Here is the link to my voice thread on CMS.
http://voicethread.com/share/2155967/
If you have any problems viewing this please let me know. I welcome any comments or questions. I hope you enjoy it.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Reflection Week 8
- Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding the use of technology integration to customize instruction as a result of your learning from this course.
My students with learning disabilities will benefit immediately by the usage of calculators and manipulatives in the classroom. It will help the students overcome the barriers that are holding them back.
My autistic students will benefit immediately by allowing them to use my classroom computers to express themselves along with the calculators and manipulatives to do the math that is required of them.
As for my gifted and talented students, my immediate changes will allow them to excel in the subject matter.
As for any other changes, they will not be immediate. I would want to implement some computer programs and Internet options (blogging, WIKI, etc). The school would need time to obtain if possible the programs needed and also to give me permission to use the internet options.
I look forward to implementing UDL/DI into my classroom to help provide my students with an even better opportunity to learn in my class.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Reflection: Final Blog Posting
As I look back at the postings I have written about this lesson plan and the comments I have gotten, I have found many things I can do with this plan and many things I can change.
Reflect on the GAME plan you developed and followed throughout the course.
I feel the GAME plan helped me in so many ways. By learning how to use the GAME plan, I feel that it has helped me understand how to improve upon my lessons I create. It also helps me make sure that I am teaching my students all that I can about my subject area and at the same time giving them the opportunity to teach one another.
Summarize any new learning that resulted from your following your GAME plan and explain what impact your new learning will have on your instructional practice.
As stated above, I have learned how to create better lessons that will help my students learn and grow in the subject matter. The impact it has made on me is I am starting to allow my students to become the creators of the lessons that they learn in class rather than me standing in front of them just lecturing the material.
Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration in your content area(s) as a result of your learning from this course.
As I worked through this class, I have been exposed to many different technological concepts that I can use with my students. Every time we learned a new concept with technology, I had many ideas running through my head waiting for the opportunity to try them with my students. I can see myself trying to integrate more technology into my lessons in the future.
I am learning so much with the courses I have taken so far in my masters. I am excited to try the new things with my students and they are excited when I change things up in class.
Reflect on the GAME plan you developed and followed throughout the course.
I feel the GAME plan helped me in so many ways. By learning how to use the GAME plan, I feel that it has helped me understand how to improve upon my lessons I create. It also helps me make sure that I am teaching my students all that I can about my subject area and at the same time giving them the opportunity to teach one another.
Summarize any new learning that resulted from your following your GAME plan and explain what impact your new learning will have on your instructional practice.
As stated above, I have learned how to create better lessons that will help my students learn and grow in the subject matter. The impact it has made on me is I am starting to allow my students to become the creators of the lessons that they learn in class rather than me standing in front of them just lecturing the material.
Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration in your content area(s) as a result of your learning from this course.
As I worked through this class, I have been exposed to many different technological concepts that I can use with my students. Every time we learned a new concept with technology, I had many ideas running through my head waiting for the opportunity to try them with my students. I can see myself trying to integrate more technology into my lessons in the future.
I am learning so much with the courses I have taken so far in my masters. I am excited to try the new things with my students and they are excited when I change things up in class.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Using the GAME Plan Process with Students
This final piece of the GAME plan is to write about my thoughts and ideas on how I will use the GAME plan process with my students to help them develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outline in the NETS-S.
1. Creativity and Innovation:
To help my students become proficient in this standard, I would have to allow them to express themselves in their work. The work they produce would have to reflect them and what they understand in the material. Telling them what to do is not letting them be creative on their own so therefore, they will have to fulfill the assignment with myself only being a "guide".
2. Communication and Collaboration:
This standard to me would be an important one for my students to become proficient in. They need to understand how important it is to be able to work with others and communicate with them. This would be accomplished by them working together on group projects in the class. If I am able to create more group activities, it will only reinforce this standard.
3. Research and Information Fluency:
This standard needs to meet proficiency so that when a student does their research, they are finding accurate information. There is a lot of material available that is not accurate. Students need to be taught how to recognize material that has not be falsified. I would teach my students how to locate accurate material by using the ABCDE method to research. Since I have learned this method, it has helped me recognize what is accurate and what is not. I feel by continued use with my students, it will help them become proficient in research and information fluency.
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making:
This standard it important to me from a math basis. If my students are not able to do any critical thinking or problem solving on their own, then I have not done my job. My goal is to continuously work with my students by allowing them to think more independently for themselves to be able to the critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making without always relying on me to be there. The stronger I can make them in this standard, the more independent they will become. So by repeated use of this, it will accomplish this standard.
5. Digital Citizenship:
As for technology, I love working with technology and I want my students to see that passion so that they will hopefully find that they love working with it also. If I continue to add material that incorporates some digital or technology base to it, they will become more proficient in this standard.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts:
Again, the more I am able to incorporate into my lessons with technology, the more they will understand the operations of the different technological items and understand the concepts associated with them.
