding of current events, but hot button topics that are trending in our news (gay marriage, war, ISIS) should be left to the parents discretion of when and how to introduce those topics. I browsed this website and the first news story is the Robo Clerk link posted above. This news article talks about the use of human like Androids being used in Japan. In this hotel in Japan, human workers are replaced by robots or Androids. "Guests to Henn-na can check in to the hotel, have their luggage carried to their rooms, get room service, and have their rooms cleaned—all with the help of androids. Androids are robots that are designed to look similar to real people. The hotel’s developers hope that they will be able to run the hotel at a much lower cost by staffing it with robots along with some humans." I think students would really respond to a news article of this sort. This brings in fantasy elements (robots) and technology that is really being developed in today's world. This article could be used as a jumping piece to an ELA journal. There are multiple ways to integrate Social Studies, and current events, across the curriculum. I could allow my students to mold, draw or graphic design (online) a similar project to meet art standards. The article talks about using this type of technology as cost cutting methods; I could allow my students to estimate the cost of this technology and compare it to any potential savings. We could calculate the cost of building this technology and analyze the costs with a decrease of human staffing savings and write a reflective piece. I think the possibilities are endless and this website and use of current events are a great starting point for integrated curriculum.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that some topics should be left for parents to discuss with their children but also think this is a great website with a wealth of information that children can find very helpful. I think technology has changed the classroom in lots of positive ways, but think that in some cases technology is not always the best thing, such as a hotel receptionist. I definitely think this is an article that children would find fascinating and very interesting.
It is important for students to keep up with current events, but in this time, it seems like the news is all bad news. As a teacher, this is a great site and resource to get students interested in what is going on around the world.
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