Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Prezi
Check out my prezi on using Moodle in the classroom:
http://prezi.com/mk-0mjwlsdfx/moodle-in-the-classroom/
This is a great presentation I created for my course through Walden University: Education 6715
http://prezi.com/mk-0mjwlsdfx/moodle-in-the-classroom/
This is a great presentation I created for my course through Walden University: Education 6715
Thursday, October 21, 2010
How to Write a Good Introduction
Writing a good introduction is very important for any story. The first thing to think about when you are starting out a story is how to start it. Making your introduction interesting is the most important thing. A boring introduction will bore people and they will not want to read the rest of your story.
An example of a good introduction is:
An example of a bad introduction is:
An example of a good introduction is:
An example of a bad introduction is:
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Final Reflection- Ed. 6713
Throughout this course I have learned much about teaching and about what is best for my students to prepare them for the 21st century.
I am so excited about how far I have come on my own GAME plan and even more excited about how I can incorporate what I have learned into my classroom this coming fall.
My original GAME plan goals were: 1. Engage students in exploring and solving real- world problems, 2. customize personal learning experiences for diverse learners.
Throughout this entire course I have worked very hard to reach these goals and complete my GAME plan, throughout my journey I have blogged and reflected upon my week-to-week progress, and looking back I have tracked myself quite well.
I believe that I have achieved both of my goals and will definetly put them into pracitce next year. After completing week 7 of the course I have learned how to complete a integrated thematic plan while incorporating technology tools that apply directly to my two goals.
During my unit I incorporated student research and opportunity for students to work with one another to collaborate their own town and culture, which relates directly to my first goal of helping students solve real world problems. In addition during my thematic unit I also gave students opportunities to learn and explore in various ways which reached all of gardener multiples intelligence. For instance, students who do best at kinsectic learning they were able to create digital stories and learn more about the Mayan culture.
I am especially excited about having my students create their own GAME plan next year to reach their own personal and academic goals, I have learned that using a GAME plan can effectively encourage students to become better students and more self confident in themselves, helping to prepare them for the 21st century skills.
I believe it was a very powerful experience, taking this course and learning about GAME plans and all the possibilities that technology gives students today. Zac Chase describes how his students were able to complete a online collaboration and take learning into their hands, solving problems and being leaders in their own learning experience, that is what type of teacher I asprire to be .... one who facilitates these types of oppotunities for my students.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
I am so excited about how far I have come on my own GAME plan and even more excited about how I can incorporate what I have learned into my classroom this coming fall.
My original GAME plan goals were: 1. Engage students in exploring and solving real- world problems, 2. customize personal learning experiences for diverse learners.
Throughout this entire course I have worked very hard to reach these goals and complete my GAME plan, throughout my journey I have blogged and reflected upon my week-to-week progress, and looking back I have tracked myself quite well.
I believe that I have achieved both of my goals and will definetly put them into pracitce next year. After completing week 7 of the course I have learned how to complete a integrated thematic plan while incorporating technology tools that apply directly to my two goals.
During my unit I incorporated student research and opportunity for students to work with one another to collaborate their own town and culture, which relates directly to my first goal of helping students solve real world problems. In addition during my thematic unit I also gave students opportunities to learn and explore in various ways which reached all of gardener multiples intelligence. For instance, students who do best at kinsectic learning they were able to create digital stories and learn more about the Mayan culture.
I am especially excited about having my students create their own GAME plan next year to reach their own personal and academic goals, I have learned that using a GAME plan can effectively encourage students to become better students and more self confident in themselves, helping to prepare them for the 21st century skills.
I believe it was a very powerful experience, taking this course and learning about GAME plans and all the possibilities that technology gives students today. Zac Chase describes how his students were able to complete a online collaboration and take learning into their hands, solving problems and being leaders in their own learning experience, that is what type of teacher I asprire to be .... one who facilitates these types of oppotunities for my students.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Using the Game Plan with Students
Using the GAME plan with students is an excellent idea.
It is crucial for students to meet the NET-S, using the GAME plan idea is just the way to meet many of those standards. Using the GAME plan also ensures that students are meeting the 21st century skills, which as teachers it is our job to facilitate those skills within our classrooms.
For sixth graders, often times they are very unorganized and some times what I like to call as scatterbrained, using a Goal is a good way to get them on the right track. First I would have students set goals, which I do in my classroom often, we set goals for reading level, and other testing scores, as well as completion of work. Next, I would assit them in reaching their goal and implementing a plan. I would teach them how to monitor their progress, having them keep their own record and use the computer to do so, next evaluate and revise if necessary.
This is very important for students, because they will be setting goals and working on plans for the rest of their lives, I hope anyways. :)
As the learning resource stated this week, we need to allow our students to grow as self directed learners (cennamo, Ross, & Etmer, 2009)
To support this type of learning, I will need to incorporate many technology tools into the classroom, such as voice threads, wikis, blogging, digital stories, and many more.
