This course has been eye opening as I begin to explore the wonderful world of education from an educator's stand point. It also would have been extremely helpful over twenty years ago when I became a parent.
My eldest daughter was a competitive Irish dancer from the age of nine. She had always been an excellent athlete, and showed promise in skating, gymnastic and equestrian activities. Then she found Irish dance, and was hooked. She immediately received a lot of praise and admiration from her teacher and peers. She was encouraged to compete, and loving competition happily did so. She would practice for hours, independently, in our basement, and would attend as many private and group lessons as possible. She watched videos, listened to music, and read about the art. After many successful competitions she qualified for the national championship, and then the world championship.
When a child finds an interest that they are passionate about, and are supported in their endeavors, they will find great success, because the joy of learning and improving one's skill is physically addictive. Our bodies recognize what excites us and asks us to return to those sources repeatedly. My daughters love of dance motivated her to spend hours working on improvement. The combination of this intrinsic motivation along with the extrinsic motivations of praise, sashes and waterford crystal inspired her to work ever harder even when the going got tough. Of course she was fortunate to grow up in a loving home where she was well provided for, and attended schools that were supportive and solid, so she had the time and energy to dedicate to her passion. Maslow recognized the importance of meeting these needs before deeper learning can occur. As a parent I was happy to support her in her endeavors and see her success. I love to see the enthusiasm of a passionate learner who's goals are being met and who is evolving as a person because of that success. When a child realizes success in one area of life, they will experience success in other areas of their life, because of increased self confidence. When children feel good about themselves they are willing to take risks because they have been successful in the past and recognize their strengths. Her dancing took her to all over the northeast, California, Tennessee, Illinois, Ireland three times, and Scotland. My daughter no longer dances, but she has pride in her accomplishments, wonderful memories, a healthy life style, and the skills required to travel anywhere in the world. When a child has a positive learning experience, their life will be enhanced, because the memories and skills and knowledge gained last forever, long after the classroom door has closed.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Good Teacher
A good teacher is a person who values life and holds all people in high regard as important and worth members of of the human family. A good teacher is not judgemental, but rather empathetic towards and sincerely interested in the student. A good teacher wants the best for the student, in the classroom and beyond. A good teacher believes that the classroom experience provided and content presented and studied enhances the student's life. The student evolves intellectually, emotionally and spiritually as a result of the experience. As a result the student continually grows as a member of the community who is empathetic and giving.
(If)When students work in groups (event), (then)they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. George Siemens states in his theory of connectivism(jargon) that human beings crave to externalize their learning primarily through language in social spaces. Human beings are social beings who at the most fundamental level long to connect with other humans. I believe that people are naturally caring and considerate, and that these characteristics are encouraged or extinguished by the people and experiences they encounter. It is the moral obligation of a teacher to develop these attributes thus increasing a student's respect and sincere concern for others. Whether it is content(jargon), vocabulary, what happened on last night's episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. These interactions deepen content understanding and also allow the students to better know their peers. To learn how to really hear another person and see another personal with nonjudgemental eyes is vital. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ this instructional method(jargon) as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths. If the students are comfortable in their learning environment and feel free to express and discuss ideas, then they will better understand the content, because it has been communicated from different people in different ways, and they have had the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding. Vygotski states that students learn from people who are more knowledgeable. It is optimal to have the student working on the edge of the zone of proximal development(ZPD), which is where the student is learning the most from the more knowledgeable person. This person could be the teacher, but could also be a classmate. If I group students of different writing abilities together for a project, (then)the weaker will learn writing skills from the stronger and the stronger will learn teaching skills from the weaker, because every moment in a classroom is dynamic with learning and teaching always occurring.
