I created an powerpoint presenation of MOODLE and uploaded it to Google Docs to share.
( I know there is a nice neat way to edit the description on my link but I can't seem to get it, but I will keep trying). For now, if you highlight the link, you will go directly to my presentation.
Enjoy!
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0BwzYEVVMjdZYN2YxNDFhMDktMTAxMi00YzlmLWFjNDctZGQyODJjOWEzYzlh&sort=name&layout=list&num=50
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
6714- Reflection - UDL & DI
The first thing I do when I start a new class is to run through the syllabus and I remember thinking that the subjects were a little intimidating, UDL and DI. As the course began and I learned more information about these two subjects, it was apparent that I have just brushed the surface in my class without even knowing it. This course has introduced me to new tools, new ideas and new ways of making sure that UDL and DI is a part of every lesson plan.
According to CAST’s the whole idea behind UDL is for each student to have access to the curriculum in a way that promotes the most learning for that individual. The various resources that can help us as educators included social networking, surveys, technology, creating assignments that are self directed projects. Most importantly we need to really understand our students and what learning styles they poses.
The resources in the Differentiation Station social network that will help me to implement the principles of UDL and DI will start with a survey. One new objective is that I would really like to know my student interests better. My assignment subjects can easily be changed to something more interesting to the students. I want them to learn new computer skills, have fun doing it and remember the skills in the future. Using a special interest survey will give me an opportunity to learn about my students. The other change would be to use a KWL chart, this would provide me with a better idea of the student preconceived notions to what they think they are going to learn and what they want to learn and of course, explain what the already know. A small tweaking of a current word-processing assignment such as changing the content to be collaborative writing with reaches all of my diverse learners.
The most immediate adjustments that I will begin to make in customizing instruction will be to change the way I teach every lesson. Every new lesson will begin with what do I really want the students to learn today. This is my third year of teaching, and so far the best. The first year was spent
Just getting use to everything. My second year was spent really concentrating on my classroom management skills and this year I really want to provide the best learning experiences for all of my students. My plan is to make small changes at a type so that I do not feel overwhelmed. I will start with changing the subject matter of the assignments, added technology in a way that is most productive to my students and keeping myself current with instructional strategies. I hope that I never teach a lesson the same way twice.
When I look at my sea of students I can’t help but think of the simple example cited in one of our course resources. The story about the teacher who walked into class, stood on a chair with a fist full of dollar bills and then asked the kids to jump for the dollars. The shorter kids would be at a huge disadvantage. If you think about this analogy, isn’t this how we should approach every sea of students. You cannot teach a lesson as one lesson fits all students. As educators, we have so many tools to prevent this way of teaching.
Reference
Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004) Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom
Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
6713-Final REFLECTION
A GAME plan will not only help my studnets meet the standards but will also me to meet my professional goals. One you get use to the idea, I believe creating a GAME plan comes much easier. It has been extremely helpful for me because I have massive quanities of ideas on how to use technology but this course work has showen me how to intergrate meaningful technology skills.
One of the most important aspects I’ve learned from this course is to begin every idea with a GAME plan. This is a solid approach to keeping me and students on track. Many of the new strategies we learned will promote all the students, whether they are critical thinker, analytical thinkers or slower thinkers.
I have made it a persoanl goal this year to meet two of NETS-T per content change. I have three changes in one year. Social networking and online colboration is a powerful tool for all students,
One of the most important aspects I’ve learned from this course is to begin every idea with a GAME plan. This is a solid approach to keeping me and students on track. Many of the new strategies we learned will promote all the students, whether they are critical thinker, analytical thinkers or slower thinkers.
I have made it a persoanl goal this year to meet two of NETS-T per content change. I have three changes in one year. Social networking and online colboration is a powerful tool for all students,
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Using GAME Process with Students - Week 7
The NETS – T and the NETS – S have some common language. What I would like to do is show my students the NETS for teachers and then for students. I would like to have them pick one or two Nets and have them create a game plan on how they might meet these goals.
