Here is my latest VoiceThread about Online Learning in K-12 School.
voicethread.com/share/1541002/
Hope you enjoy.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Reflection - Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology
In this the final week of the course called Reaching and Engaging all Learners through Technology, I am thinking about how taking this course has and will change my instructional practices. This course has provided me with an opportunity to gain knowledge and web resources by collaborating with other educators throughout the country and the world. This course has not only discussed collaboration, but also discussed management which is a issue that all teachers must be aware of when facilitating for students.
The use of Facebook.com in this course gave a dynamic to this course that I had never experienced before. This avenue gave me instant information from colleagues like never before. My colleagues and I were able to bounce ideas off each other in a 21st century method just like our students would be able to do. The use of the chat feature gave us the opportunity to communicate with each other as if we were having face to face conversations. This ability to collaborate and discuss with others about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) helped me to understand how the process affects the classroom teachers in a way that I as a specialist would not have understood otherwise. We posted different ideas every week and it was really beneficial to read the comments about what others thought about the web resource. I truly believe that the comments from other teachers using the web resources were the most valuable pieces of review that I could receive. I was able to take these critiques and edit how I used the resources in my class and how I was able to present them to my school colleagues as web resources that they should use. Utilizing these resources have given me more options than just using PowerPoint presentations. I have enjoyed using the resources and I am happy to see the excitement on the faces of the students from the use of 21st century teaching methods. When the teacher infuses technology into daily instruction students are provided with authentic learning experiences that appeal to all types of learners (Laureate, 2009).
The activity that we did in this course that had a huge impact on my instructional practices was taking of a survey on the CAST website. This site assist teachers in using the UDL principles to keep all of the students engaged in the learning process. "The goal of UDL is to enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning (CAST, 2007-2010)." The CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Self-Check is a guide for teachers to look in-ward to see how they can create a open environment for student learning. Once completing this survey I realized that I have more work to do to be an effective teacher using the UDL in Health and Physical Education. Using The CPS clicker system, on-line surveys, and jeopardy games as assessment procedures were additions to my teaching methods directly came from me taking the survey.
In conclusion, I believe that taking this course has made me a better teacher. Being taught how to look internally and taking that information to better my own understanding of my teaching methods is important when teaching digital natives from the perspective of a digital immigrant. Infusing technology into daily instruction provides students with authentic learning experiences that appeal to all types of learners kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. When managing differentiation and technology in the classroom it is important to show the students that they can be resources for information that their classmates can use. I believe that using technology to reach out to the digital natives will provide them with opportunities to gain skills that will serve them well after they leave school (Bray, Brown, & Green, 2004) helping them to have success in the world that they were born into.
The use of Facebook.com in this course gave a dynamic to this course that I had never experienced before. This avenue gave me instant information from colleagues like never before. My colleagues and I were able to bounce ideas off each other in a 21st century method just like our students would be able to do. The use of the chat feature gave us the opportunity to communicate with each other as if we were having face to face conversations. This ability to collaborate and discuss with others about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) helped me to understand how the process affects the classroom teachers in a way that I as a specialist would not have understood otherwise. We posted different ideas every week and it was really beneficial to read the comments about what others thought about the web resource. I truly believe that the comments from other teachers using the web resources were the most valuable pieces of review that I could receive. I was able to take these critiques and edit how I used the resources in my class and how I was able to present them to my school colleagues as web resources that they should use. Utilizing these resources have given me more options than just using PowerPoint presentations. I have enjoyed using the resources and I am happy to see the excitement on the faces of the students from the use of 21st century teaching methods. When the teacher infuses technology into daily instruction students are provided with authentic learning experiences that appeal to all types of learners (Laureate, 2009).
The activity that we did in this course that had a huge impact on my instructional practices was taking of a survey on the CAST website. This site assist teachers in using the UDL principles to keep all of the students engaged in the learning process. "The goal of UDL is to enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning (CAST, 2007-2010)." The CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Self-Check is a guide for teachers to look in-ward to see how they can create a open environment for student learning. Once completing this survey I realized that I have more work to do to be an effective teacher using the UDL in Health and Physical Education. Using The CPS clicker system, on-line surveys, and jeopardy games as assessment procedures were additions to my teaching methods directly came from me taking the survey.
