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