(If)When students work in groups (event), (then)they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. George Siemens states in his theory of connectivism(jargon) that human beings crave to externalize their learning primarily through language in social spaces. Human beings are social beings who at the most fundamental level long to connect with other humans. I believe that people are naturally caring and considerate, and that these characteristics are encouraged or extinguished by the people and experiences they encounter. It is the moral obligation of a teacher to develop these attributes thus increasing a student's respect and sincere concern for others. Whether it is content(jargon), vocabulary, what happened on last night's episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. These interactions deepen content understanding and also allow the students to better know their peers. To learn how to really hear another person and see another personal with nonjudgemental eyes is vital. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ this instructional method(jargon) as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths. If the students are comfortable in their learning environment and feel free to express and discuss ideas, then they will better understand the content, because it has been communicated from different people in different ways, and they have had the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding. Vygotski states that students learn from people who are more knowledgeable. It is optimal to have the student working on the edge of the zone of proximal development(ZPD), which is where the student is learning the most from the more knowledgeable person. This person could be the teacher, but could also be a classmate. If I group students of different writing abilities together for a project, (then)the weaker will learn writing skills from the stronger and the stronger will learn teaching skills from the weaker, because every moment in a classroom is dynamic with learning and teaching always occurring.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Web Resources for the Classroom
After reviewing the websites provided I chose Classroom Literacy Resourses as one of the resources I would use. I did not realize it was created by the University of Connecticut when I first visited...GO UCONN! This site is includes many literacy topics, research findings and curriculum issues. It also includes information from the State of Connecticut Department of Education with regard to state teaching and learning requirements. I will find the sections addressing technology in the classroom quite helpful.
I also like the site ReadWriteThink. This site provides classroom resources including lesson plans and interactive activities for the students. It is user friendly, easy to navigate, and fun! It also includes resources for parents and after school activities. One in particular, "Pass It On, " requires the student to observe billboards in the area and comment on what values they are promoting. The student then creates their own billboard promoting a virtue of their choice. It requires the student to reflect on their own morals and ethics, and requires the creation of a multimedia presentation. The site also has a "tips and how toos" section, which is always helpful.
I also like the site ReadWriteThink. This site provides classroom resources including lesson plans and interactive activities for the students. It is user friendly, easy to navigate, and fun! It also includes resources for parents and after school activities. One in particular, "Pass It On, " requires the student to observe billboards in the area and comment on what values they are promoting. The student then creates their own billboard promoting a virtue of their choice. It requires the student to reflect on their own morals and ethics, and requires the creation of a multimedia presentation. The site also has a "tips and how toos" section, which is always helpful.
Resources
Classroom Literacy Resources retrieved from http://www.literacy.uconn.edu
http://readwritethink.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Assistive Technology
A good teacher wants all students to have a rich experience in class. Technology is an increasingly important component of this experience. For students with disabilities technology can have special challenges. Fortunately there are some technologies that address special needs.
For the student with low vision, ereaders may be a good option. There are a variety of texts sizes and clarity setting. There is also the feature of converting text to speech.
For the hard of hearing an assistive listening system which provides a microphone for the teacher which transmits to the student could be helpful. A speech to text system which translates voice to the written word is another option.
A left hand keyboard would be helpful to the student who fell off the skateboard and broke her right arm. It would allow her to keep up with school work and perhaps improve her keyboarding skills.
I would like to concentrate on the technology that can greatly enhance the life of a child with autism. This was shared by my sister, an educator, but first and foremost a mother. My nephew is autistic. Since the diagnosis my sister has been a pioneer in care, treatment and education. The itouch is his primary communication device using an application called prologuetogo. He also uses the app photoshare to share events. This is helpful in the educational setting in that his teachers and peers can connect and communicate with him. It adds to his general happiness, which makes being in school a more comfortable environment. For pleasure he enjoys accessing photos and videos, music videos, favorite shows and music. The ipad2 has a camera. One of his educational objectives is to learn how to take a picture. The itouch has been a welcome addition in both home and school.
Technology can be an important and uplifting tool in enhancing the special needs learner's experience in the classroom, and in the world.
For the student with low vision, ereaders may be a good option. There are a variety of texts sizes and clarity setting. There is also the feature of converting text to speech.