Every year when I get a new group of students, my hope is that I help them become more proficient in the NETS-S Standards. If this is so, then I have done my job.
1. Creativity and Innovation:
To help my students become proficient in this standard, I would have to allow them to express themselves in their work. The work they produce would have to reflect them and what they understand in the material. Telling them what to do is not letting them be creative on their own so therefore, they will have to fulfill the assignment with myself only being a "guide".
2. Communication and Collaboration:
This standard to me would be an important one for my students to become proficient in. They need to understand how important it is to be able to work with others and communicate with them. This would be accomplished by them working together on group projects in the class. If I am able to create more group activities, it will only reinforce this standard.
3. Research and Information Fluency:
This standard needs to meet proficiency so that when a student does their research, they are finding accurate information. There is a lot of material available that is not accurate. Students need to be taught how to recognize material that has not be falsified. I would teach my students how to locate accurate material by using the ABCDE method to research. Since I have learned this method, it has helped me recognize what is accurate and what is not. I feel by continued use with my students, it will help them become proficient in research and information fluency.
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making:
This standard it important to me from a math basis. If my students are not able to do any critical thinking or problem solving on their own, then I have not done my job. My goal is to continuously work with my students by allowing them to think more independently for themselves to be able to the critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making without always relying on me to be there. The stronger I can make them in this standard, the more independent they will become. So by repeated use of this, it will accomplish this standard.
5. Digital Citizenship:
As for technology, I love working with technology and I want my students to see that passion so that they will hopefully find that they love working with it also. If I continue to add material that incorporates some digital or technology base to it, they will become more proficient in this standard.
6. Technology Operations and Concepts:
Again, the more I am able to incorporate into my lessons with technology, the more they will understand the operations of the different technological items and understand the concepts associated with them.
Every year when I get a new group of students, my hope is that I help them become more proficient in the NETS-S Standards. If this is so, then I have done my job.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Revising your GAME Plan
It is always a positive thing when you can take your lesson and with either your own revising or revising from the help of colleagues to make it a better and stronger lesson.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
By following a GAME plan, I have learned how to make my lessons stronger and have more meaning for my students. By following the GAME plan, I am able to strengthen the lessons so that my students are gaining more information from the material.
What goals are you still working towards?
One goal I am still working towards is trying to allow the students to think more for themselves. I am always anxious to jump in at the first sight of struggle to help them figure it out. I need to learn to step back and become more of the facilitator in many of my lessons.
Based on NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
The one I want to set as a goal would be 1b: engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. Exposing my students to real-world issues in math only helps reinforce the ideas and materials. If they can see the impact of a particular concept, it is more likely to leave an impression on them than just sitting with a book and paper to do the problem.
If you are not ready to set new learning goals, how will you extend what you have learned so far?
If my students are not accomplishing what I need them to do so that they can continue learning, I will not be able to set new learning goals. I would have those students spend a little extra time on the project at had so that they can understand what it is they are to be doing. I can not see pushing them on if they are not understanding the material.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
The approaches I would take to improve my learning is to make sure the students understand what I expect of them. I want them to get the most that they can get out of the material being presented to them. If they are not understanding the material, I can not really go on because they will be lost the rest of the way in their math career.
By using a GAME plan, I have learned ways to increase my lessons so that they are effective in teaching my students what I need them to learn.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
By following a GAME plan, I have learned how to make my lessons stronger and have more meaning for my students. By following the GAME plan, I am able to strengthen the lessons so that my students are gaining more information from the material.
What goals are you still working towards?
One goal I am still working towards is trying to allow the students to think more for themselves. I am always anxious to jump in at the first sight of struggle to help them figure it out. I need to learn to step back and become more of the facilitator in many of my lessons.
Based on NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
The one I want to set as a goal would be 1b: engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. Exposing my students to real-world issues in math only helps reinforce the ideas and materials. If they can see the impact of a particular concept, it is more likely to leave an impression on them than just sitting with a book and paper to do the problem.
If you are not ready to set new learning goals, how will you extend what you have learned so far?
If my students are not accomplishing what I need them to do so that they can continue learning, I will not be able to set new learning goals. I would have those students spend a little extra time on the project at had so that they can understand what it is they are to be doing. I can not see pushing them on if they are not understanding the material.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
The approaches I would take to improve my learning is to make sure the students understand what I expect of them. I want them to get the most that they can get out of the material being presented to them. If they are not understanding the material, I can not really go on because they will be lost the rest of the way in their math career.
By using a GAME plan, I have learned ways to increase my lessons so that they are effective in teaching my students what I need them to learn.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Evaluating Your GAME Plan Progress
Working on a project using a GAME plan has helped me make the project more understanding for the students and at the same time keeps them engaged in what they are doing. Having them create short lessons on the Chapters they are assigned to present to the class as a review of the quarter's material has opened their eyes to what happens on the other side. They are realizing a little what it is like to be the teacher and not the student.
*How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
By using the GAME plan and creating the lesson, it has helped me focus more on how it needs to be created with the students interest in mind. It has helped me narrow it down to the important information they need to present so that they are not picking information that will not be needed.
