Skip to main content

Home/ EDTC6343/ Group items tagged think

Rss Feed Group items tagged

Filter: All | Bookmarks | Topics Simple Middle
Isabel Cabrera

Deeper Learning: Defining Twenty-First Century Literacy | Edutopia - 22 views

www.edutopia.org/...-deeper-learning-rebecca-alber

literacy 21stcenturyskills Education 21stcenturylearning technology Classroom integrating

shared by Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13 - No Cached
Cora Mendez liked it
  • Deeper Learning: Defining Twenty-First Century Literacy
  • problem solver, critical thinker, and an effective collaborator and communicator.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
       
      Watch this video to see how this student defines deeper learning and how it has IMPACTed his life!
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 11 Feb 13
       
      The video would be a great video to show students because it can be inspiring to them. He is from another country and he has struggled academically but he never gave up. I like how he picked a topic that has impacted his life and has experience in immigration. I like the name of his school "IMPACT" because I truely believe that school has impacted his and has allowed him to further his knowledge in a much deeper way than a regular school setting.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      I was also impressed with this school because it allowed the students to conduct their own research but still stay with the topic of government regulating laws. He chose a topic that was relevant and meaning to him: Immigration. He was engaged and learned a lot about U.S. laws.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13
       
      I saw the video, I was amazed on how the kid learn, this is a dream not only for students, but also for families and the education, Can you imagine to have schools working like this, hands on! where actually students learn and are engaged all the time!. Good article Isabel.
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 14 Feb 13
       
      Problem Based Learning is a great way to take advantage of the interests the students have, it helps them take ownership of their learning and making it more relevant to them.
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 16 Feb 13
       
      Wow that is something we should all consider, to create deeper learning through PBL. Very interesting to see how students can actually get engaged with a Project based lesson, it opens the door to understand problems and find possible solutions. It helps them to learn by using higher order thinking and at the same time it gives them the skills to be successful in their future career. Thanks for sharing that video with us Isabel :)
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 17 Feb 13
       
      To Edna and Juan, I could see how pbl lessons could be incorporated especially at the high school level. I could see the students using their higher thinking skills and deeper learning taking place with such topics like this, instead of textbook and worksheets. I know that in your engineering dept at PHS, you are already incorporating skills at a higher learning for these students. I think our district has already started implementing deeper learning by having the Early College and Engineering Dept.
    • Jessica Burnias
      Jessica Burnias on 18 Feb 13
       
      I think it is great how problem based learning is allowing to students to relate what they are learning to real world situations. This important they are being taught more than to just pass a test. They are using critical thinking skills and collaboration which are very important to be successful in the real world. Great video.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 19 Feb 13
       
      Problem based learning allows for them to research on a topic that is meaningful and relevant to the student. It does allow for critical thinking and independent learning.
  • ...6 more annotations...
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
       
      Are we preparing our students for the 21st century?
    • Adam Hovde
      Adam Hovde on 06 Feb 13
       
      It is hard to forecast what the 21st century needs from the students in school today. The smart phone was developed just a few short years ago and now it seems everyone has one and can use it proficiently. What technologies do we need to prepare students to use? What are we doing in class that students can take and use for the rest of their lives? These are very hard questions to answer. One of the "skills" I try and teach in my classroom is to make each lesson relevant to every student. In the video the student was able to do a project in his AP Government class that was relevant to him and he was able to find meaning in the project. Many students today can use their smart phones, tablets or PCs to help reserach, problem solve, critical think and collaborate. How do we as educators foster the desire in the students to use these technologies to do these things. It can be a big hurdle in some school districts that do not have the technology resources that other districts have. I do not think we can every really know if we are really preparing students for the 21st century but we have to give it our best shot and hope what we teach them carries over to the real world.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 08 Feb 13
       
      New technologies are coming out every year with new and improved features. The best thing for teachers is to expose the students to what is available out there and make them comfortable with technology. I expose my students to a variety of technologies and sometimes they are just amazed at how I created it and I tell them that is it something I learned from one of my college classes. I encourage them to continue their education after high school if they want to live in a nice house and drive a new car. If you give them the tools, we will be surprised at what they come up with and maybe they will invent something new. It is our job to make learning relevant and meaningful.
    • Heather Luna
      Heather Luna on 11 Feb 13
       
      According to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, students must learn the essentials for success in today's world, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. As a fifth-grade teacher, I attempt to promote these elements, but am often unable to do so because of the spotlight on standardized testing and AYP. This year I planned on integrating PBLs in the classroom, but was informed that my students would be unable to use the computer lab and/or the COW for anything except a specific program. This was very disappointing, but I made the most of it. The problem is that even if this "program" is improving my students reading ability (which seems to be the case), it not truly preparing them for the 21st century. Students are losing the ability to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate. I am confident that if given the opportunity to integrate PBLs, I would see an even greater improvement in my students reading abilities, as well as, there overall abilities. We have to move forward, but getting everyone to "buy-in" is proving to be a difficult task! I found this video on "21st Century Learning" and thought I would share, it is long, but has some great information: http://youtu.be/zSNWr_QYyPw. Enjoy!
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 11 Feb 13
       
      I don't believe we are preparing our students for the 21st century. Yes there is some teachers who will take the time and integrate technology into their lessons, but if administration doesn't support this then its very challenging to do this. We as teachers have a lot on our plate and we must make sure that students pass the state assessments. Teachers and administrators lose focus on what is really important and what our students need because of state assessments. If they don't see us doing passages or word problems then we aren't doing our jobs. I do agree it is our job to make learning relevant and meaning but will we ever be given the opportunity to do this. My students are always collaborating in class and applying the knowledge they have learned to real world problems. I challenge them to think and come up with their own answers and ideas instead of me doing it for them. I know there is much more that I can do, but its a start.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      To Heather & April: The "STAAR" test I hear is very higher order thinking. It makes the students think outside of the box. The students have to analyze and internalize the data or read the stories very carefully because there are two really good answers. Unfortunately, we have a large number of students reading below level that we are trying to catch up those students. We can only try to do our best to integrate technology into the classroom.
  • (National Council of Teachers of English), twenty-first century readers and writers need to: Gain proficiency with tools of technology Develop relationships with others and confront and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally Design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes Manage, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information Create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multimedia texts Attend to the ethical responsibilities required by these complex environments
  • Being literate means one who is advanced at reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
    • Georgina Salas
      Georgina Salas on 11 Feb 13
       
      Now should we add computer literate as well? Since this is the way we are heading. Plus the students will eventually be STAAR testing in the area of technology.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 11 Feb 13
       
      As new technologies are coming up, I feel that teachers and students should "keep up with the Jones." The more you are familiar with computer features the more comfortable you will be with computers and be able to adapt to new technologies. A lot of the web 2.0 tools we have been using are similar in some ways. For example, Spicy Nodes and bubbl.us are very similar tools. It is just a matter of exploring! The creativity in students will come out as they incorporate new tools into their projects. In addition, everything is now online..college admissions, financial aid, housing, and work study.
  • But for all the amazing, valuable stuff on the Web, there's loads of misinformation, half-truths, and misquoted, useless stuff. In preparing children to be literate in today's world, it's urgent that we teach the skill of scoping websites with a critical eye. Kids need to be explicitly trained in spotting everything from blatant pseudo-facts to slightly questionable content. This ability to "filter" will be required of them in both university and work.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 19 Feb 13
       
      This is so true. We need to teach our students how to use the information that is out there on the web. However, we must also teach them how and where to look for reliable data on the internet. They need to understand that not everything that is on the internet is true.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 19 Feb 13
       
      We do need to educate our students that not everything on the web is valid, just like commercials that are just gimmicks or have a "catch" to it. We need to teach them how to look for credible sources and that anyone and even them can write something on the Internet and that doesn't mean that it is true. There are even pop ups or emails that can invite viruses or can sell your emails for scams. It can be dangerous if the wrong people get a hold of your personal information.
  • It's true that, through deeper learning, many teachers and schools are already guiding students into this new century well-equipped to think critically on their feet, problem solve, and communicate effectively.
  • It's not about the actual tech - it is about the skills needed to get accurate information.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
     
    21st century learning skills: problem solving, critical thinking, effective collaborator and communicator
  • ...5 more comments...
  • Isabel Cabrera on 05 Feb 13
     
    Are we preparing our students for the 21st century? Are we using Deeper learning by activating prior knowledge and experiences? Are the students internalizing information, researching, analyzing, generalizing material beyond the content?
  • Georgina Salas on 11 Feb 13
     
    I enjoyed this video. It showed how someone not from this country chose to educate himself and look into the laws for immigration because he went through the experience. I feel that if anyone saw this video it would push them to do more with their education. I believe that if elementary, middle school, and high school students saw this it would inspire them to care more for their education and purse higher education than a high school diploma.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 14 Feb 13
     
    We need to bring this reality into our classrooms, our students take too much for ganted, but it would be even more effective if we give them a real life driving question that involves our students helping immigrants like this one get the education they so desire. Through a pbl driven lesson, students will come up with solutions, thus helping them truly understand the problems of this particular students. Perhaps we can teach empathy as well.
  • george saenz on 15 Feb 13
     
    I really like the video and what they were talking about and the determination it take to educate oneself. If everone on a campus could take the time out of there busy schedula and show this video to the students it would make a difference in how they see themselves and there education.
  • Cristina Pintor on 17 Feb 13
     
    I enjoyed the video a lot. It is inspiring to see how students are engaged with a PBL lesson. Students were finding possible solutions to problems that pertain and are significant to them. If students feel that the problem affects them personally they will try their best to find answers to solve the problem. By using PBL students will also acquire the skills needed to be successful not only in college, but in life.
  • albert rodriguez on 18 Feb 13
     
    I'm glad I work at HCISD, we're quite progressive when it comes to education and Project-Based Learning is getting a lot of attention and many efforts are being made to ensure that it's happening in our classrooms. I really liked the video especially the part on how the student made his assignment have value as immigration issues pertain to him. I think we're in the right place at the right time.
  • Cora Mendez on 19 Feb 13
     
    I thought it was interesting that it was a Pbl school. It was very obvious that the student was getting a deeper understanding of the topic. He was not only learning about immigration because he had to do some research and figure out where and how it was addressed in the laws and government. He was problem solving and using critical thinking which allowed him to have a deeper understanding of his topic.
Adam Hovde

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms - YouTube - 12 views

www.youtube.com/watch

education paradigms change integrating Classroom 21stcenturyskills Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Adam Hovde on 14 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • This RSA Animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award.
    • Adam Hovde
      Adam Hovde on 14 Mar 13
       
      What did you "get" from this video?
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 18 Mar 13
       
      I think that he hits on very good points. I think that we should encourage the students to collaborate instead of copying, do engaging fun stuff rather than boring, more hands on with a purpose rather than read and tell me what you go out of it. Some students complain that the work is boring, but when i ask them: what can we do to make it fun? They don't have any ideas. Is that a product of the industrial revolution or standardized testing?
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 25 Mar 13
       
