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)

Digital Badge #F

Chapter 8 brings up many great points on how communicating and collaborating with social media can help teachers within the classrooms.  I have chosen three concepts I believe can contribute the most to our current classrooms today.

1.) Sharing information with families

2.) Using emails and text messaging as a teacher 

3.) Websites and blogs for teachers and students

The most important concepts brought up in chapter 8 is sharing information with students families.  Many teachers do not keep their students families informed about their classrooms and what is being taught.  If more teachers sent out weekly emails or even newsletters families could become more involved with their children's classrooms.  This allows parents to understand what is being taught and how they can help their children achieve higher goals within their class.  I have a personal example of how communicating with the families could have helped me and my son.  My son has been sent home several homework assignments with no explanation of what needs to be done.  The teacher expects my 6 year old to remember what he is supposed to do every day.  Not only does she expects this from a 1st grader but she gives them the details of the assignment at 8:30 in the morning.  If the teacher would communicate with the parents we would be able to help our children with their homework.

I found an amazing website on what and how parents want to be in the loop when it comes to their students classrooms.

Keep parents in the loop.

The use of emailing and text messaging can enable the teacher to remind students of homework assignments or send copies of power points and notes.  Emails allow the teacher to have 24/7 communication available to all students.  Some students would rather communicate personal information though emails then face to face with a teacher.  This allows teachers to help out students that are having problems with the class work and don't want to talk about it.  Text messaging is a fast and easy way for teachers to send out reminds to multiple students at once.  As a teacher you could create group projects and allow students to communicate through group text messaging with you included.  This would allow the students an easy way to communicate as well as keep you informed about where each group is on the projects.  

Created on WWW.ToonDoo.com By Mylea Scuderi

Websites and Blogs are a great way for teachers to communicate with students and parents.  By creating a website or blog and posting current information about classroom activities and homework, allows parents to be more involved with their children's classrooms.  This gives the parents access to 24/7 updates about what their child is learning and what they should be doing at home.  Many older students will wait until the last minute to start major school projects.  By posting on a website or blog in advance about projects, parents can help motivate their children to get started.  Websites and Blogs can also be useful to many students, this gives them access to examples of homework, projects, and explanation of what is excepted of them.

Created on WWW.Voki.com By Mylea Scuderi

Resources:

Haines, R. (n.d.). Keep parents in the loop with a class website. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6639

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, September 29). Chap 8 by myro333 - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=7921020

Scuderi, M. (2014, September 29). Voki Home. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=10354375&height=267&width=200

Digital Badge #E

Chapter 7 brought up one of the most important concepts and concerns with children today.  This would be games within the classroom, I have chosen three concepts to reflect upon.

1.) Teaching problem solving with computers

2.) Games as learning resources

3.) Strategies for using games with students

Computer homework can be used for many real life situations.  Teachers need to create homework that is challenging and makes the students think.  By creating problem solving homework assignments teachers are helping students develop strategic thinking.  Teachers can do this by creating websites with games that challenge the students.  Games could be simulation games, mathematical games, or puzzle games.  I remember a riddle called the river crossing, my 6th grade teacher gave me this assignment when I was younger.  They have now created a computer game called The River Crossing Game, by adding games such as this into your lesson plans you are creating problem solving assignments with computers.

I have attached a link for The River Crossing Game for you to enjoy.

When it comes to games within the classroom many parents are upset about this.  I am a mother and I will admit I was unsure about games within the classroom.  After reading chapter 7 I have to say games can be very useful within the classroom.  Teachers can create their own games to engage students to learn.  Some students get very bored in classrooms especially with teachers that just lecture all day.  By creating games and adding them into your lessons you are catching students attentions and getting them active within your lessons.  You can even allow your students to create their own games on websites such as Scratch.  This allows students to use problem solving skills as well as allowing them to be creative.  I have created a simple example of a way to create your own learning game for your students.

Created on WWW.scratch.mit.edu By Mylea Scuderi

When using games within your classroom you need to make sure you use appropriate games.  Make sure all games allow individual work, group work, and problem solving.  You need to teach your students that games are not about winning or losing, they are about learning.  As a teacher you should always play the games you are assigning to your students, so that you know what the students should do incase if they need help.  This also gives you the chance to see how the students can interact with each other and the game.  An important thing to remember when choosing a game is to make sure the game offers many different skills, you do not want to offer games that only develop one skill.

