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Edna Orozco

Replicating Success: Project-Based Learning | Edutopia - 7 views

  • The more innovative a school and outstanding its results, the more impossible replicating it looks to educators elsewhere who are struggling with challenging student populations, limited resources, and unimaginative administrations.
    • Edna Orozco
       
      Do you agree with this statement? Is it true that we feel frustrated because we might not have the financial support, the adequate technology, or students willing to learn?
    • Juan Betancourt
       
      It is not impossible to replicate pbl. The problem is coming up with a project using the existing tools and resources as well as spending the time to develop it properly, you just can't "wing it" like one of the teachers says in the video.
    • Dara Cepeda
       
      I disagree with that statement. I believe schools that have all the necessary tools and technologies are outstanding with their results because they provide everything for the educator to teach. In other words they are saving time for the educator, they just have to concentrate in teaching and applying those tools. While teachers who work in a district without all of these sources, have to dedicate time in finding solutions, tools to implement in their lessons. In other words they have to be creative enough to be able to use their "limited" tools in numerous ways. But it is not IMPOSIBLE, if the teacher has the vision and dedicates time to create pbl lessons, or engaging lessons, it will have outstanding results with their challenging populations. It is challenging but not impossible.
  • The original textbook-free, nonprofit, public charter school
    • Edna Orozco
       
      It looks difficult even for educators to think that it is possible to teach without following a book, on a public school, and yet to get an engaging environment for students. Are you ready to move on from your comfort zone, and start planning with other teachers to implement PBL on your classroom?
    • Cristina Pintor
       
      Although it would be challenging, especially in schools where technology is limited and/or obsolete, if teachers have the determination to implement a PBL lesson, they will find ways to succeed. It will be particularly difficult for teachers that are reluctant to change and are not used to the use of technology; but everything is possible, especially if administration is committed to support the teachers.
    • Isabel Cabrera
       
      I read somewhere in the article, where we must move beyond the old textbook and worksheet type of teaching and have more problem based lessons that are more relevant and meaningful to our students lives. I teach 2nd grade and I use a lot of graphic organizers and the students seem to remember the vocabulary words when we incorporate hands on by drawing pictures and giving them time to write their own sentences. Problem based learning is much like a few years back where thematic units were part of the curriculum. It will be a lot of work for the teachers to come up many activities, but I think the students will better benefit from this type of instruction.
    • Heather Luna
       
      I agree with Cristina and Isabel. Integrating PBLs can be challenging but they are so beneficial. I think it goes back to expectations. Students will do what they are expected to do. If we expected them to merely read a book and answer some questions, then that is what we will get. If we expected them to think critically and produce an end product, then that is exactly what we will get. We have to take our students to the next level by setting the bar high (even if we have to step away from our comfort zone)!
  • You can have high expectations for all your students. You can involve presentations and critiques and involve students in work that real adults do. There are no barriers to that, only perceived barriers."
    • Edna Orozco
       
      Are you willing to treat your young students as adults, and give them such responsabilities, even if you are teaching elementary or middle school?
    • Lupita Sanchez
       
      Students need to be prepared to face real world situations. All of our district campus are not equip with the correct technology. However, it is not impossible. Teachers can prepare PBL lessons to allow students to think critically and engage students with real world scenarios and hands on activities. Nice article.
    • Adam Hovde
       
      One of things I alwys tell parents is that we are raising our kids to be adults. I teach high school and when parents ask me why I give students so much responsibility I always answer with how much is too much responsibility? My students are 11th and 12th graders and they are going off to college in a year when should they start being academicaly responsible? I push my students because I now in college it will be hard transition and I do not want the academic responsibility to be part of the transition they have to go through. Many students come back and thank me for the challenge I gave them in class. It does not always work with every student but I try and challenge every student in my class to take responsibility for their own education.
    • April Canales-Perez
       