      Wow awesome video..very informative and eye opener. It's so true, education needs to evolve for we are still stuck in an old age. Teachers are forced to teach to the test and forget the real valuable meaning of education. Then we ask ourselves, why are these children acting like that? The public education is teaching them only to pass a test instead of create a great citizen with morals, dreams. We need to teach them to be creative and produce new tools, to become inventors for a brighter future.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 10 Apr 13
       
      Educational system definetly needs to change, and we are the key to that, altough it is going to be hard specially if we are trying to figth against what we are used to, and what we were taught.
  • Adam Hovde on 14 Mar 13
     
    A discussion by Ken Robinson on what education is today and how it needs to change to meet the needs of students.
  • ...12 more comments...
  • Adam Hovde on 14 Mar 13
     
    This video is why I decided to get my masters degree. It made me think about what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I decided that I wanted to be more technology based and want to learn how to help others be more engaging with students but others have gotten a different lesson from the video. What will you get from the video?
  • Cristina Pintor on 14 Mar 13
     
    Very interesting video Adam! Thanks for sharing. There are so many flaws in the public education system that I personally think that we should start changing the way we are teaching our kids. Unfortunately it seems that administration only focuses on having students pass the standardized tests instead of focusing on getting students ready to success in life.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 15 Mar 13
     
    Great Video! He was all over the place, but made some very interesting points from the beginning of public education. I remember going to school and everyone telling us you need an education in order to have a job, which was very true. I think our educational system has changed and will continue to change. We have moved away from the textbook, which is the way we learned (paper & pencil). I remember writing definitions, memorizing speeches, and copying math problems onto our lined paper to solve equations. Now students are exposed to technology which enhances their learning in interesting ways.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 17 Mar 13
     
    The mindset of education has to change now! We are still teaching as he said, "in batches," where we condition children to one way of thinking and stifle divergent thinking. We have talked about "thinking outside the box" and "GT students", but those are the students who were not "conditioned" as we would have them be. The real world is not as we teach, we must allow our students to work collaboratively and think independently. By the same token, I believe that our teachers are victims of the very same mindset, trained to teach strategies, and deciphering questions in order to get those scores. The parent's mindset has changed as well, they no longer tell their children that education is important, and expect for teachers to do all the teaching, not realizing that a child has to have a strong foundation. We are no longer just getting clean slates, but unstructured children who are then labeled ADHD…or are they just divergent thinkers who do not conform to our way of teaching?
  • Cesar Mata on 17 Mar 13
     
    The video was very eye opening. Everyone can agree that their must be change to our current system of Education. What we can't seem to agree on is what those changes should be. I feel as if he spent most of the time talking about whats wrong with education and why than actually providing solutions.
  • Adam Hovde on 17 Mar 13
     
    I agree with all of you. this video opened my eyes to the way our rducational system is running. I guess I have always known it ran this way but I did not think that it bu us in the "batches" to be processed. I am hoping to use my Educational technology degree to change teh way I teach my students and hopefully I can get other teachers to do the same.
  • Cora Mendez on 18 Mar 13
     
    Good video Adam. It brings up many issues with today's education. I totally agree that it is okay to raise standards for learning, but our students were not brought up that way. We are told to teach to the rigor and wonder why the students perform so bad. It is because the higher level thinking and rigor that we are now expecting comes with time and not overnight. Our children were not taught that way and to all of a sudden raise the standards is too much at once. I am confident that it will happen, but it will take time. Another issue was ADHD. When I was in school, I never heard of such a thing. His words exactly, "it seem to be an epedemic ." There could be many factors contributing to hyper and inattentive students, but parents rarely look into alternative ways to help their children. More has to be done to provide these students with help, so they can be successful and not have to be on medicine. If we let our little ones work collaboratively, and if teachers were to have more leeway to teach in their classrooms; some great learning and discovering could take place.
  • Georgina Salas on 18 Mar 13
     
    Very interesting video. There was so much information about education and the economy. I agree that our students are bored in class and with school. Why are they bored??? The reason is because teachers teach the test. There is no time for fun or learing with fun things. I feel that if we teach in a fun and exciting way we will not lose the students as soon as they walk into the room. They will come to school wanting to learn and excited and wondering what they are going to be learning for that day.
  • Jessica Burnias on 18 Mar 13
     
    Wow that was a great video. He had some very interesting points. I do feel that our students are bored in class. The teachers today are teaching to making sure that their students pass the test. As teachers I guess we need to find a way to make our lessons more interesting. That is why it is real important that we incorporate technology into our lessons. We all know that students take a greater interest when technology is involved. He had so many great points. It inspires me to be a better teacher.
  • Heather Luna on 20 Mar 13
     
    I agree with Georgina and Jessica. Students do get bored, because of the "tunnel vision approach" we are often forced to implement in the classroom. The focus on state testing has kept many of us from teaching our students to truly think critically and problem solve. Technology is an excellent way to engage our students and promote higher-order thinking skills and collaboration. If students are motivated, with meaningful and engaging lessons, I believe they will strive to be life-long learners.
  • albert rodriguez on 25 Mar 13
     
    Yes, students are bored these days, however, I don't blame teachers necessarily -- it's the system we're all in. They are victims of circumstance here. It's all about accountability and the test. I think technology may be the light at the end of the tunnel, because it's engaging, fun, and besides being a way of bringing their outside world interests into the classroom, technology isn't going anywhere. So many excellent points to support what we all already know. Good job.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 15 Apr 13
     
    What a powerful presentation. It really hits close to home. I have a 5th grade son who I feel this was written for! Divergent thinking - YES! They're not all little products off an assembly line. I completely agree traditional education has conditioned students not to be creative and taught them there is one answer. Some of even the best kids are just totally turned off to school. I really appreciate the presenter's view point. Very often I express my concern with the so called epidemic and wonder why there are so many students who have been diagnosed with ADHD. To see the trend follows the trend of standardized testing is amazing, scary, and really disheartening. Thank you for sharing this great video.
  • Lupita Sanchez on 22 Apr 13
     
    This was a great video, the presenter make several good points. Times have changed and so has our students therefore we must change our way of teaching as well. However, I believe we must be trained how to teach our divers learners. How can we reach our students if we still have a traditional way of thinking. I totally agree with the video we must raise the bar in order for our students to be challenged. Remember we are competing with video games, music,texting and social networking. We must prepare ourselves in the same matter to reach them as well.
  • Conrado Gonzalez on 01 May 13
     
    This is truly the best video I have seen in quite a long time. I already knew a bunch of these problems but the speaker has tremendous delivery power, has his insight well organized and overall organizes very effectively all these historical, economic, cultural, and political variables.
Delia Torres

Do you know about TED? - 49 views

Wow! Shannon, I was absolutely amazed by the Wii remote video from http://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html. It proves that out of necessity, will, and creativity, there are ...

Fall 2012

started by Shannon Reynolds on 07 Feb 12 25 follow-ups, last by Delia Torres on 18 Mar 12
kate Binns

iGeneration, what the fuss? - 40 views

I find it really interesting that the Apple way of thinking is coming to a point of even naming a whole generation! I'm not sure that Steve Jobs anticipated the significance of the letter "i" as a ...

started by Corina Carmona on 24 Feb 12 15 follow-ups, last by kate Binns on 25 Mar 12
Victoria Lopez

The Social Media Revolution - 4 views

www.youtube.com/watch

social media revolution networking

shared by Victoria Lopez on 25 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • Victoria Lopez on 25 Oct 12
     
    I am one of the Diigo discussion host assigned for the week of Oct. 22 - 28, 2012. This video is not the typical article or website most of us have been sharing, but I really wanted to share with you. In addition to this video, I would also like to share with you a very resourceful website that I will provide later. Although I could not highlight text that I wanted to emphasis with the Diigo toolbar, since it is a video, I am going to include what I want to emphasis: Youtube is the 2nd largest search engine Wiki ( Hawaiian term= quick) Studies show that Wikipedia is as accurate as Encyclopedia Britannica US Department of Education study revealed that online students out perform those receiving face to face instruction.... Discussion question: Do you think that social media is a revolution or a fad? Please provide explanation for your rationale. Why do you thinkg social networking a fundamental shift of how we communicate?
  • ...9 more comments...
  • Marivel Garcia on 27 Oct 12
     
    This video is a great eye opener to where our society is leaning towards if not already completely on that side. I am personally scared of such a change but highly believe in the power of this social networking shift. As educators, we need to understand why this is so important and how can we make it work for us in our profession. As a student, I have seen first hand how intense and engaging social media can be.Two things that really caught my attention were the following: * In 2009 U.S. Department of Education study revealed that, on average, online students outperformed those receiving face-to-face instruction. * One in six higher education students are enrolled in online curriculum. Regardless of the many reasons why, this is the future and we must not stay behind no matter how scary it might be.
  • Joshua McDonald on 27 Oct 12
     
    I tend to lean towards the idea of social media becoming (or already there) a revolution. The reason for me is that I see it in use daily with our younger generations. This is the world they are being brought up in, and it is what they will be expecting to using as they grow older. One thing that does interest me is the fact that change seems to be happening quicker then it use to. So if that stays true will social media stay around as long as something like writing letters or email? Not sure about that! Thanks for the video...it raised some interesting points!
  • R. Palomares on 28 Oct 12
     
    I don't think social media is just a fad but it's becoming a social media revolution. It's changing the way we communicate, and the way things are being done. Many people have joined social networking sites and the communication boundaries have been broken. It's interesting to see in this video how much time it took to reach 50 million users. The radio took 38 years, T.V. 13 years, Internet 4 years, IPODs 3 years, and Facebook 200 million users in less than a year!!! That's amazing! Social networking is a fundamental shift of how we communicate because it's very effective and efficient. Thank you for sharing this awesome video Victoria!
  • Sergio Perez on 28 Oct 12
     
    I also don't think that social media is a fad. We are able to communicate with so many individuals with Facebook and YouTube. The video showed that the largest increase of users on Facebook is females between the ages of 55 - 65. This might be happening because of mothers and grandmothers that are keeping in touch with their children and granchildren. I think social networking is a shift in how we communicate because I think it is easier to express yourself. I don't think one is as self-conscious about their comments when they post it on the Internet.
  • Maribel Gracia on 28 Oct 12
     
    Victoria, Great video . I saw it twice because it has so much information that it makes me realize that our society focus on media or technology.. Even our young generation, they are not afraid to use any technology equipment that will give them information or input information for the community. I don't think social revolution is a fad, it is here already. Enjoyed it.
  • Maribel Gracia on 28 Oct 12
     
    Victoria, Enjoyed video. I don't think social revolution is a fad. Now a days, everyone uses media to get or send information. It is here already but it is just improving with new techniques everyday. As we see our very young generation now, they are exposed to new technology equipment in which they explore with every media equipment thats out there in our world. Our world is changing.......
  • Lucero Martinez on 29 Oct 12
     