My classes are only a quarter long so what I would like to do is having each student picking out one goal. Then I would like to have them list two actions statements as to how they are going to achieve that goal. For evaluation, I would like to have them keep a weekly journal or if they are comfortable using a blog. However a posting must be created weekly. At the end of the quarter, I’d like to have one on one discussion to evaluate if we both felt the student met their goal.
For the amount of time I have these students this will be enough for them to keep track of. Once schedule change to a full blown year, I would probably follow the same logic but add two or three more goals.
I believe middle school students should be setting goals for themselves. The simple logic of creating a GAME plan can be carried over to their personal lives also.
My classes are only a quarter long so what I would like to do is having each student picking out one goal. Then I would like to have them list two actions statements as to how they are going to achieve that goal. For evaluation, I would like to have them keep a weekly journal or if they are comfortable using a blog. However a posting must be created weekly. At the end of the quarter, I’d like to have one on one discussion to evaluate if we both felt the student met their goal.
For the amount of time I have these students this will be enough for them to keep track of. Once schedule change to a full blown year, I would probably follow the same logic but add two or three more goals.
I believe middle school students should be setting goals for themselves. The simple logic of creating a GAME plan can be carried over to their personal lives also.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
REVISING MY GAME PLAN - WEEK 6
I have learned so far, that I can apply a few different ideas in my instructional practice. Inspiration software is rather quite simple; it’s a digital way of putting your thoughts on paper. I’ve learned that now that I have spent some time with the software it is not as intimidating to me and I hope to set a good example for other teachers as well as my student. Through the last two weeks of resources I have some generic ideas of where to go for good questions, but I need to analyze a final product for them. Sure the software is easy but I really want it to make a difference for them so that they will remember it.
My game plan contains two goals, so I need to excel in is integrating technology in every lesson. I teach computers’ so access is not a problem, so every lesson should revolve around a new technology skill. I would really love to come up with an idea, where students could keep a blog all quarter long, kind of like we are doing for this class. I have document ideas in my own journal and I continue to look on the internet for ideas.
I will continue to work On NETS-T 2, promoting student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify student’s conceptual understanding, thinking, planning and creative processes. I have all revamped two of my beginning lessons for the New Year.
As this point in my game plan, I am not read to set new learning goals. I plan on setting aside half of my planning period to take the time to find new and fresh ideas on the internet and to analyze what lessons I will implement new technology with because it adds something, not because I’m trying to mark a goal off.
The next time I learn something new, it should be a little easier. I will create a brief game plan with small steps to accomplish learning something new. This would be a great way to use the Inspiration software that I want my students to use. Also, I would refer to the many new online resources I’ve learned about and most importantly to relax and enjoy the ride of learning something new. Once I’m familiar with a new skill, being able to share it also reinforces what I’ve learned and makes me a more confident teacher.
My game plan contains two goals, so I need to excel in is integrating technology in every lesson. I teach computers’ so access is not a problem, so every lesson should revolve around a new technology skill. I would really love to come up with an idea, where students could keep a blog all quarter long, kind of like we are doing for this class. I have document ideas in my own journal and I continue to look on the internet for ideas.
I will continue to work On NETS-T 2, promoting student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify student’s conceptual understanding, thinking, planning and creative processes. I have all revamped two of my beginning lessons for the New Year.
As this point in my game plan, I am not read to set new learning goals. I plan on setting aside half of my planning period to take the time to find new and fresh ideas on the internet and to analyze what lessons I will implement new technology with because it adds something, not because I’m trying to mark a goal off.
The next time I learn something new, it should be a little easier. I will create a brief game plan with small steps to accomplish learning something new. This would be a great way to use the Inspiration software that I want my students to use. Also, I would refer to the many new online resources I’ve learned about and most importantly to relax and enjoy the ride of learning something new. Once I’m familiar with a new skill, being able to share it also reinforces what I’ve learned and makes me a more confident teacher.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
EVALUATING MY GAME PLAN PROGRESS: WEEK 5
How effective is my actions in helping me meet my goals? My game plan was to head to school one day last week and start experimenting with the software on my own. However, unexpected family obligations kept me from this goal. It has been rescheduled for this week. Having quite time to perform some trial an error work will eliminate a lot of anxiety that I’m feeling know.