      I believe this will be an adjustment for some teachers including myself. I think with more practice and the proper training it will be easier to let students run on their own and be responsible for their own learning.
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    It is a very difficult move for many educators,especially with so much at stake with testing and higher expectations; however, pbl is the implementation of life skills for students. Technology does not have to be a part of it all at once. Teachers can build up with mini PBLs, then gradually add devices, and expand on the choices of projects. Once the students understand the process, then give them more options. Preparation and professional development must be in place. TEs have mini pbls, so designing can happen later, when teachers feel comfortable.
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    I recently had an opportunity see a presentation on project based learning at TABE and was surprised to see that administrators at schools here in the Valley were encouraging its use. From what I could tell, PBL was something that teachers were trying to incorporate. It's nice to know that administrators are jumping on board too instead of requiring teachers to "teach the test." It seems like all of the educators in the video are thrilled about PBL in the classroom. I would like to see that enthusiasm in more districts across the valley, especially mine.
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    PBLs are a reflection of real life. Groups consist of different personalities collaborating to reach the same goal. The driving question is one that solves a real life problem, and is also be presented to a live audience. Students will be responsible for their portion of work after they sign the contract. Teachers guide students, but don't getme wrong, careful planning must be done in order to implement this successfully. I agree with Lupita, we need to make our students more independent, especially at the foundation level (elementary and middle school). That has always been the objective in my classroom, and I can see the benefits five years later.
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    I disagree with this statement as well. I think overall schools have everything, and then some, of the necessary technology accessibility, resources, and personnel to make make education a wonderful endeavor. Personally, I think schools sometimes give issues unrelated to learning too much attention and focus is sometimes lost. I think the same goes for parents and even the students. There has to be purpose in what we teach and in what students learn and until then -- good luck.
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    I like how at the end they remind us that there is still room to improve. Technology is nothing if not dynamic. We need to remember that as soon as we have learned something new, to go back and find something else and never be complacent.
Cora Mendez

Deeper Learning: Defining Twenty-First Century Literacy | Edutopia | Diigo Groups - 1 views

    • Cora Mendez
       
      You are right Juan. I think schools in the valley are beginning to see the that PBLs are an excellent way to get students to collaborate on a topic and take ownership of their learning.
albert rodriguez

