Final Reflection:
I would like to start this post off with a thought---This year has moved so rapidly that at times I find myself not being able to keep up with everything! But, as I sit and reflect---it has been a fantastic year! I have a wonderful family, an unbelievable job, students I adore, a masters program I value (great instruction and fellow peers I have learned so much from). I truly have been blessed with a great life!
Writing out a game plan was truly a great experience: I plan on having my students write one after the holiday's and I will continue to write my own game plan for school and for life! I think a lot can be learned from this type of reflection. If you think about it--that is what a Game Plan really is.
My Game Plan for my masters was to continue my education and to bring more creativity and technology into my classroom. I received my books and CD's for my National Certification in the mail last week. I am in a group of six others who are working towards this goal. I will receive my Master's in May and I am hoping to take a couple more classes in the summer! On January 15th I will be giving a training to 25 teachers from around the state of Montana on RDA "Representative Democracy in America" I will be using all kinds of new technology that I learned from my master's program through Walden University.
I owe my students a lot--as well as my own two children, because of them I am becoming a life-long learner and a better person and teacher. I have promised myself that I will strive every week to make my classroom a more creative and digital climate! I have also promised myself that I will take time to relax, and enjoy all the wonderful people in my life, who have made me the person I am today. Merry Christmas to all!
Tammy Hurley a teacher in the 21st century!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
NETS Standards "How do they Compare?"
When you look at the NETS standards for teachers and students, they are very similar. The student standards have six goals and the teacher standard has five goals. When you break them down, the teacher is trying to develop their skills and then tries to develop the students skills. Since I am a digital immigrant and as learned in an earlier class, usually my students are teaching me after I introduce a new piece of technology. With the students set of standards, I feel that all students can accomplish them quit easily. As we know they are digital natives, and students think differently than they did a few years ago.
At present time, I am introducing many new concepts to my middle school students----blogging, voice threads, photo story, cps units, podcasting, wiki's, and so on. Once I show them something, they catch on immediately. I believe that in a couple years all the students will have already used these techniques before they have me as a teacher. Therefore, I will really have to grow as a professional, and keep working hard to learn to be tech savvy. It is my fear that I will not be able to keep up with all my students, once they start learning these skills in younger grades. At the moment my students are fascinated by my class and excited to be learning all this new technology. In a couple years that might not be the case!
One area that I have been working hard on this year is Digital citizenship. As a teacher it is our job to be role models in this area and to really focus on safe internet practice. Digital citizenship is number 4 on the teachers standards and #5 on the students standards. On the students standards they have #6 as Technology Operations and Concepts--I feel this should also be on the teachers standards. My students do not have a problem in this area, because they are not afraid to break the machine or take risks. On the other hand--I get real nervous in this area, and I doubt myself. This is an area I need to grow in!
After Christmas--I plan on having my students write a game plan, and then have them blog about their game plan every other week. I am hoping this will keep them on track, and have them really start thinking about themselves as productive students.
At present time, I am introducing many new concepts to my middle school students----blogging, voice threads, photo story, cps units, podcasting, wiki's, and so on. Once I show them something, they catch on immediately. I believe that in a couple years all the students will have already used these techniques before they have me as a teacher. Therefore, I will really have to grow as a professional, and keep working hard to learn to be tech savvy. It is my fear that I will not be able to keep up with all my students, once they start learning these skills in younger grades. At the moment my students are fascinated by my class and excited to be learning all this new technology. In a couple years that might not be the case!
One area that I have been working hard on this year is Digital citizenship. As a teacher it is our job to be role models in this area and to really focus on safe internet practice. Digital citizenship is number 4 on the teachers standards and #5 on the students standards. On the students standards they have #6 as Technology Operations and Concepts--I feel this should also be on the teachers standards. My students do not have a problem in this area, because they are not afraid to break the machine or take risks. On the other hand--I get real nervous in this area, and I doubt myself. This is an area I need to grow in!
After Christmas--I plan on having my students write a game plan, and then have them blog about their game plan every other week. I am hoping this will keep them on track, and have them really start thinking about themselves as productive students.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Life Long Learner
Ever since I was in the third grade I wanted to be a teacher. Mr. Swanson, put that spark in me--he had us mentoring the first graders. It was the best! What I never realized at that age or in high school, or in college even--was how I would always be taking classes and learning to stay on top of my profession. I think I need to go back to all my teachers that inspired me and tell them how much I appreciate all of the hard work they put in. With that said, I start my National Certification on January 3rd--the packet is being mailed to me. I have a mentor for this, and I am in a group of five teachers who have also applied.
At our weekly staff meeting, our principal announced to all the other teachers that three teachers will be training our staff after the holiday's on some of the technology we are using in our rooms. I am one of the teachers--this was the first I had heard of it. My principal knew I would be ok with it. So I talked with the other two teachers who will be giving the training and we decided to start a blog between teachers in our district. Also we are going to make technology notebooks for everyone.
In the classroom, I am meeting myself coming and going. I have so many things I want to do, and so little time. I have to become better at managing time. I have been working hard towards my goal of facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. I have many on-line collaboration projects going on. My 7th graders just finished photo stories and my 8th graders are working on wiki's. I have also applied for a couple grants, to buy some more technology for my room. The principal did tell me, that she ordered me a classroom set of headphones with mic., I only had four of them before.
At our weekly staff meeting, our principal announced to all the other teachers that three teachers will be training our staff after the holiday's on some of the technology we are using in our rooms. I am one of the teachers--this was the first I had heard of it. My principal knew I would be ok with it. So I talked with the other two teachers who will be giving the training and we decided to start a blog between teachers in our district. Also we are going to make technology notebooks for everyone.