For the hard of hearing an assistive listening system which provides a microphone for the teacher which transmits to the student could be helpful. A speech to text system which translates voice to the written word is another option.
A left hand keyboard would be helpful to the student who fell off the skateboard and broke her right arm. It would allow her to keep up with school work and perhaps improve her keyboarding skills.
I would like to concentrate on the technology that can greatly enhance the life of a child with autism. This was shared by my sister, an educator, but first and foremost a mother. My nephew is autistic. Since the diagnosis my sister has been a pioneer in care, treatment and education. The itouch is his primary communication device using an application called prologuetogo. He also uses the app photoshare to share events. This is helpful in the educational setting in that his teachers and peers can connect and communicate with him. It adds to his general happiness, which makes being in school a more comfortable environment. For pleasure he enjoys accessing photos and videos, music videos, favorite shows and music. The ipad2 has a camera. One of his educational objectives is to learn how to take a picture. The itouch has been a welcome addition in both home and school.
Technology can be an important and uplifting tool in enhancing the special needs learner's experience in the classroom, and in the world.
Resources
Beth Lynn (2007) Teacher Tips/Training retrieved from http://www.suite101.com
Teaching Technology (2010) retrieved from http://vsedgewick.edublogs.org
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
T2P Week 4
Spreadsheet:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuuCrLdX4RmrdFpYY2tpRURwbEVVbTc0YzNySEJLY2c&hl=en_US&pli=1#gid=0
(If)When students work in groups (event), (then)they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. George Siemens states in his theory of connectivism(jargon) that human beings crave to externalize their learning primarily through language in social spaces. Whether it is content(jargon), vocabulary, what happened on last night's episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. These interactions deepen content understanding and also allow the students to better know their peers. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ this instructional method(jargon) as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths. If the students are comfortable in their learning environment and feel free to express and discuss ideas, then they will better understand the content, because it has been communicated from different people in different ways, and they have had the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding. Vygotski states that students learn from people who are more knowledgeable. It is optimal to have the student working on the edge of the zone of proximal development(ZPD), which is where the student is learning the most from the more knowledgeable person. This person could be the teacher, but could also be a classmate. If I group students of different writing abilities together for a project, (then)the weaker will learn writing skills from the stronger and the stronger will learn teaching skills from the weaker, because every moment in a classroom is dynamic with learning and teaching always occurring.
Vicki Davis
If a teacher recognizes the students as individual and customizes the instructional practice(jargon) to best meet that groups needs optimal learning will occur because the time, energy and resources of all are efficiently used. Ms. Davis recognizes that all people are different and changes her classroom accordingly.(ethics) As Nel Noddings observed, the classroom is a "constellation of encounters, both planned and unplanned." Clearly Ms. Davis and her students are enjoying the learning experience. Ms. Davis gives the students ample opportunity to for self discovery in both language and technology. The students are asked to demonstrate their understanding by teaching new knowledge to her and to the class. She encourages the use of technology to connect with the global community.(ethics) The students thus develop a sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness. When students interact with other students in the global community while working on a common project they develop empathy because with communication there is the realization of commonality.(ethics) Again referencing Siemens, the ability to externalize learning gives birth to thought. The goal of education is understanding and creation. Ms. Davis has created a wonderful environment in which her students will grow.