*What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned that there is more than one way to do things. I am use to being the lecturer. I want to give my students the opportunity to take charge and I can just be a facilitator.
*What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
What I still have to learn is to let the students think for themselves. I have found that the more information I give them, the more dependent they are on me. If I allow them to research information on their own, they become more dependent on their own research and learning skills. The question that has arisen is, How do I let go of the "control" and allow them to be independent in some of the work. It is hard to do seeing I have always taught in the way where I give the information and they just store it in their memory. I want them to take control of their learning a little more and at the same time, I am learning how to let them do that.
*How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I will a little at a time find information that the students are able to find on their own and understand with little or no help from me. This would be a good start for them to use that higher-level learning.
I believe if I make some of these changes in my lessons, the students will become more engaged in the learning process and not sit there board listening to me talk all the time.
*How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
By using the GAME plan and creating the lesson, it has helped me focus more on how it needs to be created with the students interest in mind. It has helped me narrow it down to the important information they need to present so that they are not picking information that will not be needed.
*What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned that there is more than one way to do things. I am use to being the lecturer. I want to give my students the opportunity to take charge and I can just be a facilitator.
*What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
What I still have to learn is to let the students think for themselves. I have found that the more information I give them, the more dependent they are on me. If I allow them to research information on their own, they become more dependent on their own research and learning skills. The question that has arisen is, How do I let go of the "control" and allow them to be independent in some of the work. It is hard to do seeing I have always taught in the way where I give the information and they just store it in their memory. I want them to take control of their learning a little more and at the same time, I am learning how to let them do that.
*How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I will a little at a time find information that the students are able to find on their own and understand with little or no help from me. This would be a good start for them to use that higher-level learning.
I believe if I make some of these changes in my lessons, the students will become more engaged in the learning process and not sit there board listening to me talk all the time.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monitoring Your GAME Plan Progress
I have given my GAME plan for my project of having my students present material from the chapters we have learned in the current quarter to review with their classmates before taking the quarter assessment exam a lot of thought.
*Are you finding the information and resources you need?
All the resources for the material are in our textbook. The students in their groups would have to take the chapter they were assigned and find the most important information they need to go over. I would give each student of the review of the exam so that they can see what types of questions would be asked in their particular chapter. As for the technology aspect, I have been talking to our tech guy and he is making sure that the programs that I need are installed on the computers in our building and they are all working properly.
*Do you need to modify your action plan?
I do not think I need to modify anything at this time. As mentioned above, the review of the quarter assessment test should narrow things down for each group of students so that they know exactly what material out of their chapter they need to cover.
*What have you learned so far?
I have learned that I need to make sure that the students know exactly what they need to cover. If they are not guided on this, they may not cover all the necessary information their classmates need. This way they are not wasting time with unnecessary material.
I have also learned that when creating a project, I really need to think through the project step by step to make sure that it runs smoothly, the students understand what I expect, and all needed items are available to me.
*What new questions have arisen?
I have been playing with the option of narrowing down the different formats that they can present their material in. We will under a time constraint for this and if they decided to do a method they think is interesting, it may not be one for the class and they will loose the interest of their classmates. This would cause them to not understand the material and not do well on that portion of the exam.
I like to fit in projects whenever I am able to, but I just have to remember to explore all aspect of it. I think learning the method of using a GAME plan will help me in any future projects I may try to create.
*Are you finding the information and resources you need?
All the resources for the material are in our textbook. The students in their groups would have to take the chapter they were assigned and find the most important information they need to go over. I would give each student of the review of the exam so that they can see what types of questions would be asked in their particular chapter. As for the technology aspect, I have been talking to our tech guy and he is making sure that the programs that I need are installed on the computers in our building and they are all working properly.
*Do you need to modify your action plan?
I do not think I need to modify anything at this time. As mentioned above, the review of the quarter assessment test should narrow things down for each group of students so that they know exactly what material out of their chapter they need to cover.
*What have you learned so far?
I have learned that I need to make sure that the students know exactly what they need to cover. If they are not guided on this, they may not cover all the necessary information their classmates need. This way they are not wasting time with unnecessary material.
I have also learned that when creating a project, I really need to think through the project step by step to make sure that it runs smoothly, the students understand what I expect, and all needed items are available to me.
*What new questions have arisen?
I have been playing with the option of narrowing down the different formats that they can present their material in. We will under a time constraint for this and if they decided to do a method they think is interesting, it may not be one for the class and they will loose the interest of their classmates. This would cause them to not understand the material and not do well on that portion of the exam.
I like to fit in projects whenever I am able to, but I just have to remember to explore all aspect of it. I think learning the method of using a GAME plan will help me in any future projects I may try to create.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Carrying Out Your GAME Plan
My students will be working on presenting as groups, a chapters worth of material to the class before a quarter assessment to review. They will be responsible of developing their lessons using any format they feel would get the information across to their classmates. To carry out my GAME plan, I need to make sure that the following questions are answered.
