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Erik Columbus

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Erik Columbus

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marydermit

PLE Articles - 2 views

  • PLEs place a large amount of responsibility on students and thus requires a high level of self-management and awareness. Not every student is ready for this responsibility, so teachers need to have strategies in place to guide and support these learners.
    • moodyh
       
      This is the part that I get stuck on.  Many students are either not mature enough for this yet or have been so put off by school that they think there is no educational topic that interests them.  In a more one-on-one environment, like my alt school, I can usually find something to interest them and get them going.  However, in a traditional school setting, where I see students only for an hour each day for only 60 days, and so many of them, it's hard to work with each student one-on-one to get them motivated.  I think all the comments that the whole school would have to shift (rather than just one classroom) makes sense because the students would have to learn how to deal with this new level of responsibility.  60 hours with one teacher just won't get that accomplished, no matter how phenomenal the teacher is.
    • alissahansen
       
      I definitely agree with you on this. Since I teach freshmen, I feel like a lot of time is teaching them just how to be good citizens (at school, at home, in the community, and in the world)! I only see them for 45 minutes each day, but I do see them all year. I would really like to implement a more personalized learning environment for them, but I know it's going to be an up-hill climb all of the way!
    • alissahansen
       
      Last comment by Alissa Hansen.
    • edamisch
       
      This would be a challenge for me as well, since I only have my 6th graders for 9 weeks per school year, and my 7th and 8th graders for 7 weeks per school year! 
    • Lisa Hackman
       
      Being a teacher in an alternative program, most of my students just want to be done with school as quick as possible. They are so tired of playing the game of school. I must admit, unfortunately, that I may feed that "get-done-with-school-as-soon-as-possible" mentality by pushing students to stay on track or get ahead of the game. However, if the student becomes the driver in their own learning then maybe they will be more motivated. As educators, we need to tap into the "What's in if for me?" mindset that many students have. Find an interest of the students and build their learning environment around that interest. Much easier said than done.
    • dwefel
       
      I agree with this. I also think that parents need to be aware of what teachers are doing as well. A high school teacher at my former school put everything on Twitter and one parent did not want her 15 year old daughter to have a Twitter account. Something to always think about and be ready to have alternative ways to do assignments or simply make it a requirement.
  • professionalism is far more about the effective manipulation– access, evaluation, & applicatio
    • moodyh
       
      This seems to be a recurring theme as well.  Getting students ready for the "real world" isn't so much about making sure they know lots of details about every subject area, but making sure they could find and understand any detail in any subject area that they will need.  The goal of education seems less about passing on information as teaching students how to organize and understand the over-abundance of it.  How then do we balance this with the extreme focus on core-curriculum?  Finding a balance is the challenge.
    • lisalillian311
       
      Yes, it seems there needs to be instruction on how to gather/organize the information and reliable sources, and then instruction on using it.  While the end result is positive, it will take time to jump start students in their own PLE.
  • Symbaloo has created a version of the platform specifically for educators
    • moodyh
       
      We got introduced to Symbaloo at school this year, although I might check into the EDU version.  I got logged in and played for a few minutes, but never had the time to develop something usable because as a district we were on to something different.  I like that our district provides us with many topics and learning opportunities, but I wish that I had more time to focus on one thing.  I think this is probably what it's like for students.  They get exposed to so much, but they need help organizing it and time to explore.  
    • lisalillian311
       
      Yes, Symballoo seems like more than one day of PD.  I haven't started my own yet, but I think it will take time to get a handle on the lingo as well as using the tools within the website.
    • Alison Ruebel
       
      I agree as teachers we would need to be taught or have time to explore this site and learn how to exactly model it appropriately to our grade level. I would love to see how other teachers use this and model it in their classrooms too. 
    • edamisch
       
      I can relate to this feeling, whenever I attend a conference, I learn so much that I need a day or two afterwards to just process and create the new games and activities that I've found, but it is always straight back to teaching. 
    • moodyh
       
      Some teacher as my school went to a conference this year and actually talked administration into another professional development day where they could just process all of their information.  It was pretty cool.
  • ...37 more annotations...
  • Some instructors empower students to use their own mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones as a means to create PLEs.
    • lisalillian311
       
      We have 1-on-1 technology in our district, which is ideal for PLEs.  However, when the student forgets the laptop or has no power left in the battery, the smartphone comes in handy.  It is tougher to monitor the smartphone.
    • lisalillian311
       
      Autonomy is a great concern for me.  With collaboration being stressed in CCS, will students be able to conquer this skill without the use of technology?  At some point, some issues have to be discussed face-to-face, and there is a separate skill set for that environment.
    • lisalillian311
       
      I like the idea of Symballoo--kind of like a favorites list and bookmarks in my Google account.  What will take time for me is learning all the lingo attached to Symballoo!
    • lisalillian311
       