In the classroom, I am meeting myself coming and going. I have so many things I want to do, and so little time. I have to become better at managing time. I have been working hard towards my goal of facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. I have many on-line collaboration projects going on. My 7th graders just finished photo stories and my 8th graders are working on wiki's. I have also applied for a couple grants, to buy some more technology for my room. The principal did tell me, that she ordered me a classroom set of headphones with mic., I only had four of them before.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Evaluating my Game Plan---week 5
If it was not for this masters program, I would be striking out, at the technology game. These classes have pushed me to work harder at accomplishing my goals in the classroom. In the past couple of years I worked with the smartboard, CPS units, video taping, and virtual trips. Since I have been taking these classes, I feel like I need to ask all my former students back, so I can get a second chance at teaching them.
Today I spent an hour researching eportfolio's for my classes. I have not used these in my classes before and I feel they would be a great addition. After researching I contacted the tech person in our district, and asked her to lend me a hand with accomplishing this task. I also found a senior in college who is currently attending college in Mexico for a semester. We set up a time that my students will skype her twice a week. The plan is for my students to learn about the culture of Mexico from her.
Last week when I posted I felt I might have to put off getting my National Certification---I have decided I need to move forward with this and not put it off! As I mentioned in an early post I have a great support group and mentors for this process, so therefore I need to go forward with my goals.
Tonight I worked on creating a new lesson with PBL-- I am going to try and post a problem in five different centers. I will put my students into groups of four or five, and they will work on a problem for fifteen minutes than I will have them rotate and continue working on the next problem where the last group left off. I love learning centers and I have done PBL lessons before--I am going to try and combine the two and see what happens.
I have a lot to learn! I just need someone to extend the day from 24 hours to 32 hours, this way I would get 8 hours of sleep and twenty four hours to accomplish all my daily jobs. I am going to really focus on the eportfolio's this week and figuring out how to do a PBL learning center.
My current needs are what is best for my students. I need to stay focused on making them my main priority--this will increase my profesional development and my creativity in the classroom.
Today I spent an hour researching eportfolio's for my classes. I have not used these in my classes before and I feel they would be a great addition. After researching I contacted the tech person in our district, and asked her to lend me a hand with accomplishing this task. I also found a senior in college who is currently attending college in Mexico for a semester. We set up a time that my students will skype her twice a week. The plan is for my students to learn about the culture of Mexico from her.
Last week when I posted I felt I might have to put off getting my National Certification---I have decided I need to move forward with this and not put it off! As I mentioned in an early post I have a great support group and mentors for this process, so therefore I need to go forward with my goals.
Tonight I worked on creating a new lesson with PBL-- I am going to try and post a problem in five different centers. I will put my students into groups of four or five, and they will work on a problem for fifteen minutes than I will have them rotate and continue working on the next problem where the last group left off. I love learning centers and I have done PBL lessons before--I am going to try and combine the two and see what happens.
I have a lot to learn! I just need someone to extend the day from 24 hours to 32 hours, this way I would get 8 hours of sleep and twenty four hours to accomplish all my daily jobs. I am going to really focus on the eportfolio's this week and figuring out how to do a PBL learning center.
My current needs are what is best for my students. I need to stay focused on making them my main priority--this will increase my profesional development and my creativity in the classroom.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Seventh Inning Stretch
In my game plan I listed the goals of professional development and creating a digital classroom. I feel very confident that I will attain these goals in a timely manner. The reason I feel so confident in this endeaver is because of the people I share my life with. My administration believes in me and gives me great support along with my fellow teachers. My students are a fantastic support--they are always asking what I am studying this week and what new technology will be introduced in our classroom. They are always telling me good job (middle schoolers are amazing). Lastly, I have the support of a tight knit family. My children who are in college are a crutch to lean on, my parents are always their for me as well as the rest the familia! Without all of them, I would not be even in the second inning.
1. Are you finding the information and resources you need?
In the last two weeks I have met with two other teachers who will be attaining their National Board Certification. I have been assigned a mentor--she is fantastic and someone I admire, and want to be like (she is two years younger than me!!!!). On the 29th of November the Office of Public instruction for the State of Montana is announcing the teachers that were chosen for the certification in technology classes, that will be paid for. If I get this it would be amazing, If I do not, I will try again next year. As far as building a creative digital classroom I am constantly working on this, I have put aside an hour a week for research, then the other hours will be focused on building lessons that allow my students to be inquistive life long learners.
2. Do you need to modifty your action plan?
At the moment, I am not planning on modify my game plan. The only reason I will be modifying it is if I get accepted to the OPI technology classes. If I am accepted I would put off my National Certification until August. The reason for this is because I will be finishing my Walden courses in May. I do not feel I would be able to keep up!
3. What have you learned so far?
That even a digital immigrant like my self can learn to play the game, with work and dedication. I have learned so many things from my classes at Walden University, I am looking forward to spending time becoming familiar with everything I have learned so my students can benefit from it. I have also learned that a positive attitude and being flexible are the main goals of any game plan.
4. What new questions have arisen?
At this time my only questions would be, how does everyone find enough time in the day to keep up with all of our demanding schedules. Life is a journey and I am enjoying it.
At the moment I am on a plane to Cancun, Mexico with my mom! We are going for Thanksgiving break to watch my daughter play in a Division 1 girls basketball tournament. My son is in North Dakota playing in a tournament. Last year I was with him. Since they are both college athletes, that is one of the done falls, they are not home for Thanksgiving. But, maybe Cancun and the nice weather isn't so bad. Since my hometown had over a foot of snow and was 15 below zero when we left.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Carrying out my Game Plan
The Old Proverb: "Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand." I love this saying!