So far, I’ve learned that I need have a good subject matter. This will keep it interesting for the students and my hope is that their creative ideas will be flowing so that they won’t get so hung up on the new technology they are learning, The best way to assess their learning is to do a practice run in class together and then have the students work in groups and for the final evaluation, have the students turn in individual projects.
I still have to learn about the application itself and this is only going to be resolved with time and practice. So, I have a lot of application questions and then I my other concern am how to divide them up in productive groups. Only in my second year of teaching, I’ve come to realize how beneficial group projects can be.
The only adjustment that I see at this time is that I would like to contact the technology specialist in our district and see if there is a way I can bring a copy of Inspiration software home. Maybe there is a lab top with this application on it in the district. With a 5 year and being 20 minutes away from work, this would allow me quite time at night to learn more about the application. Once, I become more familiar with the application other adjustment may be needed.
So far, I’ve learned that I need have a good subject matter. This will keep it interesting for the students and my hope is that their creative ideas will be flowing so that they won’t get so hung up on the new technology they are learning, The best way to assess their learning is to do a practice run in class together and then have the students work in groups and for the final evaluation, have the students turn in individual projects.
I still have to learn about the application itself and this is only going to be resolved with time and practice. So, I have a lot of application questions and then I my other concern am how to divide them up in productive groups. Only in my second year of teaching, I’ve come to realize how beneficial group projects can be.
The only adjustment that I see at this time is that I would like to contact the technology specialist in our district and see if there is a way I can bring a copy of Inspiration software home. Maybe there is a lab top with this application on it in the district. With a 5 year and being 20 minutes away from work, this would allow me quite time at night to learn more about the application. Once, I become more familiar with the application other adjustment may be needed.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
MONITORING MY GAME PLAN PROGRESS:
So far I believe I have the information that I need to begin meeting my goals. I’m getting a little nervous as the new school year is quickly approaching. I have verified that the Inspiration software is available on my computer and the lab. There is a tutorial for me to work with. I plan on spending some time at school next week to begin practicing with this software.
I’m not sure that I need to modify my action plan at this point. My nature is to follow my original game plan and then analyze the situation when I have completed the task on hand. I am flexible but because this is new to me, I tend not to veer from the game plan.
There are so many important lessons I’ve learned up until this point I’m not sure where to start. The most important lesson that I learned so far is that it is so very important to have a plan in place. Research and we have so much technology at our finger tips. I think it is so important to real try and understand how technology can be used in your own content area. Just because it is meant to be used a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t change the use of the technology to better suit your class. I’ve also learned that there are so many resources available to us and we need to reach out and use them. Through everything we’ve learned, I know I have to strive harder than ever to set a good example for my students and for other teachers. Another important lesson I learned is how technology can reach many types of students with disabilities. There are four different assessment strategies that can be used to better understand the needs of my students.
The biggest question I have is TIME; I don’t have enough of it. I see the importance of planning each lesson. But I wonder where I can find enough time to change all of my lessons to have a GAME plan associated with it. So I’ve decided to take baby steps. If I can revamp 3 lessons for each of my application areas and then the same goal next year or over the summer I will be in a better position than I am today.
I’m not sure that I need to modify my action plan at this point. My nature is to follow my original game plan and then analyze the situation when I have completed the task on hand. I am flexible but because this is new to me, I tend not to veer from the game plan.
There are so many important lessons I’ve learned up until this point I’m not sure where to start. The most important lesson that I learned so far is that it is so very important to have a plan in place. Research and we have so much technology at our finger tips. I think it is so important to real try and understand how technology can be used in your own content area. Just because it is meant to be used a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t change the use of the technology to better suit your class. I’ve also learned that there are so many resources available to us and we need to reach out and use them. Through everything we’ve learned, I know I have to strive harder than ever to set a good example for my students and for other teachers. Another important lesson I learned is how technology can reach many types of students with disabilities. There are four different assessment strategies that can be used to better understand the needs of my students.