      What is aggregator?
    • alissahansen
       
      I have always been a support of helpful tech resources that students are interested in, which is why I am always trying to learn more about different Apps and tools and explore them myself. Once I play around a bit, I usually introduce it to my students. Sometimes the resources are new, sometimes not, but there are so many wonderful tools out there. I visit Richard Byrne's site once a day! Currently, our language arts department has Chromebook carts for each classroom and the district is allocating more and more to different departments. They are wonderful to have, but students will get bored very quickly if they are only being used for tech sake. I LOVE the idea of having students create a Symbaloo. In fact, my plan is to have them begin one at the start of the school year and then they can add to it as we move through different units. This would have been particularly helpful during our research unit.  I also like the idea of "empower"ing students to use their phones and other mobile devices, but we do have a pretty strict policy on phone usage at our school. Sometimes students' phones work much more efficiently than the Chromebooks. (Alissa Hansen)
    • spfantz
       
      I think my students would love deciding which medium to use. I also have a lot of artistic students who would chose to create a paper/pencil project similar in format to a prezi presentation or blog with pictures.
    • edamisch
       
      Choice can be such a motivator for students, we all have our strengths and weaknesses! 
    • emilyzelenovich
       
      This is something I also worry about with the students I teach. While I appreciate their willingness to use technology and the creativity it lends itself to, I worry about their ability to solve problems and communicate effectively face to face. How do you ensure they are learning these essential skills as well when things are so individualized? 
    • Jessica Athen
       
      This made me think about how difficult it is to have a PLE in a traditional classroom setting. We have 1:1 technology in our district, but students are extremely limited in what websites and programs they can use (You Tube, all social media, etc is blocked for students.) We also do not allow students to use tablets or smartphones in the classroom, with some teachers wanting to enact a school wide ban on smart phones and tablets so that they are not allowed in school at all. I am so excited to be learning about all of the opportunities PLEs offer students, but I also think there are many changes that will have to be made before we can start moving in this direction.
  • The vast array of options and sense of autonomy that lies at the very heart of personal learning environments can also be a huge inhibitor.
    • alissahansen
       
      I also worry about autonomy, as I teach freshmen English and 14 and 15 year olds do not have a "high level of self-management and awareness," at least not many. Like any classroom, however, guidelines need to be firmly in place and I think autonomy would need to be frontloaded before jumping into a PLE. I do think students would do very well in this type of environment. In fact, I often have students telling me about different resources they go to on a daily basis...whether it's to get advice, read a review, write a review, or even write a short story! The possibilities are endless, but I do think structure needs to be in place. At least to begin with. I start the year with my freshmen discussing and reading/watching material regarding civility, we made a code of civility in each class, and then we blog about our practicing of it throughout the year. I would like to implement a PLE in much the same manner. (Alissa Hansen)
  • The idea of having one site to log into daily and then a pre-constructed  dashboard of all the learning tools and spaces available to us seemed appealing to the 7th period students
    • alissahansen
       
      I do think that using a Symbaloo is a great idea to manage resources, and it looks like something my students would enjoy working with. However, my school has really moved towards using Google Classroom and teachers having Google sites, which I spend a lot of time and energy on with both. I think too many tech items can be a cognitive overload for students and teachers alike. I think if I am to use something like Symbaloo, I would need to eliminate at least Classroom or Sites and maybe even some of the other many sites that I have students use (Newsela, NoRedInk, Kahoot, etc.). It's just hard for me, especially with the site that I have created because I have spent so much time on it over the past three years. I just don't think students would benefit from having to click around to a lot of different resources, especially if they are teacher-created. (Alissa Hansen)
    • ascallon
       
      I like the idea of a daily log in for updates.  I think this would work in the Green Belt classroom for relaying information as students don't attend the same schedule each day.
  • Teachers are challenged to provide the appropriate balance between structured lessons and learner autonomy in order to facilitate self-directed learning.
    • alissahansen
       
      Great quote on the benefits of PLE, but getting students who are not "ready" or mature enough to handle this type of self-direction will struggle. A challenge for teachers indeed! I think the classroom (physical environment) setup is the first thing that needs to be changed in order to prepare students for this type of autonomy. What do the rest of you think? (Alissa Hansen)
    • alissahansen
       
      I guess I should also state that I do not think students are getting enough opportunities to be autonomous, which is why they struggle and fear it when they are given the opportunity. (Alissa Hansen)
  • A personal learning environment (PLE) with personal knowledge management (PKM) tools An eportfolio A collection of resources related to a problem-based learning challenge Study group resources
    • alissahansen
       
      I am really looking forward to starting this with students. It's like a one-stop shop for their individual needs. One of the biggest setbacks I have faced in recent years was trying out a multitude of tech resources and although some were helpful, clicking around all over the place was overwhelming! (Alissa Hansen)
    • spfantz
       
      I was devistated when google removed igoogle, and I think this could definitely take its place. I agree that students will appreciate the convenience of this site.
    • Lisa Hackman
       
      Alissa, I get overwhelmed with the amount of resources and tools available. I often don't know where to start, so I opt not to. Thankfully, I'm taking this class and I have the opportunity to investigate and use some PLE tools like Diigo and Symbaloo, things I've never heard of until now!
  • method students use to organize their self-directed online learning
    • spfantz
       
      I think this would be very powerful and I would love to create something like this, personally. I think my accellerated students would thrive, but worry that my lower level students would struggle due to a lack of confidence in themselves and lack of self-awareness. I wonder if there are certain organizational PLE templates that would work better for certain learning styles? Or perhaps a template would defeat the pourpose.....
  • attend to supporting students in developing their skills and motivations for becoming themselves networked and sophisticated online learners
    • spfantz
       