This week we are required to blog about how we will carry out our Game Plan--I have started the process! The first thing I did was put together a binder that is called my "technology notebook). In this three ring binder I have page dividers, that divide everything that essential to my being successful in this journey of moving my teaching entirely into the 21st century. In the very front is the NETS standards! I have thought about making a second binder for at home, this would help in always having these resources at my fingertips.
I have met once this week with two teachers who will be starting the National Teacher Certification process with me. I feel this is extremely important to me being successful in this process--having others to lean on! On November 29th, OPI (Office of Public Instruction) will notify the teachers who have been selected for the technology certification training. I am crossing my fingers for this opportunity, because I feel this would help me reach my goals much faster.
I went to my principal begging for the newest CPS units, that allow texting your answers and for a Mobi slate to be used in my classroom. She found the money to purchase these items, and is excited that I use so much technology in my room, to enhance my curriculum and standards. While technology is not required to achieve each item, many of them can be more readily achieved when technology is added to the learning environment (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer 2009).
In the textbook "Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use", I have read Chapter #2 several times in order to really comprehend supporting student creativity with technology.
I am looking at each of my lessons, and finding ways to incorportate technology into them, or add more technology. I have also found two more teachers to correspond with in epals. I have also finished a survey, I submitted to all my students about the use of technology in my room. This weekend I will look at the results.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful classroom Use: A standards-based approach. Laureate Ed. Belmont
This week we are required to blog about how we will carry out our Game Plan--I have started the process! The first thing I did was put together a binder that is called my "technology notebook). In this three ring binder I have page dividers, that divide everything that essential to my being successful in this journey of moving my teaching entirely into the 21st century. In the very front is the NETS standards! I have thought about making a second binder for at home, this would help in always having these resources at my fingertips.
I have met once this week with two teachers who will be starting the National Teacher Certification process with me. I feel this is extremely important to me being successful in this process--having others to lean on! On November 29th, OPI (Office of Public Instruction) will notify the teachers who have been selected for the technology certification training. I am crossing my fingers for this opportunity, because I feel this would help me reach my goals much faster.
I went to my principal begging for the newest CPS units, that allow texting your answers and for a Mobi slate to be used in my classroom. She found the money to purchase these items, and is excited that I use so much technology in my room, to enhance my curriculum and standards. While technology is not required to achieve each item, many of them can be more readily achieved when technology is added to the learning environment (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer 2009).
In the textbook "Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use", I have read Chapter #2 several times in order to really comprehend supporting student creativity with technology.
I am looking at each of my lessons, and finding ways to incorportate technology into them, or add more technology. I have also found two more teachers to correspond with in epals. I have also finished a survey, I submitted to all my students about the use of technology in my room. This weekend I will look at the results.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful classroom Use: A standards-based approach. Laureate Ed. Belmont
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
WANTED: GAME PLAN
Developing a Game Plan of My Own!
Sitting staring at the NETS standards for teachers, I find myself, switch hitting on which area I would like to improve my overall game. The main reason I am currently getting my Master's degree is for professional development--I knew that education was taking a whole new role with the use of technology and I needed to get on board. I am using the Game Plan from Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer's text book. The first net I picked was easy, Professional Growth and Leadership. The second was not as easy, I could have picked them all--but I choose, Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. My Game Plan follows:
Set the Goal: Up to Bat
Two years ago, I started trying to incorporate more technology into my classroom. Then came signing up for the Master's Program with Walden University, this was a big step for me--as I knew I did not have a lot of extra time in my week. Last week I signed up for "Taking Technology to the Classroom", this is to earn credits towards an APSC technology in education notation, from the Office of Public Instruction in Montana. If I was able to get this, I would have certification in Technology. Also I will be starting phase one of my National Certification, this will involve my technology skills in the classroom. All of this will help in my being an extremely proficient facilitator in the classroom, and it will inspire my students.
Take Action: First Base
Setting up the goal is my first part of the action. Surrounding myself with people in the district who are also utilizing technology in the classroom. Subscribing to blogs, and blogging myself on the topic will also help. Being involved with epals in my classroom, I am currently working with two teachers and their classrooms from California and New York. My students have been skyping others who are in various parts of the world. Two college students will be coming into my classroom in December to help strengthen my students skills with video production. Work on lessons that will engage my students in real world issues. One way of doing this will be when my students work on C-Span's annual student documentary (5 minute-video over federal government).
Monitor: Second Base
Sometimes I need to slow down and take things one step at a time, and master one thing before I move on to the next item. Have my students give me feedback on my technology skills, and fill out a rubric. It would also be a benefit to have another teacher sit and observe me as I facilitate my students and see if they feel I am inspiring them. Then I need to do a personal reflection!
Evaluate: Third Base
If I can evaluate myself, and monitor my skills--I am almost home! Will my students go on to use the material I exposed them to in class. Am I improving my skills on a weekly basis, are my lessons becoming more engaging for my students and for myself. Johnson and Johnson (1998), and Slavin ((1994) have documented student achievement gains when students work in collaborative groups. Will I have the same documentation? What has worked best, what do I need to change in my lessons. Become very familiar with the NETS standards for myself as well as my students having a copy in their folders.
This is going to be a long road to home plate, but I am not ready to steal home just yet! I realize that I have so much work to do before I can even think of heading in that direction, but I do believe I am on the right path with my education and my students. This plan will help me to become the teachers I do so admire and will help me to inspire my students in a positve way.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate). Belmont, CA
NETS-T National Education Standards for Teachers. (2008).