Cadre 1 The Digital Classroom - 10 views

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    HCISD moved into the 21st century and created 20 digital classroom throughout the Harlingen School District and is looking at adding 65 more in 2013-2014. Question: Is this the answer for classrooms in the 21st century?
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    Yes! HCISD is setting the expections and following through with supporting and implementing Cadre 1 with 21 Century equipment. They are providing the resources and setting guidelines for a successful program.
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    This is a great help to other districts to see how Harlingen is using technology. Hopefully it can inspire others by your success. Do you think you could add links to the apps you are using into the description of the video?
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    Brian, in my class the students were using a Camtasia edited youtube video from School House Rock linked on Edmodo with a quiz, but aside from that, I'm not sure what the other teachers were using. I know another group of students were using Edmodo as well, but the math app where they were working on triangles of some sort, I really don't know. I'll ask the district's instructional technologist, she would probably know and I'll get back to you.
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    The goal of the 21st Century classroom should be to seamless integrate technology in the classroom to enhance and promote learning. You are certainly in the right path. Support ant training would be the next items to get in line to keep the technology working properly, and continue enhancing you lessons.
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    I wish my district would do something like this. We are on an IPAD for every student push right now but we are not producing lessons to go with the IPADs. I really like what you guys are doing in HCISD. Good Job!
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    Albert, Wow!!! That was an awesome video showcasing how technology can be used in the classroom. In regards, to your questions! I truly believe that Harlingen has taken the right path to prepare students for the real world.
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    Albert that is fantastic! I am sure that most teachers and students are very excited. In regards to your question, I would have to say yes and no. The creation of digital classrooms is definatley a step in the right directions, but it goes deeper. Teachers need to receive the proper training and then there needs to be some accountability (PDAS, etc.) to ensure that technology is being used to enhance instruction. I was recently in a meeting, where a veteran teacher continually pointed out the negatives in regards to technology: students are off task, distracted, not listening, not producing, etc. With this attitude, I believe that no matter how "digital" his classroom is, he will probably never take full advantage. I guess what I am trying to say is, the equipment is a huge step, but teacher "buy-in" can make or break the long-term success of the initiative.
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    Absolutely, Heather. There are so many teachers that are resistant to technology, just like there are many who aren't but are in need of the know how. That's why it's very important for us to model, support, and encourage those who can't to do, and those who don't to want.
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    Albert, I totaly agree. We have a big job ahead of us, but I am EXCITED to be part of it! Together we can all make a difference.
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    This is really great, HCISD is on their way to incorporating technology in the classroom. The students were really engaged and excited about learning using their IPADS. At my daughter's school they use the Edmoto to communicate with the teacher and parents and she is only in 3rd grade. The teachers are also creating tutorial videos on objectives using You Tube and the students can go into the district website to view them. I think schools are taking a leap into the technology and having the students use it more for their learning.
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    I really like the way HCISD is implementing technology tools and the "Layers of Learning" training, where administrators, principals, then librarians, and then teachers who were selected as the Digital Classrooms, are being trained, and will continue the layering until everyone is trained. Having administration understand the plan well is important. There is less of a chance that someone will have a gap of learning, and not implement the Technology initiative well. HCISD has thought this out well. In addition an elementary, middle school, and high school PBL Executive team was selected and trained through the summer. Now anyone who is a digital classroom teacher will go through that training. The tools, including mounted projectors with audio microphones, are not just placed in a classroom without the proper training. It is very exciting.
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    I agree with Ana regarding training and adminstrative support. I believe this IS the answer for the 21 century classroom.This is the direction we need to be moving or we and our students will be left behind, but with so many teachers apprehensive about using technology in their lessons, success of the digital classroom will require and abundance of on going training and support. Reading the description of Isable's daughter's classroom is wonderful!
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    Wow!!! Yes definitely, digital classrooms are the answer to the 21st century. We live in a digital world, kids are learning in a more interactive way. It's awesome to see when educators and administrators are open minded and are not afraid of using technology for the 21st century. It is true, allowing the students to use their own technology it teaches them to be responsible, to have a digital citizenship. Ofcourse all teachers have to be trained in order to implement these tools, a school doesn't transform into a digital school from one day to the other, it takes time and it's awesome to see Harlingen ISD is doing that. Adding more digital classrooms every year. Thanks for sharing video with us Albert!