      I love the idea of supporting students individually, I just struggle to envision being able to support all my students adequately within my classroom. I feel like it would be easy to digress with a student over their PLE, but feel it could be difficult to find the time.
    • jroffman
       
      I sooo agree!!!! I would love to watch how an expert teacher teaches in a PLE classroom! I love the concept and the idea I am just struggling to make it work in the classroom.
    • Kristina Dvorak
       
      I like this concept, I think it is easier to do in a classroom that is content specific.  I can see where it would be more difficult if a teacher was responsible for teaching multiple content areas.  At the same time, that teacher doesn't have to be the the information source for all the students, time is just the factor.  
    • moodyh
       
      That's interesting.  I think PLEs would be easier to manage in multiple content areas because they would have to be working on their own thing.  The environment is really suited for it.
  • subscribe to news feeds and blogs, discern the value of social bookmarks, and set up the aggregator to manage all the Internet resources.
    • spfantz
       
      Subscribing to news feeds and blogs would be a great technique to compare and contrast views related to the students' topics of interest. This could be difficult for the teacher to monitor, digo might be a great way to track this!
    • jroffman
       
      This is what I am trying to develop in my preschool class room where the students are in charge of their own learning, and I am more of a resource. What I struggle with is classroom management, I feel like all of the students are demanding my attention and I can't help everyone. 
    • edamisch
       
      Sometimes it is hard to fathom the classroom management of a PLE of 12-22 students, which is what I currently have, let alone 30+ like many districts have.  
    • nwhipple
       
      Having your students be more independent is wonderful.  This past year I did less large group instruction and more small groups.  I taught my kindergarten students "Ask 3 before me".  They had to ask 3 people for help or what we were doing before coming to me.  When they came to me, especially when i was working with my small group, I asked them "did you ask 3 before me?".  If they didn't, they would just turn around and go find something.  This is a start for having your students become more independent.  BY creating a PLE for young students, they feel more in control of their learning too.  If you, the teacher, set it up and give them access to a variety of things to do, they will enjoy what they are doing and feel they are making "their own choices".  
  • Personal learning environments are beneficial because they support learning anywhere and allow learners to connect the diverse environments of school, home and play. Students can extend their learning into questions to parents, email conversations, Facebook posts or even twitter hashtags.
    • jroffman
       
      I don't want to sound negative in my post here because I really am all for personalized learning. I wonder how we can get administration on board with us. I struggle with old school administration who tell me as a teacher that I can not use my phone during the day, that I can not use facebook, and about passed out when they realized that parents text me, questions and changes in their child's schedule. I did have a secret facebook page and it was wonderful I would use it to include parents with our studies. 
    • Alison Ruebel
       
      Good point. I agree with your post. It is hard to get some administrators going along with this new idea of personalized learning. Even at my other school I taught at Facebook and some other social networking sites were blocked. I like the idea of having a Facebook page with parents and students to keep parents informed with stuff going on at school, and also a way for students to post and communicate with parents and classmates. I think these social websites are necessary in schools, but the big question is how do we get teachers and administration to go for it? 
    • Kristina Dvorak
       
      Our District has blocked a lot of the social sites as well, it comes from the upper levels of administration and not our building admin.  I think they tend to be out of touch with the possibilities and fear the unknown.   It would be great to use Facebook for connecting with parents and students.  The alternative given to us is Canvas in which parents have access to teachers.  But it isn't as easy or convenient as Facebook.  That is certainly one site I wish we could use at work.   I do like the idea of personalized learning environments, especially the concept of students seeking knowledge that is useful for them!  This appears to be the best way to create life-long learners!
    • edamisch
       
      Facebook is blocked at my school as well, which is a shame since it'd be a way to create an immersion like setting in my Spanish classroom.  If I see something cool on the site that related to class, such as photos from a friend's time in Panama with the Peace Corps, I turn the wifi off on my phone so that Facebook will work, and just walk around the class showing kids, which is risky, I know.  I'm sure there is a cord that I could connect from my phone to SmartBoard to make this more feasible.  I should probably get a separate teacher facebook page for things like this.  Some of the articles that pop up in my feed from magazines like Women's Health are not school appropriate!  
  • Students engaging in networked learning have to learn to be more self-directed than in the typical classroom… they are required to take a more active role in the learning process
    • jroffman
       
      by teaching students how to be self learners and how to be active in the learning process I think that as kids and adults these students will want to be life long learners and not someone who only does it because they have to. Or worse yet lets everyone else do it for them. I love the independence PLE classrooms create
    • Jessica Athen
       
      I see so many students who do not understand how to play an active role in their learning because they have been conditioned to rely on the teacher. Many students get very anxious and really don't know what to do when they are asked to complete self-directed activities. I think PLE will provide students with the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning, which will help them throughout their lives.
  • Personal Learning Environments (PLE) are not to be confused with Learning Management Systems (LMS) that are implemented and maintained by institutions.
    • Alison Ruebel
       