Sitting staring at the NETS standards for teachers, I find myself, switch hitting on which area I would like to improve my overall game. The main reason I am currently getting my Master's degree is for professional development--I knew that education was taking a whole new role with the use of technology and I needed to get on board. I am using the Game Plan from Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer's text book. The first net I picked was easy, Professional Growth and Leadership. The second was not as easy, I could have picked them all--but I choose, Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. My Game Plan follows:
Set the Goal: Up to Bat
Two years ago, I started trying to incorporate more technology into my classroom. Then came signing up for the Master's Program with Walden University, this was a big step for me--as I knew I did not have a lot of extra time in my week. Last week I signed up for "Taking Technology to the Classroom", this is to earn credits towards an APSC technology in education notation, from the Office of Public Instruction in Montana. If I was able to get this, I would have certification in Technology. Also I will be starting phase one of my National Certification, this will involve my technology skills in the classroom. All of this will help in my being an extremely proficient facilitator in the classroom, and it will inspire my students.
Take Action: First Base
Setting up the goal is my first part of the action. Surrounding myself with people in the district who are also utilizing technology in the classroom. Subscribing to blogs, and blogging myself on the topic will also help. Being involved with epals in my classroom, I am currently working with two teachers and their classrooms from California and New York. My students have been skyping others who are in various parts of the world. Two college students will be coming into my classroom in December to help strengthen my students skills with video production. Work on lessons that will engage my students in real world issues. One way of doing this will be when my students work on C-Span's annual student documentary (5 minute-video over federal government).
Monitor: Second Base
Sometimes I need to slow down and take things one step at a time, and master one thing before I move on to the next item. Have my students give me feedback on my technology skills, and fill out a rubric. It would also be a benefit to have another teacher sit and observe me as I facilitate my students and see if they feel I am inspiring them. Then I need to do a personal reflection!
Evaluate: Third Base
If I can evaluate myself, and monitor my skills--I am almost home! Will my students go on to use the material I exposed them to in class. Am I improving my skills on a weekly basis, are my lessons becoming more engaging for my students and for myself. Johnson and Johnson (1998), and Slavin ((1994) have documented student achievement gains when students work in collaborative groups. Will I have the same documentation? What has worked best, what do I need to change in my lessons. Become very familiar with the NETS standards for myself as well as my students having a copy in their folders.
This is going to be a long road to home plate, but I am not ready to steal home just yet! I realize that I have so much work to do before I can even think of heading in that direction, but I do believe I am on the right path with my education and my students. This plan will help me to become the teachers I do so admire and will help me to inspire my students in a positve way.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate). Belmont, CA
NETS-T National Education Standards for Teachers. (2008).
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Reflection
I have always been a strong advocate for inquiry based lesson plans in the classroom. When you encourage your students to ask deep questions, to critically evaluate information, and to transform ideas, you are embarking on a learning adventure for both yourself and your students (Ealeton, Dobler, 2007, Pg 281). This course has taught me that inquiry based lessons, should be happening all the time in my classroom, and not just a few times a year. This is probably the greatest revelation I have had this course. At the beginning of the school year I give out my cell phone number to my students to be used only for school related topics. This is a fantastic tool for them to use, and their parents love the fact that they can text me or call me anytime with a question from class. During the last two months’ some of my honors eighth students, will text me on Sunday to see what assignment I am working on for my master’s degree. I believe they have taken an interest because they realize it reflects in my teaching.
Teaching new literacy’s is becoming second nature to me, due to my training in this program. Technology has definitely changed the role of the teacher in the classroom. I have always used the text book as a resource and not as a tool that you take a test at the end of the chapter. In the article “Teaching two Literacies”, the author Joanne Rooney states that you need to be in a mindset that you can incorporate both literacies at once. Students have already crossed over to a new way of reading and writing. They, no doubt, will remain our best teachers as we struggle with new technological tools (Rooney, 2009). I think this is a really hard concept for some teachers to swallow. They still are in old school, and feel that the teacher needs to know everything. Therefore, they do not introduce new concepts because they do not want to let on that they have not mastered that task. I am very comfortable with introducing something new to
App 8: 3
my students and then they are teaching me something new before day’s end.
On January 15th, 2011, I will be teaching a group of twenty five teachers about the subject “Representative Democracy in America”, I have a lot of great lessons, but many of them I have switched over to some form of technology. These teachers have not used voice thread, wiki’s, blogs, etc. in the classroom. So it is a goal of mine to teach this day long training using all the new technology I have learned, and am using in my classroom. I feel this will make me a stronger teacher in my own room, because I will have to really practice all the steps needed to teach others the language and skills to take back to their own classroom. When I teach these items in my classroom at the moment, if I hit a rock, my students can usually answer my questions. I am also setting up this training as an inquiry based lesson plan, showing the teachers how powerful of a tool this can be in a classroom.
I have always been a strong advocate for inquiry based lesson plans in the classroom. When you encourage your students to ask deep questions, to critically evaluate information, and to transform ideas, you are embarking on a learning adventure for both yourself and your students (Ealeton, Dobler, 2007, Pg 281). This course has taught me that inquiry based lessons, should be happening all the time in my classroom, and not just a few times a year. This is probably the greatest revelation I have had this course. At the beginning of the school year I give out my cell phone number to my students to be used only for school related topics. This is a fantastic tool for them to use, and their parents love the fact that they can text me or call me anytime with a question from class. During the last two months’ some of my honors eighth students, will text me on Sunday to see what assignment I am working on for my master’s degree. I believe they have taken an interest because they realize it reflects in my teaching.