This will be a great opportunity for students to have pride in their work and see success and how they can reach success in their own lives.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
It is crucial for students to meet the NET-S, using the GAME plan idea is just the way to meet many of those standards. Using the GAME plan also ensures that students are meeting the 21st century skills, which as teachers it is our job to facilitate those skills within our classrooms.
For sixth graders, often times they are very unorganized and some times what I like to call as scatterbrained, using a Goal is a good way to get them on the right track. First I would have students set goals, which I do in my classroom often, we set goals for reading level, and other testing scores, as well as completion of work. Next, I would assit them in reaching their goal and implementing a plan. I would teach them how to monitor their progress, having them keep their own record and use the computer to do so, next evaluate and revise if necessary.
This is very important for students, because they will be setting goals and working on plans for the rest of their lives, I hope anyways. :)
As the learning resource stated this week, we need to allow our students to grow as self directed learners (cennamo, Ross, & Etmer, 2009)
To support this type of learning, I will need to incorporate many technology tools into the classroom, such as voice threads, wikis, blogging, digital stories, and many more.
This will be a great opportunity for students to have pride in their work and see success and how they can reach success in their own lives.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Revising my Game Plan
As I continue to learn more about PBLs and incorporating technology in the classroom, I am working on my GAME plan along with the learning that is taking place. I feel as though I am gradually making progress toward reaching my GAME plan goals. Problem based learning is a good fit for reaching my GAME plan goal. Problem based learning allows for students to solve real world, work collaboratively, meet many NET-s standards and allowing me to tailor my lessons to meet my MI GLCEs for Social Studies as well.
I am continuing to find technology tools that make problem based learning more interactive and engaging for my students. I am becoming more convinced that Ning is a good tool to reach that goal, as Vicki Davis states in this week's learning resource "Ning allows globlal collaboration in a controlled environment, and allows connections between students, teachers, and other professionals" Vicki Davis also says that these networks allow for diversity, diversity that we would never be able to achieve in a classroom, only a social networking site like Ning can achieve this goal.
I want to continue to work on coming up with good thoughful questions to engage students during problem based learning. I will continue to seek out new technology tools and projects that other teachers have found successful to reach my goal.
Once I have students in the Fall I will be able to fully incorporate and work on my GAME plan with students, can't wait!
Davis, V. (2009). Spotlight on technology: Social networking and online collaboration, Part 1. (Laureate Educational, Inc., DVD, 2009 release).
I am continuing to find technology tools that make problem based learning more interactive and engaging for my students. I am becoming more convinced that Ning is a good tool to reach that goal, as Vicki Davis states in this week's learning resource "Ning allows globlal collaboration in a controlled environment, and allows connections between students, teachers, and other professionals" Vicki Davis also says that these networks allow for diversity, diversity that we would never be able to achieve in a classroom, only a social networking site like Ning can achieve this goal.
I want to continue to work on coming up with good thoughful questions to engage students during problem based learning. I will continue to seek out new technology tools and projects that other teachers have found successful to reach my goal.
Once I have students in the Fall I will be able to fully incorporate and work on my GAME plan with students, can't wait!
Davis, V. (2009). Spotlight on technology: Social networking and online collaboration, Part 1. (Laureate Educational, Inc., DVD, 2009 release).
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Game Plan Evaluating Progress
During the summer months, when I do not currently have a class, it is difficult to evaluate progress. However, I am working towards new ideas and ways to incorporate technology into my classroom for the fall, which is right around the corner.
So far, I have been looking for resources that I will use in my class to help students solve real world problems and meet the needs of diverse learners. This week I have really focused in on project based learning, I like the idea of using this to meet my goals. I think that using this type of lesson in my classes will help my students to solve real problem related to the social studies field, such as where should I go on vacation someday? Which countries a developed and not developed, and why is this? These types of problems are real problems that the government and others face each day, creating an environment that supports this type of critical thinking is important and incorporating technology will unlock that knowledge, as decribed by Dr. Etmer (Cannamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).
Some of the issues that I am still working out, is how will I get the time to use these technology tools in the classroom, how will I gain access to the computers, how will I gain the knowledge necessary to faciliate these types of projects and technology? I also have some new questions like, how will I manage my classroom during PBL, how will I meet the needs of students that can't handle the noise and aren't driven to be self sufficient learners?
I will continue to seek out the experts, my fellows teachers, blogs, and our handy text for this class to complete my GAME plan.
Resources
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
So far, I have been looking for resources that I will use in my class to help students solve real world problems and meet the needs of diverse learners. This week I have really focused in on project based learning, I like the idea of using this to meet my goals. I think that using this type of lesson in my classes will help my students to solve real problem related to the social studies field, such as where should I go on vacation someday? Which countries a developed and not developed, and why is this? These types of problems are real problems that the government and others face each day, creating an environment that supports this type of critical thinking is important and incorporating technology will unlock that knowledge, as decribed by Dr. Etmer (Cannamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).
