-Reflect on the “Personal Theory of Learning” you developed in Week 1. Summarize any modifications to your personal theory of learning you have made as a result of your learning in this course.
I always try to use personal connections and hands on experience with my kindergarten students. Kindergarten is the first year students have "real school" experience. They must rely on personal connections since school experience is limited. I use food with some of my math lessons so the children can use their senses to remember a concept. I also start the year with calendar and alphabet songs. I enjoy music so I tend to use it in my classroom more. A modification to my learning theory would be technology. Technology has come a long way in our classrooms. With the current use of Smart Boards, students are able to be more involved with lessons. Gone are the times of sitting in a desk and listening to lectures. Technology has made learning interactive and provided great resources to students.
-Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of your learning in this course. Identify two technology tools you would like to use with your students and how the tools will support or enhance your students’ learning.
I recently got a document camera in my classroom. I am working on getting a laptop so I can show students more webquests, powerpoints, and websites. I would like to use, or at least introduce, students to the programs we used in this course. I usually gather the students around a computer screen to show them something. Once I can get the laptop, visuals and student involvement will be easier. It has been a different world having the document camera.
-List two long-term goal changes you would like to make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration and outline a strategy for achieving them.
I would like to incorporate more technology at the primary level. Before this course I never thought to use technology in the ways I’ve learned to in the past 8 weeks. I felt it was hard to incorporate the technology with 5 year olds.
A great way to incorporate technology would be virtual field trips. It would be a way students can be interactive in the learning process. The students are able to go places they would not normally be able to visit. I plan to use more virtual field trips to give greater experiences in the classroom. I would like to make available a class blog for students and parents. I want to do away with paper newsletters and have a place where parents can comment on class activities. If I had parents that were computer savvy, I would show them ways they could conduct a class blog or wiki. It would be my hopes that parents can work together to teach other how to use the class programs.
29 October 2010
16 October 2010
Collaboration for the Future
Working in groups is what I use in my classroom. I have learning centers in my classroom and the students work together on various activities. Collaboration is a skill that students need to be successful in the 21st century. With the social learning theory, students are engaged in constructing and conversing with others. Students learn so much from each other. One example of working together I use in my classroom, is with behavior. Each table is a family team and they work together as one. The students remind each other that they need to work together to accomplish positive incentives.
I believe using technology in kindergarten will be a teacher guided approach. It is more of an introduction to technology rather than having the students use the programs without guidance. I would like to use more Webquests and blogs in my classroom. I also want to get the parents involved where they can use technology with their child. Something small as logging into a blog or using VoiceThreads with the students. I made a section on my letter for websites parents can use with their child. Starfall.com is a great one for students to learn letters/sounds and for beginner readers.
I believe using technology in kindergarten will be a teacher guided approach. It is more of an introduction to technology rather than having the students use the programs without guidance. I would like to use more Webquests and blogs in my classroom. I also want to get the parents involved where they can use technology with their child. Something small as logging into a blog or using VoiceThreads with the students. I made a section on my letter for websites parents can use with their child. Starfall.com is a great one for students to learn letters/sounds and for beginner readers.
07 October 2010
Voice Thread
This experience wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Here is my voicethread.
http://voicethread.com/share/1381680/
29 September 2010
What to construct?
The constructionism theory of learning states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate, 2009). In this weeks resources, the savings, investments, and interest rate spreadsheet assignment is an example of this theory. The teacher wanted students to understand that compounding interest and saving money can lead to strong earnings. This lesson is something that students can relate to and learn the value of saving and investing money for the future.
I feel kindergarten is a year where constructionism is used throughout the year.
In kindergarten, we have learning centers where children problem solve through age appropriate play and manipulatives. They are encouraged to use their own thoughts and be creative in the centers. Students are building using blocks and collaborating in groups. Last spring I had a few students show me a beehive they built with math pattern blocks. They remembered what it looked like in a book and wanted to create a bee colony. Other shapes were the members of the colony. It was so cute.