    I also think social media is a revolution and not just a passing fad. If you ask a 1st grader, "How do people communicate?," just about all of them will mention facebook, text, cell phone, email, and if you give them some hints they'll finally say writing letters or notes, or face to face. Online communication is the fastest way to communicate and it's even easier to use it when we all carry a computer in our pockets or purses. Cell phones combined with online social media has made it much easier and faster for people to communicate within virtually seconds. Technology is now and it's the future, and we need to use it to our advantage whether it's for education, business, socializing, or networking.
  • Sara Aldape on 29 Oct 12
     
    Victoria I think that social media isn't a FAD with so much of importance it has gained even in many remote places of the world. But how long would you think is this trend going to continue? Something definitely will take over this trend so what will be the next big change? If you want to see a related video which talks about numbers and enough data to see social media I suggest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypmfs3z8esI Read this article on how the social media kingdom came into our lives fast and hasn't stopped changing since. http://heritage.com/articles/2012/03/21/heritagewest/news/doc4f69ce46f3375121907051.txt?viewmode=fullstory VERY INTERESTING!!!!
  • Yadira Flores on 29 Oct 12
     
    I think social media is definitely not a FAD. Social media influences everyone in the world and even the underdeveloped countries. Everyone has a Facebook and virtually a computer with us all the time our phones. Like that the video points out that if you are a company and want to exist you have to enter the trend.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 29 Oct 12
     
    At my campus students are using social media for educational purposes. Students are using edmodo in a couple of their classes to work on educational assignments, quizzes and current event group discussions as participation grades in classroom environments. Social media has grown since the beggining of the 20th century belive it or not. I truely believe that social media will continue to grow in time and be more useful in school environments. I really enjoy using edmodo, kind of like a facebook but for school related purposes. Great article
  • Mario Ortiz on 11 Nov 12
     
    Many people are still fighting the revolution of technology. Some people prefer submitting hard copies instead of online reports. Change is not easy and sometimes even scary, but we should always give it a try. I do believe that social media has revolutionized the way we communicate.
Maria D. Martinez

More Colorado Districts Saving Money with 4-Day School Weeks | Education News - 10 views

www.educationnews.org/...-money-with-4-day-school-weeks

money school classroom resources 21stCenturySkills education

shared by Maria D. Martinez on 07 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • The savings come mainly from reduction in support staff, maintenance costs, food service and transportation which allows schools to retain teachers and academic programs that would have to be dropped otherwise
  • It is the parents who typically have the most difficulty adjusting, with most schools reporting negative parental reactions due mostly to increased child-care expenses for the fifth day.
  • In addition, after one year into the three-year experiment with the new schedule, another unexpected benefit popped up: an uptick in test scores. Webb thinks that the increased “sense of urgency” of the shortened week seems to encourage teachers and students to make every hour in the classroom.
  • Maria D. Martinez on 07 Oct 12
     
    This website gives an insight of what Colorado districts are presently doing: 4-day school weeks. Are we headed that way?
  • ...12 more comments...
  • Maribel Gracia on 07 Oct 12
     
    Maria the article is very interesting. I think it can benefit our district because our district is very short on funds.We get directives of turning of the light or computers when we are not using it so the district doesn't pay too much money. In all programs, our budget have drastically gotten cut in funds so maybe if we have a 4 day instead of 5 day we can save money. Also teachers would love this because it would give them a break so they won't get burned out with all the changes in our district. Imagine it can be a three day weekend :)
  • Victoria Lopez on 07 Oct 12
     
    This is very interesting. As a teacher, I would like to move to this 4 day week schedule to enjoy a three day weekend every weekend; however, as a parent, if I were not employed by a school district and worked at a regular 5 business day week, then I would be upset at the inconvenience it causes. I would have to pay extra money for child care services as stated in this article. So although this 4-day school week has its pros its cons also have to be weighed out by those that would be affected. I guess a positive would be that it would create jobs in child care for the fifth day. As an educator, by day 5, I am out of gas. So I can see how working digently throughout the 4-day school week proves to be similar in test scores when compared to those of the 5-day school week.
  • R. Palomares on 08 Oct 12
     
    Maria D. Martinez, this article poses an interesting thought about maybe going to this measure if budget cuts continue, but I don't think were headed that way. The 4-day school week seemed to have a positive effect with this Colorado school district because their state testing scores seemed to increased according to this article. On the downside, the district only saved $150,000 which isn't very much considering the amount of time and effect one day can have on education.  I think that the 4-day school week would be an interesting challenge that everyone will adjust to easily if there's a need to implement it.
  • Jaime Villarreal on 08 Oct 12
     
    I agree with the districts that implemented the 4-day school week in order to save on the operational costs. I believe that having a short week will motivate both students and teachers to work harder and more focused on the tasks needed to be completed knowing they will have a three day weekend to get ready for the next round of intensive work days. Difficult times call for difficult measures and thinking outside of traditional methods will allow us to meet the ever changing demands of a society struggling with an inconsistent and unpromising economy.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 08 Oct 12
     
    I did read the article and this is true that the school district did save a huge amount of income for having four day school weeks. However if you decide to have a four day school week somewhere along the line school districts still have to meet about 187 days of school, so we would be taking a risk of shorter summer vacation or shorter vacations. But hey looking at the data I am for it, but just shorter vacations.
  • Leonila Pena on 14 Oct 12
     
    There's been rumors that school districts here in the RGV would do this if the budget crisis got worse, but I have yet to see it happen. There are many other ways that the school districts can reduce costs, however if they did go into the 4-day school weeks and extended the school days, then I guess there would be no difference. Like the article states, it would mainly affect the parents because of child-care expenses, but maybe this would make parents value their childrens' education more, because unfortunately there are many parents that see school as free daycare and as long as they can leave their kids there 5 days a week while they are at work they don't care about anything else. Whatever it is that school districts decide to do to reduce costs will work only if they have a good plan in place along with a good backup plan.
  • Diana Cedillo on 14 Oct 12
     
    I agree with Victoria. Viewing this article as a parent/teacher would have two different outcomes. We (the U.S.) are already behind in Education. We seem to be cutting funding in the area we are the most weak in; education. If we struggle with students learning the material in a 5 day school week and retaining the information over a two day weekend, how are we suppose to have them grasp and retain in 4 days? I don't believe having a 4 day work week will motivate teachers and students. I believe it'll make it worse. I vote NO.
  • Sergio Perez on 15 Oct 12
     
    Once in a while you will hear in the news how the students from the United States compare to those in other countries. The Center for Public Education wrote an article about how the amount of time of school affects our students. They compared top performing countries to the United States and they were unable to find a correlation between less school time and lower test scores. The article also states that some high performing countries have their students spend less time in the classroom than the United States. You can find this article at the following link: http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Organizing-a-school/Time-in-school-How-does-the-US-compare I know at my school district, teaching positions have not been filled because of the budget. Although the savings for a four-day week may be small it is still a savings. The parents that work will be having to look for daycare. Some of these parents are barely making it and this additional cost could be too much for their budget. There are many pros and cons from the four-day school week for the schools and parents. If the school has the funds then I would favor the school week to remain at five days.
  • Sonia Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    Maria, an article worth looking into especially with all the cuts in all departments at our district. Within the district we have been trying to conserve energy but that will only go so far. The state has really reduced the budget for our district which makes it tough therefore, they should consider the 4 day work week. Students would love this as well as teachers. On the other hand, parents would probably say NO.
  • Sara Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    WOW!!! Kids would be estatic, but that would mean parents would have to look for babysitters. Since parents have to work because of the economy, it would be very difficult. But for those that are stay home parents it's a plus. Do you think it would really help the districts? How do parents feel about it? Here is another article about it. http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/kids-try-to-fill-extra-day-off-with-4day-schook-we/
  • Maria L Mata on 16 Oct 12
     
    I think it is awesome that districts can think outside the box and find alternative ways to save money for the district and try so hard to keep their personnel without sacrificing the curriculum. I have been reading up on school districts that are saving money by eliminating bus routes. I think that is another great idea, not only to save money but it helps students, parents, grandparents get their daily exercise. Here is on of the articles that talks about it: http://www.activatenoblecounty.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:walking-school-bus-can-save-money-lengthen-lives&catid=3:latest&Itemid=16
  • Juanita Casanova on 16 Oct 12
     
    Well, I think the idea of having a four-day week has its benefits. The district would help save money by eliminating hours of energy used in the classroom. That in itself could save thousands of dollars by the district. The money saved could be utilized in other areas. Here is a link to some creative ways other districts are utilizing to save money. http://www.mamapedia.com/article/creative-ways-to-cut-expenses-in-a-school-district
  • Saul Mendiola on 17 Oct 12
     
    I think that districts here in the valley are far from moving to this 4-day school weeks. It would have to be most or all of the school districts from around here in order to work more effectively. There will be a lot of unhappy parents due to child care expenses. On the other hand, us teachers will probably enjoy it. As it is most of us already stay late hours at school everyday to finish up. The districts will have to show how much they are saving by doing this and at the same time maintain or improve scores.
  • Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
     
    I read the article and I believe the 4-day week has its benefits but as well it has its downside. I believe at the end the positive benefits will outweigh the downsides. If any district is going to implement the 4-day week, the district has to have the parents and community behind them if they want the system to work. I can see how having a 4-day week will have a positive effect on test scores, because the students and teachers will make every hour count for instructional time, knowing they only have 4 days to teach the concept within the week. I can also see improvement in attendance with students and staff, now parents and teachers can schedule their appointments on the off day during the week. Article: http://crosscut.com/2012/02/16/education/21873/The-fourday-school-week-why-less-really-is-more/ A superintendent in Oregon explains the reasons why a shift to a four-day school week works well for students, teachers, and families. Start with better academic performance.
vincent briseno

Ten Tips for Engaging Underperforming Students | Edutopia - 22 views

www.edutopia.org/around-student-engagement-tips

shared by vincent briseno on 07 Oct 12 - No Cached
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 07 Oct 12
       
      These are all excellent tips for every classroom. Performing all ten of these on a daily basis would be a challenge for me. Is there a particular strategy you would or have struggled with in your classroom?
    • Maria D. Martinez
      Maria D. Martinez on 07 Oct 12
       
      I believe my major struggle has been time constraint. Once I begin I keep going and going and at times I forget about the time. It flies by and I see myself running short to what I had planned for that day. It would be ideal to have more time with the students but since that is not possible, I have to go with plan B which is to allocate a certain time to every section and abide by it.
    • R. Palomares
      R. Palomares on 08 Oct 12
       
      Vincent, This article is great and the ten Interactive Learning Non-negotiables strategies are great when planning the lessons. I think #4-"limited lecture" would be challenge because finding a stop during the lecture can be difficult at time. On the other hand, I believe #1 the "Essential Question" is the most important because this will guide the students towards the end goal. In addition, I liked #10-"Student Centered" because that's where you plan the use of a technology tool to make the lesson engaging and relevant. This will be a great article to share. Thank you for sharing.
    • Jaime Villarreal
      Jaime Villarreal on 08 Oct 12
       
      In my experience tip #2 has been my greatest challenge in my classroom. Implementing an activating stratetgy to activate student thinking is very crucial to capture their attention and curiousity which will then trigger learning. The challenging part is making the time and carefully planning each activity and following lesson timelines at the same time.
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 11 Oct 12
       