Some of the issues that I am still working out, is how will I get the time to use these technology tools in the classroom, how will I gain access to the computers, how will I gain the knowledge necessary to faciliate these types of projects and technology? I also have some new questions like, how will I manage my classroom during PBL, how will I meet the needs of students that can't handle the noise and aren't driven to be self sufficient learners?
I will continue to seek out the experts, my fellows teachers, blogs, and our handy text for this class to complete my GAME plan.
Resources
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
GAME plan- Progress
As I have been working on my GAME plan and coming across more resources and information to help reach my goals, I have progressed quite a bit!
My first goal is the one that I have really been working on, that is finding tools that will help students to solve problems, specifically these tools are going to be focused more for my social studies class. I have been reading a lot of different teachers perspectives on digital tools and ideas. One idea that I really like and may try next year is using Ning, this is a digital classroom community where students are able to interact and share information about a certain subject matter. I think this could be easily incorporated into my social studies class and allow for some good collaboration with students from around the globe. I also like the idea of epals, as mentioned in the text. I think epals would be a great tool to for students to communicate and collaborate using the internet. I already have my students write to another class in California, but using epals will be much more engaging allow for them to really solve real problems and discuss situations with their new found friends from around the world.
For my other goal, I am looking into more ways to get to know my students, I am going to put a binder together with games and tests we can do, even using the internet and know more about each other. I am in the process of searching for a good online multiple intellilgence test. I think this would be a great way for students to take the test and really learn about themselves as learners. I am also looking into to more true colors test, from my quality school training and finding out about students that way as well. It is very important for me to learn more about my students and be able to find resources to meet their various needs.
Any suggestions on resources for online tests or more information on digital tools would be greatly appreciated :)
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
My first goal is the one that I have really been working on, that is finding tools that will help students to solve problems, specifically these tools are going to be focused more for my social studies class. I have been reading a lot of different teachers perspectives on digital tools and ideas. One idea that I really like and may try next year is using Ning, this is a digital classroom community where students are able to interact and share information about a certain subject matter. I think this could be easily incorporated into my social studies class and allow for some good collaboration with students from around the globe. I also like the idea of epals, as mentioned in the text. I think epals would be a great tool to for students to communicate and collaborate using the internet. I already have my students write to another class in California, but using epals will be much more engaging allow for them to really solve real problems and discuss situations with their new found friends from around the world.
For my other goal, I am looking into more ways to get to know my students, I am going to put a binder together with games and tests we can do, even using the internet and know more about each other. I am in the process of searching for a good online multiple intellilgence test. I think this would be a great way for students to take the test and really learn about themselves as learners. I am also looking into to more true colors test, from my quality school training and finding out about students that way as well. It is very important for me to learn more about my students and be able to find resources to meet their various needs.
Any suggestions on resources for online tests or more information on digital tools would be greatly appreciated :)
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Carrying out My plan
Ever since I developed my GAME plan I have been looking for resources and searching information about my goals.
For my first goal, looking for technology tools to help students solve problems, I am currently reading Universal Design for Learning in Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use, this has been a wonderful resource for me to understand how to individualize instruction and use technology to help students solve problems. "Central to these strategies is the use of digital media to provide students with flexibility as they meet the demands of learning goals". (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p.123) Communication tolls and multimedia tools are definetly going to be incorporated into my classroom more next year to meet their needs.
My next goal was associated with learning my students and understand their needs, since I don't have a class right now I am planning on ways to get to know my students next year. One way is to learn about Howard Gardner's idea of multiple intelligence, on p.124 which explains the difference of students ways of learning and how those needs can be met with technology also found in chapter 5 of the course text. I feel that really learning about these tools and strategies will help me to reach both of my goals.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
For my first goal, looking for technology tools to help students solve problems, I am currently reading Universal Design for Learning in Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use, this has been a wonderful resource for me to understand how to individualize instruction and use technology to help students solve problems. "Central to these strategies is the use of digital media to provide students with flexibility as they meet the demands of learning goals". (Cennamo, et al., 2009, p.123) Communication tolls and multimedia tools are definetly going to be incorporated into my classroom more next year to meet their needs.
My next goal was associated with learning my students and understand their needs, since I don't have a class right now I am planning on ways to get to know my students next year. One way is to learn about Howard Gardner's idea of multiple intelligence, on p.124 which explains the difference of students ways of learning and how those needs can be met with technology also found in chapter 5 of the course text. I feel that really learning about these tools and strategies will help me to reach both of my goals.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
GAME Plan
After reviewing the NETS-T, I am reflecting upon areas I am confident and need improvement.
My game plan is as follows:
Goals- Improve in the Area 1 of NETS-T, specifically; engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I want to be able to really engage students in real world issues and help them solve these issues using tools.
Goal 2- Improve in Area 2 of NETS-T; c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. Another one I really need to work on is meeting the needs of all of my students using digital tools.
Actions- For my first goal, research and learn more about tools that allow to students to solve problems, real world. Also learn and investigate where to find real current issues that relate to the content area of social studies.