      This is very important! I see the (LMS) approach in our school and in many other schools. I feel like it wouldn't be hard to confuse (LMS and PLE) these different approaches, because they seem so different. The chart gave a good outline of how different they are compared to each other. 
    • Kristina Dvorak
       
      The chart is helpful in understanding the differences.  The LMS could also be a tool in a student's PLE.  
    • edamisch
       
      Agreed, charts and lists make learning so much easier than paragraphs, at least for me. 
  • continue to collect feedback from students on how this learning tool is working for them and how they are using it for themselves as well as within their groups–I’m excited to see what will happen.  I may also informally introduce Symbaloo to some of last year’s Media 21 students and get their feedback on how they think Symbaloo compares to Netvibes and what their preferences are as students.   In the meantime, I’ve created
    • Alison Ruebel
       
      I like the idea of getting student feedback on technology and the use of different resources. You can really learn student interest and their honest opinions through surveys or different forms of feedback. 
  • It’s easy to use A learner can pull information that’s personally useful to him/her Learners can personalize tiles to make them easy to spot Learners can add to, and draw from, a community of webmixes Interactivity + personalization = fun
    • Alison Ruebel
       
      These look like awesome reasons why Symbaloo is a great learning tool for students. I can definitely see this resource being used in grades k-12. Although, for example, I teach 1st grade and I can see my students loving this, but they will need lots of guidance and modeling of how to set it up and use it to help them become independent with it. I can see once it's set up it would be awesome for students to have all of their favorite resources and sites all in one place! 
    • ascallon
       
      I like the idea of having research available at one spot.  So many times when I ask a student where he/she found the information, it cannot be located.  I want to see projects with more detail.  
    • ascallon
       
      I have a concern about distractions.  Students tend to use their phones and computers more for entertainment and chatting with friends over research and presentation.  
    • edamisch
       
      Agreed, a high school I taught at did not have locks on lockers, meaning kids brought their phones to class so that they wouldn't be stolen. Preventing snapchatting was difficult for me!  
    • marydermit
       
      I have experienced the same issues with my high schools students.  I may take a different approach based on one of the side articles that stated, "students are still learning while they are wasting time because they will see consequences are for late work."
  • “learning by doing” and “student as worker,”
    • ascallon
       
      I would like to have some strategies to help students having an understanding of the shift in learning for them to become more involved in their learning.  How do I motivate them to go beyond bookwork to exploring topics?
    • moodyh
       
      When you find the answer, please fill me in too!
    • nwhipple
       
      I feel this is a big struggle right now in our district.  Teachers are wanting their students to dig deep into a topic or their work.  Students are given choices but still only surface the top of the water, doing the bare minimum, when we want them to dive in and go to the bottom.  In my classroom, my students have a writing journal.  We write in this "special" journal once a week.  At the beginning of the year, I give them ideas to write about.  Some write while others will simply draw a picture because they don't know how to write.  By the middle of the year, every is writing something, whether it is a complete sentences or a few words.  I will give them a few choices to choose from or they can write about something they want to.  BY the end of the year, they know to take out their journals and write about anything they want.  I want my students to take control of their own learning and reflect back on their work over the year so by having this year long journal, they can see their progression and how they took control over their writing.  
  • Many students in the first class that tried Symbaloo today commented that they liked the clean, visual interface of Symbaloo and the ease of adding content; they also liked that they could customize the “tiles” they were adding and that their webmixes loaded quickly.
    • Kristina Dvorak
       
      With my limited experience with Symbaloo, I agree with the fact that it does seem easy add and customize content.  I think my students would find this to be a helpful tool.  I also like the idea of encouraging students to use it for tracking both personal and school related information.  
  • learning toward facilitation of students’ “active role in the learning process” and teachers’ provision of the right balance between structured lessons and autonomy; let’s never forget it is an ongoing balancing act.
    • Kristina Dvorak
       
      This is a good reminder.  Students need to take on a more active role, but there is always a good balance.  It probably shouldn't be all one way or all another way.  
    • principalchris
       
      How true!  It will be difficult for some students to lead their own learning.  They have been passive for so long it will be a shock to their systems.
  • a number of tiles to get you started,
    • edamisch
       
      So like the apps that come with an iphone. 
    • principalchris
       
      Just set up my account and can't wait to see what else I can add.  This is a great time saver.
  • teachers must pursue training and be knowledgeable of how to utilize PLEs to enhance learning and ensure that students are using this e-learning tool in a meaningful way.
    • Lisa Hackman
       
      I believe this is where the transformation must start, with good, consistent professional development. The key here is ensuring students are using the technology, whether that be a tablet, laptop, or smartphone, appropriately for learning.
    • marydermit
       
      I very much agree the process must start with PD.  PD needs to be personalized. From a baby boomer perspective we need mini PD sessions for technology applications.  Otherwise I think there will be resistance from this age group because of limited tech skills. 
  • I could stand to be more savvy in my own organizing of online learning and networking: I’ve been slow to use tools and develop skills for managing online resource
    • Lisa Hackman
       
      I can so relate to this comment. Finding time to explore and become comfortable with the vast array of tools avaiable is my biggest challenge. I get so caught up in the day-to-day management of 10+ students attending the alternative program (I am the only adult in the room with the students), I don't often have time to explore what's out there. Even when my admin and tech people pass along a list of resources, it is overwhelming to me. Much of my time is spent tracking down students, following up with parents, and documenting the events of the day.
    • Jessica Athen
       