      Maria and Romel I know a couple of teachers who use a kitchen timer and set it for no more than 15 minutes. It is a bit crude, but it is a cheap solution and easier than setting a timer on your phone, watch, etc...
    • vincent briseno
      vincent briseno on 11 Oct 12
       
      Jaime I have issues with finding an activating strategy as well. In math, it is difficult to connect slope with something relevant to students, but sometimes we over think things. I showed a terribly stereotypical video to a group of kids on slope and they still talk about it 3 weeks later. You'd be surprised what kids will relate to.
    • Leonila Pena
      Leonila Pena on 14 Oct 12
       
      Vincent, those ten tips are great, thank you for the link. I can see how incorporating those ten strategies into your lessons on a daily basis can seem quite daunting, but if you think about it, as educators we are required to plan out our lessons based on the objective(s) that we are teaching. What I would do is use this as a guide when I plan out my lesson, maybe create a checklist out of it and use it while planning my lessons. I'm one of those that tend to over think things, I always need to write down what it is that I need to do or achieve so that I stay focused on just that.
  • Maribel Gracia on 07 Oct 12
     
    I think a particular strategy i would struggle is about time. Sometimes we go "on and on" on one concept that we forget about time especially if we are team teaching and the time frame is shorten.I like the video which explains the ten tips the teacher should follow. I am going to share this video with my coworkers in school. Very informative :)
  • ...11 more comments...
  • Victoria Lopez on 07 Oct 12
     
    These are great strategies. I love how they suggest for teachers to involve kinesthetic movement, hands on activities and providing experiences as a way to make teaching the content meaningful and easier to recall. By creating student-centered learning activities, the teacher will reach a greater population of the students through the use of incorporating several learning styles. Learning modalities need to be considered for the lesson to be effective.
  • Jaime Villarreal on 08 Oct 12
     
    In my experience tip #2 has been my greatest challenge in my classroom. Implementing an activating stratetgy to activate student thinking is very crucial to capture their attention and curiousity which will then trigger learning. The challenging part is making the time and carefully planning each activity and following lesson timelines at the same time.
  • vincent briseno on 11 Oct 12
     
    Mari I completely understand. Time gets away from even the best teachers. I am a coach and this is the issue I have most difficulty with on the field (that and yelling). I always carry my watch with me and set timers. Some teachers use simple kitchen timers to keep both the teacher and the students on task. It helps both know there is a limited amount of time to complete tasks. It keeps the class moving and students engaged.
  • Alberto Gonzalez on 12 Oct 12
     
    I really enjoyed the article Vincent, I'd agree with limiting lecture because student's haven't developed a cognition level of grasping information in one sitting. So breakout sessions work best along with collaborative group work discussions. The way I've learned to keep a class engaged is use a timer system online and students are aware of how much time is left. From experience I noticed that time flys by fast.
  • Diana Cedillo on 14 Oct 12
     
    Vicente, thanks for sharing! I agree that those are ten of the basic steps we as educators can take in helping or students become successful. I believe that sometimes we as teachers are pressured in keeping up with our timeline, that we're teaching more than one lesson, making it harder for students to learn and retain what was taught. If there wasn't so much pressure in standardized testing, perhaps we would be able to better reach all our students and not feel inclined to teach the "bubble" kids. Graphic organizers are a must in my classroom. Not only does it better illustrate for all students, but it also assists those students who need the visual and have modificiations. All the other key points listed make me believe that this is geared towards PBL. I think it's great! Students will still be required to use higher order thinking while still conducting a student-centered activity. Great job Vincent. I'll be sharing these tips with my fellow co-workers.
  • Sergio Perez on 15 Oct 12
     
    This was a very interesting article about how to get underperforming students to improve. The one tip that would be a challenge for me would be the movement on a daily basis. I only teach math to my fourth grade students and I try to get my students to use manipulatives as often as possible. When they use the manipulatives I do tend to become stressed due to the movement of the students. I know it is good for them to move around and I will try to implement this tip more often in my classroom.
  • Melizza Garcia on 15 Oct 12
     
    lI like this article because it gave each step and then the author explain it futher. Making each of the step a "Non-Negotiables" is sometimes difficult. But once you practice doing them in each lesson I'm sure you can change with time making each day better and each lesson engaging.
  • Sonia Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    Vincent, great article I really appreciate all of the valuable tips for engaging students in the learning process, a way as to actively involve each student. I do incorporate a few of these tips with my students, and I agree that it will keep the students in control of their learning. Nonetheless, using these tips will make the students aware of the content that is expected to be learned on each subject area.
  • Sara Aldape on 15 Oct 12
     
    I really appreciate all of the valuable tips for engaging students in the learning process, and I am aware of how each can be used. However, my huge frustration is in the fact that in a self contained classroom it is so difficult to plan for each class subject in such a way as to actively involve each student. I try my best, but it really is a challenge. I do incorporate a few of these tips with my students, but I guess more time would make all the difference.
  • Saul Mendiola on 17 Oct 12
     
    I think the particular strategy that would take me longer to achieve would be limited lecture. Finding a different activity to do with them and keep them focused will be very challenging after a while.
  • Santos Alvarado on 03 Dec 12
     
    Great article, very informative and awesome strategies to implement in my classroom. The ten interactive learning non-negotiable strategies are great when planning the lessons. I do see some resemblance to the 5-E strategies I use in my classroom, but to use all ten strategies on a daily basis might be a challenge to keep all the students engaged.
  • Alyssa Tanguma on 04 Dec 12
     
    This is what my student population consists of. Great article!
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 25 Feb 13
     
    I like the strategies, every bit of guidance and tips will defintely help us implement innovative and interactive lessons. I think we are all guilty of going on and on, because we become engaged as well. These strategies would go very well with PBL instruction.
Jessica Burnias

BYOD - 5 views

www.edtechmagazine.com/...-2012-byod-here-so-get-used-it

Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Jessica Burnias on 02 Apr 13 - No Cached
  • Jessica Burnias on 02 Apr 13
     
    What do you think is BYOD good or bad for the classroom?
  • ...12 more comments...
  • Cora Mendez on 03 Apr 13
     
    Due to our lack of funds or low funds; it seems like a good concept. However, many things would have to be worked out before something like this could be implemented. Like taking into consideration that working with different devices will be a challenge because some may not be compatible with certain software. If implemented appropriately BYOD could work.
  • Juan Betancourt on 03 Apr 13
     
    With the appropriate Internet bandwidth, policies, web 2.0 tools and software, it can be done. But like Cora mentioned it is going to be a challenge to address all of the issues associated with so many plataforms being available to students. To get started, a definite must is bandwidth. Then moving forward in setting up a wireless access point that is locked.
  • Adam Hovde on 03 Apr 13
     
    My school has had a BYOD policy for the last year and a half. Well, actually they have had the students bring their own device but we really do not have a policy to go with it...yet. Many of our students bring their laptops and tablets to school but our network is HORRIBLE. The teachers can barely access the internet let alone the students. Our district says we will be getting a new network this summer (we will see), and then hopefully we can use more content on the internet. I love using what others have come up with and posted on the internet I just want to be able to get to it easily.
  • Jessica Burnias on 03 Apr 13
     
    I agree with what you all are saying. In my school district they implemented the BYOD for our high school and 9th grade campus. The teachers received no type of training and were basically told when school started that we would be implementing it. We are having issues with internet access and supposedly our network is up to par. The teachers on our campus have mixed feelings because they feel alot of the students are just using their phone for texting or to get on social websites. Since students with phones can get on the internet without accessing the school's internet. The most importantly alot of teachers are having issues on how to use all these different devices. Since there are so many devices it is almost impossible to know how to use them all.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 03 Apr 13
     
    I think BOYD can be a good thing. It's not quite a good thing just yet. The district I am in created new guidelines for BYOD policies mid year last year. The reason I say it can be good thing is it's not really being implemented like I think the district thought it would. Even though we are well into the first year of the policy, students don't take advantage of it like they could. I do have a few students who bring a device almost daily to read from, but my own daughter, for instance, doesn't want to take hers out of fear of losing it. I think other share her fear; however, the fear the district had of students abusing the new BYOD policy never matierialized. In fact, it's as if less students bring devices now that they are allowed to than when it was against the rules. Figures. :)
  • Cesar Mata on 07 Apr 13
     
    I can definitely see BYOD as a possibility in the middle and high school setting, but as an elementary teacher, there would be more barriers than just network speeds and compatibility issues. Most elementary students wouldn't really have access to laptops, smartphones, or tablet computers. While they might be able to use these things at home, I doubt most parents would let their 9 year old bring the family $500 iPad to class everyday. Additionally, as others have said before, there would have to be a really solid policy put in place for the use of these devices to avoid the whole plan backfiring on educators. The internet can be a dangerous and scary place for those who don't know what they're doing as well as the obvious scenario of students just browsing facebook or something similar instead of completing an assignment.
  • Heather Luna on 07 Apr 13
     
    Like many of you have pointed out, I too believe that there are lots of kinks that must be worked off before BYOD can be truly successful, but I also believe that the open-minded, willingness of the districts to integrate technology is a step in the right direction. Our district will be implementing BYOD and I am excited to see how it unfolds. I realize that teacher monitoring is crucial and planning will be key, but I think it will benefits the children in the long run,
  • Georgina Salas on 07 Apr 13
     
    I did not even know what BOYD was till I saw this video. It sounds pretty interesting. I believe that any teacher who is interested in technology will "buy" in to it. My only concern is what happens to those students who don't own any tech devices they can bring to school. At the school where I am at the students are from very low income families but then again somehow, someway they find money to own these things. Yet, there are parents who refuse to buy the expensive devises. What happens to those students?
  • Isabel Cabrera on 07 Apr 13
     
    I think that BYOD is a good thing, because the student is familiar with his/her technology device. Sometimes when I have to use the school laptops, they have different features that I need to ask questions. If I had brought my own laptop, I would have completed more work and been more comfortable using my own technology. I do agree with Juan, we do need appropriate Internet bandwidth, policies, web 2.0 tools, hardware/software in order to incorporate BYOD in your school.
  • albert rodriguez on 08 Apr 13
     
    I think BYOD is a great thing, however, it's not that easy to get all parents on board, and I think it's even more difficult to get other teachers on board. Even one technology device is difficult for teachers who are not technologically inclined to prodide assistance in, and having many different devices can be overwhelming for those teachers. The concept is right on, however, there are some issues that need to be addressed first like teacher training and getting parent "buy in."
  • Christine Claudio on 08 Apr 13
     
    BYOD has been implemented at our campus with the upper grades. The students enjoyed bringing their own device and were eager to share their favorite applications. The teachers were surprised to see how many students owned their own devices.
  • Dara Cepeda on 08 Apr 13
     