Continued... Learn who my students are....understand and be able to see how students learn, this can be done using "true colors" activities. Next, learn and research activities that use digital tools to meet their different learning style. See what is available and search the internet and ask collegeaus about these tools, what works what doesn't. I will search for three new ideas and things each week.
Monitor- I will monitor my progress by using at least one new tool or idea in class each week and see if students are engaged more and enjoy these. Survey students? Possibly.
Evaluate- in the end, put all of these new ideas and concepts into practice, see if engagement is higher and if students are more fluent in using these tools. Are students being more creative and is this reaching the 21st century learning skills?
When finished, continuing finding areas that need improvment and continue to research and find new tools and ideas that will further enrich my classroom environment.
Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated :)
My game plan is as follows:
Goals- Improve in the Area 1 of NETS-T, specifically; engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I want to be able to really engage students in real world issues and help them solve these issues using tools.
Goal 2- Improve in Area 2 of NETS-T; c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. Another one I really need to work on is meeting the needs of all of my students using digital tools.
Actions- For my first goal, research and learn more about tools that allow to students to solve problems, real world. Also learn and investigate where to find real current issues that relate to the content area of social studies.
Continued... Learn who my students are....understand and be able to see how students learn, this can be done using "true colors" activities. Next, learn and research activities that use digital tools to meet their different learning style. See what is available and search the internet and ask collegeaus about these tools, what works what doesn't. I will search for three new ideas and things each week.
Monitor- I will monitor my progress by using at least one new tool or idea in class each week and see if students are engaged more and enjoy these. Survey students? Possibly.
Evaluate- in the end, put all of these new ideas and concepts into practice, see if engagement is higher and if students are more fluent in using these tools. Are students being more creative and is this reaching the 21st century learning skills?
When finished, continuing finding areas that need improvment and continue to research and find new tools and ideas that will further enrich my classroom environment.
Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated :)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Reflection- EDUC 6712
After reviewing everything I have learned these past eight weeks, I am overwhelmed, in a good way. My outlook on teaching new skills has changed. I have learned how to incorporate the new literacy skills into my lessons and teach students in a way that will be benefit them for the future. As we have learned, things are constantly changing, it is crucial that we as educators prepare our student for the future, and that means equipping them with the new literacy skills. Students have these new skills such as questioning, searching, evaluating, synthesizing, and communicating (Laureate, 2009).
The most striking revelation I had from this course was realizing that teaching the new literacy skills really starts at square one. What I mean by that, is when teaching a new skill it is important to start with the basics. Teachers must be very detailed and walk student through each skill step by step. Teaching students how to search the internet and teach them how to evaluate, skills you would think they already have done pat, but really we need to teach them how to use these skills correctly. I have even learned that some of things I was doing, such as searchin the internet and asking questions, were not done correctly. Even as a student, I now feel more secure in my literacy skills. I have also learned from Dr. Hartman that questioning skills are crucial, students need to learn how to question and form their questions correctly so they can begin to research. Modeling and thinking aloud is an important way to teach some of these new lilteracy skills. If students see you practice what you are teaching, they are more likely to follow and learn the new skill.
After completing this course I have a whole new set of tools to teach my students. I will now be incorporating these new literacy skills into my lessons. I am going to be asking my students to come up with good questions more often and teach them how to answer their questions. I want my students to be instilled with a sense of wonder and explore those questions, I will facilitate this more in my classroom. Prior to taking this course, I really wasn't sure how to incorporate these skills and facilitate this type of learning, now I know. I am looking forward to starting a new year next year and teach my kids these new skills, I think these types of lessons, such as the unit plan I created, will interest them greatly and keep them on their toes.
My goal from this course is to take the information I have learned from the new literacy skills and incorporate them into my school distrcit's new technology plan. I volunteered to serve on this committee before even taking this course, now I feel that I have learned some much wonderful information and gained insight on the new skills that students need to be successful, I am going to apply that knowledge to the committee I am serving on.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program Four. Teaching Online Literacy Skills [Motion Picture]. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the classroom. Baltimore: Author.
The most striking revelation I had from this course was realizing that teaching the new literacy skills really starts at square one. What I mean by that, is when teaching a new skill it is important to start with the basics. Teachers must be very detailed and walk student through each skill step by step. Teaching students how to search the internet and teach them how to evaluate, skills you would think they already have done pat, but really we need to teach them how to use these skills correctly. I have even learned that some of things I was doing, such as searchin the internet and asking questions, were not done correctly. Even as a student, I now feel more secure in my literacy skills. I have also learned from Dr. Hartman that questioning skills are crucial, students need to learn how to question and form their questions correctly so they can begin to research. Modeling and thinking aloud is an important way to teach some of these new lilteracy skills. If students see you practice what you are teaching, they are more likely to follow and learn the new skill.
After completing this course I have a whole new set of tools to teach my students. I will now be incorporating these new literacy skills into my lessons. I am going to be asking my students to come up with good questions more often and teach them how to answer their questions. I want my students to be instilled with a sense of wonder and explore those questions, I will facilitate this more in my classroom. Prior to taking this course, I really wasn't sure how to incorporate these skills and facilitate this type of learning, now I know. I am looking forward to starting a new year next year and teach my kids these new skills, I think these types of lessons, such as the unit plan I created, will interest them greatly and keep them on their toes.