      I also feel overwhelmed by all of the technology that I "should" be learning about and using with my students. We spend a lot of PD time on technology and incorporating it into our classrooms, but I feel like we just get a quick overview of whatever program they want us to use at that time, and then we never really get time to explore it and develop ways to incorporate it into our teaching.
    • jenniferlb
       
      I'm with you! There are so many cool resources and tech tools I want to learn and use...but actually finding the time to explore and implement is another story!
  • Teachers, she explains, are no longer the primary or even the best source of information available to students
    • Lisa Hackman
       
      As a teacher in a one-room alternative program, I KNOW this to be true. I feel like the jack-of-all trades, master of none on many days. I see myself more as a manager and facilitator of their learning than the direct source.
    • dwefel
       
      I always think this after I watch the history channel. I learn so much from the history channel and it is so much more interesting than listening to a lecture.
    • moodyh
       
      I am in a one-teacher room as well, and while I try to keep up, there is now way to know it all.  Even in the traditional classroom where I teach personal finance, I feel unable to keep up with it all.  But it is hard to let go of the reigns when you have taught that way and everyone else around you teaches that way.
  • I encouraged students to use their accounts as an information dashboard for “professional” or school interests as well as personal passions.
    • Jessica Athen
       
      I really like the idea of showing students how to use this technology and their learning for both "professional and personal use." I think when you tell students that it is "ok" for them to use technology this way, they learn more because they aren't compartmentalizing their usage of this technology as only for school, which means that they are more likely to use the program and play around with it, which will increase their learning opportunities.
  • This encourages students to apply their learning in different venues which creates a culture of lifelong learning.
    • dwefel
       
      This is exactly what educators are going for, to create life long learners. Using PLEs will create that. I am so excited to incorporate this in my classroom and help others do the same.
    • jillnovotny
       
      I completely agree with you that we want students to become life-long learners! When students leave school, we want students to be able to do seek out their own research, contacts, and resources to solve everyday problems. If students are never presented with opportunities to direct and manage their own learning, they will not be as successful. Giving students permission to learn about and engage with things they are passionate about can only lead to positive educational outcomes (with appropriate supports of course)!
  • For example, you can create tiles that link to challenges, quiz questions, polls, discussion forums, chat pages, and other types of content and media that will facilitate more student involvement and creativity.
    • dwefel
       
      This sounds fun. I am looking forward to set up an account. I think kids would really like this. It is nice to have one place for everything.
  • students still needed some kind of information dashboard to manage all of their information streams for the upcoming project.
    • jillnovotny
       
      I think it is a great idea to have a place for students to "store" the information they need to research and interact with their content. My students have used symbaloo in computer class and it has taken away a lot of the management concerns. Students know where to go to find the tools they need to keep progressing with their learning!
    • principalchris
       
      What a great idea!  When that notebook with all the notes is missing, it could be stored and used during class instead of searching or pretending to search.  Maybe we could teach them responsibility again!
  • PLEs give learners a high degree of control over their work by allowing them to customize the learning experience and connect to others, including experts in the field
    • jillnovotny
       
      This is exactly what we want - students to have a high degree of control over their work! By allowing them to customize the learning experience and connect with others, including experts, students are getting real-life experience that will help them solve the problems they face in their everyday lives. A PLE can help students organize this self-directed learning. Students will likely know what they want to learn but organizing that learning is often what students need support in. PLEs are helpful in providing students with tools they need to gather information, conduct research, and present their findings!
  • personalized learning that allows students to direct and manage their own learning experience while pursuing educational goals
    • jillnovotny
       
      In my opinion, this is exactly what we want students to be able to do! By supporting students in their academic endeavors, students learn to view teachers as guides or facilitators rather than "the one who knows all." In thinking about what we want students to be able to do when they leave school, we want students to be able to do seek out their own research, contacts, and resources to solve everyday problems. If students are never presented with opportunities to direct and manage their own learning, they will not be as successful!
    • marydermit
       
      You are right!  If students do not get to practice this skills by doing then they will struggle when they enter the workforce. 
  • The development of PLEs represents a shift in focus from teacher centered classrooms to more learner centered classrooms. As such, teachers must learn to effectively incorporate these social media based initiatives into their lessons.
    • jenniferlb
       
      This sounds absolutely ideal. The challenge we as educators face with students using their own technology during instruction and competing for their attention has steadily increased over recent years. How cool would it be if it were used to enhance their learning rather than get in the way of it!
    • katie50009
       
      I do have some concerns that a lot of the PLE is based on on-line learning. Students use technology constantly, but I have also seen them get frustrated with technology and on-line learning when it seems hard to navigate or they are not receiving adequate feedback.
  • The Symbaloo interface looks a bit like a high-tech Scrabble board with movable “tiles” on it. These tiles give you access to Web pages or other webmixes.
    • jenniferlb
       
      As someone completely new to this type of program, I really like the looks of it.  It appears friendly and seems to lend itself to some really great things.
  • What I do like about Symbaloo is that if I make any updates to this webmix, students receive the updates as well!
    • nwhipple
       