I enjoy watching the 5 year olds take part in learning by doing and discovering. At that age their minds are full of questions and what the world has to offer. I am excited to introduce more technology in the students' education. Technology will be with the students for the rest of their lives.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology”
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I feel kindergarten is a year where constructionism is used throughout the year.
In kindergarten, we have learning centers where children problem solve through age appropriate play and manipulatives. They are encouraged to use their own thoughts and be creative in the centers. Students are building using blocks and collaborating in groups. Last spring I had a few students show me a beehive they built with math pattern blocks. They remembered what it looked like in a book and wanted to create a bee colony. Other shapes were the members of the colony. It was so cute.
I enjoy watching the 5 year olds take part in learning by doing and discovering. At that age their minds are full of questions and what the world has to offer. I am excited to introduce more technology in the students' education. Technology will be with the students for the rest of their lives.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology”
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
15 September 2010
Over and Over
Learning about the behaviorist learning theory brought back many elementary thru college memories. I remember the days when I invested in 3x5 index cards and studied off of flashcards. There were many nights of drilling words and numbers into my head. I have a hard time using drill and practice all the time in my classroom. I am a big believer of making connections with the students. Making connections is one part of my teaching philosophy. I want the students to have an understanding of the material and show them how they can relate to the information.
Even though my teaching philosophy contains making connections, I teach kindergarten. With 5 year olds you need a lot of drill and practice. My class thrives on routine and consistency. The computer programs the students use have games that are based on repitition. Our small group reading program also contains repitition. We do the same routine just use different letters each week. I try to find a balance when using the different theories in the classroom. I know the students need the drill and practice but I also want them to know why and how to apply the information.
Even though my teaching philosophy contains making connections, I teach kindergarten. With 5 year olds you need a lot of drill and practice. My class thrives on routine and consistency. The computer programs the students use have games that are based on repitition. Our small group reading program also contains repitition. We do the same routine just use different letters each week. I try to find a balance when using the different theories in the classroom. I know the students need the drill and practice but I also want them to know why and how to apply the information.
27 June 2010
Reflection Time!
During the course, Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, I learned new ways I can use technology in my classroom. It was a great experience to learn about blogs, wikis, and podcasts. After the course, I reflected on the past 8 weeks. I hope I can share the information with other teachers and show what is available in the classroom.
• In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?
My previous thought in using technology with kindergarten students was to introduce the school’s computer programs and have the students watch me use the programs. This course was my first experience with using blogs, wikis, or podcasts. I never thought to use them with kindergarten students. Blogs, wikis, and podcasts were something I thought older students would benefit from rather than the younger students. With this course I discovered technology can be integrated at any grade level. There might be more teacher guidance at my grade level, but it can be done. I am excited to use the new information I learned from this course in my future classes.
• In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
I found the teaching and learning process is not a one-way street. Gone are the days of a teacher standing in front of the classroom and lecturing to students. Today’s 21st century learner discovers answers with the teacher. There is more interaction and collaboration with teachers and students.
• In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
One way I have changed my perspective to a learner-centered one is I have to be aware of all students’ needs. There are many types of learners and the students are not cut from the same mold. I used to think I was supposed to know the answers to all the questions that were asked. After this course, I know it’s okay if I don’t know the answer. I can look up the answer with the students.
• In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
A way I can continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology is to keep myself updated with the latest in technology. In the future I will go to technology workshops when available. I want to share the knowledge from this class and future workshops with other teachers. I hope that with sharing information with other teachers we can achieve a common goal. The goal would be to increase student achievement.
• Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
One goal for transforming my classroom environment is to introduce technology to parents as well as students. I plan to create class blogs in addition to paper newsletters. I want the parents involved and to show how technology can be beneficial in the classroom. I would like the blog to be informative as well as a place for discussion by parents and teachers.
My second goal in transforming my classroom environment is to incorporate more technology in my classroom by having more student involvement. I would like to introduce blogs, wikis, and podcasts to my students. There might be a lot of teacher guidance in using the three, but it would not be too early for the students to be exposed. I tend to just show the students things on the computer. I would like for them to find answers and let them show me.
• Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course?
In referring to Week 1’s checklist I found my thoughts have changed in using technology in my classroom. Since I teach kindergarten, I thought the use of technology was limited. I realize I can use more technology in my classroom and will have to adjust it to the age level.
This class was very useful. I learned new ways I can incorporate technology in my classroom.
• In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?
My previous thought in using technology with kindergarten students was to introduce the school’s computer programs and have the students watch me use the programs. This course was my first experience with using blogs, wikis, or podcasts. I never thought to use them with kindergarten students. Blogs, wikis, and podcasts were something I thought older students would benefit from rather than the younger students. With this course I discovered technology can be integrated at any grade level. There might be more teacher guidance at my grade level, but it can be done. I am excited to use the new information I learned from this course in my future classes.
• In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
I found the teaching and learning process is not a one-way street. Gone are the days of a teacher standing in front of the classroom and lecturing to students. Today’s 21st century learner discovers answers with the teacher. There is more interaction and collaboration with teachers and students.
• In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
One way I have changed my perspective to a learner-centered one is I have to be aware of all students’ needs. There are many types of learners and the students are not cut from the same mold. I used to think I was supposed to know the answers to all the questions that were asked. After this course, I know it’s okay if I don’t know the answer. I can look up the answer with the students.
• In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
A way I can continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology is to keep myself updated with the latest in technology. In the future I will go to technology workshops when available. I want to share the knowledge from this class and future workshops with other teachers. I hope that with sharing information with other teachers we can achieve a common goal. The goal would be to increase student achievement.
• Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
One goal for transforming my classroom environment is to introduce technology to parents as well as students. I plan to create class blogs in addition to paper newsletters. I want the parents involved and to show how technology can be beneficial in the classroom. I would like the blog to be informative as well as a place for discussion by parents and teachers.
My second goal in transforming my classroom environment is to incorporate more technology in my classroom by having more student involvement. I would like to introduce blogs, wikis, and podcasts to my students. There might be a lot of teacher guidance in using the three, but it would not be too early for the students to be exposed. I tend to just show the students things on the computer. I would like for them to find answers and let them show me.
• Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course?
In referring to Week 1’s checklist I found my thoughts have changed in using technology in my classroom. Since I teach kindergarten, I thought the use of technology was limited. I realize I can use more technology in my classroom and will have to adjust it to the age level.
This class was very useful. I learned new ways I can incorporate technology in my classroom.
06 June 2010
The New Way
My kindergarten students are growing up in a technology world. After taking a class survey, all of my students have computers at home. It is just the beginning of what is in the 5 and 6 year olds' future.
http://greent.podbean.com/mf/web/eih8fr/GreenPod.mp3
http://greent.podbean.com/mf/web/eih8fr/GreenPod.mp3
27 May 2010
21st Century Skills...
I found the website www.p21.org very useful for all educators. When I entered the site I was a bit overwhelmed with all the information on the home page. I felt as if I was reading a different language. Once I went through each tab, I found the website was easy to navigate. There are many tools and resources that achieve the same goal which is to support today's 21st century student. I found the online resource Route 21 user friendly. It was easy to get a short summary on the skills and standards.
I was very amazed to see how many partnerships and sponsors are involved with P21. It is nice to see that educational companies, along with companies like Verizon, on the same page in providing support for the future of today's students.
I did not disagree with anything on the website. I would only suggest the website not have so much information on the home page. As stated earlier, it was overwhelming to see information that I was not familiar with on one page. I would recommend the website to others as a great resource to assist in teaching 21st century students.
I like that P21 includes life skills as a part of the framework. Often teachers focus on the thinking and learning skills and forget that life skills are a part of a well educated student. I think successful collaboration with others is important. I find myself focusing on collaboration and the thinking skills. I look forward to incorporating the "3Rs and 4Cs" into my teaching. I believe we all are currently doing the job, just lack resources in some areas.
I was very amazed to see how many partnerships and sponsors are involved with P21. It is nice to see that educational companies, along with companies like Verizon, on the same page in providing support for the future of today's students.