What Resources will you need to carry out your plan (video, reading, experts, or colleagues, etc.?)
The resources I will need to carry out my plan include the textbook for starters. If my students are going to be expected to present material from a particular chapter in the book, they will need to read it and go through the examples. From there, depending on what format they would like to present it in for the class to learn, they will need to have access to computers, white board, and any math manipulatives that they feel they need. They can decided to present it by writing out the information on the white board for their classmates to write down. They can also present it using technology in the means of creating a flip chart to use on the Promeathan Board, Powerpoint, etc.
What additional information do you need?
The additional information I will need is to make sure they students are given what they are covering with their group for the other students to learn. I will also have to make sure that they have the needed equipment to present the material. I am going to meet with each group to get an idea of what process they are going with to make sure that I can have everything they need. I can also fit into my lessons maybe one day a week, a short lesson on how to use some of the available software at the school so that they students are aware of them and feel more comfortable using them.
What steps have you been able to take so far?
The only steps I have taken so far is to note what we have covered so far in this current quarter. This will help me decided how many groups there will be with how many students in each. I will not be able to gather any technology equipment as of yet until we have come close to finishing the quarter so that I can schedule the lab if we need it. I can at this point alert the computer tech that we will be coming towards the end of the quarter to work on a project so that she is aware of this.
If I am able to accomplish these items now, it will make the transition into the project a bit smoother.
What Resources will you need to carry out your plan (video, reading, experts, or colleagues, etc.?)
The resources I will need to carry out my plan include the textbook for starters. If my students are going to be expected to present material from a particular chapter in the book, they will need to read it and go through the examples. From there, depending on what format they would like to present it in for the class to learn, they will need to have access to computers, white board, and any math manipulatives that they feel they need. They can decided to present it by writing out the information on the white board for their classmates to write down. They can also present it using technology in the means of creating a flip chart to use on the Promeathan Board, Powerpoint, etc.
What additional information do you need?
The additional information I will need is to make sure they students are given what they are covering with their group for the other students to learn. I will also have to make sure that they have the needed equipment to present the material. I am going to meet with each group to get an idea of what process they are going with to make sure that I can have everything they need. I can also fit into my lessons maybe one day a week, a short lesson on how to use some of the available software at the school so that they students are aware of them and feel more comfortable using them.
What steps have you been able to take so far?
The only steps I have taken so far is to note what we have covered so far in this current quarter. This will help me decided how many groups there will be with how many students in each. I will not be able to gather any technology equipment as of yet until we have come close to finishing the quarter so that I can schedule the lab if we need it. I can at this point alert the computer tech that we will be coming towards the end of the quarter to work on a project so that she is aware of this.
If I am able to accomplish these items now, it will make the transition into the project a bit smoother.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Developing Your Personal GAME Plan Application 2
My GAME plan using the NETS-T are to look at Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity and Standard 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. By improving on these two, I can teach my students the material using different means.
My GOAL is to increase my knowledge in the different technologies available to me so that I can support the students in using them. I also want to engage them in the activities so that they gain a better understanding of the material. I want to be able to collaborate with my students while using the technology so that we can learn from one another to increase our knowledge together.
My ACTIONS are to use the different technology in my lesson plans when able to. This will give me a different way to teach the lessons along with a different way for the students to learn it. I will work into the lessons how to use the technology so that the students get the most from it.
My MONITORING will come into play when I watch, help, and support the students when using the technology. I will also monitor them when prompting them to try different aspects of the programs to increase their knowledge of the subject matter.
My EVALUATION will happen when I am watching and helping them through the process of using the technology. I will also be evaluating the students use of the technology when they present the project to the class and turn in their copy to me to evaluate. Evaluation will also come into play when I know if the students actually understood the material and the use of the technology to create it.
My hopes in improving on these two standards from the NETS-T is to help my students gain a better understanding of the material and have fun with it at the same time. I am sure I can do some improvement using all five standards, but these two were the ones that I thought I could improve upon the most.
My GOAL is to increase my knowledge in the different technologies available to me so that I can support the students in using them. I also want to engage them in the activities so that they gain a better understanding of the material. I want to be able to collaborate with my students while using the technology so that we can learn from one another to increase our knowledge together.
My ACTIONS are to use the different technology in my lesson plans when able to. This will give me a different way to teach the lessons along with a different way for the students to learn it. I will work into the lessons how to use the technology so that the students get the most from it.
My MONITORING will come into play when I watch, help, and support the students when using the technology. I will also monitor them when prompting them to try different aspects of the programs to increase their knowledge of the subject matter.
My EVALUATION will happen when I am watching and helping them through the process of using the technology. I will also be evaluating the students use of the technology when they present the project to the class and turn in their copy to me to evaluate. Evaluation will also come into play when I know if the students actually understood the material and the use of the technology to create it.