In conclusion, I believe that taking this course has made me a better teacher. Being taught how to look internally and taking that information to better my own understanding of my teaching methods is important when teaching digital natives from the perspective of a digital immigrant. Infusing technology into daily instruction provides students with authentic learning experiences that appeal to all types of learners kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. When managing differentiation and technology in the classroom it is important to show the students that they can be resources for information that their classmates can use. I believe that using technology to reach out to the digital natives will provide them with opportunities to gain skills that will serve them well after they leave school (Bray, Brown, & Green, 2004) helping them to have success in the world that they were born into.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Final Post about MY GAME PLAN
I was not sure what this GAME plan was going to be about or if it was going to be beneficial to me at all. However, since creating this GAME plan I have learned so much about how I can connect Physical Education, Health, and technology. I am really interested in seeing how PowerPoint, blogs, voicethreads, and podcasts show the creative side of my students. The cooperation that will be used by my students I believe will surprise me and really touch me when I see the final projects. The biggest adjustment I will have to make for the success of my GAME plan will be getting all the students on a comfortable technology level, so that there will be the success for my GAME plan that I hope for.
I also believe that my fellow teachers will see my lessons and the interest that the students show and ask me how they can use technology in their classrooms also. This will expand the learning in the schoolhouse and that can only help the students in the long run.
Overall, this project has been a great experience for me. I thank my instructor for the GAME plan ideas. I also want to thank my classmates for all their great ideas and support.
I also believe that my fellow teachers will see my lessons and the interest that the students show and ask me how they can use technology in their classrooms also. This will expand the learning in the schoolhouse and that can only help the students in the long run.
Overall, this project has been a great experience for me. I thank my instructor for the GAME plan ideas. I also want to thank my classmates for all their great ideas and support.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Using my GAME Plan with my Students
I believe that the GAME Plan could be used by teachers to map out step by step where they want their students to go through the curricula in a modern way. I also believe that Plan could be a way for students and teacher to work together to plan out how the students can maximize their learning through the curriculum. With a teacher that is 21st century comfortable, the students can perform projects that are interesting to them and will maximize their modern learning skills. As a Physical Education teacher, I believe that even I could use the plan for my health related units. I believe that showing them that even Physical Education can reach the technology levels that they need.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Revising My GAME Plan
My task this week is the see what revisions my GAME plan needs. I have learned that putting my GAME plan into affect is not going to be as hard as I thought. I am realizing that changing my mental approach to education will go along way to the success of my GAME plan. As I look back at my GAME plan, I also see that my goals and indicators are good for the success of my plan. I am still working on towards my goals. I also now understand that there are many online tools for me as the teacher to use also. I can't wait to look at eduwiki.us and see how this website will be beneficial for my success.
I am still concerned about the lack of physical movement, however I believe that my GAME plan will work wonders when it comes to working cross-curricula and proving my subjects worth in the grand scheme of education.
I am still concerned about the lack of physical movement, however I believe that my GAME plan will work wonders when it comes to working cross-curricula and proving my subjects worth in the grand scheme of education.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Evaluating My GAME Plan
When looking at my actions in getting my goals accomplished. I have found that researching what I want to do, has been informative and interesting. I do however feel that this planning piece is necessary if I am going to make my GAME plan live this school year. So far I have learned that a project-based learning model might be the style that I find most effective for Physical Education.
I have had some concerns when thinking about the project-based model. My first concern is, understanding how many class periods I will have to be out of my gym to complete the problem-based lesson and project. With the basis of physical education being improving a student’s motor-development skills, how many class periods I need to be in the computer lab is important information. My next concern would be with having only 30 minutes with my students for their lesson, how do I guide them with limited access to me. By the time, they log on to the computers and truly get going their 30 minute class is not 20 – 25 minutes. My students will truly do most of their work on their own, if I do not get some help from the classroom teachers.
My plan will be adjusted with my knowledge of the time and how much classroom teacher help I receive. I hope the teachers find my lessons as important as they do their own and realize that we are all working together to teach the students.