Photo from WWW.flickr.com taken by Sam Howzit 

Resources:

BrainDen.com - River Crossing Puzzles and Adult Brain Teasers. (2014, September 21). Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://brainden.com/crossing-river.htm

Howzit, S. (2011, February 11). Computers in Japan. Retrieved September 21, 2014.

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, September 21). Scratch - Digital Badge #E. Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/27089243/#player

Digital Badge #D

Chapter 5 had many great concepts about teaching students to use the internet in appropriate ways, as well as teaching yourself to be fluent with technology.  The three concepts I chose to reflect upon are:

1.) Becoming fluent with technology

2.) Conducting online information searches

3.) Teaching students about internet searching

When it comes to teaching today many teachers have trouble with new technology.  Teachers need to be prepared when it comes to teaching their lesson plans.  There is nothing worse then walking into a classroom to learn and the teacher has no idea what they are doing.  I have had many teachers create power points and then they have no idea how to display them for the class to see.  Teachers need to become fluent with all the technology that they have within there classrooms.  How is a teacher supposed to teach their students about technology when they don't even know how to use it themselves.  This is why many teachers are working toward becoming fluent with all technology they have available to them.

Created on WWW.Canva.com By Mylea Scuderi

As a future teacher and a current student conducting online information searches is an important skill to learn.  The internet gives students and teachers access to collections of documents, whereas books only give you access to that particular book.  When conducting online searches you have access to thousands of web pages, articles, links and more to find information on any subject in the world.  By using search engines and keywords you can locate information on anything and everything you want. As a teacher you need to know how to conduct online searches, so that you can provide more information to your students.  By conducting searches on the subjects you are teaching you can add an unimaginable amount of information to your lesson plans. 

Created on WWW.gliffy.com By Mylea Scuderi

Teachers not only need to know how to conduct online searches but they need to be able to teach their students how to conduct online searches.  As a teacher you need to teach your students how to evaluate each site they visit to make sure the information they are reading is correct.  You also need to help your students by introducing them to websites that are appropriate for each subject, age, or grade.  Show your students what keywords will be helpful or if they should enter full-text when researching.  Teaching your students how to conduct an online search is very important when you are assigning projects.  By teaching them this skill you are insuring that they are getting correct information instead of false information.

I have create a fun game about these three topics and have added the link below 

Chapter 5 Game 


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, September 19). Gliffy Editor - Online. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from https://www.gliffy.com/go/html5/6196374?app=1b5094b0-6042-11e2-bcfd-0800200c9a66

Scuderi, M. (2014, September 19). Kahoot! | Play this quiz now! Retrieved September 19, 2014, from https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/0c37c0cf-2453-4cb1-823e-285afd9ca222

Scuderi, M. (2014, September 19). Mochaloca by myleascuderi. Retrieved September 19, 2014, from https://www.canva.com/design/DAA6xWS-yFk/cdtl331hdQ6GJN6TFK_1cA/edit

Digital Badge #C

Chapter three was a very interesting chapter, there were many different and important concepts.  This chapter informed me on many different ways of engaging, teaching, and enhancing students learning.  The three concepts I have chosen to reflect upon are:

1.) Teacher and Student Centered Approaches

2.) Instructional Methods to Engage Students

3.) Group Work and Collaboration.

There are two different approaches stated in chapter three.  First is teacher-centered, this approach is old fashioned and hard for many students to learn this way.  Expecting all students to learn the same way is insane, this is how students get left behind.  Second is student-centered, this approach allows for students to learn hands on.  It allows them to ask question and learn from real life situations.  This approach I feel is the best approach, it allows students to learn in many different ways instead of just one standard way.  Student-centered allows for a teacher to be creative with their lessons, they can create lessons that make the students work hands on and see what a difference they can make.  It gives the students a sense of freedom and creativity.

I found an amazing article that gives advice about how to make you classroom 

a student centered classroom.

  5 Ways to Make Your Classroom Student-Centered

Chapter three explains 4 different methods to engage students while teaching.  I believe that to have an effect class where all students can learn you need to incorporate all 4 methods.  Some students need one on one teaching while others may need to work in groups.  As a teacher you need to be aware of what is best for eau individual student and apply those methods towards them.  You also need to engage yo students by making them become a part of their project for example have them work hands on with experiments.  You also need to encourage your students to evaluate themselves and let you know what they need to help them learn.  By doing all 4 of these methods you are giving your students the best chance possible to learn.