My goal from this course is to take the information I have learned from the new literacy skills and incorporate them into my school distrcit's new technology plan. I volunteered to serve on this committee before even taking this course, now I feel that I have learned some much wonderful information and gained insight on the new skills that students need to be successful, I am going to apply that knowledge to the committee I am serving on.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program Four. Teaching Online Literacy Skills [Motion Picture]. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the classroom. Baltimore: Author.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Screencast Evaluation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80p-y-b9Grk Above
This is my screen cast evaluation of a website.....take a look! Enjoy!
This is my screen cast evaluation of a website.....take a look! Enjoy!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Reflection- Final Post Education 6711
Throughout this course I have learned many valuable things. Upon learning these new ideas and solutions for the classroom, I am going to reflect on my own personal theory. In the beginning of the course, I developed my own personal learning theory, that theory was focused on students being active engaged learners in the classroom and them building on prior knowledge. I still believe that students must be active learners and build upon experiences, however, now I have a more defined way of getting children to be active and build upon knowledge. This course has taught me many valuable lessons and ways to allow children to learn. One idea that I will now incorporate into my classroom is using more technology as a learning tool. Prior to this course, I was using technology more as an instructional tool than anything else. Now, I am aware of the importance of having children use the technology and self engaging themselves with the new tools. One of the tools that I am going to actively incorporate into the classroom, is voice thread. Voice thread is a tool that allows for people to verbally share an idea and recieve verbal feedback, a powerful experience that can be incorporated into the classroom through many different lessons.
I have also learned new techniques of keeping my students engaged in the lesson. One technique that was shared in the class was having students actively summarize what they are learning in short chunks (after each paragraph of an article or every few slides). I have tried this in my classroom already, and it works great. Another idea shared was having students apply what they are learning after a very short time, for example, if teaching with a power point, after a few slides have the student create their own model (either visual or written, again very powerful). Allowing students to create is crucial, and that is something I will add to my own personal learning theory.
As for using technology with my students, there are so many tools that I will incorporate to enhance learning. One tool is voice thread. Voice thread will be used for my students to verbally read their stories they had written, they will read and post, and then each child will verbally give feedback to one another. I think this will be a less intimidating way of sharing feedback with each other, and students love to use such tools in their learning expereinces. Next, I will have each of my student create their own blog. Students will create a blog to post their thoughts and their own stories. After posting stories and opinions, students will follow each others blogs. We have already started to do this in the last couple weeks and it has been a very positive experience thus far. Lastly, I will incorporate digital story boards into my lessons, I will have students create their own story boards about historical events. I am not sure as to what story board site I will use, I have used movie maker and that seems to work well. This will enhance learning, because each child will be creating their visual to represent what they have been learning about.
My two long term goals are 1.)incorporate more virtual field experience in my social studies classes and 2.) incorporate more concept mapping and planning for students in lessons.
The first goal is to incorpoate virtual field trip expereinces. I have learned that when teaching social studies students will need to be able to see other countries and experience life outside of Gobles. However, because funds are limited, I need to do this virtually. I have learned through this course how to incorporate virtual field trip in the classroom, and would like to make this one of my top goals for this school year. I want my students to feel as though they understand other countries and points of view, I want them to be global citizens.
My second goal is focused around concept mapping. I have learned that incorporating concept maps are very important for visual learners. Students are able to connect their thought through using concepts maps, they are great tools for both planning a paper and even taking notes in the class. I woud like to have each child create their own maps and be able to connect ideas and concepts together. To achieve this goal I am goin to try and check out the computer lab at school and have each child on a computer at least once a week in social studies, having them create an online concept map through bubble.us, a great tool.
Overall, what I have learned in this course has been valuable. I believe that the tools and ideas are going to help me become a more effective and relavent teacher. I want my students to have a meaningful learning experience in my classroom and because of this course, they will.
I have also learned new techniques of keeping my students engaged in the lesson. One technique that was shared in the class was having students actively summarize what they are learning in short chunks (after each paragraph of an article or every few slides). I have tried this in my classroom already, and it works great. Another idea shared was having students apply what they are learning after a very short time, for example, if teaching with a power point, after a few slides have the student create their own model (either visual or written, again very powerful). Allowing students to create is crucial, and that is something I will add to my own personal learning theory.
As for using technology with my students, there are so many tools that I will incorporate to enhance learning. One tool is voice thread. Voice thread will be used for my students to verbally read their stories they had written, they will read and post, and then each child will verbally give feedback to one another. I think this will be a less intimidating way of sharing feedback with each other, and students love to use such tools in their learning expereinces. Next, I will have each of my student create their own blog. Students will create a blog to post their thoughts and their own stories. After posting stories and opinions, students will follow each others blogs. We have already started to do this in the last couple weeks and it has been a very positive experience thus far. Lastly, I will incorporate digital story boards into my lessons, I will have students create their own story boards about historical events. I am not sure as to what story board site I will use, I have used movie maker and that seems to work well. This will enhance learning, because each child will be creating their visual to represent what they have been learning about.
