Reflective Post

Final: Reflective Post

I was unsure about this class in the beginning, I have taken many technology classes and I felt like this was going to be no different.  I was wrong, this class was very different from all the other technology classes.  Throughout this course I have learned a lot about technology and how it can enhance a classroom and its students.  

The Text book Transforming Learning with New Technologies is a great book.  It provides the reader with great information about how and why technology effects teachers, students, and schools as a whole.  

This class has taught me many new uses for technology and how to apply them in my future classrooms.  The assignments in this class have taught me how to apply technology to lessons as well as create the lessons using technology.  It has taught me how to create documents that students can edit and change with each other as a group.  

Technology is an amazing thing and the class has shown me how amazing it really is.  The assignments and projects within this class help you to understand how and why we as future teachers need to know how it works.  It has been a great class and I have glad it is required for the education programs.  I have been able to enhance my skills with many technologies and have gained new skills with new technology.  I have taken many online course and this one has been the best so far.  It has allowed me to be creative and put my own skills to the test as well as provide help to understand how they work.

Resources:

Higher Education. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Transforming-Learning-with-New-Technologies-2E/9780133155716.page

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Technology in the Classroom: Digital Media. (2011, October 20). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http://youtu.be/HbVKPhVCRFI

Digital Badge #L

Chapter 12

Integrating Technology and Creating Change as Teacher Leaders

I have chosen three concepts from chapter 12 to reflect upon

1.) Stages of Technology Integration

2.) Technology Integration Issues

3.) Integrating iPads and Other Tablet Computers

Stages of Technology Integration

Every teacher needs to integrate technology into their classrooms, but first you need to asses where you as a teacher stand with technology.  There are five stages when it comes to where you are with technology as a teacher.  The five stages are Entry, Adoption, Adaption, Appropriation, and Invention.  I have created a chart to explain the five stages of integration.

Technology Integration Issues

There are six major issues with integrating technology into our current classrooms. I have created a Padlet board to explain each issue.  

Created with Padlet

Intgrating iPads and Other Tablet Devices

With BYOD hitting most of the schools around the nation teachers need to be aware of the many ways to integrate these devices into their current and future lesson plans.  There are three main strategies for add these devices into your classrooms and lessons.

1.) Teachers need to be aware that not every student will have a device and the school will not provide one for every student.  Teachers need to create lessons that allow students to work in groups and for half the class to work on one part of the lesson while the other half works on the device section of the lesson.  Then half way through the class switch the groups so that each group has a turn on the devices.

2.) Teachers can use the devices to enhance a lesson, for example when a teacher is reading a story, the students can be looking at pre approved photos that go with the story.  This will enhance the students understanding because they will have a visual of what the teacher speaking about.

3.) Give an assignment that can be done on a various amount of devices such as desktops, laptops, whiteboards, iPads, iPods, and other tablets.  This way students have options and they will also learn how to complete the same assignment on many different devices.

Resources

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

(n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from http://www.ispsources.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Technology-Devices.jpeg

Scuderi, M. (2014, November 14). Myleascuderi/f4k9mx44wtzf. Retrieved November 14, 2014, from http://padlet.com/myleascuderi/f4k9mx44wtzf

Scuderi, M. (2014, November 14). Stages of Technology Integration. Retrieved November 14, 2014, from http://www.gliffy.com/go/publish/image/6494065/L.png

Digital Badge # K

Chapter 6

Fostering Online Learning with Educational Websites and Apps

1.) Virtual Field Trips

2.) Interactive Video Conferencing 

3.) Online Learning and Virtual Schools

Virtual Field Trips

Virtual field trips are a great way to enhance a lesson without even leaving your classroom.  These field trips can change the entire mood of a subject.  They allow the students to not only learn about the subject to actually see the subject.  For instance when teaching children about different states you could add a virtual field trip of the state into the lesson.  I found a great virtual field trip about Washington D.C.  

Interactive Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is a great tool to use within your classroom.  By using it you can have guest speakers from all around the world speak to your students in a matter of seconds.  With video conferences your students are able to see the speaker as well as interact with them.  Your students will be able to ask questions and get answers from a real live person.

Online Learning and Virtual Schools

Online virtual schools are a new way of teaching students without them leaving their household.  This is a great way for students that move around a lot to stay in the same school.  Online schooling is also a way to help students that are picked on or tormented stay in school.  Online schooling is not just about the students, its also about the teachers.  Online school creates many new jobs for teachers and also allows teachers with children to work at home.  I found a great article about online schooling and how it affects both teachers and students. 