Teaching new literacy’s is becoming second nature to me, due to my training in this program. Technology has definitely changed the role of the teacher in the classroom. I have always used the text book as a resource and not as a tool that you take a test at the end of the chapter. In the article “Teaching two Literacies”, the author Joanne Rooney states that you need to be in a mindset that you can incorporate both literacies at once. Students have already crossed over to a new way of reading and writing. They, no doubt, will remain our best teachers as we struggle with new technological tools (Rooney, 2009). I think this is a really hard concept for some teachers to swallow. They still are in old school, and feel that the teacher needs to know everything. Therefore, they do not introduce new concepts because they do not want to let on that they have not mastered that task. I am very comfortable with introducing something new to
App 8: 3
my students and then they are teaching me something new before day’s end.
On January 15th, 2011, I will be teaching a group of twenty five teachers about the subject “Representative Democracy in America”, I have a lot of great lessons, but many of them I have switched over to some form of technology. These teachers have not used voice thread, wiki’s, blogs, etc. in the classroom. So it is a goal of mine to teach this day long training using all the new technology I have learned, and am using in my classroom. I feel this will make me a stronger teacher in my own room, because I will have to really practice all the steps needed to teach others the language and skills to take back to their own classroom. When I teach these items in my classroom at the moment, if I hit a rock, my students can usually answer my questions. I am also setting up this training as an inquiry based lesson plan, showing the teachers how powerful of a tool this can be in a classroom.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Reflecting On The Last Eight Weeks"
When I sit back and think about my teaching style and everything I learned in the last eight weeks, I would not change a thing! I am a little bit of everything, I said in one of my blogs I was like heinz 57. I believe in order to reach every child you need to be open to every style of teaching. What works for one person, does not necessarily work for another. The most important thing is to stay positive and flexible, and keep an open mind.
The fantastic thing about the last eight weeks, is the feeling that I am doing things right in my classroom. I have worked really hard to incorporate technology into all aspects of my teaching. Not only for teaching lessons different, but for changing my lessons completly to have students do the teaching. When I first began teaching, I did have teachers looking at me odd, thinking that my students were having way to much fun. Therefore, they must not be learning! Glad to see everyone is getting on board with cooperative classrooms.
The text book we used in this course, is a fantastic resource of great sites. I have already been busy working on new ideas and lessons for the upcoming school year. The big thing I want to do is master some of this technology I am using in my room. For example, voice thread is the only thing new to me, and I love it! I plan to work hard to master this, so I am ready to go with a great lesson using this site. I am also looking for more classrooms to skype in the geography field.
The fantastic thing about the last eight weeks, is the feeling that I am doing things right in my classroom. I have worked really hard to incorporate technology into all aspects of my teaching. Not only for teaching lessons different, but for changing my lessons completly to have students do the teaching. When I first began teaching, I did have teachers looking at me odd, thinking that my students were having way to much fun. Therefore, they must not be learning! Glad to see everyone is getting on board with cooperative classrooms.
The text book we used in this course, is a fantastic resource of great sites. I have already been busy working on new ideas and lessons for the upcoming school year. The big thing I want to do is master some of this technology I am using in my room. For example, voice thread is the only thing new to me, and I love it! I plan to work hard to master this, so I am ready to go with a great lesson using this site. I am also looking for more classrooms to skype in the geography field.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice
Cooperative learning can take on many roles in a classroom setting as well as the workforce, so as teachers it is our job to prepare students for the workforce. The 21st century is all about technology--in the classroom popular sites like epals, webquests, and portfolio's have been a part of the classroom. The classrooms are starting to introduce wiki's, blogs, skyping, podcasting, google calendar, and kaboodle just to name a few. Personally I have started to use all of these resources and I love the way the classroom is changing and so do my students.
In my classroom, I have tables instead of desks making it extremely easy to work in cooperative groups all the time. The latest assignment I did is as follows:
ATTENTION
URGENT NOTICE TO
STUDENTS OF FMMS
1. During the last official school board meeting, Mrs. Meredith was informed by Dr. Darnell that Fred Moodry Middle School will be re-located to an Island!
2. Due to low test scores on standardized tests, the school board recommended that FMMS be put on an Island for one year in hopes to bring test scores up.
BAD NEWS
3. School will be held 10hours a day, six days a week, NO cell phones, NO videogames, and NO T.V. (except the news).
4. If bullying occurs between students, they will be required to stay an extra year. If you break and of the school rules---you will attend school on Sunday’s as well!
GOOD NEWS
5. The school board is allowing Mrs. Meredith to decide between Islands listed below: This is where you come in! Mrs. Meredith did not pay attention during Geography class when she was in school; instead she was dreaming about her math class, and the cute boy she tutored in Math! So……she needs our help!!!!!!
6. She is asking students to put together presentations on the list of Islands below.
· Presentation needs to follow, the 5 Themes of Geography!
· Please use some form of technology for your presentations.
· The Islands are listed below.
1. Greenland
2. New Guinea
3. Borneo
4. New Zealand
5. Sumatra
6. Madagascar
7. Malta
8. Crete
9. Cyprus
10. Seychelles
11. Sri Lanka
· Using the context of the 5 Themes of Geography, defend your choice of Island by demonstrating through concrete examples how your Island will help improve test scores.
· Your project will be graded on the following rubric
· A model of your Island needs to be presented
This was a lot of fun, and just one of the many assignments we did in Geography class. Social learning theorists view student learning as a collaboration through interactions while constructing things, accompanied by content-based conversation (Laureate Education, Inc.) I feel it is extremely important for students to have many opportunities to be social in the classroom, solving problems, debating etc., I have an Aunt who owns a very large engineering company--she has told me many times that when her company hires, they are looking for people who can communicate with others and not just the people who have the best grades.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). social learning theories. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. DVD (custom ed.).
In my classroom, I have tables instead of desks making it extremely easy to work in cooperative groups all the time. The latest assignment I did is as follows:
ATTENTION
URGENT NOTICE TO
STUDENTS OF FMMS
1. During the last official school board meeting, Mrs. Meredith was informed by Dr. Darnell that Fred Moodry Middle School will be re-located to an Island!