My hopes in improving on these two standards from the NETS-T is to help my students gain a better understanding of the material and have fun with it at the same time. I am sure I can do some improvement using all five standards, but these two were the ones that I thought I could improve upon the most.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reflection: Final Blog Posting
*Reflect on the "Personal Theory of Learning" you developed in Week 1. Summarize any modifications to your personal theory of learning you have made as a result of your learning in this course. Since the beginning of this course, I still try to bring in life examples to explain the math concepts. I have not made any significant changes to my methods of teaching it since starting this course but I do have a lot of ideas for things I can still do with my studnets this year.
*Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of your learning in this course. Identify two technology tools you would like to use with your students and how the tools will support or enhance your student's learning. I will definitely be adding more technology into my lessons this year along with the up coming years. Even though I teach math, I want to add using a WIKI, blogging, and voice threads. One project I want to do is have my students research and do a project on a famous mathematician. For this project they will use voice threads so that they can present their projects but also have a class period to comment on each others projects. The other technology that I want to integrate into my lessons would be either a blog or a WIKI. I want to have my students read a book that has a story that is geared towards math but fun to read at the same time. They then would have to write in their blog or WIKI about what they have read. It would then give classmates the opportunity to comment on their postings.
*List two long-term goal changes you would like to make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration and outline a strategy for achieving them. First goal is to integrate at least two new technological changes into my classroom instruction this year. This will allow me to introduce the material in a different way that will hopefully help the students understand better. Second goal is to continue with the technological integrations but to then try to add a couple of more technological tools every year after that. The more I can add of technology, the more student geared I can make the lessons rather than teacher geared. I feel the more the students take hold of in their education, the more likely they are willing to try harder. If they are continuously relying on the teacher, the less they are to take control of their learning and become lazy. My strategy for achieving this is to research different lessons I can do to use technology with which will more or less make me use that technology. It will actually help me enjoy teaching the subject even more and help the student enjoy math even more.
*Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of your learning in this course. Identify two technology tools you would like to use with your students and how the tools will support or enhance your student's learning. I will definitely be adding more technology into my lessons this year along with the up coming years. Even though I teach math, I want to add using a WIKI, blogging, and voice threads. One project I want to do is have my students research and do a project on a famous mathematician. For this project they will use voice threads so that they can present their projects but also have a class period to comment on each others projects. The other technology that I want to integrate into my lessons would be either a blog or a WIKI. I want to have my students read a book that has a story that is geared towards math but fun to read at the same time. They then would have to write in their blog or WIKI about what they have read. It would then give classmates the opportunity to comment on their postings.
*List two long-term goal changes you would like to make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration and outline a strategy for achieving them. First goal is to integrate at least two new technological changes into my classroom instruction this year. This will allow me to introduce the material in a different way that will hopefully help the students understand better. Second goal is to continue with the technological integrations but to then try to add a couple of more technological tools every year after that. The more I can add of technology, the more student geared I can make the lessons rather than teacher geared. I feel the more the students take hold of in their education, the more likely they are willing to try harder. If they are continuously relying on the teacher, the less they are to take control of their learning and become lazy. My strategy for achieving this is to research different lessons I can do to use technology with which will more or less make me use that technology. It will actually help me enjoy teaching the subject even more and help the student enjoy math even more.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Constructivism in Practice
In this weeks video, Dr. Michael Orey talks about constructivism and constructionism. Constructivism is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning. With this he gives the example of how people perceive a chair. I might have an idea of what a chair is but someone else might see a totally different type of chair than I do. Constructionism is a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others. Here he has a teacher talk about a book report she has assigned her class. The class needs to create projects to go with their book (Laureate, 2009).
The reading out of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works gives many good examples using constructionism. Many of the examples used Excel spreadsheets with the students to show their external artifact. One example that I liked was the spreadsheet that was created to help a class realize the different ways to save money and the impact on it. The lesson focuses on compounding percentage calculations and exponential patterns (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). This is a wonderful example that I can implement into my math classrooms to help the students understand these types of calculations. This allows the students to use a hands on approach rather than me lecturing in front of them. They will learn more from the spreadsheet than they will with me standing in front of them and develop their own interpretation.
One project I have incorporated into my classroom that uses the constructionism learning theory would be having the students take a section of the chapter to teach themselves. I have them group into 3-4 students in a group. From there, they are assigned a section of the chapter to create a lesson with. One part of their creation of the lesson is to incorporate some type of technology into it that would allow the other students to be able to participate with. They have fun with this lesson at the same time learning about the subject matter. This project also implements an aspect of constructivism by allowing the students to construct their own meaning of the material to present to the class.
In most classrooms today, constructionism is being implemented more than constructivism. If both are used, they can result in a good effective lesson with students allowing them to learn at their highest potential.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology."
Pitler,H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver, CO: McRel.
The reading out of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works gives many good examples using constructionism. Many of the examples used Excel spreadsheets with the students to show their external artifact. One example that I liked was the spreadsheet that was created to help a class realize the different ways to save money and the impact on it. The lesson focuses on compounding percentage calculations and exponential patterns (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). This is a wonderful example that I can implement into my math classrooms to help the students understand these types of calculations. This allows the students to use a hands on approach rather than me lecturing in front of them. They will learn more from the spreadsheet than they will with me standing in front of them and develop their own interpretation.