The Teacher You've Never Met: Inside an Online High School.

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Pandolfo, N. (2012, June 13). The Teacher You've Never Met: Inside an Online High School Class. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2117085,00.html

Scuderi, M. (2014, November 7). Video Con. by myro333 - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=8105530

Zook, K. (2012, July 25). A Virtual Field Trip to DC. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://youtu.be/aEnfCvp90G8

Digital Badge # J

Chapter 11

Engaging Students in Performance Assessment and Reflective Learning

There are many great concepts in chapter 11 and I have chosen to reflect upon:
1.) The Role of Assessment in Teaching and Learning
2.) Pre-assessment
3.) Reason for Teaching With Clickers

I have created a great Prezi presentation to explain how the role of assessment in teaching and learning is a useful tool for employers, students, parents, and teachers.



The first thing a teacher should do before starting a lesson is a pre-assessment of all students.  This a way for the teacher to find out how much the students already know about the new topic.  Teacher use many tools such as pre-tests, observations, or even asking the students questions about the topic.  This helps the teacher know where she should start within her lesson plan.  I have create a sample pre-assessment for a math class on flip quiz.  This would be a way for the teacher to see how much each students knows about the new topic.

Flip Quiz

I had never read about using clickers in the classroom until this text book.  A clicker is a device that allows the students to answer yes or no and true and false question annomously.  This is a great device to use in the classroom because it allows all the students in a classroom to participate.  It also allows students that do not normally participate in the classroom due to fear of being wrong, to participate.  I found a great video about how to use and why to use clickers in the classroom.

Resources:

James, R. (2010, April 7). Using Clickers in the Classroom. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://youtu.be/CnnP0uCqD4k

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Scuderi, M. (2014, November 7). Math Pre-Test | FlipQuiz. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://flipquiz.me/quiz/12284

Scuderi, M. (2014, November 7). THE ROLE OF ASSESSMENT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING. Retrieved November 7, 2014.

Digital Badge #I

Chapter 4

Designing Lessons and Developing Curriculum with Technology

There are many important concepts in chapter 4 and I have chosen 3 to reflect upon

1.) Academic Content (What to Teach)

2.) Teaching Goals, Methods, and Procedures (How to Teach)

3.) Learning Assessments (Knowing What Students Have Learned)

Academic Content

(What to Teach)

When it comes to a what a teacher is going to teach there are many state and national curriculum that teachers must follow, yet they don't spell out everything.  Teachers still have choices to make about what within certain subjects they will teach.  This allows them some freedom to decide what, how, and when to teach these subjects.  Technology can assist in many different ways, teachers can use the internet to find and retrieve new ideas and information about a range of different subjects.  The internet gives them creative and unique ways to teach there students about every subject out there.

Created on WWW.Gliffy.com By Mylea Scuderi

Teaching Goals, Methods, and Procedures

(How to Teach)
When teachers think about what to teach they begin to think how to teach.  Teachers goals are the reason why the lesson is being taught.  Teachers methods are how they teach, whether it be in  large groups, small groups, or individually.  This would also pertain to wether the teach would use lectures,  discussions, creative writings or many other options.  I have provided a Prezi presentation I created to give a few examples of different technologies that can help teachers with goals, methods, and procedures to teach.

Learning Assessments

(Knowing What Students Have Learned)

Learning assessments are tests taken before, during, and after a subject is taught to see what the students know, are learning, and remember.  These tests can help a teacher understand where her students are within her lessons.  By taking an assessment before a subject it taught the teacher can see what her students already know about the subject, allowing her to see where she needs to begin.  Taking one during the lesson can show the teacher what her students are learning and see if she needs to go over a certain area again.  Taking one after the lesson is over shows the teacher what her students remember.  There are many technologies that can help teachers with assessments and keeping track of the assessments.  Some examples would be Electronic tests and quizzes, grade-keeping software, digital portfolios, online surveys, and many more.

Created on WWW.Worditout.com By Mylea Scuderi

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Scuderi, M. (2014, October 22). Gliffy.com. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from https://www.gliffy.com/go/html5/6358060?app=1b5094b0-6042-11e2-bcfd-0800200c9a66

Scuderi, M. (2014, October 22). Learning Assessments. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://worditout.com/word-cloud/552589

Scuderi, M. (2014, October 22). Teaching Goals, Methods, and Procedures. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://prezi.com/mutbhi7tbffg/teaching-goals-methods-and-procedures/#

Digital Badge #H

Chapter 9

Expressing Creativity with Multimedia Technologies

This was a great chapter full of interesting information on how to help you teach your classroom with creativity and expression.  Her are the three concepts I have chosen to reflect upon.