My two long term goals are 1.)incorporate more virtual field experience in my social studies classes and 2.) incorporate more concept mapping and planning for students in lessons.
The first goal is to incorpoate virtual field trip expereinces. I have learned that when teaching social studies students will need to be able to see other countries and experience life outside of Gobles. However, because funds are limited, I need to do this virtually. I have learned through this course how to incorporate virtual field trip in the classroom, and would like to make this one of my top goals for this school year. I want my students to feel as though they understand other countries and points of view, I want them to be global citizens.
My second goal is focused around concept mapping. I have learned that incorporating concept maps are very important for visual learners. Students are able to connect their thought through using concepts maps, they are great tools for both planning a paper and even taking notes in the class. I woud like to have each child create their own maps and be able to connect ideas and concepts together. To achieve this goal I am goin to try and check out the computer lab at school and have each child on a computer at least once a week in social studies, having them create an online concept map through bubble.us, a great tool.
Overall, what I have learned in this course has been valuable. I believe that the tools and ideas are going to help me become a more effective and relavent teacher. I want my students to have a meaningful learning experience in my classroom and because of this course, they will.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Voice Thread
Here is my voice thread on a problem I face in my classroom- requiring project based research in social studies. Enjoy!
voicethread.com/share/893160/
voicethread.com/share/893160/
Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice
Cooperative learning is a powerful tool in any classroom. In order for students to make meaningful connections to any subject area, social learning techniques must be used. It is crucial that students learn how to work with one another and learn strategies for team work and cooperation. When our students become adults, they will need to be able to work with others and use strategies that they learn in school. In my classroom, I am constantly encouraging students to work together and respect each other's opinions, while recgonizing differences and appreciating opinion. I find that students are quick to be critical, and I am working on helping them avoid. Many students dread working in group projects and cooperating, because they are scared to share their opinion. Building self-confidence and teaching skills is crucial.
Technology plays a huge role in cooperative learning. Technology can allow for students to work in groups and still remain focused. I find that when I incorporate technology, like power points and web quests all students in the group are actively engaged and problems do not arise as often. I feel as though when students are actively searching and involved with technology they are not only excited about learning, but are structured in their work in getting it complete.
I enjoy incorporating many of the cooperative learning strategies. I find that my students share ideas with each other and have valuable discussions when they are working together. I enjoy using webquest, power points, blogging, and other valuable tools with my students. However, as many of the teachers in my school are experience problems, so am I. It is difficult to incorporate many of these valuable tools due to lack of resources and computer lab time. I was recently trying to have my students create their own digital stories, but lack of lab time and no available lap tops to use we have had to put the project on slow mode. I know my students are capable and there are endless possibilities, but we need to resources to allow for these possibilities to happen with our students.
Technology plays a huge role in cooperative learning. Technology can allow for students to work in groups and still remain focused. I find that when I incorporate technology, like power points and web quests all students in the group are actively engaged and problems do not arise as often. I feel as though when students are actively searching and involved with technology they are not only excited about learning, but are structured in their work in getting it complete.
I enjoy incorporating many of the cooperative learning strategies. I find that my students share ideas with each other and have valuable discussions when they are working together. I enjoy using webquest, power points, blogging, and other valuable tools with my students. However, as many of the teachers in my school are experience problems, so am I. It is difficult to incorporate many of these valuable tools due to lack of resources and computer lab time. I was recently trying to have my students create their own digital stories, but lack of lab time and no available lap tops to use we have had to put the project on slow mode. I know my students are capable and there are endless possibilities, but we need to resources to allow for these possibilities to happen with our students.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Constructivism in Practice
Problem-based and project-based learning experiences can be powerful when incorporated into the classroom. I have always believed that learning this way rather than lecturing and notetaking was more effective, I just did not know exactly why. After Dr. Orey spoke about constructivism and construction.....I understand how the students learn through these experiences. Constructionism is important in the classroom, because is all about first hand personal experiences, and that is what learning is all about. We, as teachers, want our students to relate their learning to their lives and make it personal. The mechanism that go along with this are; assimilation, equilibration, and accomidation. All of these mechanism should be incorporated in the methods of how we teacher. We need to make sure our teaching can fit for intpretation, achieve balance, and allow for understanding of new concepts.