The biggest question I have is TIME; I don’t have enough of it. I see the importance of planning each lesson. But I wonder where I can find enough time to change all of my lessons to have a GAME plan associated with it. So I’ve decided to take baby steps. If I can revamp 3 lessons for each of my application areas and then the same goal next year or over the summer I will be in a better position than I am today.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
CARRYING OUT MY GAME PLAN:
What resources will you need to carry out your plan (video, reading, experts or colleagues, etc)?
For my first goal, which is getting the students to understand Inspirational Mapping Software, I will need to make sure all the computers have this software. I will also check with my staff to see if anyone uses this tool in any other classes. I will dedicate 2 hours a week to practice using the software myself. At this point I know enough to be dangerous but really want to understand the ins and outs of this software. Once we are back in school, I will discuss this software with colleagues and see if I could make the a cross content teaching lesson.
The second goal is similar to the first, its learning how to use a Wiki properly. This tool is a little more involved. I’m trying to determine a great subject area and have the teachers create and maintain a Wiki, another wards use them as my trial for teaching. Once I have mastered this I would then like to introduce this to my classes. I would need an instructional video from the web and then make a list of acceptable subjects. One idea I had was having each group create a Wiki of field trips or rewards trips that they would like to attend. Then add items that would be needed, cost, and time frames. My objective is that they brainstorm some new ideas for the teachers while learning a new application. The other topic is cyberbullying. This would raise awareness amongst the students and the community.
What additional information do you need?
The only additional information that I think I need would be to search the area for any workshops on Inspiration or Wiki’s. I have a few other ideas of where to find additional information. I will check personal blogs and surf the web for lessons already created.
I will need information on parents approval forms so that I can move forward with these lessons. There is a website with sample letters and forms that I can use. I also just recently purchased a book on blogging that has step by step instructions on how to set up a lessons plan.
What steps have you been able to take so far?
Currently, I have a journal with all these ideas and have started researching on the web, any ideas that might be useful.
I’ve already placed an email on our staff news starting to inquiry with other teachers, if there is a need and maybe we can collaborate a lesson plan .
I have a yearly calendar where I’ve started mapping out my curriculum .
For my first goal, which is getting the students to understand Inspirational Mapping Software, I will need to make sure all the computers have this software. I will also check with my staff to see if anyone uses this tool in any other classes. I will dedicate 2 hours a week to practice using the software myself. At this point I know enough to be dangerous but really want to understand the ins and outs of this software. Once we are back in school, I will discuss this software with colleagues and see if I could make the a cross content teaching lesson.
The second goal is similar to the first, its learning how to use a Wiki properly. This tool is a little more involved. I’m trying to determine a great subject area and have the teachers create and maintain a Wiki, another wards use them as my trial for teaching. Once I have mastered this I would then like to introduce this to my classes. I would need an instructional video from the web and then make a list of acceptable subjects. One idea I had was having each group create a Wiki of field trips or rewards trips that they would like to attend. Then add items that would be needed, cost, and time frames. My objective is that they brainstorm some new ideas for the teachers while learning a new application. The other topic is cyberbullying. This would raise awareness amongst the students and the community.
What additional information do you need?
The only additional information that I think I need would be to search the area for any workshops on Inspiration or Wiki’s. I have a few other ideas of where to find additional information. I will check personal blogs and surf the web for lessons already created.
I will need information on parents approval forms so that I can move forward with these lessons. There is a website with sample letters and forms that I can use. I also just recently purchased a book on blogging that has step by step instructions on how to set up a lessons plan.
What steps have you been able to take so far?
Currently, I have a journal with all these ideas and have started researching on the web, any ideas that might be useful.
I’ve already placed an email on our staff news starting to inquiry with other teachers, if there is a need and maybe we can collaborate a lesson plan .
I have a yearly calendar where I’ve started mapping out my curriculum .
Thursday, July 8, 2010
DEVLOPING YOUR PERSONAL GAME PLAN
Out of the five NETS-T for teachers I believe the two nets I am most comfortable with Model Digital-Age Work and Learning and Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. My past work experience 20 years of working in corporate America before deciding to teach, gives me the knowledge and skills in a global and digital society. The last 10 years were spent working for a fortune 500 company. When I moved from PC computing to Apple Macs environment, I have to admit I was a little nervous, but quickly adapted. I welcome change and I do not fear the rapidly changing technology.