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    I agree with Dara that teachers must be trained properly on the use the technology and how to implement Web 2.0 tools. Sometimes the trainings provided are to vague and are not enough to get the teachers comfortable in using the technology or software. Teachers need to be provided with the proper training in order to be able to teach the students how to use the technology.
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    I agree with technology in the classroom, I studied engineering, and it really makes a difference when you have hands on activities, and when you do research, or when you are working with a software that is relevant to what you are learning. The only question that I have is, why do they only offer these types of technologies to academies ? or to a few students at schools, why not having offer this learning in all classrooms at the school. I also believe that technology or this type of classrooms by themselves are nothing, there has to be a well trained teacher that is willing to work this way, instead of the traditional way teaching.
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    Great stuff Albert! Seems like HCISD is doing great things with technology in the classroom. I was wondering how much technology does the district provide and how much do the students bring into the class? How do you all monitor what the students can see when they bring their own device?
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    Albert sounds like Harlingen is doing some great things with technology. I would have to say that technology is a big part of the 21st century. If teachers and students are trained and educated properly, technology will motivate, inspire, and create critical thinkers.
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    Cesar you have some great questions that I would like to know the answers to myself.
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    Edna, in regards to your question. HCISD began a program called Cadre 1 where they would convert 20 classrooms throughout the district to digital classroom by giving those classroom teachers a cart with 11 IPads and headphones, 1 MacBook, an Apple TV, $50 worth of apps, and all the support necessary from a team of collaborating teachers, administrators, and even an instructional technologist. A few months in, they upgraded us to 22 ipads for those digital classrooms. Last Friday was the deadline for teachers to submit their applications for Cadre 2 next year where HCISD will be adding 64 more digital classrooms, and if I'm not mistaking, there will be 120 classrooms added in the 2014-2015 school year. This is where we are headed, and the success of the digital classrooms depends on consistently incorporating technology in our everyday routine. It's a new step, but it has made a world of difference in our classrooms with our students. Besides, it goes hand-in-hand with what we've been learning the last year and a half in the program.
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    In addition to all that HCISD is doing, all the Library Media Specialists were sent to Project Based Learning as well as technology training which we have as part of our annual training. This year we attended TCEA and brought back many new apps and ideas to implement in our classrooms. We are part of the layers of learning to help support our campus teachers. The Cadre I and II digital classrooms are well supported on their campus and by the district Technology department and technicians on campus, instructional technologist, Library Director and Library Media Specialists. I know a 5th grade teacher who teaches Math and Science at Stuart Elementary who has implemented the B.Y.O.D. initiative in her classroom. She used the district form ( found on our website) to send to her parents, and students are bringing in tablets, smart phones, and any other device that accesses the internet. The devices supplement the lesson which is standard based or driven, and the teacher facilitates the learning, and monitors their use. Many times students decide when they need the devices during the lesson, or how they will use them to share with the classroom. This teacher is now ready to apply for the digital classroom, and understands that the devices still supplement a well planned Standard based lesson, and that she must facilitate and progress monitoring daily. Cesar, the district has a strong firewall, and certain websites are blocked, but the teacher uses her username and password to get through the firewall if he or she deems the website appropriate. Teachers get 30 minute time increments. Most everything that students need is available to them. Anytime an inappropriate breach happens, the technician is alerted and will come to the classroom to let the teacher know. In this particular classroom, Edmodo is used as well as other district software for Math and Science. Another idea on the use of iPads: For poetry, I used my iPads to introduce Poems, and gave studen
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    Very interesting that your district has the ipads. The students are very engaged. They seem to enjoy all the technology being used in the classroom. I feel BISD needs to take a lesson from your district and start implementing ipads and more technology in the classroom.
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    I am very impressed Albert! It is nice to see that you are getting the technology and training from your district. Students are enjoying this new way of learning and I have no doubt that the use of technology will improve the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century. I personally think that we should be teaching students to use technological tools in order for them to be productive and to accomplish their future goals.
Ruth Garza