    BYOD is great idea in implementing technology in the curriculum..I think that will motivate students to learn more..at my district they'll be implementing BYOD this coming year and I'm very excited about it. I know the students will be taught to use their own device but the right way. They will be more involved with classroom discussions and participate more, since it'll be done with their own device.
  • Edna Orozco on 10 Apr 13
     
    Bring Your Own Data! Excellent, we all know that students from nowadays are in touch with all kinds of electronic devices, and why not taking advantage of it. The good think about technology is that there are lots of applications or ways to incorporate such electronic devices in the classroom. I have used a couple of times cellphones to use them as clickers, and students are amazed they can do that, if we introduced students to such things they will naturally seek for more ways to incorporate learning with their own cellphones, ipods, ipads etc.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 11 Apr 13
     
    I would certainly do the BYOD if i did not have enough technology in my classroom. Students are really proud when they contribute and share their "toys" or devices. The pros are that they know the devices well,and will be able to download the apps needed, and navigate. Devices are usually the latest model, so we would have compatible devices, and we can learn a thing or two from them and have the troubleshooting down as well. The cons might be that we need to make sure we have permission slips with waivers for lost items, but at the same time, be sure we have a place to lock them up and keep them safe. HCISD has form that needs to be signed by parents. I know a fifth grade teacher who has implemented BYOD, and technology has become an interwoven tool that is used seamlessly. Students are not at the novelty stage clamoring to get to the tools, but deciding for themselves when they need to use to to research, or for reviewing objectives taught in class. It was a successful implementation.
Cora Mendez

Technology and Young Children | National Association for the Education of Young Childre... - 6 views

www.naeyc.org/...technology-and-young-children

Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13 - No Cached
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      The video is at the bottom of the page. I know it is long, but you can skip ahead by clicking on the arrows. Very good information for early childhood teachers. Make sure to listen to slides 27and 28.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      There is a Pdf document if you wish to read instead of listening to webcast.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 25 Mar 13
       
      I went ahead and viewed the whole web cast and it was so good to see Mr. Rogers. I remember watching him all the time as a young child and I was always so excited to see what he was going to teach us about next. He educated us about train stations, using videos. He did role playing with his puppets to engage us by asking and answering questions. He was one of the founding fathers of integrating technology for early childhood learning. The NAEYC is right about integrating technology in preschools but doing it in an effective way to educate children not just for passive entertainment purposes.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 26 Mar 13
       
      Isabel you are right Mr. Rogers was one of the first to integrate technology in early childhood through his show. Children loved it. I remember watching it with my kids. Most of the programs they have in the computer labs for early childhood now a days don't challenge our prekinder and kinder students. We need to move away from that. My prek students use Twiddla in the classroom, and they will ask me to share the screen so they can collaborate with their partner on another computer. These little ones are like sponges, and they will learn just about anything especially technology.
  • When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.
  • Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children.
  • ...1 more annotation...
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
       
      For years I have heard people go back and forth about whether using technology with youg children is good or bad. I was glad to finally learn the answer from NAEYC.
    • Isabel Cabrera
      Isabel Cabrera on 25 Mar 13
       
      Now I think technology is more kid friendly than before. I see children more often exposed and engaged to technology through the use of IPADS. The applications are easy for kids to download and play. Even with the use of these new smart phones, kids take them away from their parents and play games. I remember my son being 2 years old and learning how to work the vhs/dvd player to view his favorite Disney cartoon, "The Lion King." He learned so fast that he would turn it on so early in the morning by himself. I was so amazed.
    • Cora Mendez
      Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
       
      Isabel, you are right. Children learn how to use technology very quickly. Just like your son. If it is something that intrigues them, they are quick to learn it.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 15 Apr 13
       
      I totally agree that technology has change tremendously and is more user friendly nowadays, specially for kids, but I agree that sometimes certain hands on activities go better without the use of technology, for example, I have seen some applications for painting where the student has to select the colors and type of brush, I rather have my kid experiencing this activity with water painting than with an ipad for example. Therefore I believe that depending on the purpose of the lesson I would think about using or not technology.
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
     
    If you have ever wondered what NAEYC stand on use of technology and early child hood education is, you must listen to this webcast. Have you wondered if using technology in early childhood was DAP(developmentally appropriate practice)? Listen to find out.
  • ...11 more comments...
  • Cora Mendez on 25 Mar 13
     
    Lower grades are always the last ones to get new technology if they do get any at all. Why do districts or administrators think that the upper grades are priority? Is it because they are the testing grade levels? Don't you think that if we were to teach children how to use technology since they were in pre-kinder, then they could do so much more in depth projects when they were in the upper grades instead of learning how to use it in the upper grades. What is your take on this topic?
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 31 Mar 13
     
    Cora, the bottom line is that the upper levels get tested, and the results dictate our very jobs. If there is anything I have understood is that "we" are all important components of a school, but when it comes to testing and results, step aside because the upper grades are priority. It is what it is, but as a teacher, I know that every grade level lays the foundation....and a strong foundation is important.
  • Heather Luna on 31 Mar 13
     
    Cora, I think the lower grades should have access to technology, just as the upper grades. I recently read an article that concluded that children as young as two can utilize an iPad as an educational tool, much like they use blocks and play dough. Touch screen technology has eliminated the need for children to "have" to learn to manipulate a traditional keyboard and mouse. In addition, young children are "sponges" that can absorb and achieve much more than we give them credit for. I see how the focus tends to be on the upper elementary, and primarily because of testing, but I have learned that as educators, we have to learn to be more proactive as opposed to reactive.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 01 Apr 13
     
    Heather, I agree with you, and I include our early (PK and K) childhood in all iPad activities, and they all get to handle one by themselves with help if needed. They can at least get the manipulation and navigation under their belt, by the end of the year, they are savvy. Children cultivate 85 percent of their intellect, personality and skills by age five. This is what crosses my mind when I meet a child who has never been read to or even talked to. They have so much to learn. See the article below. http://www.wccf.org/pdf/brain_dev_and_early_learning.pdf
  • Cesar Mata on 01 Apr 13
     
    I like the point that Roberta Schomburg makes about how technology integration is everywhere today. It's not just confined to the computer labs anymore. The students should have access to technology in the classroom on a daily basis. I wish I could say that this is a reality in our campus but it is more of a rarity.
  • Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Heather, I totally agree with you that young children are like sponges because I get to see it everyday this year in my pre-kinder classroom. Unfortunately in my classroom we only have one teacher iPad, but I let my little ones use it every chance I get. When I first got the iPad, I was surprised that they knew more about it than I did. I teach them how to use something on it, and they pick it up write away. I am always looking out for my little ones and asking for more technology whenever I can. When I moved into pre-kinder this year I asked for a document camera and projector. Last years teacher did not have one, but I was going to make sure my kids had access to the use of those tools. My children enjoying using them. I have one little boy who says, "Mrs. Mendez I want the scream." He means to say he wants me to project something onto the screen like a game, movie, book etc. They enjoy using technology. It makes things more engaging and fun to learn.
  • Cora Mendez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Ana, that is so awesome that you allow PK and K to use ipads. In our school only 5th graders got one and one for every teacher. You are right if you teach them the basics when they are young, they will have that under their belt and can progress from there in another grade level. Thank you for sharing the article. It is a good reminder of how critical their first 5 years are for learning. This is why I don't understand why they make PK only available for low income people in so many places. How does this affect our middle income and high income children when in comes to them not receiving a whole one year foundation on the basics of learning. I would never have believed that Pk students are capable of so much learning if I had not seen it and experienced it for myself. They are amazing learners.
  • albert rodriguez on 01 Apr 13
     
    Mr. Rogers; I loved his show, although it was right on for that era, this newer generation requires a different approach which is the use of today's technology. They seem to on board and very knowledgeable with iPads, apps, and games out there. Although I have very little experience with Pre-K and Kinder, I am aware that they are an even better target to incorporate technology with. I think as teachers, we might want to set our standards a little higher with our students, especially the little ones and be ready to be surprised on what they know and can do.
  • Christine Claudio on 01 Apr 13
     
    I can understand the concern over age, but we witness the use of technology from our Pre-K and Kinder on a daily basis. I firmly believe, that technology enhances children's cognitive and social abilities, when used appropriately. Especially when we set the goals and introduce digitial citizenship early on.
  • Juan Betancourt on 01 Apr 13
     
    From a technology standpoint, there are more apps available for students in the lower grades than for the higher grades. From a personal stand point, even my three year old can use the ipad and iphone for seeing videos and playing games. If I were an administrator, I would start deployment of an Ipad/Ipod program in the lower grades.
  • Cora Mendez on 02 Apr 13
     
    Juan I wish more administrators would think like you. I think that technology integration in the lower valley is still in its early stages, so in time I think lower grades will get more technology and more programs will be available to to cater to lower grades. I know the apps are there, but we the the hardware. My document camera and projector were borrowed because they needed it to tutor the upper grades for STAAR. I have had to manage without it. I have two desktops and my laptop and my ipad in my classroom as far as hardware goes.
  • Adam Hovde on 03 Apr 13
     
    I love Mr. Rogers. I have shown my son many of the episodes when he was younger. I can definetly see how technology could be used with the young in teaching. I can also so how, like many of us, technology is not always in teh classroom to help when it is needed. I would like ot see more uses for technology with smaller children and how they learn from it. We have years of data on teh old way of teaching children maybe someone can come up with research on how technology is enhancing or hindering education in children.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 15 Apr 13
     
    The video was long, but very informative. The word intentional kept coming up in the video and you used two quotes that included the word as well. Intentional use is so important. I've mention on other posts the use of sites the District subscribes to. The students enjoy these and they benfit from them; however, I feel there could be more intional uses that are much more benficial. The position statement clearly outlines the benefits of integrating technology not only in schools, but in every day life. The statement presents this in such a way that really shows the resposibilty (tremendous challenge) educators and care givers have to young children in order to empower them with this knowledge and skills and nuture the whole child. I agree more administrators and teachers - educators in general - don't emrabrace the importance of technology. Perhaps this position statement would help them.
Edna Orozco

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

www.edutopia.org/stw-replicating-pbl

shared by Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13 - No Cached
  • 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
      Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13
       
      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
      Juan Betancourt on 14 Feb 13
       
      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
      Dara Cepeda on 16 Feb 13
       
      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
      Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13
       
      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
      Cristina Pintor on 17 Feb 13
       
      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
      Isabel Cabrera on 17 Feb 13
       
      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
      Heather Luna on 18 Feb 13
       
      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
      Edna Orozco on 14 Feb 13
       
      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
      Lupita Sanchez on 17 Feb 13
       
      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
      Adam Hovde on 18 Feb 13
       
      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
      April Canales-Perez on 25 Feb 13
       
      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.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 14 Feb 13
     
    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.
  • ...2 more comments...
  • Cesar Mata on 18 Feb 13
     
    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.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 23 Feb 13
     
    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.
  • albert rodriguez on 24 Feb 13
     
    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.
  • Brian Martinez on 25 Feb 13
     
    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.
Salina V

Tablets Haven't Killed the PC Yet -- Campus Technology - - 17 views

I can see how they would replace PCs in the future. I know that my laptop replaced my desktop here in my house. While I think they would still have the items available for those who do prefer PCs,...

