Friday, December 14, 2012
An Introduction to Technology Integration | Edutopia
An Introduction to Technology Integration | Edutopia
I'm pretty sure this speaks for itself, I think this is solid. I am encouraged by this integration at the elementary level. I know my students can run with technology integrated assignments, I just have to be able to collaborate and implement meaningful assessments that allow my students to grow through the usage of technology. The schools shown in the video seem to have a great deal of resources to work with, I'm not sure we have these same types of resources at school. My students may be able to provide their own resources, but how do you approach that topic? Anyway, I don't need to let that hold me back. We are in education to overcome obstacles, right?
How to Use the Startup Model to Ignite Innovation | Edutopia
How to Use the Startup Model to Ignite Innovation | Edutopia
Ok, so the link I initially opened took me to a blog with listings of many other blogs, so I chose this one to share. I'll probably be sharing others soon. This startup model empowers teachers to connect with students/parents on a few different platforms. Also, I can see using the alum.us as a way to connect to students who have gone on to college or other parts of the world and have them share experiences with current students or even encourage some to see the benefit of education. The goalbook site is extremely inviting in that it allows teachers/parents/students to track progress in a particular content area.
Ok, so the link I initially opened took me to a blog with listings of many other blogs, so I chose this one to share. I'll probably be sharing others soon. This startup model empowers teachers to connect with students/parents on a few different platforms. Also, I can see using the alum.us as a way to connect to students who have gone on to college or other parts of the world and have them share experiences with current students or even encourage some to see the benefit of education. The goalbook site is extremely inviting in that it allows teachers/parents/students to track progress in a particular content area.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Education World: Add Rigor: Upping Vocabulary Complexity
Education World: Add Rigor: Upping Vocabulary Complexity
I remember the title of this book from two years ago when my principal was beginning to use the word rigor in an effort to intensify content. Although it still exists, we don't hear it every time he addresses us now. I find myself guilty of many of the same habits in that sometimes I don't spend the necessary time on vocabulary when I need to work with my students' writing and reading skills. In this article, we find alternate ways to process and retain information - many of which remind me of C.R.I.S.S. training I received when I began teaching. I do agree with the technique presented, but also struggle to balance this without inundating students with the dreaded homework. I know there must be a way to work all of this into the curriculum, but struggle each year on completing the desired readings and writing assignments.
I remember the title of this book from two years ago when my principal was beginning to use the word rigor in an effort to intensify content. Although it still exists, we don't hear it every time he addresses us now. I find myself guilty of many of the same habits in that sometimes I don't spend the necessary time on vocabulary when I need to work with my students' writing and reading skills. In this article, we find alternate ways to process and retain information - many of which remind me of C.R.I.S.S. training I received when I began teaching. I do agree with the technique presented, but also struggle to balance this without inundating students with the dreaded homework. I know there must be a way to work all of this into the curriculum, but struggle each year on completing the desired readings and writing assignments.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success | Edutopia
How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success | Edutopia
Apparently, I'm becoming a big fan of posts on Edutopia. The process f collaborative learning is one I enjoy observing as a teacher, especially when the task at hand is challenging enough to require input from each member of the group. As a learner in secondary school, I rarely if ever was given the opportunity to work with peers in the classroom. When I first learned of collaborative learning in the classroom, I immediately was drawn to it. I do realize that students must be closely monitored in an effort to stay on task at times, but I have also found that if the task at hand is one that challenges them, then they are more likely to stay on task. I know students appreciate working among their peers, and as long as they are achieving the targets I am as well.
Apparently, I'm becoming a big fan of posts on Edutopia. The process f collaborative learning is one I enjoy observing as a teacher, especially when the task at hand is challenging enough to require input from each member of the group. As a learner in secondary school, I rarely if ever was given the opportunity to work with peers in the classroom. When I first learned of collaborative learning in the classroom, I immediately was drawn to it. I do realize that students must be closely monitored in an effort to stay on task at times, but I have also found that if the task at hand is one that challenges them, then they are more likely to stay on task. I know students appreciate working among their peers, and as long as they are achieving the targets I am as well.
Common Core Big Idea 5: Consider Meaningful Assessment | Edutopia
Common Core Big Idea 5: Consider Meaningful Assessment | Edutopia
I have enjoyed reading about the Common Core, because I work in one of the 4 states that chooses not to work in the confides of Common Core standards. Of all the information I've read, especially from Edutopia, I see many of the same areas of emphasis. We too have been working constantly to improve our assessment and skills to create authentic and effective assessments. I see that with or without Common Core standards, teachers need to emphasize rigor and evaluate the students appropriately.