Students Using iPads for Education | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking... - 6 views

    • Ruth Garza
       
      I agree Jaime!! Students need to have the necessary technology, like ipads or diifferent kinds of tablets/readers, to take advatage of the benefits of the many applications students may use. Principal Martinez, of Stillman Middle School in Brownsville, understands that students are living in a new era of technology. Students are responding well and feeling optimistic about their future. Ipads are definitely useful tools and allow students to collaborate and discover new ways of learning. Many educational sites for tutoring and wonderful videos may be the key for their success. I'm glad that a school here in the valley is taking the initiative to make a difference in the students' lives, regardless of all the misconceptions or negative responses that many people, including teachers that are stuck in their ways, may have. Check out the news report from Channel Five!
    • Alyssa Tanguma
       
      LOVED this article. So many people are against iPads in the classroom. They haven't taken the time to fully view and do their research on the benefits it can provide. I would love to get a class set. I am an inclusion teacher and we are going to be reading a book as a class and it would be great to have the kids read on that instead of the traditional book.
    • R. Palomares
       
      Wow, This is great news for Stillman Middle School students in gear up. The IPAD has many features that I know the students are going to love to learn and use. This partnership between Apple and Region One was a great opportunity to help students expand on their knowledge using Technology. They will also be better equipped on their knowledge of technology tools.
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    Stillman Middle School students were issued ipads as part of the GEAR UP program.
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    This is a great way to teach, being able to have all your students working interactively while you teach. I am still hoping we get some in our district. I feel this will really help my students get motivated in their reading which will eventually help their comprehension.
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    I enjoyed reading the article of Mcallen I.S.D using IPADs in their classrooms. I was a permanent sub at a middle school in McAllen and the middle school did not have IPADs but other campuses did for edcuational purposes. I heard students would log into edmodo for school assignments using their IPADs. However I also heard of numerous stories of students pawning the IPADs for money and parents being involved with the pawning scam. It's a huge risk to take investing in IPADS for students to use because of parents and students that might misuse the device.
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    I agree with Mr. E.J. Martinez, Principal of Stillman Middle School. Technology is a very powerful tool. If used properly in the classroom it can catapult participation, learning and creativity. It will give students the opportunity to access information and visit virtual places. The possibilities are endless and the sky is the limit.
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    WOW, thats great that Stillman were issued IPADS. IPADS or any other equipment such as KINDLE FIRE are very useful for our students in our district. Like it was mention before, technology is a powerful tool so our students need to have the access of any equipment that is out there for them. Great News!!!.
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    Its great to see that more and more schools are implementing technology into the classroom. It would be great if every district had enough money to issue out educational technology tools to the students (iPads, tablets, iPods) as an instructional resource in the classroom. Here is a link to how Weslaco is providing teachers training in technology to help 21st Century learners excel with the technology they're already used to: http://www.themonitor.com/mvtc/news/article_1f614f22-122c-11e2-83e4-001a4bcf6878.html
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    I don't believe people are completely against it, i believe it's the fear of NOT KNOWING how to use it in the classroom. I'm totally up for using the ipad. I've currently started using REMIND 101. WOrks awesome. One way communication that's safe from teacher to student/parent that reminds them about certain activities or important reminders. Check it out!
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    We recently were asked to fill out a survey within our district explaining why or why not to implement the use of IPADS in the classroom. Of course, I am all for it but I was surprised to see the many educators who are reluctant and don't feel it is necessary. I am already planning what to do with mine if the district decides to suit us with a class set.
Leonila Pena

The Innovative Educator: The 5 Cs to Developing Your Personal Learning Network - 5 views

    • Leonila Pena
       
      A guide on how to create your Personal Learning Network.
    • vincent briseno
       
      The 5 Cs is a very good article. I am always amazed at how much information there is available to me with just access to a smartphone. The power of Twitter is something I still need to take advantage of and this article serves as a much needed reminder.
    • Alyssa Tanguma
       
      I think @Joshua would really enjoy this site.
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    Now I'm trying to figure out how to better organize all these links ya'll have shared that are worth filing online. Love the idea of PLN!
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    This is a great article! Consider, Consume, converse, create and celebrate are great to help teachers and students begin their own learning networks!Thank you for sharing.
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    Allowing students to connect with others is empowering students with the necessary tools; is creating a more dynamic classroom. This allows students to explore all the technology resources at their fingertips.
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    After reading this article/website, I found it beneficial and inspiring to create my own learning network. It would be great to educate the students that would like to do the same. Great site!
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    Great planning website for teaching networking reference abilities using the learning network for our students. This resource is great for students to progress and grow into using Bloom's Taxanomy
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    Very inspirational and a great website especially to use for PD. Great Info Thanks for Sharing.
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    Very true, in order to become better educators we need to collaborate and share what we know. We must also learn to receive constructive criticism. Thanks for sharing!
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    It's a great start to develop your own social/professional website. I like the way it breaks it down for you in order to know what's available online.
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    Great article, on how to help teachers and students to create their own learning network. I love how it breaks down all the information into the 5 C's
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    Great article and video explaning about networking and the 5 C's. All teachers should read this article because it breaks down in detail about networking. Thanks for sharing.
Alyssa Tanguma

Why Wikipedia Does Belong in the Classroom - 5 views

    • Santos Alvarado
       
      How do you feel of the use of integrating Wikipedia as a resource in the classroom?
    • Alyssa Tanguma
       
      Like I posted on the article, I constantly rely on Wikipedia to give me the answers to the questions I needed when being asked certain information by the students that I do not have knowledge on. We are about to begin our research papers and I am going to include Wikipedia as one of they websites they need to use. http://ica.library.oregonstate.edu/tutorials/lesson/286-WR-121-Exploring-Your-Topic-?mid=18401&type=MiscellaneousResource&uid=596 The link above shows a little more justification as to why using wikipedia is beneficial
  • Wikipedia remains misunderstood because many educators have yet to recognize the distinction between Wikipedia as a tool for teaching and Wikipedia as a tool for research.
  • Since 2010, the Wikimedia Foundation has been working hard opening closed-minds, connecting thousands of students at more than 50 schools across the U.S., including Harvard, Yale and UC Berkeley to the Wikipedia Education Program
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  • having students collaborate with the community of Wikipedia editors (“Wikipedians”) to write course-related Wikipedia articles, replacing traditional term papers.
  • Similar benefits to traditional writing assignments - as students are still researching and analyzing sources
    • Leonila Pena
       
