Blog Post 11

What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers?

1) TedXDenverEd-Brian Crosby-Back to the Future

Brian Crosby shows that disadvantaged students can still achieve success in this TedX Talk. These students can actively be engaged in learning through the use of technology. Each student has a laptop and blog that they use regularly to connect with others around the world. Crosby also uses Project Based Learning and partners with others to create projects such as the Balloon in space project. The students were excited about this project, and they also were able to learn.

2) Blended Online Learning

Paul Andersen explains that Blended Learning merges the aspects of Online Learning, Mobile Learning, and Classroom Learning together into one. The Learning Cycle is a wheel of the five "E"'s: Engage, Explore, Expand, Explain, and the center "E", Evaluate. Blended Learning together with the Learning Cycle creates Blended Online Learning. In Andersen's science class, Blended Online Learning follows six steps:
1. Question
2. Investigation/Inquiry
3. Video
4. Elaboration
5. Review
6. Summary Quiz
The acronym for these steps is "QuIVERS." Andersen also stresses the importance of the question and says that the entire lesson should be built upon it.

3) Mark Church Demonstrating the "Headlines" Routine

In Marc Church's "Headlines" teaching activity, he has his students watch an introductory video about their upcoming lesson. Then he asks students to brainstorm together in their groups to create a headline for it. Students can create a headline again at the end of the lesson to reflect on what they have learned. This strategy works well with Project Based Learning.

4) Super Digital Citizen

In Sam Pane's classroom, he teaches students about internet safety through the idea of being a "Super Digital Citizen." The class created Super Digital Citizen superheroes and used the characters in real-world situational narratives. The students did this by creating comic books about their superhero helping them in a internet safety situation. At the end they were able to view their classmates' work and discuss it.

5) Project Based Learning

Dean Shareski's montage of Canadian teachers using Project Based Learning describes the journey of combining English, History, and Technology into one subject. At first there were many unforeseen problems with PBL, and the teachers realized it could not work in a typical schoolday setting. Now the teachers prefer this structure and the students are able to participate in Project Based Learning Assignments with their classmates.

6) Roosevelt Elementary's PBL Program

In this video, Roosevelt Elementary defines Project Based Learning and explains its benefits. These include the importance of technology and real-world application in 21st century learning. Project Based Learning also allows students to work individually and with others to build social skills that the students need later in life. Students can expand their public speaking skills as well. No students are left out, because teachers use differentiated instruction to attract multiple intelligences in Project Based Learning. Roosevelt says that the students are motivated, engaged, and excited about their learning in Project Based Learning.

C4K Summary for October

C4K Summary for October

-Joyce is a 7th grader in Mobile, Alabama. In her post "My rescent Scientifc and Historical Endevours," she discusses her research on the Mariana Trench (the deepest point in the world), in particular the dives into it. She compares and contrasts the original dive (done by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh) with the most recent dive (done by James Cameron). In my comment, I told Joyce about how I had studied the Mariana Trench for another class but never learned about the dives, which I enjoyed reading about.

-Jack is a 5th grader in Hartford, Connecticut. In his post "Grammy - Eileen Haggerty," he talks about his maternal grandmother, Grammy. Since they both live on the same street, Jack is often at her house, where she makes delicious foods like cookies and pasta fagioli. In my comment, I mentioned how my own grandmother lives far away from me and how I need to try pasta fagioli.

-Aleigha is a 4th grade student in New Orleans, Louisiana. In her post "Dot Day with Prk," she discusses what she did for Dot Day. She was paired with a younger student, Sophia, and together they did dot-related activities such as playing with candy dots, decorating paper dots, eating donut holes, and playing Twister. They also were to Skype with an author, Laurie Ann Thompson. In my comment, I mentioned how I thought it was great that she was able to spend time with Sophia and how I have not yet heard of Laurie Ann Thompson, but I will look her up.

-Joshua is a Year 6 student in Auckland, New Zealand. In his post “Explanation hats writing,” he explains three different ways to prevent sunburns: wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In my comment, I told him he would have to keep those steps in mind in the upcoming summer (it is currently spring in New Zealand) and mentioned how even though the weather is beginning to get a little chilly here, we still have sunny days.

Blog Post 10

What can we learn from Mrs. Cassidy?

Learning from Mrs. Cassidy Video Series:
1. Little Kids…Big Potential
2. Cassidy 13 Part 1
3. Cassidy 13 Part 2
4. Cassidy 13 Part 3

Mrs. Kathy Cassidy is a 1st grade teacher in Moose Jaw, Canada. Her initiative to bring technology into her classroom is something that all educators should admire. Even though Mrs. Cassidy was already an experienced teacher when laptops were given to her classroom six years ago, she wanted to learn more about how to use technology into effective classroom teaching. As future teachers, we must realize that technology and our teaching methods will and must evolve in the course of our careers. Each school year will bring new students, new challenges, and new opportunities. This reminds me of a quote my mom tells me: "Don't be a teacher who teaches the same class for 30 years."