Generating and testing hypotheses is a strategy that can help students learn and greatly related to the constructivism theory. Ever since I was in my undergraduate study, I have always related hypotheses to science concepts and teaching. However, after reading Using Technology With Classroom Instructions that Work.... I have changed my thinking. There are six ways that teachers can help students to test and generate hypotheses. I see myself using three of these in my Social Studies class. One of the tasks I use is; problem solving. Problem solving is crucial in any subject area, it helps students to be sound and responsible citizens in Social Studies. I try to teach my students about the constution and historical concepts, then I ask them to put themselves in another type of situation and problem solve. The second one I use is; historical investigations. My students especially love to "mysteries in history". We recently did these in social studies on major unsolved American mysteries, like the disapperance of Amelia Earhart, Salem Witch Trials, Linberg Baby Kidnapping, JFK assassination, Lincoln Assassination, and many more. My kids truly enjoyed this learning experience and it matched the constructivsm theory is several ways. First, the students felts as though they were gaining insight and investigators on the case, first hand. This also allowed them to come up with their own interpretation of what happened....another powerful experience for them. Also, decision making is another strategy I use when teaching in Social Studies. I am often asking my students to make their own decisions and what they would do if they were in a certain type of situation......usually this requires them to do some higher level thinking skills.
Technology plays a very vital role in engaging students and incorporating the above strategies. I am constantly having my students use internet resources for research, practice, and even review. Pitler et al, describes "When teachers vary the processes in their classroom, they are following the classroom recommendation that their students be engaged in different types of hypothesis generation". I believe that if the same routine is constantly followed for learning experiences, students will get bored and stop learning. Muzzy Lane's "Making History" is a great website to allow for assimilation in the classroom with historical concepts and understanding, this is something I would like to use. It reminds me of the "Oregon Trail" game I use to play when I was in elementary school, it engaged me in learning about historical concepts, and required me to use economic skill and decision making was encouraged...very powerful!
Generating and testing hypotheses is a strategy that can help students learn and greatly related to the constructivism theory. Ever since I was in my undergraduate study, I have always related hypotheses to science concepts and teaching. However, after reading Using Technology With Classroom Instructions that Work.... I have changed my thinking. There are six ways that teachers can help students to test and generate hypotheses. I see myself using three of these in my Social Studies class. One of the tasks I use is; problem solving. Problem solving is crucial in any subject area, it helps students to be sound and responsible citizens in Social Studies. I try to teach my students about the constution and historical concepts, then I ask them to put themselves in another type of situation and problem solve. The second one I use is; historical investigations. My students especially love to "mysteries in history". We recently did these in social studies on major unsolved American mysteries, like the disapperance of Amelia Earhart, Salem Witch Trials, Linberg Baby Kidnapping, JFK assassination, Lincoln Assassination, and many more. My kids truly enjoyed this learning experience and it matched the constructivsm theory is several ways. First, the students felts as though they were gaining insight and investigators on the case, first hand. This also allowed them to come up with their own interpretation of what happened....another powerful experience for them. Also, decision making is another strategy I use when teaching in Social Studies. I am often asking my students to make their own decisions and what they would do if they were in a certain type of situation......usually this requires them to do some higher level thinking skills.
Technology plays a very vital role in engaging students and incorporating the above strategies. I am constantly having my students use internet resources for research, practice, and even review. Pitler et al, describes "When teachers vary the processes in their classroom, they are following the classroom recommendation that their students be engaged in different types of hypothesis generation". I believe that if the same routine is constantly followed for learning experiences, students will get bored and stop learning. Muzzy Lane's "Making History" is a great website to allow for assimilation in the classroom with historical concepts and understanding, this is something I would like to use. It reminds me of the "Oregon Trail" game I use to play when I was in elementary school, it engaged me in learning about historical concepts, and required me to use economic skill and decision making was encouraged...very powerful!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Cognitive Tools- Concept Map
Here is the concept map I created for my virtual field trip: "Guatemala"
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cognitivism in Practice
Dr. Orey (2009) describes what cognitive learning is all about, it is about registerying information to short term memory and then getting it to the long term memory- that is our goal as teachers. Often times when I teach, I am try to figure out ways to show students how important the information is that they are learning, convincing them that they will need this LATER in life, that way some how maybe it will get into their long term memory? I think not. There are several ways that Dr. Orey and other experts have suggested to get students to retain information for the long haul. Firstly, you want to connect the information to the student's lives, you want to relate the information to their life, at sixth grade this is tricky. There are many tools that can be used to assit with this task, concept maps, organizer, visuals, dramas, and other cognitive tools.
Teachers want to organize the information in a fashion that makes sense to students. First, I usually make sure to present the information in a powerpoint and often times show a video that would apply to them, through the wonderful website of united streaming- which my school subscribes. This video tool not only reinforces what I am teaching, but it always makes learning interesting for students and gives them a visual to remember. Another thing I focus on is note taking and summarizing. My powerpoints can be lengthening, often times I break them up into chunks and help kids to put in "their own words", this makes the learning more personal for them. Often time we use graphic organizers for students to put their notes and ideas down on, this helps to get started and make learning more connected to their lives. I am a type "A" person, and often times I teach my students good organization skills, because it is an important aspect of being a successful learning, knowing how things relate and also how they are connected.
In my language arts class, I am finding various ways to incorporate new technology skills with my students. We have differentiated our instruction and breaking students up into smaller learning groups, I am taking soem of the more advanced students and having them create their own blogs for the use of publishing their writing and sharing feedback with eachother. I have found this to be a very successful tool for students to engage in their learning and to make writing more meaningful and interesting to them. They feel proud to be able to share their writing with others in their class and publish online!