If a teacher is able to provide the scaffolding necessary for constructing understanding, then students will be able to grasp increasingly complex ideas, because the content has been introduced and built upon in logical, organized fashion. Jean Piaget described the method of acquiring knowledge as adding to or modifying the conceptual framework already in place. As I look back just three short weeks to my understanding of learning theories, and see where I am today, I find this concept quite interesting to reflect on. GNA carefully and systematically introduced concepts including; learning styles, learning and behavioral theories, and ethics. She provided meaningful and informative reading material, and threw in jargon where ever possible! In doing so she allowed us to create connections and meaningful understanding. I am beginning to see at least some of the dimensions of the world of education, and am more comfortable expressing my thoughts than just three weeks ago.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuuCrLdX4RmrdFpYY2tpRURwbEVVbTc0YzNySEJLY2c&hl=en_US&pli=1#gid=0
(If)When students work in groups (event), (then)they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. George Siemens states in his theory of connectivism(jargon) that human beings crave to externalize their learning primarily through language in social spaces. Whether it is content(jargon), vocabulary, what happened on last night's episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. These interactions deepen content understanding and also allow the students to better know their peers. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ this instructional method(jargon) as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths. If the students are comfortable in their learning environment and feel free to express and discuss ideas, then they will better understand the content, because it has been communicated from different people in different ways, and they have had the opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding. Vygotski states that students learn from people who are more knowledgeable. It is optimal to have the student working on the edge of the zone of proximal development(ZPD), which is where the student is learning the most from the more knowledgeable person. This person could be the teacher, but could also be a classmate. If I group students of different writing abilities together for a project, (then)the weaker will learn writing skills from the stronger and the stronger will learn teaching skills from the weaker, because every moment in a classroom is dynamic with learning and teaching always occurring.
Vicki Davis
If a teacher recognizes the students as individual and customizes the instructional practice(jargon) to best meet that groups needs optimal learning will occur because the time, energy and resources of all are efficiently used. Ms. Davis recognizes that all people are different and changes her classroom accordingly.(ethics) As Nel Noddings observed, the classroom is a "constellation of encounters, both planned and unplanned." Clearly Ms. Davis and her students are enjoying the learning experience. Ms. Davis gives the students ample opportunity to for self discovery in both language and technology. The students are asked to demonstrate their understanding by teaching new knowledge to her and to the class. She encourages the use of technology to connect with the global community.(ethics) The students thus develop a sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness. When students interact with other students in the global community while working on a common project they develop empathy because with communication there is the realization of commonality.(ethics) Again referencing Siemens, the ability to externalize learning gives birth to thought. The goal of education is understanding and creation. Ms. Davis has created a wonderful environment in which her students will grow.
If a teacher is able to provide the scaffolding necessary for constructing understanding, then students will be able to grasp increasingly complex ideas, because the content has been introduced and built upon in logical, organized fashion. Jean Piaget described the method of acquiring knowledge as adding to or modifying the conceptual framework already in place. As I look back just three short weeks to my understanding of learning theories, and see where I am today, I find this concept quite interesting to reflect on. GNA carefully and systematically introduced concepts including; learning styles, learning and behavioral theories, and ethics. She provided meaningful and informative reading material, and threw in jargon where ever possible! In doing so she allowed us to create connections and meaningful understanding. I am beginning to see at least some of the dimensions of the world of education, and am more comfortable expressing my thoughts than just three weeks ago.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Meaningful Incorporation of Technology
As I have already referred to The Diary of Anne Frank, I will continue to reference that text and lesson plan. I found what appears to be a fabulous internet project created by an 8th grade teacher in CA. http://www.annefrankwall.org The unit question is "How will learning about her life change the way you live yours?". I personally find that question inspiring and I think 7th graders will as well. The project includes WWII speeches, reading the text, watching a movie and documentary, a project activity, and interaction with Holocaust survivors. A 5 paragraph paper is created and shared with the class. A detailed lesson plan is included.
I would also like to take some time to address cyber safety and cyber bullying. I will have the children watch an appropriate video online, write about it, and discuss the issue in small groups and then as a whole.
This speaks to the ethical environment of the classroom and high expectations both academically and morally (Hansen, 1995).
Hansen, David T. (1995) Teaching and the Moral Life of Classrooms retrieved from http://tigger.uic.edu/~lnucci/MoralEd/articles/hansen.html
I would also like to take some time to address cyber safety and cyber bullying. I will have the children watch an appropriate video online, write about it, and discuss the issue in small groups and then as a whole.
This speaks to the ethical environment of the classroom and high expectations both academically and morally (Hansen, 1995).