I did not disagree with anything on the website. I would only suggest the website not have so much information on the home page. As stated earlier, it was overwhelming to see information that I was not familiar with on one page. I would recommend the website to others as a great resource to assist in teaching 21st century students.
I like that P21 includes life skills as a part of the framework. Often teachers focus on the thinking and learning skills and forget that life skills are a part of a well educated student. I think successful collaboration with others is important. I find myself focusing on collaboration and the thinking skills. I look forward to incorporating the "3Rs and 4Cs" into my teaching. I believe we all are currently doing the job, just lack resources in some areas.
12 May 2010
To blog or not to blog
The more I read about blogs, the more I would like to have one for my classroom. This is my first experience with blogging and I can see the benefits. I thought I wouldn't be able to have a blog since I teach kindergarten. I think my blog would be more informative for the parents rather than students.
What purpose would the blog serve?
Since I teach kindergarten, the purpose of my blog would be more for the parents. Instead of sending my weekly newsletters home, I would tell parents to tune in every week for the class news. I also realize not everyone has access to internet so I would take note of those that need paper newsletters. The blog can be a space for parent questions, comments, or to share classroom ideas. Our kindergarten homework is fairly easy, but I would be available to answer any questions.
Is it a place for students to interact?
I don't see the students interacting with each other since they are five years old. The students may respond but it would be with parental help. I perceive more of a parental interaction with the blog. Parents can comment on each other's posts or ask me any questions.
Is it a showcase for their work?
Since the blog would mainly be viewed by parents, I would post a writer of the week section. The names would be anonymous, but it can show the yearly improvement of the students. It can also show parents examples of good writing. I would suggest to parents not post their child's work to keep the privacy.
How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
I would use the blog to enhance the weekly skills we are learning in the classroom. I would posts ways the parents can help the students at home in all the subject areas. The blog would be a great way for parents to ask me how they can help at home. I like the idea that all the questions would be where all could see.
I think next school year I will try to keep up with a blog newsletter. It is something I can do from home and hopefully wouldn't take up too much of outside teaching time. I really like the idea of helping parents. There are many parents that don't know how they can help in reading. The blog can definitely be a place for suggestions.
What purpose would the blog serve?
Since I teach kindergarten, the purpose of my blog would be more for the parents. Instead of sending my weekly newsletters home, I would tell parents to tune in every week for the class news. I also realize not everyone has access to internet so I would take note of those that need paper newsletters. The blog can be a space for parent questions, comments, or to share classroom ideas. Our kindergarten homework is fairly easy, but I would be available to answer any questions.
Is it a place for students to interact?
I don't see the students interacting with each other since they are five years old. The students may respond but it would be with parental help. I perceive more of a parental interaction with the blog. Parents can comment on each other's posts or ask me any questions.
Is it a showcase for their work?
Since the blog would mainly be viewed by parents, I would post a writer of the week section. The names would be anonymous, but it can show the yearly improvement of the students. It can also show parents examples of good writing. I would suggest to parents not post their child's work to keep the privacy.
How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
I would use the blog to enhance the weekly skills we are learning in the classroom. I would posts ways the parents can help the students at home in all the subject areas. The blog would be a great way for parents to ask me how they can help at home. I like the idea that all the questions would be where all could see.
I think next school year I will try to keep up with a blog newsletter. It is something I can do from home and hopefully wouldn't take up too much of outside teaching time. I really like the idea of helping parents. There are many parents that don't know how they can help in reading. The blog can definitely be a place for suggestions.
06 May 2010
The world of blogging...
Hello All! I am Tracy and teach kindergarten in Florida. (5 more weeks!!) This is my 5th year teaching but my first year in kindergarten. I do have to say, kindergarten is a different world, but it is enjoyable. This is also my first experience with blogging. I have many friends that have blogs but I never got into it. I think having a blog for classroom use is a great idea. I don't know any teachers that use one, but I will be asking around. What a great way to communicate ideas and thoughts with parents and others! I am always up for some advice about the blogging world! In what ways do others use technology in the primary grades?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