The second NETS-T that I feel comfortable with is Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. I knew I had been away from teaching for awhile and needed to expand this part of my knowledge base that is why I’m pursuing my masters in integrating technology in the classroom. Being the newest member of our staff and finding faculty tapping my knowledge base regarding technology tools and issue I believe I exhibit knowledge and skills of an innovated professional. I’m constantly looking for seminars and great ideas to implement in my classroom.
The first of the two NETS-T that I would like to become more proficient in is the first performance indicator under NETS-T 2, promoting student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify student’s conceptual understanding, thinking, planning and creative processes. I would like the students to use and understanding Inspirational mapping tool. This software is currently on all the computers in our lab so I have the tools I need. In a past class this software was introduced to me and I think it would greatly benefit my students to learn Inspirational mapping tool.
My goal is to practice using the tutorial and working through the assignment as if I was the student. As a teacher, this helps me be proactive in any issues that might come up. The action for implementing this technology tool is that I will practice using this software for creating lesson plans. After I have completed a tutorial I will then monitor the characteristics of an effective computer Tutorial, (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer p. 54). To evaluate this tutorial identify activities that best support this software. Give the students real life examples on how this software could be used.
The second NETS-T performance indicator that I would like to improve upon is developing technology-enriched learning environment that allows students to set their own educational goals, manage their own learning and assessing their own progress. I want to have the students learn how to use a WIKI.
As a past assignment I was part of a team that created a WIKI and maintained it for educational purposes. I had a particular job as a team player, but before I introduce this to my students my goal would be to learn every aspect of this application. My action to achieve this will be to set up a teacher WIKI, experience for me is the best way to learn. This action will then allow me to teach teachers a new technology and answer any questions to assist me in becoming more knowledgeable. The way I will monitor this lesson plan is make sure my questions have been answered at this point. By working through setting up a WIKI with other faculty members this will give me a chance to properly evaluate my instructional method and possible change any ideas I previously had.
The second NETS-T that I feel comfortable with is Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. I knew I had been away from teaching for awhile and needed to expand this part of my knowledge base that is why I’m pursuing my masters in integrating technology in the classroom. Being the newest member of our staff and finding faculty tapping my knowledge base regarding technology tools and issue I believe I exhibit knowledge and skills of an innovated professional. I’m constantly looking for seminars and great ideas to implement in my classroom.
The first of the two NETS-T that I would like to become more proficient in is the first performance indicator under NETS-T 2, promoting student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify student’s conceptual understanding, thinking, planning and creative processes. I would like the students to use and understanding Inspirational mapping tool. This software is currently on all the computers in our lab so I have the tools I need. In a past class this software was introduced to me and I think it would greatly benefit my students to learn Inspirational mapping tool.
My goal is to practice using the tutorial and working through the assignment as if I was the student. As a teacher, this helps me be proactive in any issues that might come up. The action for implementing this technology tool is that I will practice using this software for creating lesson plans. After I have completed a tutorial I will then monitor the characteristics of an effective computer Tutorial, (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer p. 54). To evaluate this tutorial identify activities that best support this software. Give the students real life examples on how this software could be used.
The second NETS-T performance indicator that I would like to improve upon is developing technology-enriched learning environment that allows students to set their own educational goals, manage their own learning and assessing their own progress. I want to have the students learn how to use a WIKI.
As a past assignment I was part of a team that created a WIKI and maintained it for educational purposes. I had a particular job as a team player, but before I introduce this to my students my goal would be to learn every aspect of this application. My action to achieve this will be to set up a teacher WIKI, experience for me is the best way to learn. This action will then allow me to teach teachers a new technology and answer any questions to assist me in becoming more knowledgeable. The way I will monitor this lesson plan is make sure my questions have been answered at this point. By working through setting up a WIKI with other faculty members this will give me a chance to properly evaluate my instructional method and possible change any ideas I previously had.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6712-REFLECTION-Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom
The most striking revelation that I had about teaching of new literacy skills to my students was learning about the QUEST model. A simple exercise such as analyzing a web site quickly before spending too much time or deciphering whether the website is true. The exercise we did in class determining if a website was legitimate or not was so extremely valuable lesson to me as a teacher. In all of my internet usage I don’t think I ever question a domain name or a website and I now understand how wrong this is not to question. The statement made early on in my studies that must become different teachers, we must prepare them to learn a different way.