I learned that even students as young as first graders can (and will be excited to) have a blog. As shown in "Little Kids…Big Potential," her students were excited to write posts for other to see and also liked making connections with others across the globe. Student blogs are a great way for parents to see their child's progress in class instead of waiting for a Open House night or a parent-teacher conference. A classroom blog can also keep students (and parents) up to date with due dates for assignments as well as dates for classroom and school events and activities. Any teacher can keep a classroom blog, even Physical Education teachers. I also liked seeing the use of wikis, which I had not thought about using before. This was another great way for students to make worldwide connections and also allowed to learn more about different cultures. I think that creating wikis about how holidays are celebrated worldwide would really excite my students.

Of course, teachers and parents will always have to address internet safety and student privacy. I was intrigued by Mrs. Cassidy's method of posting pictures but not identifying each student in the images. I also think that we as teachers need to teach our students about internet rules and safety at a young age, because the internet (and technology) is going to forevermore be a part of our students' lives. Mrs. Cassidy is a wonderful role model for us as future teachers to learn how to integrate technology into any type of classroom.

Project 12 Part A

SMARTboard Project 12 Part A

Blog Post 9

What Can Teachers and Students Teach Us About Project Based Learning?

Although Project Based Learning is not an entirely new practice, its way into many classrooms is still "an uphill climb," as said in "The Power of Project Based Learning." However, those experienced in Project Based Learning can point out the numerous ways it can beneficial to all in the classroom.

1. It captures students' attention.
Instead of instructing students to complete an assignment, teachers can find ways to motivate the students to become interested in the subject first. "Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning" suggests that teachers use an entry event to introduce projects. Entry events could be a field trip, guest speaker visiting the class, or simply a thought-provoking video. Students are more likely to engage in the project if they feel a connection or an obligation to the project.

After the entry event, the class can discuss the driving question. Driving questions must be thought-provoking and pose an issue students must work to resolve or discover an answer to. Tony Vincent explains in the video "Project Based Learning for Teachers": "The question is deep and requires students to complete an end product to share their learning with others." As mentioned in "Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning," driving questions enable students to realize why they are doing the project.

2. It gives students a choice.
Dr. Strange has said in class before that students will be more invested in the project if they have the power to make their own choices within the project. "Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning" makes the same claim. Teachers can make limited guidelines, but must structure the projects to foster this student decision-making. Vincent claims that students need to "take charge" of their own learning, and teachers must allow them to do this appropriately.

3. Technology prepares students for careers of the future.
Project Based Learning can include the use of technology for an enhanced learning experience. Since technology is now a prevalent part of everyday life, teachers must use technology in effective ways. Since technology evolves and grows everyday, teachers prepare students for this future. Vincent and "Ten Sites Supporting Digital Classroom Collaboration in Project Based Learning" list many online resources that can be used in project-based learning. Both mention Linoit, an online display board that can be viewed by the entire class or an entire group.

4. It allows students to work productively with their peers.
There are few (if any) career paths that require no interaction with peers and others, so collaboration between students is also preparing them for the future. Vincent says this collaboration fosters early communication skills as well as critical thinking skills. Students are also able to evaluate their peers' work and give feedback, as mentioned in "Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning." In Project Based Learning, students work together as a team to achieve success.

5. The students' work has a purpose.
Project Based Learning relates learning to real world situations. In the video "PBL: What motivates students today" many students say their dreams and ambitions motivate them to do their best in school. Teachers must be show why their students' work is important, and they also be able to relate it to real-life situations. Terry Smith, a fourth grader teacher at an inner city school, says in "The Power of Project Based Learning" that his students are excited to make connections with students and schools in other countries in their projects. When a student's work has an audience, the student is more likely to give more effort to his/her schoolwork.

Project Based Learning enables students to really learn, not just learn and then forget. As Gary Stager says in "The Power of Project Based Learning," “Projects are the learning that students remember long after the bell rings.”

Blog Post 8

What Can We Learn About Teaching and Learning From Randy Pausch?

"Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things."

The above quote by Randy Pausch in his speech "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" summarizes the theme of his famous lecture: hard work enables us to conquer impossible dreams.

