One of the tools that I already use is screencasting. At this time I use Screencastify; however, I'm going to learn how to use TouchCast Studio once I get an Ipad. I love using the screencasting technology because it makes life so much easier for both the students and myself. The students are able to see exactly what I'm trying to show them and can pause the video; I am saved from having to repeat myself many times and instead can use the time to help kids with meaningful feedback and be a sounding board for them.
I just finished my ERWC training and professors used Padlet. I really liked it and wanted to try it and was happy I had the opportunity to in this module. I did plan on putting the information in Google Classroom, but I like the way Padlet has it laid out nicely instead of items getting mixed up in the stream of Classroom. I also like that I have seven tasks laid out for them with all of the links and kids can move forward on their own or spend more time if necessary.
In the lesson we're working on this week, students are creating a Animoto containing the information from their action plans. I think that my students will be excited to try out this tool and am looking forward to hearing their feedback.
Another tool I'm going to try in the coming weeks is Powtoon. Again, I think that kids will enjoy using this unique tool to convey what they know to me and their classmates.
Also, in the next ERWC module, "Language, Gender, and Culture", one of the culminating activities at the end of the module is for students to create public service announcements. I'm going to have students use the new green screens that just came in at our site and the webtool Wevideo to create these projects. I'm excited for my students as I think that they will enjoy this a lot. On my end, there will be a lot of work too, in terms of setting up all of the parameters and expectations as well as making sure I provide all of the "how to" information they'll need.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Blog 3.1
Where I will most likely start with blended learning will be a Flipped Classroom; however, a flipped classroom in and of itself doesn't give students the options that I'm envisioning offering to my students. If students are truly working at their own pace and don't move forward until they've mastered curriculum, how can they all conceivably walk into the classroom for the day's "homework and activities"? In this model, students are expected to learn at the same rate of speed and walk in prepared to apply what they learned at home. At times, this would work, but there will be those other times when students need extra support, or maybe kids who fly past the the initial goal and soar higher. I know that I will design online lessons where students blog and interact with one another and also give students options for extra support and faster growth.
My plan for communication will most likely stay the same as it is now. Students can reach me via my cell using the Google Voice number I provide to text or speak with me, they can email me, and also message me using google. I've also used Google Hangouts before to work with students who were absent for several days and I wanted the chance to conference with them. What will change is that more of these communications will be taking place due to the nature of blended learning we are implementing at GVHS. Something I'll have to consider is a schedule for students so they know when I'm not available. I tend to be available a lot already as it's not unusual for me to respond to an email at 10 or 11 at night; especially when a big assignment is due and students who are scrambling might not remember where to access information for their specific question and they just need some direction and support.
My plan for communication will most likely stay the same as it is now. Students can reach me via my cell using the Google Voice number I provide to text or speak with me, they can email me, and also message me using google. I've also used Google Hangouts before to work with students who were absent for several days and I wanted the chance to conference with them. What will change is that more of these communications will be taking place due to the nature of blended learning we are implementing at GVHS. Something I'll have to consider is a schedule for students so they know when I'm not available. I tend to be available a lot already as it's not unusual for me to respond to an email at 10 or 11 at night; especially when a big assignment is due and students who are scrambling might not remember where to access information for their specific question and they just need some direction and support.
Blog 1.1
As an educator in my mid 40's, the blended learning model is both exciting and a little intimidating. One thing that I hate most about a class is students who come to table completely disengaged and hating every minute of being in a class. Times have changed. It's a new world; our classrooms have to reflect this seismic shift.
The importance of this shift cannot be minimized as it's my belief that without the shift, many students will be left behind and opportunities will be lost. Teachers must realize and accept that they themselves are not the gatekeeper and holder of the knowledge; they are now facilitators and models.
Recognizing the shift and the need for it is the easy part I think. The HOW is the difficult part of this realization. Some of the questions and uneasiness that have in the shift is trying to figure out how I customize lessons for my kids in my English class. I'm thinking that when students are writing, it might be more difficult to give that automatic feedback I've heard about in Module 1.
When I think about what I've done so far in terms of student engagement and blended learning, I'm definitely on the right path. One thing I'd like to do soon is incorporate a lesson using social media. Why? My audience loves social media; they're using it all the time every day. As a teacher, I need to harness this powerful tool and use it to teach and engage my students.
I'm excited for my students and for myself as I take more steps into blended learning leaving the boring and passive teaching styles of the past behind. At the same time, I'm uneasy wondering how I can possible meet each of my students' needs on a daily basis in an individual manner. I'm hoping that through this course, I'll gain the knowledge needed to put me at ease and set me on the right path.
The importance of this shift cannot be minimized as it's my belief that without the shift, many students will be left behind and opportunities will be lost. Teachers must realize and accept that they themselves are not the gatekeeper and holder of the knowledge; they are now facilitators and models.
Recognizing the shift and the need for it is the easy part I think. The HOW is the difficult part of this realization. Some of the questions and uneasiness that have in the shift is trying to figure out how I customize lessons for my kids in my English class. I'm thinking that when students are writing, it might be more difficult to give that automatic feedback I've heard about in Module 1.
When I think about what I've done so far in terms of student engagement and blended learning, I'm definitely on the right path. One thing I'd like to do soon is incorporate a lesson using social media. Why? My audience loves social media; they're using it all the time every day. As a teacher, I need to harness this powerful tool and use it to teach and engage my students.
I'm excited for my students and for myself as I take more steps into blended learning leaving the boring and passive teaching styles of the past behind. At the same time, I'm uneasy wondering how I can possible meet each of my students' needs on a daily basis in an individual manner. I'm hoping that through this course, I'll gain the knowledge needed to put me at ease and set me on the right path.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)