Created on www.TOODOO.com By Mylea Scuderi

One of the most important concepts is group work and collaboration.  This concept allows each student to work with others which gives them the opportunity to help each other.  Sometimes students can explain a subject in a different way that allows the other student to understand, this is were group work really helps out.  When working in groups you as the teacher can see what role each student takes within the group.  Which will help you see what strengths and weakness each student has, so that next time you can have them take on different roles within their groups.  By doing this you are giving the students a choice as well as helping them grow into different roles within the group.  I have added a video I thought was a great example of group work within the classrooms.

References: 

Baker, A. (2011, July 20). Working in Collaborative Groups: Teaching Affirmation. Retrieved September 10, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2enjKAa8HCk

Powell, M. (n.d.). 5 Ways to Make Your Classroom Student-Centered. Retrieved September 10, 2014, from http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/12/24/ctq_powell_strengths.html

Scuderi, M. (2014, September 10). 4 Methods by myro333 - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved September 10, 2014, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=7840708

Digital Badge #B

As future teachers we need to understand technology and the challenges that come with it.  Technology changes everyday and with these new trends new issues are created. Chapter 2 has many important concepts about technology issues and trends.  Technology is a constant evolving issue in todays teaching world.  The most important concepts brought up in chapter 2 are:

1.) Developing lessons and engaging students

2.) Lack of access

3.) You're teaching philosophy

Created on www.TOODOO.com By Mylea Scuderi

Every student is different, we each learn, study, and take tests in different ways.  Your lesson plans need to allow for this.  You need to allow students to calibrate, work in groups or partners.  As a teacher you need to be aware of how your students learn as individuals and as a whole.  You need to keep the lesson engaging and interesting.  You can add podcasts, online videos, even computer games to keep students interested.  You need to allow for creativity in your lessons and homework assigned; have students develop their own computer based games or power points to express their views on a subject.  By allowing creativity and use of technology you are giving your students room to express and grow.  This keeps students engaged and wanting to come back to class, to many students hate school.  We need to get students more involved and enjoying school and even homework.  

A very important concept brought up is the lack of access to technology that some students and schools have.  If you are to add more technology into your lesson plans, you need to be aware that some students may not have access at home and limited access at school.  You will need to make sure all students have the right tools and access to complete all projects or homework assignments.  If access is not attainable by certain students you need to have another option available, such as a written report.  You will want to present your assignments in ways that will not affect students that don't have home access or limited access.  You could state what your assignment is about, but give them options, such as a powerpoint, written assignment, or a diagram.

The most important concept in chapter 2 is you're teaching philosophy.  My philosophy of teaching falls into the philosophy of student-centered teaching.  I believe that learning should be fun and unique, students need to feel like they have a say in what they are learning.  When they feel they have a say in what they are learning they get more involved in the subjects.  Even as adults we like to have a say in what we do every day, whether its at your job, the store, or even what you eat for dinner.  By having a say we feel in control and confident about what we are doing.  Students need to feel this way to keep them interested and wanting to learn more.

As a future teacher I feel that lesson plans should be structured, yet have room for student decisions.  For a class to be fun and unique students need to have the freedom of choice.  Students need to see that their opinion does matter, they need to feel needed and wanted.  I have been in several classrooms and seen kids sleeping and looking around.  They have absolutely no idea what the teacher is talking about, nor do they care.  They feel they can not speak out if they disagree or don't understand, they stay silent and ignore what is being taught.  Students need the freedom to speak out and to disagree with what is being taught, otherwise how is anyone supposed to learn new things.   

These three concepts are core concepts when it comes to creating your own identity as a teacher.  They will help you create a lesson plan that not only works for you but connects with your students.  By being aware of current technology, trends and the issues that come with them you are able to create lesson plans with more efficiency.  You can prevent the issues from arising and blend the new trends and technology into your lessons. 

While researching different philosophies I found an article written by a teacher named David Wiggins.  His article was very moving for me, because I believe that this how teaching should be.  I have attached his article for anyone interested in reading about his philosophy of teaching and how he  uses it in his classrooms.  David Wiggins teaching philosophy

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, September 2). DIGITAL #B by myro333 - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved September 2, 2014, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=7814896

Wiggins, D. (n.d.). Statement of Philosophy. Retrieved September 2, 2014, from http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~dwiggins/philosophy.html