References
Hansen, David T. (1995) Teaching and the Moral Life of Classrooms retrieved from http://tigger.uic.edu/~lnucci/MoralEd/articles/hansen.html
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Week 3 T2P Essay
I enjoy the way GNA begins the class by taking a few minutes to share a little about herself, and ask how all of us are doing. BTW, I saw a coyote standing next to I84 on Sunday!
I thought the RRSQCC exercise was great. It got everyone focused and ready to learn. With so much overlapping and similar reading between the classes I found this to be helpful getting into the topic at hand.
We broke into groups of 6 to discuss our theorist. It was quite interesting to observe the group dynamics. We are getting to know one another better, and personality traits are becoming more evident. I was pleased with our summary, and thought I did a good job sharing the information in my triad. Effie and JP did a good job as well, and I felt that I got a good introduction to their theorists.
Lunch was spent blogging, and then another theorist was assigned. This time another triad prepared a presentation. Kelly, Dave and I had a lively discussion, with GNA stopping by to offer words of wisdom. I am pleased with the presentation we developed. Kelly is good with tech and did a great job.
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL;)
When students like their teacher and feel comfortable in their classroom, learning will occur, because the student's respect for the teacher and camaraderie with the classmates. I would love to be able to take 5 with my kids, but am a little concerned about the time constraint in the public junior high classroom. I'll have to do some experimenting.
When students are given an assessment, and that assessment will not be graded, then students will fairly accurately display their understanding, because they are not overly prepared or overly stressed.
When students work in groups, they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. Whether it is content, vocabulary, what happened on last night's
episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ that as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths.
I thought the RRSQCC exercise was great. It got everyone focused and ready to learn. With so much overlapping and similar reading between the classes I found this to be helpful getting into the topic at hand.
We broke into groups of 6 to discuss our theorist. It was quite interesting to observe the group dynamics. We are getting to know one another better, and personality traits are becoming more evident. I was pleased with our summary, and thought I did a good job sharing the information in my triad. Effie and JP did a good job as well, and I felt that I got a good introduction to their theorists.
Lunch was spent blogging, and then another theorist was assigned. This time another triad prepared a presentation. Kelly, Dave and I had a lively discussion, with GNA stopping by to offer words of wisdom. I am pleased with the presentation we developed. Kelly is good with tech and did a great job.
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL;)
When students like their teacher and feel comfortable in their classroom, learning will occur, because the student's respect for the teacher and camaraderie with the classmates. I would love to be able to take 5 with my kids, but am a little concerned about the time constraint in the public junior high classroom. I'll have to do some experimenting.
When students are given an assessment, and that assessment will not be graded, then students will fairly accurately display their understanding, because they are not overly prepared or overly stressed.
When students work in groups, they necessarily learn from each other, because every exchange is a learning opportunity on some level. Whether it is content, vocabulary, what happened on last night's
episode of Glee, or just that their nerdy neighbor is actually pretty funny, every classroom interaction has an effect. I have really enjoyed the collaboration in all of my classes and hope to employ that as much as possible in my teaching. Also, one person may be great in tech, another strong in concept, and another strong in language. All can make progress by learning from the other, and all are reinforced in their own strengths.
Learning Theories Week 3 - P/V/S Remix
Q1 What 2 Key Terms does Construction Learning Theory emphasize in relating the ides that learners already have with those newly forming? Please define the terms
Bloom 2, list and describe
Assimilation: The concept of processing information within the context of the existing mental framework
Accommodation: The concept of processing information by adding to or modifying the existing mental framework
Q5 Do Vygotsky's theories apply to you? Explain.
Bloom 2, explain and investigate
I generally agree with Vygotsky's learning theories, so yes, they do apply to my learning. I learn in society, from many individuals, if not all on some level. Whether I am at home, a party, on a walk with my BFF, or at church I am learning from those who are more knowledgeable than me in some area, and I am contributing to their knowledge and understanding as well.