I have had some concerns when thinking about the project-based model. My first concern is, understanding how many class periods I will have to be out of my gym to complete the problem-based lesson and project. With the basis of physical education being improving a student’s motor-development skills, how many class periods I need to be in the computer lab is important information. My next concern would be with having only 30 minutes with my students for their lesson, how do I guide them with limited access to me. By the time, they log on to the computers and truly get going their 30 minute class is not 20 – 25 minutes. My students will truly do most of their work on their own, if I do not get some help from the classroom teachers.
My plan will be adjusted with my knowledge of the time and how much classroom teacher help I receive. I hope the teachers find my lessons as important as they do their own and realize that we are all working together to teach the students.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Still Mentally in the GAME ......
This week I am looking back at my GAME plan and how I plan to reach my goals. I have really enjoyed searching the online resources and the abundant information that is out there. I truly did not know that there was information out there about technology and physical education. I expected more science, but to see physical education make me smile. I can’t wait for school to start back, so that I can get with my physical education colleagues and collaborate with them and see how they are integrating technology in their classes. So far the class that I am in has taught me that there are more ways to use technology in classes than I thought. Also, that it is important to keep an open mind when it comes to the different styles of assignments that I assign to my students. I have not had any new questions to come up so far. My GAME plan is going well so far. I have not made any changes to it; however I will not be opposed to making changes where they are warranted.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Making my GAME Plan live !!
This week I have began to find resources to help me bring my GAME plan to life. My first step was to refresh myself with voicetread.com. I when through the tutorial again just like I did when I was first introduced to it. I also looked again at the voice thread I created and ones created by others. The next thing I did was to create an account for my classes. This way once I can create one with my students and show them how easy this technology is to use. Finally, I will need to set up rules and procedures for proper posting onto the threads I want to make sure that my students feel comfortable in posting and commenting on other students threads without the fear of inappropriate comments by their peers.
I am currently still searching for a county approved site for blogs. My school district has a very strict firewall. Once I find this site my main goal is to set it up and help students to know that the rules for voice threads and blogs are the same when it comes to appropriate comments.
My second indicator covers PowerPoints and podcasts. I will be using audacity.com and my podcast.com for use with my students. Everything I need to for these activities I have access to in my schools computer lab. The challenge that I have is always combining Physical Education and classroom technology. I gladly accept any help or ideas no matter how outside the box they are. Since, I am trying something new and innovative I will gladly accept the help.
I am currently still searching for a county approved site for blogs. My school district has a very strict firewall. Once I find this site my main goal is to set it up and help students to know that the rules for voice threads and blogs are the same when it comes to appropriate comments.
My second indicator covers PowerPoints and podcasts. I will be using audacity.com and my podcast.com for use with my students. Everything I need to for these activities I have access to in my schools computer lab. The challenge that I have is always combining Physical Education and classroom technology. I gladly accept any help or ideas no matter how outside the box they are. Since, I am trying something new and innovative I will gladly accept the help.
My Personal GAME Plan
There are two NETS-T indicators that I would use to improve my game plan. The first indicator would be to promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning,
and creative processes. One way that I will promote this indicator in my class is by using voicetreads. Voicetreads will give the students the ability to focus on one main topic and expand their ideas about it. Also, it will also give them the opportunity to hear other students in their class and other classes as they go through the slides. The second method I will use is the blog. The blog I believe will give the students the ability to open up and speak if they do not understand an idea. Also, it allow their classmates the opportunity to share there understanding and knowledge of the lesson as we go through them. Both methods will be monitored by me. I will also be able to use the blog to help myself expand on any idea that the students did not understand.
The other indicator that I would use would be to design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. Two of the tools that I would use would be PowerPoint and podcasts. Both of these methods will allow the students the creativity to expound on the unit as they understand and see it. We could use these methods to also delve in to current event and ideas as they relate to Physical Education. I will monitor these tools by having a day where the students will use there production to teach the ideas from the point of view of a student.
and creative processes. One way that I will promote this indicator in my class is by using voicetreads. Voicetreads will give the students the ability to focus on one main topic and expand their ideas about it. Also, it will also give them the opportunity to hear other students in their class and other classes as they go through the slides. The second method I will use is the blog. The blog I believe will give the students the ability to open up and speak if they do not understand an idea. Also, it allow their classmates the opportunity to share there understanding and knowledge of the lesson as we go through them. Both methods will be monitored by me. I will also be able to use the blog to help myself expand on any idea that the students did not understand.