I have enjoyed reading about the Common Core, because I work in one of the 4 states that chooses not to work in the confides of Common Core standards. Of all the information I've read, especially from Edutopia, I see many of the same areas of emphasis. We too have been working constantly to improve our assessment and skills to create authentic and effective assessments. I see that with or without Common Core standards, teachers need to emphasize rigor and evaluate the students appropriately.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Study Links Multiple Media Usage To Depression and Anxiety
I find this interesting on multiple levels, because identifying depression in high school students is an extremely difficult task to attempt. Anxiety aside, students are constantly multi-tasking or attempting to multi-task during the school day. If they are working on a computer (web or application) they are more than likely using their phone for something: music, Twitter, or messages. Based on this research, I don't think that necessarily makes them depressed, but I can see how it could lead to it. I find it funny that when one person is texting, it seems that regardless of the need, the other person will at least check for new messages on their own phone. Kind of like saying I would rather talk to anyone else than have to wait on you. I'm as guilty as anyone about using technology, sometimes more than one at a time, but I do have moments when I miss the days before cell phones, tablets, and other handheld devices - when you had to run to the phone if you got a call or when you received letters in the mail. These are the reasons people should be depressed, not because we have developed into an instant gratification society that needs constant contact with others, whether we know them or not.
I find this interesting on multiple levels, because identifying depression in high school students is an extremely difficult task to attempt. Anxiety aside, students are constantly multi-tasking or attempting to multi-task during the school day. If they are working on a computer (web or application) they are more than likely using their phone for something: music, Twitter, or messages. Based on this research, I don't think that necessarily makes them depressed, but I can see how it could lead to it. I find it funny that when one person is texting, it seems that regardless of the need, the other person will at least check for new messages on their own phone. Kind of like saying I would rather talk to anyone else than have to wait on you. I'm as guilty as anyone about using technology, sometimes more than one at a time, but I do have moments when I miss the days before cell phones, tablets, and other handheld devices - when you had to run to the phone if you got a call or when you received letters in the mail. These are the reasons people should be depressed, not because we have developed into an instant gratification society that needs constant contact with others, whether we know them or not.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Challenging the Model of 1:1 with BYOD | Edutopia
Challenging the Model of 1:1 with BYOD | Edutopia
I am intrigued by Paquette's writing on the usage of different devices in a classroom. I realize many schools do not have as privileged a population as mine does, but wonder how this could be implemented in a school where students seem to always have the latest technology at their disposal. Having the opportunity to use these many devices as learning tools would enhance a lesson as well as engage students better. Supposedly, our district is going to implement certain devices in the coming years (I'll believe it when I see it) so this would be a good jump start for my classroom.
I am intrigued by Paquette's writing on the usage of different devices in a classroom. I realize many schools do not have as privileged a population as mine does, but wonder how this could be implemented in a school where students seem to always have the latest technology at their disposal. Having the opportunity to use these many devices as learning tools would enhance a lesson as well as engage students better. Supposedly, our district is going to implement certain devices in the coming years (I'll believe it when I see it) so this would be a good jump start for my classroom.
Digital Aristotle
Maybe this is why some teachers are reluctant to commit to an online/digital classroom - they may think that in doing so they would become obsolete. I'm not sure I completely agree with Grey. Although I do believe people will be able to be guided/taught by a "Digital Aristotle", I do not believe that all students will want to do so. I'm not sure about others, but my biggest challenge is to motivate the unmotivated and challenge the motivated all within the same classroom. I can see how a "Digital Aristotle" will cater to each students' needs, but will it make a student want to learn? As he stated, there has always been a place to locate information, but not everyone has accessed this place (library). His thoughts makes me wonder, are more students reading now that they have digital devices that alleviate the trip to the library or bookstore? The thought excites me and scares me a little, I mean I do want have a job in the future, but if I can be a part of the process that encourages students to learn on their own, then I will enjoy education even more!
Maybe this is why some teachers are reluctant to commit to an online/digital classroom - they may think that in doing so they would become obsolete. I'm not sure I completely agree with Grey. Although I do believe people will be able to be guided/taught by a "Digital Aristotle", I do not believe that all students will want to do so. I'm not sure about others, but my biggest challenge is to motivate the unmotivated and challenge the motivated all within the same classroom. I can see how a "Digital Aristotle" will cater to each students' needs, but will it make a student want to learn? As he stated, there has always been a place to locate information, but not everyone has accessed this place (library). His thoughts makes me wonder, are more students reading now that they have digital devices that alleviate the trip to the library or bookstore? The thought excites me and scares me a little, I mean I do want have a job in the future, but if I can be a part of the process that encourages students to learn on their own, then I will enjoy education even more!
Five-Minute Film Festival: The Future of Education | Edutopia
Five-Minute Film Festival: The Future of Education | Edutopia
I have only had the opportunity to watch the first film on Future Learning, and while doing so I found myself getting exciting and wanting to be those types of teachers. I don't completely know how yet, but I want to engage my students (as I think most teachers do) in a way to improve their desires on learning. How do I get them excited about reading Arthur Miller's The Crucible? I find it intriguing on multiple levels, but in what way is a typical teenage student going to want to learn about the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism? I wonder if a webquest is enough or if discovering how treacherous each of these situations was will sink in at this time in society.
I have only had the opportunity to watch the first film on Future Learning, and while doing so I found myself getting exciting and wanting to be those types of teachers. I don't completely know how yet, but I want to engage my students (as I think most teachers do) in a way to improve their desires on learning. How do I get them excited about reading Arthur Miller's The Crucible? I find it intriguing on multiple levels, but in what way is a typical teenage student going to want to learn about the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism? I wonder if a webquest is enough or if discovering how treacherous each of these situations was will sink in at this time in society.
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