      I agree with Alyssa regarding people having fear of Wikipedia because it might have invalid information, but I still think it's a great resource just like many other sites out on the World Wide Web. We should teach students that not everything posted on the internet is valid/real/true. I know a teacher that doesn't like students using Wikipedia because she doesn't think it's reliable, but I know another teacher that allows her students to use it and reminds them that they must use other sources to support their findings in Wikipedia. I think that's great because she's teaching them to verify and validate their own work.
  • Professors and assistants can provide feedback and engage in debate with students, as can the community of Wikipedians.
  • when we introduce Wikipedia into the classroom as a teaching tool, we provide students with a space to reflect and learn about the nature of knowledge and its evolution,
    • Alyssa Tanguma
       
      I think many people fear using wikipedia because it has been proven that anybody can post valid/invalid information. I personally love wikipedia and use it as a teaching tool when I do not know the answer to the questions our "smart kids" throw out there. I can rely on wikipedia to give me an immediate and reliable answer.
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    Santos, I think its a very good idea to have Wikipedia as a resource in my classroom. It will help students to research anything they need to know or learn. Wikipedia will give my students additional resource to have in the classtroom and at home for them to find their research.
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    I think that Wikipedia should be used in the classrooms as a resource for research papers. Wikipedia provides up to date information and studies have proved that 95% of information is realiable! I remember having a professor for History that would tell us we could not use Wikipedia becuase it was not realiabe, but I disagreed. I'm glad that studies have been conducted to prove my theory.
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    Wikipedia can be very beneficial. Wikipedia can be used to do research because there are many links within each search that can be used to further investigate and look at when doing your research. I do think that integrating Wikipedia as a resource in the classroom should be a priority.
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    I believe this goes both ways. I know many times we fear using Wikipedia as a resources for fear of inaccurate information. HOwever, it could serve practice on how to cite resources. If we as teachers carefully screen the source of the information, then it would be possible to use in research projects or assignments. However,then that creates more work for us as a teacher. I do like the fact that it encourages teachers and students to use wiki-technology and be part of the virtual social network. Not to mention, the fact that we can post/receive multi-layered feedback. Over all, screen the sources carefully and focus on what Wikipedia has to offer.
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    As a Reading teacher we utilize wikipedia a lot and the great thing is that it allows the students many options or choices to pick from. They are able to have ample examples to better understand the concept being searched.
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    I think that Wikipedia is a very good tool to integrate in the classroom, if used properly. It should be one of the many tools that should be implemented in the classroom to expand our teaching.
Sonia Aldape

'Flipped classrooms' in North Texas turn traditional teaching on its head | Dallas-Fort... - 3 views

