I have learned that even though having a blog is a great first step it is important that I do not limit myself to just a blog (Davis, 2009). Quite a few different social networks are free and accessible for students. The limitation that I may face is what access I am allowed through the district. You tube, face book and my space are not allowed. I am not sure yet about twitter or wiggio. I have heard about Moodle but have not explored it. It may have one of the aspects that I am looking for in terms of getting students to help each other on line at home. Caitlin Thompson uses Moodle in her classroom and the students message each other for help. I also like Linda Phipps idea of having parents help their students by ensuring they have computer time at home. This is a concept that I am going to add in my parent letter next year as well as cover at open house.
My students have set up their blog and are really enjoying them. I was concerned that I would struggle with blog entries each week but it is easier than I thought. The students are filling out their weekly goal sheets and I am still working towards finding the websites section of addressing their learning goals. It is not for a lack of resources but of finding the time to research them. As I find the resources, I will book mark them so I have repertoire to pick from in the future. I have figured out the online assessment but have not written one yet for the students to take. My goal is to accomplish it this week.
At this pint I am not ready to set new learning goals but want to expand on the ones I have. The assessment is very important as not only will it give me information on my students but also provide practice for them before state testing. Now that I have figured out the online access problem, I want to work on writing my own problems within the program so I can generate questions. If I learn how to write questions then I can regenerate the same questions with different values. This will allow my students lots of practice on a concept until they master it. Generating question with different values requires prog4ramming ability and knowledge of html. I am rusty in html but am sure that it will come back quickly.
In terms of learning approaches, I learn best by doing. Playing with programs and websites are the fastest way for me to gain knowledge. However, I have discovered You tube and have found that you can find a video on just about anything. I need to start using it as a reference to assist in my learning.
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
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dlomax,
ReplyDeleteI like how you are using web tools to provide access to practice for the state tests. This also allows students that need more practice to access it at home. Adding questions and comments to state questions sounds like a nice bonus. In terms with You Tube for educational purposes, I use it all the time. I have used clips to demonstrate what would happen when not following the rules of the shop. I also use them for a virtual tour of a saw mill and the process of how trees are manufactured into lumber. You Tube is a tool that allows students to not only to see and hear the process, but creates critical thinking and essential questioning to a certain process to a Problem Based Activity.
Deanna,
ReplyDeleteI find that I am the same way, I need to get my hands on something and play with it before I feel comfortable with it. Since I am a kindergarten teacher I think it is important that I have a good grasp of what I present to my students. I need to model the processes correctly so that they learn it right the first time. It is also necessary for students to have an opportunity to feel free to explore and learn on their own but the foundation needs to be set.
I have to admit that I have not used U tube to much in the past, but I am more willing to use it now. I have even put some videos on my classroom webpage for my parents and students.
Dolores
Deanna,
ReplyDeleteI think that student access to technology at home is more of an issue that we may realize. I have found in my district many students are not allowed access because there is only one computer in the home and parents are fearful of a computer mishap due to their experience. You make a valid point of figuring things out or learning new technology tools by being hands-on. Students need these same opportunities in school and at home to hone their skills. I like the how-to videos on You Tube and use them myself, but because access is denied in my school I have found that ehow at http://www.ehow.com/ offers a wide variety of tutorials that I can access.
Susan
ReplyDeletethank you for the ehow link. I had not heard of that and I will check it out. I have an iphone and just need to get a connection for my projector and I will have access to You tube in my class.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteMy school is in AYP so getting the students practice with online testing is very important. We had about 75 students that should have passed as they are in our top 20% but did not. We think part of it was the online test and the other part was motivation.
Dolores,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on you needing to know how to work the program. You are dealing with Kindergartners whom probably need more assistance then my students. I am truly amazed at the amount of technology that you are using with your students. By the time they get to Middle School they will be very knowledgeable in the different technology available.