started by Adriana G Hernandez on 26 Mar 12 8 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 14 May 12
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

started by Laura Rivera on 02 Apr 12 10 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 14 May 12
Christine Claudio

Why Teach with Project-Based Learning?: Providing Students With a Well-Rounded Classroo... - 7 views

www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introduction

shared by Christine Claudio on 25 Feb 13 - Cached
  • Project learning is also an effective way to integrate technology into the curriculum. A typical project can easily accommodate computers and the Internet, as well as interactive whiteboards, global-positioning-system (GPS) devices, digital still cameras, video cameras, and associated editing equipment
    • Christine Claudio
      Christine Claudio on 25 Feb 13
       
      This is Gayle using Christine's account... Considering the above highlight from the article, have you successfully integrated PBLs into your classroom? If so, what technologies were used? What challenges, if any, did you or your students face?
    • Juan Betancourt
      Juan Betancourt on 27 Feb 13
       
      Pbl can be incorporated at the end of the year to reinforce the items or lessons covered in the year, or short ones distributed on the year. The coverage of test teks take precedence during the year. This specially true in the core classes.
    • Edna Orozco
      Edna Orozco on 27 Feb 13
       
      I definitely agree that technology can be incorporated to the PBL, but not necessarily needed. Technology and PBL can be two independent things used to improve learning. I believe that using PBL at the beginning of the year would be more effective than at the end of the year because if you prepare your students throw out the whole year, they will get used to this technique, and why wouldn't you take advantage from the beginning instead of the end of the year.
    • Adam Hovde
      Adam Hovde on 28 Feb 13
       
      I really enjoy doing the few PBL units that I get to do. I find myself correcting misconceptions more often in PBL units. I like that the students get to come up with their own way of learning at times but it can frustrating at times correcting misconceptions. We have a school in the area that teaches solely with PBL. It is considered a magnet school and kids fight to get into the program. From the teachers I have talked to that have taught there they say the kids really enjoy PBL. They want a differnt kind of learning experience and PBL gives them what they are looking for.
    • April Canales-Perez
      April Canales-Perez on 03 Mar 13
       
      Unfortunately I have yet to incorporate PBL lessons in my classroom. My campus uses C-scope as our curriculum. Some of the lessons do have students relating mathematical concepts in real world situations but I wouldn't necessarily call it PBL. Cscope has incorporated the use of laptops in a few lessons. Overall the experience was good except of course when the gremlins come out to play. The biggest problem my students ran into was repeatedly getting disconnected from the Internet. I don't think this problem will be solved until our district invests in better Internet connections. I can't show students videos in the classroom unless I look it up at home, let the whole video download, then I can play it at school. Just to give you an idea of how bad the Internet connection is, but we make the best of it :)
    • Lupita Sanchez
      Lupita Sanchez on 04 Mar 13
       
      Like April I too, have been unfortunately not able to incorporate PBL into my classroom. However, our campus network does not allow for all my 32 students to be online at the same time. I understand April's frustration. Yet, I would like to plan out how to implement PBL to my 7th graders; which will prepare them for 8th and high school
    • Dara Cepeda
      Dara Cepeda on 04 Mar 13
       
      Yes I have incorporated 2 short PBL lessons. Students have used laptops to do their research and create a presentation, digital still cameras to record and document their findings and web 2.0 tool Glogster to present their project findings and possible solutions. I could see students were engaged collaborating by experimenting and creating new things. For example, one of the PBL was to find the formulas to create 9 colors out of three. They were eager surfing the internet, mixing paint, taking pictures of it and creating a Glogsters. That PBL took us about 2 weeks long (a bit longer than I expected) maybe because students had the opportunity to present their findings in front of the class by using Glogster. It was a fun experience, for the students and for me ofcourse. I can say they really enjoyed it and learned the formulas on their own.
  • Jessica Burnias on 25 Feb 13
     
    Christine, I read the article I do believe that PBL engage learners and allow for students to be able to relate lessons to the real world. The other interesting point is that students will present their findings in different formats, which allows for more creativity. Unlike stating that everyone has to create a PowerPoint the students will find what suits their type of learning style. This is a very important fact that all students learn differently and this allows all types of learners to be engaged.
  • ...9 more comments...
  • Heather Luna on 02 Mar 13
     
    Hi Gayle, I am glad you where able to post. I know you have been having trouble. In regards to your response, I agree that PBL are an excellent way to build depth-of-knowledge. Thinking is a skill that I believe needs to be modeled and taught. Students do not come into my classroom knowing how to think. Often times, they want me to think for them. If I continue to do this, I am doing a disservice to my students. I have to step back, release control, and allow them to take charge of their learning and PBLs are a great way to do this!
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 02 Mar 13
     
    I was fortunate to be able to visit the Metro School of Design, where they teach 100% PBL, and it was very impressive to walk into the classrooms to be met with an child "ambassador" who welcomed us, and asked us what we would like to know about PBL, and then took us to each group where the "project manager" explained all the protocols and what stage they were in, etc. What is impressive is that these children were so confident, and knew the process as well as the content of what they were working on. I have worked with PBL with my students, and it is frustrating when they stumble, or make mistakes as they are going through the research and establishing their "need to knows" and "workshops". Lots of progress monitoring comes into play, and although the misconception is that the teacher does nothing, the teacher has to have a solid plan to be able to have a successful PBL. We interviewed a panel of students, and one mentioned that they "once had a PBL that was not fun because we did not get to present to anyone, just us" so having them solve a real problem or present to a live audience is very important to them. I do believe PBLs are effective, but will take time to implement successfully. We should start with mini PBLs and work our way up.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 02 Mar 13
     
    In response to Gayle: I too, have stumbled when implementing PBLs. I gave students the option of using technology, and at least two groups in each class chose a video. Because our children do not have any foundation in technology, they had many "need to knows" which in turn called for "workshops". It is difficult to teach everything at once in a 45 minute session once a week. I know that in the classroom, it would be different. I suggest we limit the options to two manageable products, and if technology is involved, get another adult to help with "workshops", such as a technology teacher or the librarian. We used iPads, and created a simple video which we are going to share with Apple TV. I will bring this back and create the videos after the STAAR testing, and use them to present to students next year. Subject was "Bullying and Cyberbullying"
  • Cesar Mata on 03 Mar 13
     
    I agree with Juan on this one. It would be hard to try PBL during the school year with STAAR looming over our heads. As much fun as it could be, it would be hard to convince administrators that PBL can solve our problems. With that being said, I would like to try PBL once we get through with STAAR.
  • albert rodriguez on 03 Mar 13
     
    I believe in PBL, but I also strongly believe in buy in. It's hard to have students follow this model in a non-self contained classroom, because PBL requires giving students more independence and ownership of their learning. In most classrooms students have learned to be spoon fed, because we think it's more effective and PBL feels almost unorthodox to many teachers including the students.
  • Georgina Salas on 03 Mar 13
     
    PBL's is a good experience for kids to go through. At first when we started doing PBL's for our MTT classes I hated them and didn't understand them. Luckily I had a great partner,Heather Luna, to guide me through them and see how they would benifit the students in our classroom. PBL's help the students see what is really happening in the real world and that there is more to life than video games.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 03 Mar 13
     
    Problem-based learning takes a lot of teacher planning. I really enjoyed the PBL lessons we created in Dr. Butler's database. We were able to see other PBLs created by other students and take some ideas from there into the classroom. PBL is becoming more popular and more school districts are buying into it. Students can collaborate and learn from each other. Students can take responsibility for their own learning while researching and coming up with a final product/project.
  • Brian Martinez on 04 Mar 13
     
    Project based learning plays such a pivotal role in helping the students truly understand new concepts. When technology becomes integrated as well, even more becomes possible. I recently came across the Museum of Math in NYC and am hoping to visit it this summer. There they have all kinds of projects integrating technology to teach Mathematics in a concrete instead of just abstract manner.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 04 Mar 13
     
    Juan, unfortunately, the end of the year after testing seems like the more realistic place for PBLs. In Port Isabel we are required to use CScope and it leaves very, very little time for anything else. I do have students browse through the PBLs I created for another class even though they aren't actually doing the projects. I am looking forward to being able to actualy implement them. Edna, I think PBLs would be more effective at the beginning of the year. As you said, Students would become used to the technique; however, the problem I have is a curriculum that doesn't allow time for PBLs. Adam, I have had the same issues with misconceptions. It's a quite unnerving to let them lose, so to speak, and be in charge of their own learning when I know what I am responsible for them to know and have seen the misconceptions. I think PBLs are wonderful, but not when time is so limited and I must see to it that they learn a particular concept in a given amount of time. April, My PIISD uses CScope too and I completey understand the time constraints and limitations. I do like SCope, but it leaves NO extra time. Lupita, You're not alone. I sounds like most of us have had a hard time fitting PBLs in for one reason or another. Jessica, Presenting in different formats is one of the many positives of PBLs. I agree with you that this is an important point when considering learning styles. Isabel, I've not been able to implement the PBLs we created, but I've been able to share the content of them with my students. You're right in that they do take planning - as well as the ability to let go which I have not mastered yet! :) Brian, The Museum of Math sounds amazing. What a great opportunity. The ability to teach math concepts in a more concrete way instead of such an abstract manner is key.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 04 Mar 13
     
    Dara, That sounds awesome! You're one of the few who have been able to use PBLs. What a great use of technololgy. I am sure the students really learned from the experience and had fun in the process. What do you teach?
  • Cristina Pintor on 15 Mar 13
     
    I have not had a chance to implement PBL lesson in my classroom. We are using the CSCOPE curriculum and we are asked to follow that sequence no matter what. I am waiting for after the end of course exams to have an opportunity to use a PBL lesson, although I personally think that PBL lesson will be more effective at the beginning of the year.
Christine Claudio

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning | Edutopia | Diigo - 4 views

www.diigo.com/...ed-learning-introduction-video

PBL education project based Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Christine Claudio on 25 Feb 13 - No Cached
  • Christine Claudio on 25 Feb 13
     
    This is Gayle using Christine's account.... We all have learned the benefits of PBLs and have seen how they inegrate technology wonderfully, but in our test driven public schools, are they realistic? One speaker in the video says we have to forget about curriculum and explains that means we don't teach a certain thing on a certain day. He says students learn as they need to. Can we realistically do that? If so, how? Does our current system support project based learning?
  • ...4 more comments...
  • Cora Mendez on 26 Feb 13
     
    Gayle, I think that when a PBL is used in the classroom one must consider what content will be taught or integrated through it. I listened to the video,but as an educator I know better. I cannot forget about the curriculum, but I can figure out ways to imbed it into my PBLs. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for the testing grades to find time to implement PBLs. I think that the beginning of the year or after testing would be the best times to try PBLs in the grade levels where time to teach the content is so critical before the test. However, I think that PBLs help children make real life connections, and they learn things in a way that it will stay with them forever.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 04 Mar 13
     