    • Sonia Aldape
       
      Great article Maribel! Just to think that technology is only fingertips away makes it that more exciting to start exploring the approach of intergrating the flipped classroom at least with one subject. I'm sure that students will embrace the fact that they will have to be on their cell phone or computer to do homework.
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    Interesting Article. Do you think your district is ready to start implementing flipped classrooms? What technology applications or equipment does your district needs to provide you to start your flipped classroom?
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    I really like how the article highlights how it is working for Allen: Casto believes this "innovative instructional strategy" is catching on because it fosters a higher level of learning that is needed for the 21st century. As students shift from a passive to active role, they acquire critical thinking skills, learn to collaborate and become independent learners. These quotes describe how the flipped classroom fits into 21st century learning. I think that for our district to start implementing this teaching method it would have to survey students to see what percentage has internet access at home. HCISD has already taken this step, but since we are not at 100%, it seems that we will not reach the entire classroom population. In addition to students not having access to internet connectivity, our school distract lacks the technology resources needed for teachers to be able to record their lessons such as a bloggie or digital video recorder.
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    Maribel, this article is very interesting. It's interesting how students like the format of "listening to online lectures at home" in the evenings, and then in the classroom they want to work. It's great how when they walk in the classroom, they are ready to discuss the topics covered in the online lectures. "Flipped Classrooms" is a very interesting program that would be nice to start implementing. Probably the equipment that the district would need to provide is a computer or internet access to students who don't have the means to acquire it. This could easily be done by having a computer lab available after school like the article mentions. Great Article Maribel!
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    Maribel, interesting article. I believe our district has the capability to implement this strategy of a "Flipped Classroom" and will probably very soon consider implementing it. With the new state assessment STAAR core subjects are finding that more time is needed to apply what is being taught. I feel that most of our timeline is invested in giving theory lessons and hardly anytime is used in applying theory. I believe if we can get students used to using internet tools at home and get their notes, terms and examples down at home that we could transform our classrooms into student work rooms where students can implement concepts and theories learned and therefore deepen their understanding as they work on solving problem scenarios. Students would be learning form doing instead of just learning to do and never practicing and therefore never really learning.
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    Applying the lesson is the key aspect to successful learning and implementing "Flipped Classrooms" will be a great way to being this process. I can see that it will require much dedicated and consistency like any other project but I know the results will be dynamic. Personally in our district I think much needs to be done prior to committing to "Flipped Classrooms" accessibility is crucial and like I said it might take some work but it is not impossible. Great way to enhance learning and making our students long life learners.
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    Maribel, it's an interesting idea, but I wonder if the kids are able to concentrate at home on new material via video when they are tired from school and more distracted by being home. It would be great if they could view the videos first thing in the morning. Also, I wonder if a combination would work. Lectures via video but maybe a review lecture that covers the entire unit done in the classroom. And maybe less homework in class so there is time for a short lecture to review the previous day's concepts. I love technology for creating new options!
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    Thank you for your comments. I think flipped classroom will be our future and we just need to get enough training for our flipped classrooms to be effective for our students.
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    Great article, its a great way to get students motivated and engaged in learning, but I don't see flipped classrooms being what every student needs. Online classes will not meet the needs for every student if a district wants to implement this idea. I don't see my district is ready to commit to Flipped Classrooms anytime soon. First the internet infrastructure isn't at a high speed in our district to provide the video teaching.
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    I love the whole idea of a "Flipped Classroom". It makes so much sense to help engage all learners. Lets face it, homework is a drag and not very effective, I have heard from students that at times some kids are even doing homework in the restroom. How effective is that? This method of actually interacting and working together on the concept in the classroom is ideal. However, my district is not at the point where this type of technique could be enforced in due to the lack of technology knowledge within the community.
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    Thanks for the responding to my questions. I have been sharing this concept with my 21st Century Teachers and they like the idea. Let's see if BISD will ever go into flipped classroom.
Delilah Alegria

Ten Reasons why Technology is Vital to education - 9 views

I remember when we had to carry a bunch of textbooks to school, at school, and after school. My backpack was always heavy. I think that laptops are a good solution even though not everyone can affo...

Delia Torres

The Future of College Education - 6 views

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    The cost of higher education has grown exponentially in just the six years since my undergraduate days. However, the options that are available are incredible! I was amazed to find out that you can take classes online through MIT for FREE. What an amazing way to use our time on the internet? Are we preparing our students to be self-guided learners who are ready to work their way through an online course? I know that it's been a difficult transition for me, will our students be able to make it? Are they better equipped than the older generation to make the transition because of their technology infused lives or will it be more difficult for them to focus?
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    I believe students will be able to maneuver through an online course as if its second nature. Schools are striving to implement online learning, being that it a focus area in the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. As far as student focus in online learning, "online learners" is a fairly new type of learner that may struggle with content retention. Herbert, M. (2006, Winter). Staying the Course: A Study in Online Student Satisfaction and Retention. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.westga.edu: http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter94/herbert94.htm http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5082&menu_id=2147483665
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    Wow, this was very scary. I have three children and I have instilled in them the importance of furthering their education. Seeing this makes me wonder, if Im gona have to rob a bank to help them on thier educational journey. The price of college has risen significally now, but I will try my best to stay afloat and continue and hopefully succeed without a ton of debt.
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    Yes, post-secondary education is becoming more expensive to prepare our sons and daughters at the actual schools of learning for their future. More the reason(s) that we must prepare students K-12th to be 21st century learners that can collaborate, communicate, use critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills that will enable them to be independent and self-motivated for online learning. By taking on-line college courses, the students will be able to save money in tuition fees, textbooks, housing, transportation, and other types of expenses. In spite of the high expense it will cost me to educate my daughter as a biology major and to attend medical school, I want her to be prepared to become a medical doctor--thank goodness I only have one!!
kate Binns