One project I have incorporated into my classroom that uses the constructionism learning theory would be having the students take a section of the chapter to teach themselves. I have them group into 3-4 students in a group. From there, they are assigned a section of the chapter to create a lesson with. One part of their creation of the lesson is to incorporate some type of technology into it that would allow the other students to be able to participate with. They have fun with this lesson at the same time learning about the subject matter. This project also implements an aspect of constructivism by allowing the students to construct their own meaning of the material to present to the class.
In most classrooms today, constructionism is being implemented more than constructivism. If both are used, they can result in a good effective lesson with students allowing them to learn at their highest potential.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology."
Pitler,H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver, CO: McRel.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Cognitivism in Practice
Cognitivism is how someone processes information. In the text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors give many good examples of how technology works with cognitive learning.
In Chapter 4, Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers, the authors start by explaining what the items of the title of this chapter mean. Cues are explicit reminders or hints about what students are about to experience. Questions perform the same function as cues by triggering students' memories and helping them to access prior knowledge (Pitler,Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This chapter tells teachers to use more visuals to help the students understand and remember the material being taught. Teachers need to also use organizers to help keep the information in order. If items are just written randomly with out any organization, the students are going to just become confused and not remember a whole lot of what they have been taught. One way to organize it would be to use a mapping tool. The students can see what items connect to each other. Another good technology items to use would be videos and graphs. I know when I teach math, I try to use as many visuals (graphs, charts, etc.) to help the students to not only visualize the material but to help them remember it better. Virtual tours would be a great concept to use for a visual. The students will be able to see first hand what you are talking about without having to step foot near the place. Chapter 6 goes into talking about summarizing and note taking.
I have learned from students coming into my class that they are not taught how to note take in class. There are some technological ways that can help students learn to take notes and keep them organized at the same time. One way mentioned was having the students blog about the information taught to them in class. Blogging is a way for student to not only talk about the information from class but to do some peer to peer teaching. The text talks about an item to help students understand what they are reading that I was not aware of. They talk about an option in Microsoft Word called auto summarizing. This tool allows the student to input the material that they are reading and with a couple of clicks with the mouse, the program summarizes the material for them. One other technological concept on note taking the text mentioned is the mapping tool again. They state that it is a good tool to use in note taking because it keeps things organized. When using the mapping tool, the student can start with the main idea of the material and then branch off of that the supporting details. The mapping tool will then put the information into an outline making it clearer to the student what to write about.
Technology is a very helpful tool in many ways. I find that the applications that this text mentions to help students with note taking, summarizing and organizing are real helpful one. I want to incorporate some of these items into my own classroom this year. I am even going to share some of these options with my colleagues in case they are not aware of them. It can help them help the students understand better and keep themselves organized.
References:
Pitler,H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver, CO: McRel.
In Chapter 4, Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers, the authors start by explaining what the items of the title of this chapter mean. Cues are explicit reminders or hints about what students are about to experience. Questions perform the same function as cues by triggering students' memories and helping them to access prior knowledge (Pitler,Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This chapter tells teachers to use more visuals to help the students understand and remember the material being taught. Teachers need to also use organizers to help keep the information in order. If items are just written randomly with out any organization, the students are going to just become confused and not remember a whole lot of what they have been taught. One way to organize it would be to use a mapping tool. The students can see what items connect to each other. Another good technology items to use would be videos and graphs. I know when I teach math, I try to use as many visuals (graphs, charts, etc.) to help the students to not only visualize the material but to help them remember it better. Virtual tours would be a great concept to use for a visual. The students will be able to see first hand what you are talking about without having to step foot near the place. Chapter 6 goes into talking about summarizing and note taking.
I have learned from students coming into my class that they are not taught how to note take in class. There are some technological ways that can help students learn to take notes and keep them organized at the same time. One way mentioned was having the students blog about the information taught to them in class. Blogging is a way for student to not only talk about the information from class but to do some peer to peer teaching. The text talks about an item to help students understand what they are reading that I was not aware of. They talk about an option in Microsoft Word called auto summarizing. This tool allows the student to input the material that they are reading and with a couple of clicks with the mouse, the program summarizes the material for them. One other technological concept on note taking the text mentioned is the mapping tool again. They state that it is a good tool to use in note taking because it keeps things organized. When using the mapping tool, the student can start with the main idea of the material and then branch off of that the supporting details. The mapping tool will then put the information into an outline making it clearer to the student what to write about.
Technology is a very helpful tool in many ways. I find that the applications that this text mentions to help students with note taking, summarizing and organizing are real helpful one. I want to incorporate some of these items into my own classroom this year. I am even going to share some of these options with my colleagues in case they are not aware of them. It can help them help the students understand better and keep themselves organized.
