Course Management System

My presentation is located at:


http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/course-management-system-5738027

Reflecting on EDUC 6714

This course has given me a better understanding of UDL and Differentiated Instruction (DI) and better ways to incorporate the two in my classroom. I have heard of DI in the past but was never sure if I was using it correctly. DI is not creating more work for students. I couldn’t imagine creating different lessons for all my students but now I know that is not the case in order to meet the needs of all students.


I compiled a list of resources that were acquired throughout this course for future use. The Differentiation Station was a great source for information. I believe using the resources will enhance my teaching and students’ learning. I plan on sharing the sites with other teachers in the future. As a result of this course, I also plan to use technology much more in my classroom this coming school year.


I will use the new found technology whole group as well as with individual instruction. I also want to get parents involved using class blogs and newsletter. I will also create surveys at the beginning of the year to learn more about the students. I want to incorporate the use of digital storytelling and concept maps into more lessons. I like Dr. Tomlinson’s use of the words flexible management (Laureate Education, 2009). I feel that being flexible is a key word in teaching and to add management is even better. I have to remember that I am building a foundation for all students at the kindergarten level. What may work one year with technology may not work the next. It is my hope that I will help each student reach his or her highest potential for learning.


Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Evaluating the GAME...

I plan on using the GAME plan in future years. I have confidence that I can set goals and achieve them one step at a time. With this GAME plan, I now realize I can use more technology with younger students. I want to teach them they can set goals accomplish them as well. I also want to continue my current GAME plan goals. The goals are:

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

I have found many resources that will help me incorporate more technology in the classroom with this project. I want to continue to expose students to real-world issues that will help them become better 21st century learners. From this course, I have also learned about better ways to communicate with parents through technology.

Reviewing the GAME...

During this adventure of the GAME, I have learned to create a few goals and stick with them and you can achieve the goals. I have a tendency to jump around and eventually get to it. I want to set an example for my students and show them they can reach goals no matter how big or small. They can set a goal and follow it one step at a time.

When I saw this GAME project, I was slightly overwhelmed. I thought, this must be how my students feel when I give multi-step directions all at once. Even though my students are 5 years old, I know they can go through the GAME process and have success. I am still amazed how much a 5 year old knows about technology. I feel I am teaching the basis for what the students will experience in the future.

Revising the GAME...

I think the GAME plan is moving along well. I currently am using various websites that I’ve come across with my students. I think the GAME plan is moving along well. Our grade level was introduced to videos that are on Discovery Ed. (our district’s testing site sponsored by Discovery) I am not too familiar with it besides where to go when we test our students. We are supposed to get more training this summer. The videos provide great supplement to our teaching, whether introducing or closing out a unit. A video is more engaging than a stack of worksheets.

I just attended training on using a Mimio. I am excited about the opportunities it gives in teaching the students. Unfortunately, there is only a handful available at my school. There is a waiting list and we can then have it for a month. I definitely put my name on the list. Until I get one, I want to do a little more research on the ways I can use it with my students.

I am not ready to set a new learning goal. I want to accomplish my current goals before I start on a new one. I am going to take what I have learned and keep learning so I can be more effective at integrating technology.

Evaluating the GAME...

My actions were effective in meeting my goals. I recently found a webquest on a rain forest to add to a unit we did. It was neat to take the students to a place we do not experience in Florida. I would like to start using PowerPoint slides to show students digital storytelling. I am not too familiar with it so it is a goal to learn more about it. I am also trying to remember to check a website before showing it to the students. I will lose the attention of the students if I am playing around the website to see if it is a reliable one. My co-workers have been interested in learning about websites they can use in their classrooms. They are excited to share the information with others.

My students’ parents are interested in the class website. Many have said it will help them in keeping up with class activities because newsletters do not always make it home. I hope in doing a class website, I do not run out of time. Time is always the factor for a teacher…..

Monitoring the GAME…

I feel my GAME plan is moving along in a positive direction.

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

I have created a list of websites in all content areas that I can use in the classroom. I have a document camera and projector that I have hooked up to the computer. I can show the students the websites whole group and do any of the interactive activities. I also have been sharing the sites with other teachers and inviting my suitemate’s class over to show “cool” websites. The only problem is I need to make sure the site is not blocked at school so I have been checking in the morning.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

I am researching other class web pages and blogs. I am writing down ideas that I can use for the future. I want to know the better sites I can use with the limited amount of time. I am in the process of collecting surveys from parents about how often they would use a class page and/or blog.

Carrying out the GAME...

Goals:

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

To carry out my plan and achieve this goal I will research websites that are age appropriate for primary students to use. I also will create a list of technology resources that could be used with lessons. I will talk to other teachers at the primary level to find out what technology resources they have used in their classrooms.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

To carry out my plan and achieve this goal I need to create a class website for parents. The website will have updated class information and school events. I will send home a questionnaire asking parents if they would utilize an online newsletter and if they have Internet access. I also will talk with other teachers to share website ideas that are appropriate for the primary level.

It's GAME time....

My GAME Plan

The two NETS-T standards that I would like to build up and strengthen my confidence with are the following:

Goals:

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

Action Plan:

1b) I will incorporate technology into my lessons giving the students a chance to use digital tools collaboratively with guidance from the teacher because of the age level. I will show the students real-world situations and let them discover and start to become self-directed learners.

3c) I will create a class website for daily/weekly news. I will have a section on the class site for helpful websites that families can use at home. I will also create a class blog for news, as well as, current class experiences and projects. I will communicate with parents using more technology and hope they do the same. I also hope to show parents how they can help their child at home using technology.

Monitoring my Goals:

1b) I will have students draw and/or write their experiences using the digital tools in journals. For class projects, such as the life cycles of butterflies, we can collectively record our findings on our class blog.

3c) I will frequently update the class website so parents will be up to date on events. I will also frequently check the class blog for any feedback from parents.

Evaluating my Goals:

For both goals, I will keep up to date with current technology information and trainings to better integrate technology in the classroom. Also, I will have parent feedback by means of a survey. It will be in a similar manner to the “About Your Child” questionnaire I send home at the beginning of the year. I would like my kindergarten students to understand the benefits of having technology skills and create a foundation they will build upon.

Resources
Cennamo, K., Ross, J & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

A Look Back

-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.

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.

Voice Thread

This experience wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Here is my voicethread.

http://voicethread.com/share/1381680/

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?