I did not know the many ways technology could be used in the classroom before taking this class. I knew most students, particularly at the college level and higher, were attached to their computers for research and writing purposes, but I had no idea how useful tech is in the earlier grades. There are so many wonderful ways to use technology for research, writing, organization and perhaps most importantly communication and collaboration. I think it is great that students and teachers from around the world can work together and share information and ideas. This communication makes the world a more friendly global environment.
I think the blog, wiki and smart notebook project were all helpful and worthwhile projects. The diigo is helpful and I do want to use this more in the future. The video was fun to make, and interesting to edit, but I am not sure I will use this technology much going forward.
I am certainly much more comfortable with technology now than six weeks ago, but have a LONG way to go. I am confident that there will plenty of help along the way; from my peers, children, and students.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Peer Blogs
I see that many of my peers enjoy using google docs and google reader. They are great tools with which to organize material and communicate efficiently. Many people intend to use wikis in the classroom, and I have also seen the idea of creating web pages for the classroom or a particular historical or literary figure.
I like Sarah's idea of having the students blog in their language arts or English classes. This is a great way to develop writing skills, and a safe way to express ideas. I would imagine that most students would be quite creative, and may be inspired to push themselves towards better writing skills in order to impress potential followers. Also, I have heard that it is important to establish a positive online presence for potential schools and/or employers to refer to. Blogging is a good way to start.
I like Sarah's idea of having the students blog in their language arts or English classes. This is a great way to develop writing skills, and a safe way to express ideas. I would imagine that most students would be quite creative, and may be inspired to push themselves towards better writing skills in order to impress potential followers. Also, I have heard that it is important to establish a positive online presence for potential schools and/or employers to refer to. Blogging is a good way to start.
References
Pierz, S. (2011). Language arts in action. retrieved 07/05/11 from http://spierzl.blogspot.com/.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
T2P Week 5
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.
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.
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.
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