Don't Pay for Technology: 25 Freebies for Students - 11 views

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    In today's economic climate, paying for technology isn't prudent, and for some students, it isn't even an option. Fortunately, there are plenty of freebies on the web that can help with document creation, research, writing, storage, collaboration, studying and more. Here are 25 free web apps and software programs that may be useful to students. I've used several of these web apps with varying degrees of success with students. Have you used any or have plans to use them in your classroom? How have they worked for you?
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    These are awesome Kate! The only one I have used before is GoogledDocs. I really like it when I'm working with a group. I've used it to create staff development plans, campus improvement plans, and analyzing data with my colleagues. I just set up an account for Bibme and I added it to our library website. I had been using Citation Machine, but this is different. I have some Pre-AP Social Studies classes scheduled for next week, and I'm going to show them how to use it. I also used the Flashcard maker to create flashcards for Competency 2 Vocabulary. I created them really fast. I just copied and pasted the terms from the database on Dr. Butler's wiki. I am going to share this website with our teachers too! This is so exciting! Thanks for sharing!
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    Thanks for sharing the article; I will add them to the resource page I created on my wiki. I agree it has become unnecessary to purchase any software. There are massive Web 2.0 tools and apps to use for free. I have exposed my students to concept mapping with bubbl.us, presentation formats (sliderocket, prezi, brainshark, slideshare), charts and graphs creation, vocabulary build up with games created on line (taxgedo, wordle) and interactive posters like glogster. Students love diverse means to present their information; they are not limited to present in a specific software.
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    Wow!!! I loved them!! I am amazed at the number of Web 2.0 tools that are out there. I just was told by a friend about a Web 2.0 tool called live binder and I loved it too. You place all the web pages a student may need for a research or any project you want and you waste less time on searches and the kids will focus more on the assignment goals.
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    And even more interesting - at the bottom of the page, there is an ad for getting college credit by taking a free online course. So you go through the free online course and then you can take a test and get CLEP exam and get college credit. For $77.00 you can get 3-credits. Not a bad deal. In my spare time, I would like to go through one of the courses.
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    Great website. I used http://www.bibme.org/ to do my bibliography for the technology plan. It is a lot easier than using citation machine. I can't wait to use it with my students, since they have no idea about citations. It amazes me how many free websites are out there for free. I will be going through several of the websites to see what else catches my eye.
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    This is an awesome website, it will definitly be worth bookmarking for future reference. Students will definetly find this information useful.
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    Thanks, Kate! Yes, I am still at awe at the number of results I get when I look up for tools, it's incredible! Thanks once again for this great resource.
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    I wouldn't be surprised if some students already knew about this. I have not used any in class yet, but I will definately look into it.
Salina V

Time for Technology? - 22 views

I think most middle school students and up have a technology time already. 6th grade begins with the basics in keyboarding, and then they go into a different tech class when they are in 7th and 8th...

technology classroom

Janice Wilson Butler

Dipity - Find, Create, and Embed Interactive Timelines - 9 views

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    Useful for Social Studies and it's free.
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    I can use this tool for upcoming classes related to business and technology
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    This is useful and more important, it's free.
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    Wow, Dipity is really awesome! I was looking at the timeline for Mr. Steve Jobs and it's very well done. Dipity can be used for doing a timeline digitally instead of doing it on a poster. There are many pros to doing it on Dipity such as been saved there for other classes to see and to be used as examples. Usually when students create a timeline on poster it get tossed away towards the end of the year or gets sent home with the students. By doing it on Dipity it stays there for many years to come.
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    Totally agree for the use of Social Studies, I can use this tool for technology classes as well.
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    Dipity is a great Web 2.0 technology to integrate in the classroom. It provides an excellent way to create timeline presentations.
janie martinez

Web 2.0 - 31 views

I use to think that many teachers didn't want to change thier methods of presenting lessons by using technology in the classroom but I have changed my mind. When I share what I have learned with o...

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