      This is really handy for parents as well.  I send them the link and they can access my web mix at home.  When I make an update, I alert parents via my shutterfly site.  Parents can go to my web mix and have their child show them games we are playing that reinforces our learning goals.  It is also nice because parents don't have to download anything or search for hours on something educational for their child to do because it is already done for them.
  • Because Symbaloo is web-based, you can access your favorite webmixes from different computers.
    • nwhipple
       
      This is so great because I can share this with parents and their child can access my game page at home.  If parents allow screen time at home, I feel that by providing this web mix to them to access will only benefit their child and help them learn and reinforce our learning in the classroom.  
  • The concept of PLE is not a way to replace classroom learning, but to enhance it.
    • principalchris
       
      This is the comment many teachers were hoping to read.  I understand the hesitation to give students control of the learning environment, but is it working by controlling them?
    • marydermit
       
      PLE research shows there are less behavior issues because kids get to learn based on their interests promoting intrinsic motivation to learn.  I think it would be great to teach in a PLE.  
  • Personal learning environments (PLE) are a new approach to personalized learning that allows students to direct and manage their own learning experience while pursuing educational goals. The idea for PLEs was born from the emergence of Web 2.0 tools and the ubiquity of technology in today’s society. Students now have access to desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and game systems that connect them to free online tools that are always available. These tools provide a medium for students to create their own learning space that is more natural and unique to their interests and learning styles.
    • katie50009
       
      One of the key phrases here is "learning goals." I think we have to also explore how to help students define and establish learning goals for themselves. I am not sure they are always able to do this--at least in a way that is pushing and challenging what they already know or are able to do.
  • The social media platform that supports PLEs creates a perfect space for peer collaboration and sharing information.
    • katie50009
       
      I must remember that baby steps can get use to PLE for more students. It is overwhelming to think about changing the traditional model of education so many are used to until I read this line and take a deep breath. The sharing and conducting of "research" students are doing in individual leassons or units is a stgep in the right direction.
  • o horribly wrong if teachers fail to prepare students and set usage parameters.
    • katie50009
       
      I feel so much better reading this. I experienced this first hand. I thought my students were ready for the responsibility I was handing over; I thought I had set the "right" parameters, but, alas, the learning was not as rich as it could have been. In many cases, it turned out to be a huge waste of time. I still feel guilty about it. I guess the positive is that I am still trying to learn more about implementing PLE's effectively.
    • marydermit
       
      Yes, it is a positive because you learned from the experience.  Now you know what worked and what needs to be revised.  
Martha Condon

You Tube videos for using Google Docs - 0 views

  •  
    These videos are linked directly from the Google Apps website and consist of tutorials on how to make the most of Google Docs.
Sandy Ubben

Google Docs Tour - 1 views

  •  
    Google Docs Basics
Clint Luscombe

Google Labs - Explore Google's New Ideas - 0 views

  •  
    Google is leading the way and this will keep you updated!
Deb Henkes

Google Documents, Spreadsheets, Forms, Presentations & Drawing - wesfryer - 0 views

  •  
    Wow, Wes Fryer has created the ultimate Google Doc for educators resource page!
Barbara Day

Education Week Teacher Professional Development Sourcebook: Writing Re-Launched: Teachi... - 1 views

  • Another distinction between the two types of writing is that while traditional writing formats, such as journaling, are frequently used for private reflection, digital writing is almost always meant for an audience.
    • Ginny Kraus
       
      I agree that personal writings are more often found in journaling and by hand while digital writing (wikis, blogs, communications) is for an audience - to be published for others to see.
    • Barbara Day
       
      I like the terminology, digital writing, technology based visual aid.  Wordle or Tagxedo would be good to include in Moodle.
  • Tech-savvy teachers tend to agree that digital writing differs from conventional composition in ways that can spur student engagement and creativity.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • By design, pen-and-paper composition is a one-person undertaking. But digital writing is often collaborative.
  • they can create a text jointly, through shared documents or wikis, or they can take turns posting on a collective blog.
  • Of the many digital tools Malley uses, Google Docs has been one of the most transformational, he says. Google Docs stores documents on the Web, so they are accessible from anywhere, and allows users to share their work with others—making it easy to edit or co-author a piece.
  • Although digital and traditional writing diverge in some ways, their roots are very much alike.
  • Solid conventional writing skills are the basis for making short films as well,
  • The caveat to using digital tools, many tech-savvy educators note, is to keep focused on instructional goals, and not use technology simply for technology’s sake.
    • Barbara Day
       
      Identify which objectives or Common Core Standards you are meeting. If you can't, then you need to rethink the use of this tool.
  • Outside of their classes, students most often encounter digital writing—that is, writing created or read on a computer or other Internet-connected device, as defined in Because Digital Writing Matters, the book Eidman-Aadahl co-authored. While digital writing melds visual, audio, and text, “so much of school writing is consciously in the other direction,” says Eidman-Aadahl.
  • digital writing skills are critical to “college and career readiness.” Digital writing assignments “match the real world” and give students experience composing “in a form people will actually read,” she says.
  • as part of their oral presentations, students were required to include a technology-based visual aid, such as an interactive poster made through Glogster or a word cloud created with Wordle.
  •  
    Article about using technology for teaching writing in schools.
emmeyer

ollie-afe-2018: Article: Attributes from Effective Formative Assessment (CCSSO) - 4 views