For instance, I am a new MAC learner. I am learning from Vanessa in class, from by classmates on break, and from my daughter at home. While learning about the MAC, I brought up a concept that I had learned in this class, thereby enlightening my daughter.
I find the language component to be quite compelling. I am not technologically inclined, so I find following along in my tech class to be quite challenging. Conversely I have a fairly broad vocabulary and capacity for understanding, so find that I can learn and understand at a much better rate in my other classes.
Q6 Determine where in society we find examples of positive or negative reinforcement. Give 3 examples with explanations as to why the examples is positive or negative.
Bloom 4, see pattens, explain, investigate
Through out society we constantly see examples of positive and negative reinforcement. These experiences begin at birth and continue until death. When a child is brought home from the hospital the parents begin with simply a smile or touch. This is positive reinforcement of the child's existence, as the smile is naturally recognized and enjoyed. On the playground inappropriate behavior may result in punishment from the parent, or a slap or push by a playmate. Thus the child begins to recognize that a certain type of behavior results in an unpleasant response. In school good academic progress will be rewarded by good grades, positive recognition and possibly a treat. Poor behavior in school would result in unpleasant disciplinary action such as a trip to the principal's office or detention. Particularly with young children, reward and punishment is an oft use form of behavioral training. As people mature however, they may question both the behavior and response, and a more intrinsically based teaching mode may be required.
Bloom 2, list and describe
Assimilation: The concept of processing information within the context of the existing mental framework
Accommodation: The concept of processing information by adding to or modifying the existing mental framework
Q5 Do Vygotsky's theories apply to you? Explain.
Bloom 2, explain and investigate
I generally agree with Vygotsky's learning theories, so yes, they do apply to my learning. I learn in society, from many individuals, if not all on some level. Whether I am at home, a party, on a walk with my BFF, or at church I am learning from those who are more knowledgeable than me in some area, and I am contributing to their knowledge and understanding as well.
For instance, I am a new MAC learner. I am learning from Vanessa in class, from by classmates on break, and from my daughter at home. While learning about the MAC, I brought up a concept that I had learned in this class, thereby enlightening my daughter.
I find the language component to be quite compelling. I am not technologically inclined, so I find following along in my tech class to be quite challenging. Conversely I have a fairly broad vocabulary and capacity for understanding, so find that I can learn and understand at a much better rate in my other classes.
Q6 Determine where in society we find examples of positive or negative reinforcement. Give 3 examples with explanations as to why the examples is positive or negative.
Bloom 4, see pattens, explain, investigate
Through out society we constantly see examples of positive and negative reinforcement. These experiences begin at birth and continue until death. When a child is brought home from the hospital the parents begin with simply a smile or touch. This is positive reinforcement of the child's existence, as the smile is naturally recognized and enjoyed. On the playground inappropriate behavior may result in punishment from the parent, or a slap or push by a playmate. Thus the child begins to recognize that a certain type of behavior results in an unpleasant response. In school good academic progress will be rewarded by good grades, positive recognition and possibly a treat. Poor behavior in school would result in unpleasant disciplinary action such as a trip to the principal's office or detention. Particularly with young children, reward and punishment is an oft use form of behavioral training. As people mature however, they may question both the behavior and response, and a more intrinsically based teaching mode may be required.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Internet Instructional Models/Technology in Cooperating Classroom
Internet Workshop and WebQuest are similar in that they are both projects dedicated to a particular task at a particular website. The classroom teacher would have more control over the Internet Workshop in that she would develop the activity and monitor the progress. The WebQuest model is already set up with the task description, process outline, information on resources and help with organization. Both of these models can be engaged in independently, with sharing held off until the end if desired.
Internet Project is a more collaborative effort. Whether involved in a web based or spontaneous project, the intent is to work with others. There are similarities with the above in as much as web based learning and activities are concerned. The reason a teacher would chose this model is the collaborative component.