The knowledge and experience gained in this course has influenced my teaching practices by explaining to me the importance of preparing our students way differently than when I learned. It is so important that students do their own questioning, understanding the resource, evaluation, synthesizing and transforming what they’ve learned. This course has supplied me with a whole group of new ideas. I have handouts, exercises, models, and teaching different ways to learn or teach.
Though there are many professional development goals I have, the one goal I would like to pursue the most upon my learning in this course is to share what I have learned with other teachers that I work with. Not only there are new skills that we need to teach but it can be done in a way if we work together and combine lessons. The unit plan that I created for this course was very detailed and there are some areas of the lesson that I could overlap with a math lesson or even social studies. I realized that a great lesson takes a lot of planning and even revisions if necessary. The steps I would take in accomplishing this goal is to first present the idea of teaching new 21st century literacy skills. Then I would push for this to be a topic of one of our institute days. I would even volunteer to put together a PowerPoint presentation using the QUEST model.
The knowledge and experience gained in this course has influenced my teaching practices by explaining to me the importance of preparing our students way differently than when I learned. It is so important that students do their own questioning, understanding the resource, evaluation, synthesizing and transforming what they’ve learned. This course has supplied me with a whole group of new ideas. I have handouts, exercises, models, and teaching different ways to learn or teach.
Though there are many professional development goals I have, the one goal I would like to pursue the most upon my learning in this course is to share what I have learned with other teachers that I work with. Not only there are new skills that we need to teach but it can be done in a way if we work together and combine lessons. The unit plan that I created for this course was very detailed and there are some areas of the lesson that I could overlap with a math lesson or even social studies. I realized that a great lesson takes a lot of planning and even revisions if necessary. The steps I would take in accomplishing this goal is to first present the idea of teaching new 21st century literacy skills. Then I would push for this to be a topic of one of our institute days. I would even volunteer to put together a PowerPoint presentation using the QUEST model.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Reflection 6711:Personal Theory of Learning
I’m a firm believer that a learner is active in the learning process and in today’s classroom I believe implementing technology where ever we can enhances this process. Now the trick is to modify my learning theory to best suit all of my students.
Reflecting on this course, I’ve learned the importance of creating an artifact, the difference between short terms a long-term memory. How the brain actually functions. We’ve analyzed the difference in learning strategies. There have been many useful suggestions by Dr. Orey, but the one that sticks out the most for me, is when he was explaining how he observed a course where the teacher said, do not touch the starboard and proceed to put up a PowerPoint presentation and read word for word. He said…don’t do it. If you are doing this please stop. Interestingly enough, I had observation last week. I imagined Dr. Orey sitting right next to the principal and I wanted to “dazzle” both of them with my new knowledge. I have not gotten feedback yet, but will check back when I do.
Sitting in a quite classroom with great ideas for voice threads, you’d never imagine that I was the teacher and not the student. Well technically speaking I was a student learning something new. Voice threading in a technology that I have already inserted into a lesson plan.
The other technology of conceptual mapping is a great way to organize ideas, not only for the students but also for me. I used this strategy while creating a new lesson plan. The nodes allowed me to brainstorm and to try and foresee any obstacles in a lesson plan.
My goal as a middle school technology teacher is to create a comfort level in my students to learn a new technology and to use it in the future.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Connectivism & Social Learning Practice
My interpretation of Dr. Orey’s definition of Social constructivism is that the students are engaged in a project that allows them to converse with classmates. As Dr. Orey suggests cooperative learning is a prime example of social learning. This allows the students to build something or an artifact and to also engage in conversation. Both of these steps are geared towards keeping the information in long-term memory.