    Cora, I agree we can't forget about the curriculum, but like you, I think PBLs really help make those connections and there is real learning going on. After testing seems to be a great place for PBLs.
  • Isabel Cabrera on 15 Mar 13
     
    Problem Based Learning is integrated using all subjects to learn about a specific topic. You are applying research which requires reading and writing, analyzing your data in order to interpret or communicate your results. The students were engaged. One comment that one of the girls said was that their first wing was not that great, but went back and made the second wing better. They learned from their mistakes, which was just trial and error. In conclusion, I really liked that the students had to present in front of a real panel of experts of engineers to communicate their findings. It really holds students responsible to learn their material before presenting their data and findings.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 11 Apr 13
     
    I have seen it implemented in a school year round, and once teachers understand it, they can successfully implement it with the core objectives embedded as scaffodling activities. It has so many benefits, but the training must be thorough as what I was fortunate enough to experience. We cannot send ambassadors, who bring back info without exposing all teachers to the actual settings in real classrooms. So much information and experience is lost unless teachers see it first hand.
  • Heather Luna on 13 Apr 13
     
    PBL are an excellent way to get our student's learning and thinking at a deeper level. Unlike a traditional assignment or practice test, the impact of learning may not be seen immediately, but I believe the learning is what I would refer to as "TRUE learning". For example, I can teach a lesson on plant and animal adaptations and give an assignment, in which all students do well, but does that mean that they truly understand adaptations and can make connections beyond what was taught? Is the information temporary or permanently stored? PBLs promote critical thinking which will allow students to begin thinking beyond what is being taught. I agree that teachers need proper guidance and support to properly implement, but it can be done.
  • Adam Hovde on 15 Apr 13
     
    I have tried to incorporate more PBLs into my lessons. I find sometime the PBLs take a lot longer to do and some of teh students do all the work while others just "come along for teh ride". I think the PBL is a great way to teach concepts it just seems that I run out of time to truely do the PBL justice.
Alyssa Tanguma

Why Wikipedia Does Belong in the Classroom - 5 views

www.readwriteweb.com/...es-belong-in-the-classroom.php

shared by Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12 - No Cached
    • Santos Alvarado
      Santos Alvarado on 21 Oct 12
       
      How do you feel of the use of integrating Wikipedia as a resource in the classroom?
    • Alyssa Tanguma
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      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
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • 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
      Leonila Pena on 22 Oct 12
       
      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
      Alyssa Tanguma on 21 Oct 12
       
      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.
  • Maribel Gracia on 21 Oct 12
     
    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.
  • ...3 more comments...
  • Victoria Lopez on 21 Oct 12
     
    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.
  • R. Palomares on 22 Oct 12
     
    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.
  • Diana Cedillo on 29 Oct 12
     
    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.
  • Marivel Garcia on 03 Nov 12
     
    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.
  • Mario Ortiz on 11 Nov 12
     
    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.
Janice Wilson Butler

What are the stages of the change process? - 45 views

soc.li/W99AVvO

tech classroom change change-process integrating technology

shared by Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • Janice Wilson Butler on 08 Jan 12
     
    In the edutopia blog article, Shaping Tech for the Classroom, linked above, Marc Prensky - the "creator" of the digital immigrant/digital native labels, describes the typical process of technology adoption. How accurately do those steps define what is happening on your campus with regard to technology adoption? On average, where in the process is your campus? Have you seen any "movement" through the process in the last 2-3 years? If yes, to what do you attribute these changes? If no, what can you do to move the campus forward? Click on "Comment" above to respond to the article and to your peers. Please post at least one link in this group that is relevant to your discussion. Be sure to tag your link and your discussion.
  • ...10 more comments...
  • Adriana G Hernandez on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am the librarian at our school and I have only been there a few moths. However, I think that our school has teachers that are experts in using SMART boards and other projectors and such along with many Web 2.0 tools, but we also have teachers than use minimal technology. As far as the why, I'm not sure about every teacher on campus, but a lot of the teachers I talk to don't use technology as much as they like because they feel pressed for time. They are desperately trying to plan lessons, evaluate students' work, and address the students' weaknesses. I think in order to move forward, MTT's need to mentor as many teachers as possible, the administration needs to think outside the box so that teachers have time to plan for technology integration. This link http://www.ejmste.com/v5n3/EURASIA_v5n3_Bingimlas.pdf is for an article that discusses the barriers to technology integration. It would be beneficial for teachers to read and discuss what is holding them back so we, as a campus, come up with a plan to ensure everyone gets on board.
  • Elva Mendoza on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am a 5th grade teacher at Adame Elementary and Marc Prensky description of technology integration in education describes my campus. I agree with Adriana when she says that teachers are pressed for time, especially with the STAAR test. There is a total of three computer labs at my school that are rarely used for integrating technology with the curriculum. It seems that the only technology on our campus being used is tutorial programs to enhance test scores. In the four years that I have worked at my campus I don't think we are any closer to the movement of technology integration. Unfortunately, I blame the pressure brought upon our education system, which is test driven. During the President's State of the Union Address on Tuesday he stated, "In return, grant school flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion: To stop teaching to the test :"(West Seattle Herald, Jan. 29, 2012). I think Donna ISD is heading in the right direction with the MTT program. As an MTT I will need to start sharing my knowledge with the staff through staff development and show them how enthusiastic students are to learning when given the opportunity through technology. It worries me that my students will not be prepared for the 21st century if our education system continues to be test driven, rather than technology driven. The link http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/01/27/news/local-educators-say-obamas-state-union-address-hi is the President's State of the Union Address.
  • Paul Edward Mendiola on 29 Jan 12
     
    I am one of the Math teachers in Donna high school and technology integration in our campus, atleast in our department, I could say that we are still a little behind. Technology is in place but integrating them in our day to day lessons is still missing. It may not be because we have no idea to inlcude them in our curriculum but I trully believe that some of our teachers still need to be reminded that technology integration should be considered as a tool to provide effective learning experience and success for our students, connecting with them in ways they are native to. And as "digital immigrants" that we are, change is still something to be accepted. "Everybody is talking about technology integration, but few practicing teachers profess to know exactly how to proceed. The fact is that real integration requires change. . . . However, what seems to be lacking is a model that teachers can use to guide them through the necessary changes they will need to make to be successful in integrating new technology into their classroom" (Johnson & Liu, 2000, p. 4). In regards to the question on where in the process we are in our campus i should say we are still in between stages "doing old thing in old ways" and "doing old things in new ways". I do have seen some movement in our technology integration for the past 2-3 years. Student terminals, smartboards, internet access for our students, clickers, are are just some of the technology tools that we are using but integrating them are still in the works I believe. As MTT mentors in the future, I trully believe that we should have the burden to share our ideas and teach our colleagues what we have learned and be an instrument of change, genuine change in our classrooms. http://www.techlearning.com/article/41670
  • kate Binns on 30 Jan 12
     
    This article neatly summed up many of the barriers facing true technology integration. Several issues resonated with my own experiences. As Elva and President Obama stated above, often teachers primary worry in the classroom is preparing students for state examinations. Third graders spend entire lessons learning how to analyze a multiple choice question and answer it! If students do poorly on a district wide test, teachers go into immediate action to fix the problem. This pressure comes from administration, school districts, and states. In the end, teachers need to produce good to excellent test scores or they end up losing their positions. It's not that teachers don't want to integrate the technology, but at the end of the day, their performance assessment will reflect more heavily upon how their students scored on a test and not how frequently the SmartBoard was utilized. That being said, fully embracing technology could greatly enhance test scores. It will take time. There will be big failures. There will also be big successes! According to Peter Kent's "SmartBoards: Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom", "The catch phrase 'it is not the technology, it is the teacher' has never been so true as it is with interactive whiteboards. An even truer phrase however would be 'it is not just the teacher, it is the school'." Smartboards are just one example of technology that can be utilized in the classroom to increase test scores. However, whenever trying something new there will be failures. Teachers and their administration must understand that and be willing to reevaluate what they are doing. It takes our students multiple tries to master a new concept; we should allow ourselves the same time to master new technology. Works Cited: Kent, P. (2003). Smartboards: Interactive whiteboards in classrooms. In Retrieved from http://www.lhric.org/
  • Olivet Castillo on 30 Jan 12
     
    I can definitely agree with Marc Presnsky's article when it comes to the barriers that prohibit technology integration to occur. I think the first step in moving forward with this concept is the teacher. Prensky writes, "..the teachers and administrators famously resist change." "...such shifting certainly initially means more work and pressure on educators, who already fell overburdened." I think with most teachers, it is fear that is hindering them from fully embracing technology. If teachers are not comfortable or are familiar with the integration of a Web 2.0 tool, then they will definitely not be comfortable teaching/integrating it into their classrooms. As far as my campus, Veterans Middle School, I believe some progress has occurred within the last 2-3 years, it has been a slow paced progress with one or two teachers slowly embracing it. This can be attributed part to Technology Trainings provided by the district as well as the Master of Technology Teacher Program that has been provided to the entire district. Those few teachers who have chosen to participate in the program are getting the skills and confidence, so they in turn will mentor other teachers. The only way to move forward is to collaboratively work as a District and as a campus with technology integration in mind. The following article/blog provides eight simple steps to help the classroom teacher integrate technology. "Implementing Effective Technological Change: What a Classroom Teacher Needs." April 2011 by Greg Swanson. http://edtechtoolbox.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-support-teachers.html
  • Leticia Mendez on 30 Jan 12
     
    I am a BIM teacher and I guess it is easy for me to integrate technology because if I'm not using it then I am really not doing my job, because it is expected as a technology teacher. I have heard all kinds of barriers that teachers complain about, one is not enough computers or not enough training but in fact there is training and the bottom line is the change, some people find it hard to change but once they decide to give technology a try and they become consisted with using it the technology starts working for them or at least they will see it that way. Time will always be an issue and we are in education so we must make do with what we have and in our school just about everyone has a smart board and that is a step up from a regular chalk board which is an easy tech tool to engage students. The support must be there after the training because a teacher needs some one there to follow up on their training just to make sure they are implementing the technology correctly in their lessons and of course integrating other applications as well. (Dragula, 2005) Persistance and consistency is the key to integrating technology and not staying behind with the dinosaurs. Dragula, M.ED, J. (2005, April 1). How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers. Retrieved from Tech & Learning: http://www.techlearning.com/article/42541
  • Esther Sauceda on 30 Jan 12
     
    The campus has shown much improvement integrating technology into their curriculum. More teachers are becoming familiar with Web 2.0 tools, licensed software and diverse hardware devices. Teachers want to integrate technology however face many challenges such as time to learn the skills and to integrate them into their curriculum, technical support, funding, and software/hardware. Some teachers become discourage and impatient when they encounter technical difficulties; thus, classroom computers become unused. According to Great Schools, many schools are now providing each student a laptop to access classroom curriculum, elementary schools are utilizing blogging a vehicle to collaborate and improve writing skills. Many schools are now using Web 2.0 tools to engage students and enhance student learning. Implementing any change becomes beneficial if done properly. Integrating technology becomes possible when teachers are adequately trained, software and hardware are available, provided continuous support is provided and ample time is given to implement the skill Great Schools. Technology in the classroom: Fad or foundation for learning? Retrieved from: http://www.greatschools.org/students/media-kids/130-technology-in-the-classroom-fad-or-foundation-for-learning.gs
  • Delia Torres on 01 Feb 12
     