2. Due to low test scores on standardized tests, the school board recommended that FMMS be put on an Island for one year in hopes to bring test scores up.
BAD NEWS
3. School will be held 10hours a day, six days a week, NO cell phones, NO videogames, and NO T.V. (except the news).
4. If bullying occurs between students, they will be required to stay an extra year. If you break and of the school rules---you will attend school on Sunday’s as well!
GOOD NEWS
5. The school board is allowing Mrs. Meredith to decide between Islands listed below: This is where you come in! Mrs. Meredith did not pay attention during Geography class when she was in school; instead she was dreaming about her math class, and the cute boy she tutored in Math! So……she needs our help!!!!!!
6. She is asking students to put together presentations on the list of Islands below.
· Presentation needs to follow, the 5 Themes of Geography!
· Please use some form of technology for your presentations.
· The Islands are listed below.
1. Greenland
2. New Guinea
3. Borneo
4. New Zealand
5. Sumatra
6. Madagascar
7. Malta
8. Crete
9. Cyprus
10. Seychelles
11. Sri Lanka
· Using the context of the 5 Themes of Geography, defend your choice of Island by demonstrating through concrete examples how your Island will help improve test scores.
· Your project will be graded on the following rubric
· A model of your Island needs to be presented
This was a lot of fun, and just one of the many assignments we did in Geography class. Social learning theorists view student learning as a collaboration through interactions while constructing things, accompanied by content-based conversation (Laureate Education, Inc.) I feel it is extremely important for students to have many opportunities to be social in the classroom, solving problems, debating etc., I have an Aunt who owns a very large engineering company--she has told me many times that when her company hires, they are looking for people who can communicate with others and not just the people who have the best grades.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). social learning theories. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. DVD (custom ed.).
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Room #21--Geography/History---Constructivist/ Constructionist
"7th & 8th GRADE CONSTRUCTION ZONE"
Enter for hands on learning----My classrooms have never been traditional. Students do not sit quietly at their desks and take notes as I talk the whole period-- Instead everyone is interacting! Fred Moodry Middle School is filled with technology and most of the teachers, teach with a constructivist/constructionist approach. Projects and construction are going on all over the place!
In our readings this week, a triangle was drawn with main idea at the top and supporting details at the bottom. I can relate to the constructivism approach to top down. "I LOVE HANDS ON LESSONS/TECHNOLOGY. If students feel they have a voice in their learning and the teacher values their opinion--everything else will fall into place.
In our classroom--(I say our classroom because it belongs to the students as well as myself), we explored many project based lessons this year. Students really enjoy virtual reality trips such as National Geographics Xpedition Hall and then follow ups with graphic organizers of some kind. Orey defines the constructionism approach by stating that people learn more when they build artifacts, projects, etc. (Laureate ed., 2008).
The We the People program/Project Citizen is a fantastic approach to project learning. My students wrote , "Ordinance 217" for our county this year--"Save lives don't txt & Drive". IT PASSED! On May 20, 2010 It became a county law. They were able to get the support of the whole community by posting a wikispace, podcasting skyping, web-quests, etc. My 8th graders were able to pull off this large project because they took ownership!
I am a big believer in the teacher being the facilitator of the room, guiding the students, and letting them solve problems on their own with my guidance.
thirteen-Ed online. (2004). Inquiry based learning. Concept to classroom.
Glazer, E. (2001). Problem based instruction. Orey, M. (ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Enter for hands on learning----My classrooms have never been traditional. Students do not sit quietly at their desks and take notes as I talk the whole period-- Instead everyone is interacting! Fred Moodry Middle School is filled with technology and most of the teachers, teach with a constructivist/constructionist approach. Projects and construction are going on all over the place!
In our readings this week, a triangle was drawn with main idea at the top and supporting details at the bottom. I can relate to the constructivism approach to top down. "I LOVE HANDS ON LESSONS/TECHNOLOGY. If students feel they have a voice in their learning and the teacher values their opinion--everything else will fall into place.
In our classroom--(I say our classroom because it belongs to the students as well as myself), we explored many project based lessons this year. Students really enjoy virtual reality trips such as National Geographics Xpedition Hall and then follow ups with graphic organizers of some kind. Orey defines the constructionism approach by stating that people learn more when they build artifacts, projects, etc. (Laureate ed., 2008).
The We the People program/Project Citizen is a fantastic approach to project learning. My students wrote , "Ordinance 217" for our county this year--"Save lives don't txt & Drive". IT PASSED! On May 20, 2010 It became a county law. They were able to get the support of the whole community by posting a wikispace, podcasting skyping, web-quests, etc. My 8th graders were able to pull off this large project because they took ownership!
I am a big believer in the teacher being the facilitator of the room, guiding the students, and letting them solve problems on their own with my guidance.
thirteen-Ed online. (2004). Inquiry based learning. Concept to classroom.
Glazer, E. (2001). Problem based instruction. Orey, M. (ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
C.V.V.W.Y.P.--EQUALS LEARNING THEORIES AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
The initials C.V.V.W.Y.P. stand for concept maps, virtual trips, videos, wikispaces, you-tube, podcasts! All of these items add up to a classroom full of exposure, allowing them to retain information in long term memory.
It is extremely important for students to be exposed in a number of ways. The more connections students make, the easier it is for them to grasp and get involved in the subject matter. If they experience, then observe, and then reflect---it ties everything together.