  • there are a number of formative assessment strategies that can be implemented during classroom instruction
    • jhazelton11
       
      technology has made access to formative assessments easier (in my opinion) because once they are created.... they are usually there forever
    • carlarwall
       
      There are so many strategies that teachers can use to formatively assess. Some can be more informal than others, but they provide great insight into supporting teachers with the planning of their next steps.
  • The students must be actively involved in the systematic process intended to improve their learning.
    • jhazelton11
       
      This can be a challenging concept to teach, especially to high schoolers--- that they need to take part of their own responsibility in learning
    • bbraack
       
      I agree that students do need to take responsibility in their own learning. Many times high school students don't do this, they just do the work asked and it is up to the teacher to do all the work in order for them to learn or understand.
    • trgriffin1
       
      I have not personally done this, but data notebooks are a great example of this. I have students reflect on scores but I have not asked them to keep a notebook or journal.
    • blockerl
       
      Yes! We struggle so much getting students to self edit their papers. However, it is important for them to review what they have written and improve their skills. The more we can encourage students to do this the better.
  • With this kind of descriptive feedback and collaboration, the teacher clarifies the goal for the student, provides specific information about where the student is in relation to meeting the criteria, and offers enough substantive information to allow the student an opportunity to identify ways to move learning forward
    • jhazelton11
       
      I know that often times teacher build in stepping-stones (formative feedback) to give students feedback on larger writings or projects along the way. What happens when kids don't turn these rough drafts in on time, though?
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      That is a great point. Some of my LA teachers "assign" a copy to every student in Google Classroom - this way they can monitor the student work as it is being completed. Many give feedback throughout the process and are able to catch issues and help students to fix them before the rough draft is turned in. Is it perfect - far from it - but students are getting more timely feedback.
  • ...64 more annotations...
  • To support both self- and peer-assessment, the teacher must provide structure and support so students learn to be reflective of their own work and that of their peers, allowing them to provide meaningful and constructive feedback.
    • jhazelton11
       
      I like the idea of having students create the rubric that they will assess with- it gives them buy in and ownership, plus makes them understand the expectations more clearly
  • In this type of classroom culture, students will more likely feel they are collaborators with their teacher and peers in the learning process.
    • jhazelton11
       
      I worry about creating this type of collaborative culture online... I know there are plenty of tools, but I'm worried it won't "feel" the same.
    • trgriffin1
       
      In my opinion, a key part of creating this collaborative feel is to make sure students feel like part owners in the process. They need to feel like the learning is something they are doing instead of being done to them. The potential for handing off control in the online class is greater because a student is independent, however the challenge for the teacher is to make sure the student doesn't feel along.
  • classroom culture
    • brarykat
       
      This is one of the most important aspects of teaching to me after knowledge of content.  Students and staff should feel safe, respect for others, acknowledge and celebrate our diversity, consistency, and honesty. Falsifying test results, assessments with purposeful trick questions, and threats over scores is very disturbing.  These things should not happen if the classroom culture matters to the teacher.
  • A further benefit of providing feedback to a peer is that it can help deepen the student’s own learning.
  • further
  • A further benefit of providing feedback to a peer is that it can help deepen the student’s own learning.
  • further
  • A further benefit of providing feedback to a peer is that it can help deepen the student’s own learning.
    • brarykat
       
      I agree that peer feedback can deepen the student's learning.  But I also know from experience it won't have the desired outcome without participants taking the exercise seriously.  They need to find value in helping others and listening to critiques.
  • constructive feedback
    • brarykat
       
      Constructive feedback needs to be modeled by the teacher for students to do this successfully.  Professional development refreshers and training may need to be provided for teachers to attend.
    • staudtt
       
      I do like that there are many ways to do this now. Google Docs has made this easy with commenting. Of course we can use Diigo to. There are also several voice and video tools to use too.
    • blockerl
       
      I agree that refreshers and training needs to happen for this time of constructive feedback. This would be a great PD for curricular area professional developments.
  • It should help the student answer three basic questions: Where am I going? Where am I now? How can I close the gap?
    • brarykat
       
      I appreciate McManus' statement that descriptive feedback should relate to these three questions.  Rubrics can also help the student know where they are going.  Learning progressions can help the teacher assess where the student is presently.  Descriptive feedback can be given frequently to help the student know how to close the gap.  
    • staudtt
       
      This is a great way to break down the process. Sometimes with time constraints of classes and the school day it can be tough to do effectively with students. But for the really important "stuff" this is a great process.
    • carlarwall
       
      I really appreciate these three basic questions. They can be used for teachers as they look at student work and plan and they can also be used for students in their reflection process.
  • It should avoid comparisons with other pupils
    • brarykat
       
      McManus mentions how important it is not to compare the work to other students.  This should be a golden rule, one not to be forgotten.  
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agreed. Giving specific feedback on only that students work is critical. Learning is then more individualized and not compared.
  • One key feature of this definition is its requirement that formative assessment be regarded as a process rather than a particular kind of assessment.
    • bbraack
       