References:
Pitler,H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver, CO: McRel.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Behaviorism in Practice
In the chapter about reinforcing effort from Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors makes a great statement. They state that "effort is the most important factor in achievement" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). I am constantly telling my students that they need to put forth some effort to get anywhere.
In the text, they show you different ways to get your students to correct their own work so that they can see that effort equals achievement. Many students do not believe that if they work harder that their grades will improve. The rubric that is in the text is a great item to use. It currently shows students how to grade themselves and then they take the information and graph it. I teach math and to have the students look at a graph is a great visual for them to see growth.
"Homework and practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This is exactly the way that I view homework in my math class. When I give an assignment, I give it as practice. This allows the student to work on the material outside of class. If they find that they are not understanding, it gives them an opportunity to come to class the next day and ask questions.
The technology that is discussed in this chapter is a great resource. They correlate to instructional strategies and behaviorism by giving the students another way to learn. One technological item they talk about is using spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet software is a great way to show graphs. If the students take the information from their effort/achievement project, they can use a bar graph in a spreadsheet to get the visual to see their improvement.
Adding technology will help increase the understanding and effort put forth by the students. The more effort you can get from them, the more achievement you will see.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: McRel
In the text, they show you different ways to get your students to correct their own work so that they can see that effort equals achievement. Many students do not believe that if they work harder that their grades will improve. The rubric that is in the text is a great item to use. It currently shows students how to grade themselves and then they take the information and graph it. I teach math and to have the students look at a graph is a great visual for them to see growth.
"Homework and practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This is exactly the way that I view homework in my math class. When I give an assignment, I give it as practice. This allows the student to work on the material outside of class. If they find that they are not understanding, it gives them an opportunity to come to class the next day and ask questions.
The technology that is discussed in this chapter is a great resource. They correlate to instructional strategies and behaviorism by giving the students another way to learn. One technological item they talk about is using spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet software is a great way to show graphs. If the students take the information from their effort/achievement project, they can use a bar graph in a spreadsheet to get the visual to see their improvement.
Adding technology will help increase the understanding and effort put forth by the students. The more effort you can get from them, the more achievement you will see.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: McRel
Monday, June 21, 2010
Reflection: Final Blog Posting
*In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?
This course has been very helpful. As I did the readings in the text book, I had many thoughts and ideas on what I can do with my classes in the future. With teaching math to seventh graders and it being my third year, I was looking for new and different ways to teach the material. This class has opened my eyes to blogs, WIKI, and podcasts. I will be sure to find many different ways to incorporate these items into my classroom.
*In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
I have realized that there is more than the traditional book and lecture way of teaching. I have discovered with this class that I can make my lessons different, fun and still educational in a whole new way. It has made me even more excited to teach the material I have been teaching in a whole new way.
*In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
I have realized that sometimes I am not the only one with something to teach. I have discovered that some of my students have different ways of learning and enjoy sharing them. It has taught me new ways to do things that I have never thought of doing. I will in the future ask the students more often if they have suggestions or different ways that they work through the material. I will have them share it with the class rather than me telling the class how to do it.
*In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching and leaning with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I can continue to keep myself up to date on the latest technology. Even it the school does not have the latest and greatest technology, I can at least expose the students to it. Some of them may have the newest technology at home and will want to contribute to the discussion. I can also work with the software and programs that the school has and use them in some of my lessons.
*Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systematic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
Goal 1: To incorporate at least one new technology aspect to my lessons each year.
This will be accomplished by learning the new or latest programs that the school
has to offer and incorporate them into my lessons where appropriate. If it is a
program we currently do not have, I would talk to administration to see if there is
a way that the school would be able to acquire the program.
Goal 2: To have the students create a lesson on one aspect of the math material and
incorporate some aspect of technology into it.
This will be accomplished by assigning the students one aspect of math. They then
would decide what form of technology they want to use. If it is a form they are not
familiar with, then I would make sure to get them the proper training. Once the
lesson is complete, they would present it to the class as a regular lesson.
*Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course.
I have come to a much greater understanding of the different technology opportunities there are out there for me to use with my class. I had heard of some of them, but did not know exactly how to incorporate them into my material. After taking this course, there are so many different ways that I want to use them that I can not wait to do it.
This course has been very helpful. As I did the readings in the text book, I had many thoughts and ideas on what I can do with my classes in the future. With teaching math to seventh graders and it being my third year, I was looking for new and different ways to teach the material. This class has opened my eyes to blogs, WIKI, and podcasts. I will be sure to find many different ways to incorporate these items into my classroom.
*In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
I have realized that there is more than the traditional book and lecture way of teaching. I have discovered with this class that I can make my lessons different, fun and still educational in a whole new way. It has made me even more excited to teach the material I have been teaching in a whole new way.
*In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
I have realized that sometimes I am not the only one with something to teach. I have discovered that some of my students have different ways of learning and enjoy sharing them. It has taught me new ways to do things that I have never thought of doing. I will in the future ask the students more often if they have suggestions or different ways that they work through the material. I will have them share it with the class rather than me telling the class how to do it.