The Internet Inquiry includes all of the above. It allows for a broader web based learning experience with the development of the question, the gathering and evaluation of materials,and the sharing along the way. It promotes competency in content area and internet learning skills. It allows the student to show knowledge, understanding and skills across the disciplines (Leu, 2002).
My cooperating teacher has advised that she has one computer and an LCD projector which work out very nicely. She said that some of the math/science teachers have smart boards, but the bulbs burn out quickly and are expensive to replace. She also has access to a TV for DVD's.
As I am new to teaching and technology, and will be with 7th graders, I envision beginning with something straight forward, such as internet research. I know that one of the books the children read last year was "The Diary of Anne Frank." There is an excellent website, annefrank.org, where I could direct the children to go with some questions and tasks to complete. Once their project were complete they would share with the class.
Internet Project is a more collaborative effort. Whether involved in a web based or spontaneous project, the intent is to work with others. There are similarities with the above in as much as web based learning and activities are concerned. The reason a teacher would chose this model is the collaborative component.
The Internet Inquiry includes all of the above. It allows for a broader web based learning experience with the development of the question, the gathering and evaluation of materials,and the sharing along the way. It promotes competency in content area and internet learning skills. It allows the student to show knowledge, understanding and skills across the disciplines (Leu, 2002).
My cooperating teacher has advised that she has one computer and an LCD projector which work out very nicely. She said that some of the math/science teachers have smart boards, but the bulbs burn out quickly and are expensive to replace. She also has access to a TV for DVD's.
As I am new to teaching and technology, and will be with 7th graders, I envision beginning with something straight forward, such as internet research. I know that one of the books the children read last year was "The Diary of Anne Frank." There is an excellent website, annefrank.org, where I could direct the children to go with some questions and tasks to complete. Once their project were complete they would share with the class.
Resource
Leu, D.J. Jr. (2002). Internet Workshop: Making time for literacy. Reading Online. [Article reprinted from the Reading Teacher, 55 (5)]. Retrieved June 9, 2011 from http://www.readingonline.org
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Week 2 T2P Essay
Another fun and productive day. GNA mentioned early in class that every minute of our six hour day is planned for learning and assessment. That concept dovetailed nicely with the Hanson reading which stated "Virtue or Vice emit a breath every minute." In the classroom there is no dead time; teaching and learning are going on with regard to either content or morality or both at any given time. The readings were thought provoking and we reviewed them together as a class. The short videos were a fun way to address the issues of learning styles and learning of content. We began to discuss human development, which is of course a gigantic field. The main topics I took away from that presentation are the ideas that each student (and the teacher)has a lot more going on at any one time than learning the lesson of the day, and that the classroom is a very complex and fluid environment. It was interesting to do another concept map and compare it to last week's. Our group was able to clarify what we feel contributes to successful learning, and made the student and all that he/she brings to the table a much bigger factor.
If a student feels comfortable and emotionally safe in the learning environment than successful learning will occur because the student is able to express themself and ask questions without fear of judgement.
If a student feels comfortable and emotionally safe in the learning environment than successful learning will occur because the student is able to express themself and ask questions without fear of judgement.
Week 1 T2P Essay
GNA was born to teach. She is energetic and engaging, has a great sense of humor and is clearly well schooled and skilled in her profession. The day was fun and fast paced. Many teaching methods/learning styles were incorporated, including social, visual, auditory and tactile. We worked in groups, and also had the opportunity for personal reflection on the day's lesson. The day was well organized, with GNA clearly stating what the schedule for the day would be, and what our goals for the day were. I very much enjoyed collaborating with my class mates, who all seem very nice, intelligent and happy to be here. I look forward to seeing what the next five weeks bring.
Science is messy
Jerrid Kruse believes that people learn from each other. The question and answer/brainstorming session results in the students learning from him and from each other. It also requires that the students expand or stretch the ideas they have formed, as well as those offered by their classmates. He also thinks that seeing the ideas in print on the board is a learning tool. He encourages the students to participate and validates their ideas while helping them to fine tune and better articulate their thoughts. By providing the "Science is messy" framework Mr. Kruse promotes the idea that there may not be one correct answer, so the students should not hesitate to share their ideas, and should not become frustrated in their quest for scientific knowledge.
