To technology tools that I found impressive were Quizlet and Wolfram/Alpha.
http://quizlet.com
http://www.wolframalpha.com
First what I love about Quizlet is that you can make your own flashcards and then share them with friends. Plus always an added bonus for me (less waste of paper). Don't feel like making flashcards???.... No problem there are numerous flashcards sets already available that can be used. There are study tools for foreign languages & English, for standardized tests, professional/ trade flashcards, math & science, history, geography & social studies, and arts & literature.
What you don't feel like studying? If you are all studied out you can play some just for fun quizzing games on books, movies, television or animals. What is also great about this site is its not all flashcards. You can play games that test your knowledge on the above subjects as well. I just aced scatter for Breaking Dawn!
The second site I really love is the Wolfram/Alpha site. If you need to know an answer to a question just type it in to Wolfram/ Alpha. For instance I just asked what the population of my town (Merrimack NH) was and immediately found out it is 26,652. Let me tell you if I ever end up on "Who wants to be a Millionaire" my phone a friend will be Wolfram/Alpha. They also offer an application for the Itouch or Iphone but the cost for it is quite high. ($49.99)
Besides having most answers at your fingertips this site is also valuable for students looking to double check whether or not they have the right answer, or it can assist parents helping their children with homework.
Overall I just think this are great free resources that can be helpful and engaging.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Equal Access
The question posed: Can teachers provide equal access to the digital world to all students?
I believe that within the classroom we can provide equal access to the digital world to all students. However, it is important to keep in mind that outside of the classroom it is a different story. More and more students are now fortunate enough to have access to a computer with internet at home, but not all. Therefore, some students will have a better understanding of the digital tools that are available. This is true for anything we teach in the classroom. Students have different life experience and know more or less about certain concepts because of these experiences. This is why our goal as teachers is to meet the student where they are.
With that said, we can provide every student with opportunities to explore, manipulate, and use various digital tools while in the classroom. We can also use these tools to enhance their learning, based on the standards and goals we are working towards.
Until the day comes where every student would have a personal computer with internet access this is the best we can do. However, I think it is highly unlikely that day will ever come, as across the country there are still many students who do not even have a safe warm home to sleep in each night, and still do not have three meals each day.
I believe that within the classroom we can provide equal access to the digital world to all students. However, it is important to keep in mind that outside of the classroom it is a different story. More and more students are now fortunate enough to have access to a computer with internet at home, but not all. Therefore, some students will have a better understanding of the digital tools that are available. This is true for anything we teach in the classroom. Students have different life experience and know more or less about certain concepts because of these experiences. This is why our goal as teachers is to meet the student where they are.
With that said, we can provide every student with opportunities to explore, manipulate, and use various digital tools while in the classroom. We can also use these tools to enhance their learning, based on the standards and goals we are working towards.
Until the day comes where every student would have a personal computer with internet access this is the best we can do. However, I think it is highly unlikely that day will ever come, as across the country there are still many students who do not even have a safe warm home to sleep in each night, and still do not have three meals each day.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Proof that Matters
I viewed an online conference, by Gardner Campbell, regarding proof that matters, which took a look at the validity of current assessment practices. While standardized tests are mentioned and the value we place in those scores is criticized some; I feel the bigger message of this online conference is about other ways we can assess student knowledge and understanding. Standardized tests are unlikely to go away any time soon. However, this does not mean that we have to only use those scores or other written exam scores to uncover student understanding.
A few suggestions the narrator provides include:
Providing a showcase for students to display and share their work with others including other students within their school, other schools and with the public.
Students can show the teacher their level of understanding. Gardner has developed an Apgar scale (taken from the test a baby is given when it is first born) and changed it for application in the classroom. Students answer a series of questions and rate themselves on those questions using the scale. The teacher can then take a look at the class Apgar score and see where the class falls. A sample of the test is available on presentation.
Through play and metaphor students can show their understanding. They can relate what they learned to prior knowledge and explain how those things compare. Play can also be used to demonstrate knowledge, and provides students with an experience they are likely to remember. Gardner says the Apgar scale is a form of play that can be used.
Through witnessing, which means that the students can give testimony on what they have learned. Witnessing is an active thing we do not a passive observation.
The online conference itself was very interesting, but I also enjoyed reading an article suggested in the conference written by a man that works for Kaplan. He has been hired by Kaplan to go around to many New York City schools, and provide test prep for the Regents exam. It was very enlightening and I recommend viewing it.
You can access the conference and the article through the links below.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=301
http://harpers.org/archive/2008/09/0082166
A few suggestions the narrator provides include:
Providing a showcase for students to display and share their work with others including other students within their school, other schools and with the public.
Students can show the teacher their level of understanding. Gardner has developed an Apgar scale (taken from the test a baby is given when it is first born) and changed it for application in the classroom. Students answer a series of questions and rate themselves on those questions using the scale. The teacher can then take a look at the class Apgar score and see where the class falls. A sample of the test is available on presentation.