Working with Prezi.com will allow students to do all of these items at once. A great lesson is to make one of each then as a final project add these to a Prezi, it is amazing how students will get into this project. Russell and Sorge (1999) also point to how technology can give students "more control over their own learning."facilitating the analytical and critical thinking and the collabortation championed in the construcivist approach to education (pp. 1-2)
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Behavorist learning theory [Motion Picture]. bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
It is extremely important for students to be exposed in a number of ways. The more connections students make, the easier it is for them to grasp and get involved in the subject matter. If they experience, then observe, and then reflect---it ties everything together.
Working with Prezi.com will allow students to do all of these items at once. A great lesson is to make one of each then as a final project add these to a Prezi, it is amazing how students will get into this project. Russell and Sorge (1999) also point to how technology can give students "more control over their own learning."facilitating the analytical and critical thinking and the collabortation championed in the construcivist approach to education (pp. 1-2)
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Behavorist learning theory [Motion Picture]. bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Heinz 57 is my Perspective
If one person was to define my theory on teaching as they see it, they would call it the Heinz 57 theory, because I am a little bit of everything--and a whole lot of patience, understanding, love, and caring.
Today I was reviewing drawing maps of the world from free hand (memory maps). Most students were zipping right along, and then I would have the occasional student say, when did we learn that! I cover this material inside and out---you name it, I have an activity for it! I actually think of lessons while I am sleeping and get up and write them down, (that is a teacher trait). Behaviorist takes over, have you been practicing drawing maps at home????? Students responds with nope, have not had the time! My response, sweetheart---you have not had the time since the beginning of the year? lol!!!!Practice, dril, Practice, drill----
Tonight I will be getting all kinds of text messages from my honor students asking questions on the papers they are writing for their upcoming congressional hearings. Love to be able to text with them, quick response. Also will be doing some blogging with them tonight great way to review, because they love this type of interaction.
Today I was reviewing drawing maps of the world from free hand (memory maps). Most students were zipping right along, and then I would have the occasional student say, when did we learn that! I cover this material inside and out---you name it, I have an activity for it! I actually think of lessons while I am sleeping and get up and write them down, (that is a teacher trait). Behaviorist takes over, have you been practicing drawing maps at home????? Students responds with nope, have not had the time! My response, sweetheart---you have not had the time since the beginning of the year? lol!!!!Practice, dril, Practice, drill----
Tonight I will be getting all kinds of text messages from my honor students asking questions on the papers they are writing for their upcoming congressional hearings. Love to be able to text with them, quick response. Also will be doing some blogging with them tonight great way to review, because they love this type of interaction.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Reflection: Technology equals excitement!
I have always thought of myself as a non-traditional teacher--only using the textbook as a resource. Introducing learning centers, games, etc., but this course I have been taking from Walden University has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of lessons to introduce into my classroom! This course has been a terrific experience for me. I had never given any thought to the idea that with the use of technology in my classroom you have two different options. Technology that enables you to create a new environment and technology that enables you to do the same things just faster, as Dr. Dede and Dr Thornburg stated.
I believe before this class I was doing a little of both, but because of this new found energy I have been creating an even more active learning environment. Even though I had used podcasts as a tool in my classroom, I had never made one with my students. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, by Will Richardson, is almost wore out. My students, I believe, are really enjoying making wikis and podcasts and they love to skype. Communication with the world is at our fingertips, and we need to capitalize on that with our students.
I will continue to use all of the new tools I have recently learned in my classroom. Dr. Thornburg, states that today's students are digital natives and anyone over forty being an digital immigrant. I am in the category of digital immigrant, and if I want to engage my students I need to continue taking classes that are available, and continue blogging and asking questions of other educators on what works in their technology based classrooms. If I can continue to increase my knowledge and let by students see how hard I am working to integrate more technology into my classroom I believe this will influence my students to work harder, and they won't even realize it because they will be having fun. This will all have a positive outcome on my classroom management, as stated in the video, bringing in the fun. With all of this new energy in the classroom my students will achieve more. bringing the fun into teaching students will be collaborating with each other and ideas.
I have many goals set for myself, my classroom, and my students. On my two-year goal list, I would like to start by writing grants that would allow me to purchase 25 laptop computers to have in my classroom at all times. Project based learning that is centered around real world situations. Through skype and epals, connect with other classrooms on a regular basis. Have students being introduced and engaged with new technologies. I want to become technologically proficient, and students constantly being in an active role and myself being a full time facilitator. This is going to take a lot of hard work, but I am up for the challenge!
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). bringing the fun into teaching. (DVD). Baltimore. Author
Laureate Educaiotn, Inc. (Producer). (2008). The changing work environment: Part 1. Baltimore. Author
McHale, T. (2005). Portrait of a digital native. Technology & learning. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/4572
I believe before this class I was doing a little of both, but because of this new found energy I have been creating an even more active learning environment. Even though I had used podcasts as a tool in my classroom, I had never made one with my students. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, by Will Richardson, is almost wore out. My students, I believe, are really enjoying making wikis and podcasts and they love to skype. Communication with the world is at our fingertips, and we need to capitalize on that with our students.
I will continue to use all of the new tools I have recently learned in my classroom. Dr. Thornburg, states that today's students are digital natives and anyone over forty being an digital immigrant. I am in the category of digital immigrant, and if I want to engage my students I need to continue taking classes that are available, and continue blogging and asking questions of other educators on what works in their technology based classrooms. If I can continue to increase my knowledge and let by students see how hard I am working to integrate more technology into my classroom I believe this will influence my students to work harder, and they won't even realize it because they will be having fun. This will all have a positive outcome on my classroom management, as stated in the video, bringing in the fun. With all of this new energy in the classroom my students will achieve more. bringing the fun into teaching students will be collaborating with each other and ideas.