The other indicator that I would use would be to design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. Two of the tools that I would use would be PowerPoint and podcasts. Both of these methods will allow the students the creativity to expound on the unit as they understand and see it. We could use these methods to also delve in to current event and ideas as they relate to Physical Education. I will monitor these tools by having a day where the students will use there production to teach the ideas from the point of view of a student.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Reflection: Teaching New Literacy Skills in the Classroom
The skills needed for the modern student are different from those of there predecessors. Our past was rooted in book culture while our future will be rooted in online and digital media (Laureate, 2008). Even as a teacher of physical education I must understand these literacy skills and assist my students in learning how to use then in my curriculum and those of the classroom teacher. Working with these new literacy skills has really opened my eyes to understanding that technology is not just the computers and software that is in the computer lab, but it is also the personal technologies and programs that the students use everyday in their personal lives. As I look to expand physical education into the technology realm many of the concepts that I have learned in this class will serve my students and I well for the future.
My striking revelation learned from taking this course was that evaluating online information was critical before using websites for factual purposes. I had the opportunity to look through different websites that looked like their information was factual and correct. However, once the websites were looked through for author, bias, content, dates, and editor it was obvious that they were filled with bias. Being able to see how easily I was fooled made me scared for my students if I do not do my part and protect them by giving them the skills to know what is factual and what is not.
The knowledge and experiences that I have received in this class will make my students and I be able to navigate the internet better as consumers and researchers. Using the inquiry-based method will allow me as a facilitator to challenge my students better than before I took this course.
The professional development goal I would like to pursue is explore more ways to combine physical education and technology. I understand that these two subjects are not necessarily easy to combine. However, I believe that technology can expand the nature and understanding of physical education. I believe my students can use this as another avenue to understand my subject matter and be able to convey what they have learned to other students and adults.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this course and believe that thanks to this course and my instructor I will be able to use these new literacy skills in my classroom and help my students succeed.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). New Literacies [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
My striking revelation learned from taking this course was that evaluating online information was critical before using websites for factual purposes. I had the opportunity to look through different websites that looked like their information was factual and correct. However, once the websites were looked through for author, bias, content, dates, and editor it was obvious that they were filled with bias. Being able to see how easily I was fooled made me scared for my students if I do not do my part and protect them by giving them the skills to know what is factual and what is not.
The knowledge and experiences that I have received in this class will make my students and I be able to navigate the internet better as consumers and researchers. Using the inquiry-based method will allow me as a facilitator to challenge my students better than before I took this course.
The professional development goal I would like to pursue is explore more ways to combine physical education and technology. I understand that these two subjects are not necessarily easy to combine. However, I believe that technology can expand the nature and understanding of physical education. I believe my students can use this as another avenue to understand my subject matter and be able to convey what they have learned to other students and adults.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this course and believe that thanks to this course and my instructor I will be able to use these new literacy skills in my classroom and help my students succeed.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). New Literacies [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
My evaluation of MartinLutherKing.org
Here is my latest podcast.
http://www.teachertube.com/music.php?music_id=2964&title=Evaluation_of_MartinLutherKingorg&ref=Phantom693
In this podcast I had to evaluate the website martinlutherking.org.
Hope you enjoy it.
http://www.teachertube.com/music.php?music_id=2964&title=Evaluation_of_MartinLutherKingorg&ref=Phantom693
In this podcast I had to evaluate the website martinlutherking.org.
Hope you enjoy it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Evlauating Reseach Methods
This week in class, we were asked to reflect on what we have learned about the literature review process. We were then given four scenarios to evaluate and identify which type of research method would be best used. Below you will see the scenarios and my analysis of each.
Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.
Analysis: The idea that they will be observed, help me to identify this research method as Qualitative Ethnographic. This method uses observation and study of a cultural group in its natural setting (Laureate Ed, Inc., 2008).
Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics - age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, on randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.
Analysis: This scenario I have identified as Quantitative True Experimental. In the scenario the researcher is able to divide the groups randomly with similar demographics in each classroom. The researcher is also able to establish a control group. This is a true experiment set-up.
Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.
Analysis: This scenario I have identified as Action Research. The focus of this scenario is solving an immediate school-wide problem of students attitudes and the value of peer mediation (Laureate Ed, Inc., 2008). This style of research gives the counselor to look at the problem on a wide range and solve it immediately with the data they receive.
Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known - either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre- and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow-up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.
Analysis: This scenario is best described as Mixed Method. In this scenario has a specific question that is looking to be answered. Also, the idea of pre - and post-test means that they will be using quantitative methods to collect the data in the beginning and quantitative method style to perform post-tests and interviews in the end. When all of this is combined it confirms that mixed method is used here.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Introduction to Educational Research [Educational video] Baltimore: Author.
Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.
Analysis: The idea that they will be observed, help me to identify this research method as Qualitative Ethnographic. This method uses observation and study of a cultural group in its natural setting (Laureate Ed, Inc., 2008).
Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics - age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, on randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.
Analysis: This scenario I have identified as Quantitative True Experimental. In the scenario the researcher is able to divide the groups randomly with similar demographics in each classroom. The researcher is also able to establish a control group. This is a true experiment set-up.
Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.
Analysis: This scenario I have identified as Action Research. The focus of this scenario is solving an immediate school-wide problem of students attitudes and the value of peer mediation (Laureate Ed, Inc., 2008). This style of research gives the counselor to look at the problem on a wide range and solve it immediately with the data they receive.
Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known - either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre- and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow-up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.
Analysis: This scenario is best described as Mixed Method. In this scenario has a specific question that is looking to be answered. Also, the idea of pre - and post-test means that they will be using quantitative methods to collect the data in the beginning and quantitative method style to perform post-tests and interviews in the end. When all of this is combined it confirms that mixed method is used here.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Introduction to Educational Research [Educational video] Baltimore: Author.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
My Research Design
This is my problem statement:
I have chosen to evaluate the Presidential Physical Fitness Exam and the Fitness Gram with fourth grade students to determine method of evaluation is best for the modern student.
My research questions are:
1) How much does parental help with after school exercise affect the results to each exam?
2) Do high scores on one exam mean high scores on the other exam?
3) Which exam lends more assistance to the non-athlete student?
4) How much does the technology assist the students? If the technology is taken away with the students score the same?
5) Does student results being inputted by them on computer drive them to perform better in-class and exercise more out of class?
6) Does the Fitnessgram's computer aspect help students to have a higher sense of responsibility of their fitness level?
My type of research:
The quantitative aspect of my research will be comparative. Since, the two active parts of my research are the Presidential Fitness Exam and the Fitnessgram I will be assessing the differences between the two groups. The second part of my research will be quasi-experimental. Quasi-experimental fits my research since I am determining cause and effect when looking at these two fitness tests. Also my subjects will already be in their assigned classes, that is a variable that I can not change.
I have chosen to evaluate the Presidential Physical Fitness Exam and the Fitness Gram with fourth grade students to determine method of evaluation is best for the modern student.
My research questions are:
1) How much does parental help with after school exercise affect the results to each exam?
2) Do high scores on one exam mean high scores on the other exam?
3) Which exam lends more assistance to the non-athlete student?
4) How much does the technology assist the students? If the technology is taken away with the students score the same?
5) Does student results being inputted by them on computer drive them to perform better in-class and exercise more out of class?
6) Does the Fitnessgram's computer aspect help students to have a higher sense of responsibility of their fitness level?
My type of research:
The quantitative aspect of my research will be comparative. Since, the two active parts of my research are the Presidential Fitness Exam and the Fitnessgram I will be assessing the differences between the two groups. The second part of my research will be quasi-experimental. Quasi-experimental fits my research since I am determining cause and effect when looking at these two fitness tests. Also my subjects will already be in their assigned classes, that is a variable that I can not change.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
My General Problem Statement
I have chosen to evaluate the Presidential Physical Fitness Exam and the Fitness Gram with fourth grade students to determine method of evaluation is best for the modern student.
Who: Fourth Graders
What: Presidential Physical Fitness Exam versus Fitness Gram
Why: To determine which method of evaluation is best for the modern student.
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