Through play and metaphor students can show their understanding. They can relate what they learned to prior knowledge and explain how those things compare. Play can also be used to demonstrate knowledge, and provides students with an experience they are likely to remember. Gardner says the Apgar scale is a form of play that can be used.
Through witnessing, which means that the students can give testimony on what they have learned. Witnessing is an active thing we do not a passive observation.
The online conference itself was very interesting, but I also enjoyed reading an article suggested in the conference written by a man that works for Kaplan. He has been hired by Kaplan to go around to many New York City schools, and provide test prep for the Regents exam. It was very enlightening and I recommend viewing it.
You can access the conference and the article through the links below.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=301
http://harpers.org/archive/2008/09/0082166
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Why Collaboration?
I feel the biggest thing we can gain from collaboration is the perspective of others. This is true in regards to students learning from one another and the teacher learning from the students. Every student brings different life experiences and the knowledge that comes from those experiences to the table. Therefore, collaboration provides an opportunity for students to learn from one another. Additionally, students learn how to better work as a team. This is an essential skill required for future success in the workforce, and one we as teachers should be equipping students with.
From a teaching perspective, collaboration allows for an opportunity for teachers to bounce ideas off of one another. Like students, all teachers bring different experiences and the knowledge that comes from those experiences to the teaching team. This is something that ideally would be supported by school administration so that common planning time can be scheduled within the workday. Additionally, through collaboration teachers can develop integrated lessons across subjects, which allows for a deeper understanding of various educational concepts.
From a teaching perspective, collaboration allows for an opportunity for teachers to bounce ideas off of one another. Like students, all teachers bring different experiences and the knowledge that comes from those experiences to the teaching team. This is something that ideally would be supported by school administration so that common planning time can be scheduled within the workday. Additionally, through collaboration teachers can develop integrated lessons across subjects, which allows for a deeper understanding of various educational concepts.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
An summary of Classroom 2.0
I just watched a video titled Classroom 2.0 from Ed Tech Live. The intention of this video seemed to be bringing awareness to the necessity for technology in the classroom. The speaker talks about technology tools promoting collaboration. Students become inventors and creators of information. They become good thinkers; required for success in this modern age. Although curriculum is mandated, teachers and students need to build a relationship with the curriculum and modify this curriculum to meet the needs of the classroom. Students become "prosummers" because they make and consume information.
Classrooms are not about the teacher or the students individually, but about them all. About what they can learn together, from one another, and from others around the world. However, we need to change our attitude about the classroom and redefine what takes place in the classroom. Learning is a connective effort not an individual one. The classroom should be a global communication center.
He also stressed the need for education informatics which would allow for better tracking of student activities so we can better learn their interests and trends.
For those interested I have posted the link to the video below.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=150
Classrooms are not about the teacher or the students individually, but about them all. About what they can learn together, from one another, and from others around the world. However, we need to change our attitude about the classroom and redefine what takes place in the classroom. Learning is a connective effort not an individual one. The classroom should be a global communication center.
He also stressed the need for education informatics which would allow for better tracking of student activities so we can better learn their interests and trends.
For those interested I have posted the link to the video below.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=150
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Why integrate?
1. Why should we integrate technology into lessons?
2. What is the purpose of integrating technology into lessons?
Utilizing and applying technology is the way of the future. The purpose of education is to prepare students for future success. I don't think as teachers we can honestly say we have done that if we have not used and introduced them to the tools they will be expected to use.
Additionally, by integrating technology into lessons we can make those lessons more relevant, engaging, and applicable to their real world experiences.
2. What is the purpose of integrating technology into lessons?
Utilizing and applying technology is the way of the future. The purpose of education is to prepare students for future success. I don't think as teachers we can honestly say we have done that if we have not used and introduced them to the tools they will be expected to use.
Additionally, by integrating technology into lessons we can make those lessons more relevant, engaging, and applicable to their real world experiences.
Monday, January 4, 2010
First night of class
So this is the first night of the educational technology course, and I now have a Twitter account and a blog. That is exactly what I need in my life...... more things that keep my tied to the computer!
Well a little about me. I am a wannabe K-8 teacher, meaning that I am certified but unable to find a teaching position :( I am enrolled at SNHU for my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I am hoping this will help me get a position for the fall of 2010.
On a personal level; I am married with two boys (ages 6 & 3). I live in Merrimack, NH. I am a member of a local moms group which gets together reguarly for playgroups and other activities. In the summer I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. We often go camping, go to the beach, go to the zoo, go to park or go to a local lake. I am also looking forward to a time when I have more opportunity to read for pleasure...... rather than reading textbooks.
Well a little about me. I am a wannabe K-8 teacher, meaning that I am certified but unable to find a teaching position :( I am enrolled at SNHU for my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I am hoping this will help me get a position for the fall of 2010.
On a personal level; I am married with two boys (ages 6 & 3). I live in Merrimack, NH. I am a member of a local moms group which gets together reguarly for playgroups and other activities. In the summer I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. We often go camping, go to the beach, go to the zoo, go to park or go to a local lake. I am also looking forward to a time when I have more opportunity to read for pleasure...... rather than reading textbooks.
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