Mr. Kruse believes that one develops competency in science using creativity. The evidence and the mind of the scientist interact and lead to processes, composition and interpretation. This results in understanding and the creation of new ideas or observations.
If a teacher is knowledgable and passionate about his content area and provides a learning environment that is safe an stimulating, students will learn.
Mr. Kruse believes that one develops competency in science using creativity. The evidence and the mind of the scientist interact and lead to processes, composition and interpretation. This results in understanding and the creation of new ideas or observations.
If a teacher is knowledgable and passionate about his content area and provides a learning environment that is safe an stimulating, students will learn.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Class Resources Continued
Anne Frank Web Site
People learn with empathy and feeling. In the realm of humanities, including English, teachers present the human condition across time and culture. The Diary Of Anne Frank is a book that is often included in the 7th grade English curriculum. My supervising teacher taught it this past spring. Good teachers provide intertextual material with which to delve into a text. This may expose many facets of the context in which the literature was written, and also the relevancy of the piece currently. English students develop competency by learning how to read a classic, understand the time and place and people involved, and connect that understanding to their world, and the future. That is a tall order for 7th graders, but just beginning to make those connections might be enough.
People learn with empathy and feeling. In the realm of humanities, including English, teachers present the human condition across time and culture. The Diary Of Anne Frank is a book that is often included in the 7th grade English curriculum. My supervising teacher taught it this past spring. Good teachers provide intertextual material with which to delve into a text. This may expose many facets of the context in which the literature was written, and also the relevancy of the piece currently. English students develop competency by learning how to read a classic, understand the time and place and people involved, and connect that understanding to their world, and the future. That is a tall order for 7th graders, but just beginning to make those connections might be enough.
Class Resources
Amazon
I would like my 7th grade English students to each have a dictionary and thesaurus. For one thing, kids love back to school shopping and having their own stuff. Both are inexpensive. Even before school begins, they may begin to realize that vocabulary and grammar will be an important aspect of their schooling. People learn by doing. By taking the time to look up words, find the meaning, part of speech, origin etc. and writing that down commits the term to memory with a better understanding than simply jumping on dictionary.com. A good teacher does not create meaningless tasks, however sometimes the quickest way is not the best way. During vocabulary, grammar and writing exercises the student would have these resources readily available to refer to. Practice makes improvement, thus a lot of vocabulary, grammar and writing activities should lead to a better command of the English language.
internet4classrooms
This is an interesting website that offers a lot of activities and ideas for class planning. People learn when learning is fun. When activities in the learning process are interesting and enjoyable students will want to repeat those activities and even seek to do them on their own time. Good teachers find ways to engage their students and spark an interest in the subject matter. Students develop competency with lessons and work in grammar, and with READING.
I would like my 7th grade English students to each have a dictionary and thesaurus. For one thing, kids love back to school shopping and having their own stuff. Both are inexpensive. Even before school begins, they may begin to realize that vocabulary and grammar will be an important aspect of their schooling. People learn by doing. By taking the time to look up words, find the meaning, part of speech, origin etc. and writing that down commits the term to memory with a better understanding than simply jumping on dictionary.com. A good teacher does not create meaningless tasks, however sometimes the quickest way is not the best way. During vocabulary, grammar and writing exercises the student would have these resources readily available to refer to. Practice makes improvement, thus a lot of vocabulary, grammar and writing activities should lead to a better command of the English language.
internet4classrooms
This is an interesting website that offers a lot of activities and ideas for class planning. People learn when learning is fun. When activities in the learning process are interesting and enjoyable students will want to repeat those activities and even seek to do them on their own time. Good teachers find ways to engage their students and spark an interest in the subject matter. Students develop competency with lessons and work in grammar, and with READING.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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