1.) Use Images to Generate Class Discussion

2.) Videos in The Classroom

3.) Photo-Taking and Movie-Making with Students

There are many useful ways that you can add imagery into your lessons to create classroom discussion.  First you could start with posting an image on the board and ask the students what they think it represents, this action could start the entire lessons off.  Second you could add images to power points throughout the lesson and have students compare and contrast each picture.  An example would be for a history class post an image of commoners and an image of the royal family.  You could then ask your students what the major differences are between the two casts.  Images are a great way to help students visually see what they are learning and it helps them to remember what they are learning.

I have created an image where students can express the difference between two different sports.  This would allow an open discussion to get the lesson started about how to compare and contrast different things.

Created on WWW.ToonDoo.com By Mylea Scuderi

Videos within your classroom can be such a great resource to create an active environment for students.  By showing videos in your classroom you are expressing your subject matter in a fun and unique way.  I have created a fun little video on www.powtoon.com to explain how and why you should use videos within your classrooms.

As a teacher you have so many option on how to get your students involved within your classrooms.  By adding Photo-Taking and Movie-Making with your students you are helping them become actively involved within your classroom.  You can create amazing assignments by allowing students to submit photos and movies to show they're understanding of a subject. By doing this you are engaging students as well as having them document what they are learning.  This helps them understand the material better as well as helps them to remember it.  By allowing them to be creative with there assignments you are helping them to actively remember the information.  I have posted an example of how a math teacher can create a photo-taking assignment.

  5                          +                        7    

                                       

                                     

   =      12

 

All Photos Taken By Mylea Scuderi 
   

References:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Scuderi, M. (2014, October 14). Videos within your classroom. Retrieved October 14, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGucsF-oWmU

Scuderi, M. (2014, October 14). Vs by myro333 - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved October 14, 2014, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=7986334

Digital Badge #G

Chapter 10

Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

After reading this chapter I decided to choose three great concepts to reflect upon.

1.) Connecting Classrooms with Communities and Cultures

2.) Differentiated Instruction

3.) Universal Design for Learning

Connecting classrooms with communities and cultures is a great way of letting students see the world.  By creating this connection teachers are able to show their students first hand what different cultures are like within their own communities.  Teachers can create amazing projects for students to do.  They could have students look throughout their own communities for certain cultures and traditions. Then have them research other cultures online and compare and contrast each culture with their own communities.  This not only shows students the cultures around the world, but teaches them   about them.  Students would be amazed to learn that many of the traditions around the world exist in their communities.

Differentiated Instruction is a confusing yet necessary strategy for teachers into days world.  Teachers need to realize that all students and not the same so they do not all learn they same.  Some students are more advanced in areas where other students may be way behind.  Teachers need to beware of these students and allow there lessons plans to change when it comes to these students.  Teachers should examine each student separately to understand why they are who they are and it will help you understand them and how they may learn.  I read an amazing article that I have attached that explains how teachers should allow for variations of there assignments or be prepared for students that may fall behind.  I have attached the article I read along with a great video I found.

Defining Differentiated Instruction

Article about helping teachers prepare for differentiated instruction.

Universal design is an architectural term that has been redesign for learning.  It is a concept to help schools design a learning method that helps all student succeed.  This is done by creating a lesson plan that is broad yet structured.  Teachers need to allow of flexibility within a lesson that will teach and help all students succeed in learning new subjects.  Teachers can do this by providing multiple ways for students to acquire information, as well as have multiple ways of demonstrating the information.  Teachers also need to give the students appropriate challenges and provide motivation.

I have attached some pictures to show the similarities and the differences between Universal Learning and Differentiated Learning.

Resources:

Alber, R. (2014, January 1). Defining Differentiated Instruction. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/differentiated-instruction-definition-strategies-alber

Huther, M. (2012, September 6). Around the World for Kids. Retrieved October 5, 2014, from http://youtu.be/rkHLL_GxG68

Koschmeder, C. (2012, June 11). What is Differentiated Instruction? Retrieved October 7, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAWKxpCv1Fw

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL). (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://esemathsciencepractices.wikispaces.com/Universal Design for Learning (UDL)