*In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching and leaning with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I can continue to keep myself up to date on the latest technology. Even it the school does not have the latest and greatest technology, I can at least expose the students to it. Some of them may have the newest technology at home and will want to contribute to the discussion. I can also work with the software and programs that the school has and use them in some of my lessons.
*Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systematic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
Goal 1: To incorporate at least one new technology aspect to my lessons each year.
This will be accomplished by learning the new or latest programs that the school
has to offer and incorporate them into my lessons where appropriate. If it is a
program we currently do not have, I would talk to administration to see if there is
a way that the school would be able to acquire the program.
Goal 2: To have the students create a lesson on one aspect of the math material and
incorporate some aspect of technology into it.
This will be accomplished by assigning the students one aspect of math. They then
would decide what form of technology they want to use. If it is a form they are not
familiar with, then I would make sure to get them the proper training. Once the
lesson is complete, they would present it to the class as a regular lesson.
*Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course.
I have come to a much greater understanding of the different technology opportunities there are out there for me to use with my class. I had heard of some of them, but did not know exactly how to incorporate them into my material. After taking this course, there are so many different ways that I want to use them that I can not wait to do it.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Podcast Interview on Technology
Here is the podcast interview I have created for my blog. Unfortunately, I was unable to record my students because of regulations in the district I work for. It would have taken anywhere from 4-6 weeks to get approval to collect data from the students. With permission, I was able to interview my children and find out their uses of technology at home and school. Hope you enjoy!
My Podcast
My Podcast
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
I took some time and looked over the website for Partnership for 21st Century Skills. At first glance, it was colorful, informative and educational.
- What is your reaction to the site?
This website has a lot of information dealing with 21st century skills. The resources are great and very insightful. The history of the website lists a fair amount of top name organizations that have contributed. At first glance the website looks to be overwhelming with all the information.
- What information on the site surprised you?
While I was searching the site, I came across a tab labeled as Strategic Council Members. I was surprised at all the large name companies that were listed. I was impressed on how many large companies wanted to be involved in the teaching and helping of the skills for the 21st century. Another item that surprised me was that Wisconsin was on the state initiatives list. I am proud and excited to know that Wisconsin is on board with helping students into the 21st century.
- Did you disagree with anything on the site?
One thing I disagreed with was the amount of information on the site. Even though the majority of the information is informative, it was just overwhelming and I did not know where to start looking and sometimes what I was looking at. When someone is not familiar with the information presented on a site and then to try to understand it, too much information just makes it that much harder.
- What are the implications for your students, and for you as a contemporary educator?
The implication for my students is that they will learn and have exposure to the skills needed in the 21st century. The more that educators can do to prepare their students for the 21st century, the more likely they are to succeed. As for me as an educator, I find that I need more time in the schedule to teach the skills needed for them to succeed. Along with time, educators would also need the resources to teach it. The teaching environment that I teach in limits me to the resources to apply the skills with.
Overall, this site is a very informative and educational site. I agree with their mission statement about this site and its creators being the bridge to helping students form relationships between education, business, the community and government. If we are able to bridge the gap, we are only helping the students to be successful in life.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
How I might use blogging in my classroom
I currently teach general math and pre-algebra in the 7th grade. My rationale on why a blog is a good tool for my classroom is because it would be an interactive way for the students to comment and help each other with their homework assignments.
*What purpose would the blog serve?
I would use blogging in my classroom to keep the students and their parents up to date on what they students are doing in the classroom along with what they will be doing in the classroom. It will also be a place where parents could post comments on anything that may be concerning them or comments that they want to make about the class in general.
*Is it a place for students to interact about content?
This would be a place where students could interact with each other to help one another out when they may get stuck on a problem. For instance, we are currently working on finding the surface area of of prisms and cylinders. Many of my students are struggling with this material. If I had a blog set up, they could be talking amongst themselves to help one another try to figure out the problems. Peer to peer teaching is sometimes better than teacher to student teaching.
*How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
Using a blog is a good way to involve the students in helping one another on their math homework. The blog will also invite other bloggers from around the globe to maybe help my students understand the material they are discussing and maybe give them another way of thinking about the subject matter and how to solve it.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Using Technology in the classroom
Hello everyone! I am a 7th grade math teacher who teaches one session of pre-algebra and three sessions of general math every day. The school I currently work in is in Wisconsin. It has been listed as a Title One school. My school is just starting to get better technology in the school. When I started there 3 years ago, I was using the blackboard and powerpoint presentations to present my lessons. As of last January, I have gotten a promethean board, white board and a document reader. Recently they were able to get a document reader in every classroom and a promethean board in half the classrooms. I am just afraid that once they get a promethean board in every classroom like they want to, the older boards will be out dated and they will have to update them all or start with more up to date technology. I want to be able to bring the best lessons to my students using the most up to date technology. If any of you readers are in a classroom teaching and have more up to date technology than this, I would love to hear about it and how you are using it.
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