Overall, I believe that the cognitive learning theories are very helpful in teaching kids and helping them to retain the important information they must know into their adulthood. I am constantly looking for new ways to incorporate technology and help students learn more.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executrive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Teachers want to organize the information in a fashion that makes sense to students. First, I usually make sure to present the information in a powerpoint and often times show a video that would apply to them, through the wonderful website of united streaming- which my school subscribes. This video tool not only reinforces what I am teaching, but it always makes learning interesting for students and gives them a visual to remember. Another thing I focus on is note taking and summarizing. My powerpoints can be lengthening, often times I break them up into chunks and help kids to put in "their own words", this makes the learning more personal for them. Often time we use graphic organizers for students to put their notes and ideas down on, this helps to get started and make learning more connected to their lives. I am a type "A" person, and often times I teach my students good organization skills, because it is an important aspect of being a successful learning, knowing how things relate and also how they are connected.
In my language arts class, I am finding various ways to incorporate new technology skills with my students. We have differentiated our instruction and breaking students up into smaller learning groups, I am taking soem of the more advanced students and having them create their own blogs for the use of publishing their writing and sharing feedback with eachother. I have found this to be a very successful tool for students to engage in their learning and to make writing more meaningful and interesting to them. They feel proud to be able to share their writing with others in their class and publish online!
Overall, I believe that the cognitive learning theories are very helpful in teaching kids and helping them to retain the important information they must know into their adulthood. I am constantly looking for new ways to incorporate technology and help students learn more.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executrive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works
Behaviorism:
Every time I think of behaviorism I think of the negative things attached to the word, like "retention". However, Dr. Orey brings up some awesome points on what behaviorism really is and how we use behaviorism in classroom today. First, off behaviorism is about modeling and reinforcing appropriate behavior. In my classroom, I am constantly modeling positive relationships with students and praising them when they make the "right choice", this is reinforicing positive behavior. I truly believe that in today's classroom there must be a classroom community, where students feel safe and part of a larger group, in this community positive behavior and relationship skills are built. All part of behaviorism.
Reinforcing Effort:
I am constantly reinforcing effort with my students, this goes right along with building relationships and encourage students to make good choices, when they do reinforce through "good jobs" and "way to go". For assignments and even tests, have students grade themselves, this way the students know EXACTLY what they did wrong and what they did right, allowing them another opportunity to learn and track their own ability. When we do projects I have my students fill out their own rubric and effort, did they try their best and put forth 100% effort, they are usually quite honest! Through this experience is teaches my students to be honest and trustworthy and to really look at themselves and think.
Homework and Practice:
Homework is designed to be done outside of the classroom. Children need to practice and practice at least 24 hours before really retaining the skill (Pitler, et al, 2007). Exposure to the concept in various form allows for the student to master to skills and put it into their long term memory. Sometimes it is difficult for students to do this without help from others, during the school day they must get help from their teacher and at night, they must get help from a parent, but what is no one is able to help them after school? I believe the more practice a student gets and even if they struggle through it they are learning and retaining the skill at some level. Technology allows for students to get immediate feedback and know exactly where they are in the learning process. But, it is important that they are monitered when using technology and know how to use it properly.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Every time I think of behaviorism I think of the negative things attached to the word, like "retention". However, Dr. Orey brings up some awesome points on what behaviorism really is and how we use behaviorism in classroom today. First, off behaviorism is about modeling and reinforcing appropriate behavior. In my classroom, I am constantly modeling positive relationships with students and praising them when they make the "right choice", this is reinforicing positive behavior. I truly believe that in today's classroom there must be a classroom community, where students feel safe and part of a larger group, in this community positive behavior and relationship skills are built. All part of behaviorism.
Reinforcing Effort:
I am constantly reinforcing effort with my students, this goes right along with building relationships and encourage students to make good choices, when they do reinforce through "good jobs" and "way to go". For assignments and even tests, have students grade themselves, this way the students know EXACTLY what they did wrong and what they did right, allowing them another opportunity to learn and track their own ability. When we do projects I have my students fill out their own rubric and effort, did they try their best and put forth 100% effort, they are usually quite honest! Through this experience is teaches my students to be honest and trustworthy and to really look at themselves and think.
Homework and Practice:
Homework is designed to be done outside of the classroom. Children need to practice and practice at least 24 hours before really retaining the skill (Pitler, et al, 2007). Exposure to the concept in various form allows for the student to master to skills and put it into their long term memory. Sometimes it is difficult for students to do this without help from others, during the school day they must get help from their teacher and at night, they must get help from a parent, but what is no one is able to help them after school? I believe the more practice a student gets and even if they struggle through it they are learning and retaining the skill at some level. Technology allows for students to get immediate feedback and know exactly where they are in the learning process. But, it is important that they are monitered when using technology and know how to use it properly.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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