I have many goals set for myself, my classroom, and my students. On my two-year goal list, I would like to start by writing grants that would allow me to purchase 25 laptop computers to have in my classroom at all times. Project based learning that is centered around real world situations. Through skype and epals, connect with other classrooms on a regular basis. Have students being introduced and engaged with new technologies. I want to become technologically proficient, and students constantly being in an active role and myself being a full time facilitator. This is going to take a lot of hard work, but I am up for the challenge!
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). bringing the fun into teaching. (DVD). Baltimore. Author
Laureate Educaiotn, Inc. (Producer). (2008). The changing work environment: Part 1. Baltimore. Author
McHale, T. (2005). Portrait of a digital native. Technology & learning. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/4572
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Podcasting in the classroom
Started working on my podcast, also have my students creating one. They are fun, but a lot of work. I did find on edutopia.com a great section on explaining how to podcast. Podomatic seems to be the easist to use. Does anyone have any suggestions or sites that have proved useful?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Partnership for 21st century skills:
This web site is really user friendly! So much information that you have to have at least a few hours to go through it. I don't think anything on this site suprised me, and I did not disagree with anything that I read. I do feel that it would be a tough sell to my school district at this time. I am not saying that they would not agree, they would just say that at this time we need to concentrate on testing mandates! I like how they spell out everything with the six key elements of 21st century, nine steps to build momentum. Also feel that students are so much more aware of everything around them, versus years ago. On page 6 of Learning fo the 21st century they say that schools are more similar to schools over a hundred years ago than dissimilar. I also agree with this to some degree. We have grown a lot, but we have a long way to go. Bottom line is, everything costs money. Money that most schools do not have.
This site has so many tools, like the videos. Most of them are geared towards math, but they are pretty good. Overall, I really like this web site! What does everyone else think????
This web site is really user friendly! So much information that you have to have at least a few hours to go through it. I don't think anything on this site suprised me, and I did not disagree with anything that I read. I do feel that it would be a tough sell to my school district at this time. I am not saying that they would not agree, they would just say that at this time we need to concentrate on testing mandates! I like how they spell out everything with the six key elements of 21st century, nine steps to build momentum. Also feel that students are so much more aware of everything around them, versus years ago. On page 6 of Learning fo the 21st century they say that schools are more similar to schools over a hundred years ago than dissimilar. I also agree with this to some degree. We have grown a lot, but we have a long way to go. Bottom line is, everything costs money. Money that most schools do not have.
This site has so many tools, like the videos. Most of them are geared towards math, but they are pretty good. Overall, I really like this web site! What does everyone else think????
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Wikispaces
Wikispaces can be a fantastic addition to a classroom assignemt. Students take ownership!Although as a teacher it is a lot of extra work learning how to do this. How do others feel ---does anyone have any ideas for terrific lessons using a wikispace, or websites that help?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Blogs are a great tool with students
I am a middle school teacher in Anaconda, Montana! I teach 7th grade geography and 8th grade Honor's U.S. history/We the People. I currently have a web page under K12lessonplans. I really like this site because it is really user friendly. Every week I post a blog, and my 8th grade students respond. This works fantastic, in this class. I have 23 very bright students in this class, and I can not always hear all of their opinions on every item we talk about in class. They seem to love to blog with me. It also allows them to blog on current events. We have a discussion table on this site, and they have RSS feeds from the Bill of Rights institute on daily news stories. They pick a story that interests them and then they blog on it, then others get involved.
I have to approve written by the students before it can be posted. The students like this because sometimes they leave me messages they do not necessarily want the rest of the class to read or respond to.
Does anyone have more ideas for my class blogging?
I have to approve written by the students before it can be posted. The students like this because sometimes they leave me messages they do not necessarily want the rest of the class to read or respond to.
Does anyone have more ideas for my class blogging?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Technology in the classroom is fantastic!!!
Yet, why do I feel so overwhelmed? Basically this is my first blog for anyone to see, so that's a little scary! I do blog with my students on my own website, this is fantastic. I hear all of their voices on every subject I post.
I think I feel a little anxious because I am not that technology savvy. I am learning though! I am a mother of two beautiful, incredible children. My son Tyler is 21, and my daughter Alexandra is 19. They are technology savvy! I also feel like I am the second mother to, 127 students who are also incredible and technology savvy. Being a mother is the most incredible job, but being a teacher is the second most incredible job.
I am very lucky because I am in a school who has a lot of great things going on as far as technology is concerned. I use a smartboard, cps units, rss feeds, cps tablets, digital camera, doc camera, blogs, computers, and studdy buddies on a weekly basis. I have started podcasting and a couple hours ago started a wikispace.
I take my job as a teacher very serious, and I feel technology is the way of the future. So this is why I think I am a little overwhelmed. I want to stay on top of everything, yet it changes so fast, and I am already way behind.
Does anyway else feel overwhelmed when it comes to technology? Love it, yet makes you nervous!
I think I feel a little anxious because I am not that technology savvy. I am learning though! I am a mother of two beautiful, incredible children. My son Tyler is 21, and my daughter Alexandra is 19. They are technology savvy! I also feel like I am the second mother to, 127 students who are also incredible and technology savvy. Being a mother is the most incredible job, but being a teacher is the second most incredible job.
I am very lucky because I am in a school who has a lot of great things going on as far as technology is concerned. I use a smartboard, cps units, rss feeds, cps tablets, digital camera, doc camera, blogs, computers, and studdy buddies on a weekly basis. I have started podcasting and a couple hours ago started a wikispace.
I take my job as a teacher very serious, and I feel technology is the way of the future. So this is why I think I am a little overwhelmed. I want to stay on top of everything, yet it changes so fast, and I am already way behind.
Does anyway else feel overwhelmed when it comes to technology? Love it, yet makes you nervous!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