Not only was Pausch an excellent educator, he was a amazing person with wonderfully optimistic outlook on life. The most important thing I learned from his lecture is that a career in teaching will never be easy. There will always be complications, setbacks, and injustice. However, teaching is a learning process. We must learn to adapt and realize there is an always an opportunity to better ourselves. Sometimes a "brick wall" is necessary for us to realize what we are actually capable of. Once we do this, we can accomplish things bigger than our dreams thought possible.

We must make learning fun for our students. Hard work can actually be enjoyable with the right kind of teaching, group work, and assignments. Group work is also valuable because it allows students to connect with and help each other. I agree with Pausch in that we as humans are meant to help each other. We are not meant to live this life alone. Feedback, encouragement, and even harsh "reality checks" are needed for us to better ourselves as teachers and as people. Pausch credits several people who, without their help, he would have not been able to achieve his success.

I believe Pausch is a great role model for any person wanting to better their life, especially teachers. Pausch's career, which spans from being a professor to working as a consultant for Walt Disney Imagineering, is both amazing and inspiring. Even though he only lived to be 47 years old, his life's work proves that we must make the most of the time and opportunities we have in our lives. As teachers, we must make the most of these opportunities in our classrooms and beyond. I hope to make a positive difference in my students' lives, just as Pausch did for his students and numerous others.

Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning

Special Assignment - Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning

Part A

"Your students will have lived all their life in a world with smartphones containing cameras." This statement by Dr. Strange makes us all realize that our future students have grown up in a very different world than we did as children. Technology is now a dominating force for many Americans, particularly those in the college age group (18-24), as shown in a study by Zogby Analytics. I found myself agreeing with four of the six conditions. Either way, the conclusion in the same: Smartphones are now a part of everyday life.

Since technology and smartphones have such an large influence in this generation, we must find ways to integrate the use of these devices in the classroom. If jobs in technology-related fields continue to grow, we much make sure our students are prepared to enter into these careers. Teachers must make sure they are prepared to do just that. It is no longer practical to forbid smartphones from school campuses. Teachers must instead learn to use these devices as helpful tools in the classroom, including the camera.

Part B

Ways to Use Camera Smartphones and Camera Tablets in the Classroom

-Have students record their reading to better pronunciation and fluency

-Have students take pictures or items, experiments, or pictures shown to them

-Have students have a "FaceTime Pal" in another state or country

-Have students make iMovie trailers for a book or another subject topic

-Have students make iMovie presentations

-Have students create virtual family trees

-Have students record video diaries

-Have students make video reflections

-Have students create or act out a play or skit

-Have students make informercials about a subject

These are just the beginning of endless possibilities!

C4T 2 - Henrietta Miller

Classroom Chronicles

Classroom Chronicles is a blog by Henrietta Miller, a Year 6 teacher in Australia. Her blog discusses and showcases changes in education to engage students in learning though technology. The first post,"Reflective Students," outlines the importance of her students' reflections on their Choose Your Own Adventure assignment. "AECP2014 - Now It's Personal" discusses main ideas presented at a technology education conference she attended.

Reflective Students

In her post "Reflective Students," Miller explains that she has been using the practice of reflective learning in her “Choose Your Own Adventure” project that her students are working. In this project, her Year 6 students periodically write one chapter of a fiction story that they created and post it to their blog. At the end of each chapter, the students provide three options of what could happen next in the story and their classmates can vote on an option by commenting with their choice. At the end of this project, Miller asked students to reflect on the assignment. She found that her students thoroughly enjoyed the project and devoted time to create, improve, and ultimately better their writing skills. As Miller says, “Students writing, students reflecting, students learning, students improving. Who could ask for anything more.” In my comment, I said that I wished I could have had this assignment in school and hope use something similar to it once I am a teacher.

AECP2014 - Now It's Personal

"AECP2014 - Now It's Personal" summarizes Miller’s reflections on the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACEC) conference she recently attended. At the conference she was awarded a NGS Super Scholarship to expand her interest and research in student writing through technology and networking. She discusses two thought-provoking points made at the conference: 1) Students need to learn code and use the right software and 2) Students are inspired by powerful storytelling. Miller states that students must be prepared for future careers such as computer science and that they must have practice now with real world application programs. Storytelling and personal narratives must be used to engage students in the subject being taught, whether the storytelling is done through student writing or digital stories created by teachers. Storytelling helps students and the teacher to connect and share with each other. In my comment, I mentioned how I am learning how to use many real application programs in EDM 310 that will help me as an educator. I also mentioned how intrigued I was by using storytelling as a teaching strategy. Looking back on my own primary school experience, I rarely was ever able to write narratives but I think it is a great way to engage students in their writing.

Project 9

Project 9 - Video Commentary
MW4 Group 5
Topic #4