Though most of my class work is built around a cooperative learning style, with the new applications I’ve learned in the last couple of weeks, I can bring the student, learning and technology gap even closer together to create a more meaningful experience for my students.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Voice Thread Assignment
http://www.voicethread.com/share/888674/
This is my biggest problem:
Hello All,
The above mentioned voice thread link consists of a view of my classroom. to recap my comment after I took the video explaining my biggest issue is trying to keep my eight graders quiet in a lab that is very big. If I could polish my classroom management skills this would be the first area.
Happy Threading!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
CONSTRUCIVIST
In week 4, our resources introduced us to constructivism theory and how it corresponsdes with the previous weeks conceptual mapping tool.
Dr. Orey summed this concept up the best when he said, in it’s simpliest form, this theory is getting kids to build stuff. The best example was assigning students to build PowerPoint presentations in regards to materials that they are covering in that lesson.
What I found to be most interesting with the conceptual mapping tool is that it forced me think about what I really wanted the students to learn and how we were going to get there. I love this tool; the application itself was easy to use and forced me to brainstorm outside of the box. This is an application I would love to introduce to my 8th graders. What a great way to organize your thoughts academically and even personally.
One of the most important things that I learned is the goal of trying to teach the student something new that we be embedded in their long term memory, which should be done by association in order for the brain to retain in long term memory. Which actually takes us to one of our first discussions regarding how the brain works.
Friday, January 22, 2010
USING COGNITIVE TOOLS TO ENAHNCE LEARNING
Just when I think my small little brain can’t handle any more information, we are introduced to another awesome tool. I just introduced to a fun new mapping tool called Spinscape.
What I found is that I had great ideas for the big picture but forcing me to create the supporting details really forced me as a teacher, to think about what it was I really wanted them to learn.
Not only do I think this is a great tool to teach with but if I teach the students how to use it for project research, they might also experience what I did. I found myself asking more questions .
What I found is that I had great ideas for the big picture but forcing me to create the supporting details really forced me as a teacher, to think about what it was I really wanted them to learn.
Not only do I think this is a great tool to teach with but if I teach the students how to use it for project research, they might also experience what I did. I found myself asking more questions .
Friday, January 15, 2010
BEHAVIORIST LEARNING THEORY
In our second week of studies, resources discuss the principles of behaviorist learning theory. My classroom structure is closest to this theory. My objective is to teach student-keyboarding skills, to be fluent in Excel application and to be fluent in PowerPoint presentations. I have only a quarter with each group; very limited amount of time and it was suggested that homework is not assigned outside of my classes. I feel the best way for most of my student to learn is through practice. Practices results in reinforcement, hopefully displaying a new skill learned.
My curriculum is designed so that each lesson, practice what we’ve learned previously and then adds one new skill. By the end of the quarter these skills become automatic for the student. Unsung Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works suggest that student should track their effort by using a rubric or checklist when working on projects. (Palter Hubbell, Kuhn and Milanese, 2007). This suggestion is something that I would like to incorporate in my assignments. The keyboarding class that I teach, allows students to work at their own pace completing exercise in a checklist fashion. The application is called Microtype for Mac. It is similar to the application mentioned in our resources.
For all other subjects I believe homework is based on behavioral principals. Homework is for practicing, if you do well you are rewarded and if not normally there are some kind of consequences.
My curriculum is designed so that each lesson, practice what we’ve learned previously and then adds one new skill. By the end of the quarter these skills become automatic for the student. Unsung Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works suggest that student should track their effort by using a rubric or checklist when working on projects. (Palter Hubbell, Kuhn and Milanese, 2007). This suggestion is something that I would like to incorporate in my assignments. The keyboarding class that I teach, allows students to work at their own pace completing exercise in a checklist fashion. The application is called Microtype for Mac. It is similar to the application mentioned in our resources.
For all other subjects I believe homework is based on behavioral principals. Homework is for practicing, if you do well you are rewarded and if not normally there are some kind of consequences.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
EDUC 6711
Welcome to my personal blog!
This week we begin a new course, 6711, and I'm happy to see some names I recognize and I'm excited to correspond with those I don't recognize.
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