    Since the implementation of the Master Teacher Technology Program (MTT) in our school district, I have seen a strengthened professional development in the use of technology for classroom instruction. The MMT program has been vital in creating networking connections with other teachers so that we are not working in isolation in the integration of technology. These small teacher groups are gradually moving forward to demonstrate technology integration in their classes to other teachers that are hesitant or fear it. We are learning from each other and becoming a buddy to someone else in our campuses. By networking, we overcome the fear of the unknown in technology usage and work with what we have in the classroom. Adaptation is critical, since most classroom teachers in our school district only have four computers for student usage, whiteboard, projector, and teacher instructional computer. Boss, S. (August 2008). Overcoming Technology Barriers: How to Innovate Without Extra Money or Support. Retrieved from www.edutopia.org: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-how-to-implement-classroom
  • Lisandra Medina on 03 Feb 12
     
    My campus has shown improvement in the past couple of years. Every classroom has a document camera and a smart-board! Almost every class has about 4 class computers for the students to use. The computers are not just for programs now. The computers are used for so much more now. The students have the knowledge on how to use the internet as search engines for research. The students know how to use social networking, which sometimes is not a good idea, but they know how to use it. Some times the students know how to use the computers better than the teacher. But we are always learning because technology is always changing. This is awesome because the students get to be more involved and teachers see how the technology helps the students understand the subjects better! I don't agree with this quote from a Maine teacher "You can mourn the passing of handwriting if you must; the kids certainly won't. If they are writing better and more detailed papers, yes, there has been progress." I think that technology is great but sometimes because a computer has spell check students don't know how to spell. Handwriting should still be taught as well as grammar and spelling. Sometimes these subjects are left behind do to computers. I know that in the future handwriting may be obsolete due to technology but it shouldn't!!!! http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt
  • Karina Arias on 03 Feb 12
     
    I have only been in my school for this first semester. I have not observed many teachers implementing technology in their lessons. Technology seems to be slowly creeping into our lessons. The use of document cameras and projectors are very popular, but the actual implementation with students is minimal. One of my colleagues mentioned that time is an issue, and it is. We are very focused on delivering and making sure our students understand all concepts taught that we often leave the creativity and inquiry out of our lesson plans. Nellie Deutsch mentions that educators are eager and motivated to implement technology into the classroom, but that there are many obstacles to overcome. I couldn't agree more, we need more time to practice and explore the technologies and programs that we wish for our students to use. http://www.nelliemuller.com/obstacles_to_technology_implementation.htm
  • Michelle Salazar on 19 Mar 12
     
    In my campus I have noticed that veteran teachers tend to stay away from technology. Veteran teachers didn't grow up with technology in their classrooms and have been teaching for years with out technology that they see no need to implement it now. I really see that as shameful! Now, as a MTT in training, I really want to change these teachers minds about technology and show them how easy it is to use. "With the infusion of technology into all aspects of daily life, students are becoming more and more adept at using technology as an educational resource. Many faculty, however, are not keeping pace with their students. Additionally, faculty feel increasingly unprepared to integrate technology into the classroom." Efau, J. (2005, May 4). No Teacher Left Behind: How to Teach with Technology. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/NoTeacherLeftBehindHowtoTeachw/157372
  • Salina V on 14 May 12
     
    I seem a bit doubtful that well working laptops can be found for almost 100 dollars for schools as this article suggest, but after looking at Project Inkwell's Web site, it seems like something that we might see in the future. Although I do not foresee my campus being able to complete the "one on one" process any time soon, I feel that it is improving with technology integration. New equipment that I have seen to promote technology integration has already been coming in to our library, which helps us get one step closer to meeting integration goals. We still face a few dilemmas with technology integration, such as lack of working computers in a classroom, or no student Ethernet hookups in the portables, but our administrators do what they can to help us with problems we face with this. There is of course however only so much that they can do, but little by little, I can see the process of technology integration in to the classrooms moving along as each year passes. An example of this movement that has been done can be seen when looking back at the year when our school's portables were first put up. It was at this time that there wasn't any internet provide to those in the portables at all. There as well were not enough SMART boards for every classroom, or any computer classes for 6 grade students. Completing a project using technology with 6 graders was really hard before they opened up computer classes for them. Now, internet, although a bit limited in the portables still, can at least be reached to them, Smart board are given to each teacher, knowledge of technology use is much better than the past 6th graders, and workshops for the use of technology are also provide from time to time. This makes it much more less time consuming for many teachers who wish to integrate technology into their classrooms, and keeps our campus moving in the right track for proper technology integration in our schools. A link, by Project Inkwell, to the prototype dev
Cristina Pintor

Blowing up the gradebook - 4 views

youtu.be/atMlkVgzx-Y

technology Education techlearning 21stcenturyskills Spring 2013 Spring2013

shared by Cristina Pintor on 26 Mar 13 - No Cached
  • Cristina Pintor on 26 Mar 13
     
    Researchers have found three consistent effects of using and emphasizing the importance of grades: 1. Grades tend to reduce students' interest in the learning itself. 2. Grades tend to reduce students' preference for challenging tasks. 3. Grades tend to reduce the quality of students' thinking
  • ...8 more comments...
  • Cristina Pintor on 26 Mar 13
     
    Will you be willing to blow up the gradebook and try this innovative way of grading student's performance in your class?
  • Juan Betancourt on 26 Mar 13
     
    I am willing to blow up the grade book. This will require to lay a foundation of work that students will find interesting and that covers the requirements for the course. A lot of preparation needs to be done by the teacher ahead of time. It will be up the students to select their work and what final grade they want.
  • Ana A. Cavazos on 31 Mar 13
     
    Sounds like PBL again. If the methodologies of teaching must change to teach and prepare students for our ever changing world, perhaps that is another thing that needs to change. In PBL we are using a standard based rubric, and we use a point system1-4. Teachers were quick to ask how they can convert these numbers to grades, but do we really need to? On the other hand, Juan is right, we need to be very well prepared, and have daily progress checks and be sure that a student masters the skills necessary. Either way the accountability of the teacher/guide is immense. I prefer PBL with all the 21st century skills to prepare them for real life.
  • Heather Luna on 31 Mar 13
     
    Sometimes, I can see these effects in my own classroom. As STAAR approaches, we tend to increases the number of mini-marks (practice tests) that students take. Struggling students usually have the attitude of, "I failed last week, and I will probably fail again", whereas, high achieving students think, "AGAIN...I am so bored!". By focusing on the learning, I think children will be more enthusiastic and motivated to learn. In addition, I have seen how grades promote competition between students, which is not always beneficial. I appreciate how Ana referenced PBLs. PBLs are an excellent way to refocus our attention on the heart of the manner, which is student achievement!
  • albert rodriguez on 01 Apr 13
     
    I've been saying this for a long time now, and I all I've gotten thus far are weird looks. How do you like me now! I'm going to use this as a reference to support what I've been saying all along. And yes, it does look like a PBL model in the sense that we'd measure student achievement more individually. The problem is that we don't have buy in from from administration and colleagues, YET, which makes it difficult to get student buy in when not everyone is aboard. I like it very much, and yes, I would be willing to blow up my grade book.
  • Adam Hovde on 03 Apr 13
     
    I would love to do this BUT if the students are being judged on scores to get into college then I will have to give them scores. I teach juniors and seniors and they are all worried about their grades so they can get into college. Until the system changes I am goingot have to give grades. What is funny is my higher level students want grades. They are always asking about their grades and how they can bring up their grades. They associate school with grades and that is what is important to them. We as educators need to be associating learning with school not just grades. I think this is a great idea but I can not get rid of the gradebook yet. Here is to wishful thinking.
  • Gayle Curry Robinson on 03 Apr 13
     
    I'm with some of the others who commented - I would love this but..... I completely agree grades lead to a reduction in everything from interest (student and teacher) to quality of learning and teaching. It seems all the research in the world doesn't change the way students and teachers are assessed. Remember portfolio assessments? Portfolios assessed the learner as a whole and looked at growth over the year. Much like PBLs, as other mentioned, it measures student achievement individually. Like Albert said, there isn't buy in yet. We are a grade driven system. Students, parents. administrators, etc. associate success or failure with grades. I would love to blow up my grade book and focus on student growth!
  • Isabel Cabrera on 07 Apr 13
     
    I would love to blow up the grade book. Every week I am picking up 15 grades per week because I am self-contained and teach all subjects. Sometimes it is so overwhelming and time consuming. Although, it does measure whether or not the students are mastering the objectives. With grades we are constantly re-teaching objectives that students did not get in conference tutorials and keep on teaching new objectives. It feels like the teachers, students, administrators are so worried and stressed over grades, numbers, benchmark scores, and percentages for data. Especially with STAAR, we are so consumed over numbers!
  • Dara Cepeda on 08 Apr 13
     
    I really like the idea of removing homework from class..but not grades though at least not completely. Maybe reduce the amount of grades we have to submit but not blow them up, otherwise all students would be passing. I think that instead of giving 100 questions for homework, students could get a home project; such as "record a video explaining step by step how to solve this particular problem" and then they'll have to learn it so they can teach it in the video. I agree, students learn with informal learning and video games, schools need to start providing this kind of school to modern kids. We shouldn't be teaching and grading to the test.
  • Edna Orozco on 10 Apr 13
     
    Wow, I am impressed! It sounds wonderful, but scary at the same time, just imagine: No homework, no deadlines, It is difficult for me because It is totally opposite to what I learned in my life, but I have to think times are changing and so does people, I am not saying it is easy and difficult for me, but also it is not impossible to try, specially if it will help our new students generations, I will be willing to try this new system of education.
Conrado Gonzalez

Teaching Coding to Middle and High School - 14 views

Loved the video Lupita. This weekend I was just talking about that with a close friend of mine. We both got into programming when we were very little but somehow didn't have the parental support at...

technology Education resources tools 21stcenturyskills techlearning

started by Lupita Sanchez on 28 Apr 13 7 follow-ups, last by Conrado Gonzalez on 01 May 13
Salina V

Technology In Your Classroom - 19 views

I think my class has become more tech savy. I think it could be much more, but with this being the first year of STAAR testing and having a really bad internet connection in the portables where I ...

started by Lisandra Medina on 10 Apr 12 9 follow-ups, last by Salina V on 14 May 12
Delilah Alegria

How has becoming an MTT change you? - 45 views

When I first started the MTT program, I was a bit skeptical about my abilities to perform at a high level. I quickly realized that becoming an MTT was more of a learning experience than an assessme...

tech classroom

started by Claudia MARQUEZ on 19 Feb 12 18 follow-ups, last by Delilah Alegria on 26 Mar 12
1 - 20 of 86 Next › Last »
Showing 20▼ items per page