      I think at first many times formative assessment was looked at as having to have some type of quiz or quizzes during the unit to say that they were given to the students. I think more teachers are now realizing that it is a "process" to help the students learn and understand and not just something the teacher has to give during the unit.
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree with Bryan. At first, I believed that formative assessment was referring to quizzes given during a unit to determine a final grade. I now understand that it is a process for teachers and students to reflect on their instruction or work during the learning process. It is a tool that is a more powerful indicator of the learning that is or isn't taking place and allows for adjustments in instruction.
  • the teacher listens for the rules or properties in the explanations, and this becomes the focus of her feedback.
    • bbraack
       
      Listening to students or discussing with them is a good way to assess whether a student knows the information, concept or procedure. Formative assessment doesn't always have to be a quiz that is graded, it can be talking to the student and discussing their progress.
    • dassom
       
      I huge mindshift as a math teacher is that sometimes it's not about actually solving the problem but being able to explain how to solve the problem. When you get into high level math basic computation errors can mess up a whole problem. It the problem were adjusted to explain the process the basic mathematical computations would be eliminated from assessing student understanding.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I love this. Art standards and instruction is also being focused more on the process rather than solely on the product. Totally different set of values and viewpoints.
  • students can work in pairs to review each other’s work to give feedback. A teacher needs to have modeled good feedback with students and talked about what acceptable and unacceptable comments look like in order to have created a safe learning environment.
    • bbraack
       
      Peer review using a rubric or guidelines will help in showing both students what is important and that the student that is reviewing isn't just making things up and trying to be critical. Having the teacher model the behavior and show what is acceptable and unacceptable is important because students don't necessarily know how to do this and might not feel their is a safe learning environment.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is a great way to use peer review. If the students know the rubric expectations and then can break off into smaller groups to do the more specific peer reviews. Having the teacher go over the rubric first and then modeling what the peer review looks like gives the students a sound foundation.
  • nstruction so that necessary instructional adjustments can be made to close the gap between students’ current understanding and the desired goals
    • hansenn
       
      he results could be that some students have learned the material and some need more time to learn. The teacher would then have to develop a plane to assist the students that need more time and how to extend the learning for students who have already learned the objective.
  • provide opportunities for students to monitor their ongoing progress.
    • hansenn
       
      I have seen teachers use student monitored formative assessments where students will rate their own learning from a 1 -10. One teacher used different colored cups to rate their own learning. Students would put a green cup out if they understand and a red cup if they did not
    • dykstras
       
      I commented on this above. Simply telling the students where they are in the learning process, while important, is not enough. The students need to take ownership of their learning. i used a similar activity Noel, where students rated their learning 1-4 on a google form and i used that data to form small groups the next day. I experienced mixed results as the students eventually just started giving themselves 3s and 4s to avoid small group work.
    • staudtt
       
      I have not done this very well as an educator and appreciate the feedback. The key to me would be would students be truly honest with their self evaluations. Sometimes it seems the kids that struggle the most for me are looking for the easy way out.
    • lisamsuya
       
      That's interesting, but it makes sense that most students knowing that their rating would mean small work instruction would start claiming they were fine. So, it makes me think that actual checks on the skill itself are needed to really determine understanding.
    • carlarwall
       
      I think as teachers we need to use a combination of student self reflection and teacher evidence as our guide for helping students to move forward.
    • dassom
       
      I still struggle with this element when assessing students. I may giv the may give them a quick exit ticket to see what I need to change but never give them feedback on how they did. In our learning about rubric it might actually help the kids set some personal goals to improve and I need to be better about this. I think it's important that the students be involved in determine what are the appropriate next steps whenever possible.
  • instructional goal to students.
    • hansenn
       
      Students should always know the objective of the lesson and why it is important for them to learn it. They cannot monitor their progress if they do not know the goal.
    • stephlindmark
       
      This is a reason why learning targets are so important and need to be explained and up for students to see in the classroom.
    • tifinif
       
      Agreed to both! Do parents ever see these learning targets? That again would be helpful with communication so that everyone is on the same page.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      One of my favorite things to do in a classroom is ask a student what he/she is learning at that time. You know right away whether a teacher is identifying/posting/reiterating/supporting learning targets if the student can articulate the goals of their learning.
  • They are able to connect formative assessment opportunities to the short-term goals to keep track of how well their students’ learning is moving forward.
    • hansenn
       
      Teachers might also discover they forgot a step in their learning progression. Sometimes I think students will have certain background knowledge and then discover they do not.
    • dassom
       
      A focus in our collaborative teams is to write out learning targets for upcoming cylces, it we could add the element of a matching common formative assessment it would help the teachers see the students learning and the unit or cylce is progressing.
  • peers are involved there are many more opportunities to share and receive feedback.
    • hansenn
       
      You have to teach students how to do peer reviews, or they do not work. Sometimes I find students will be immature when reviewing other students work if you do not set up the ground rules.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Teaching the students the process of doing peer reviews is critical. The students can't do the process if they don't understand the process.
  • teachers and students receiving frequent feedback.
    • nickol11
       
      This is so important to provide feedback in any form not only to students but I also feel its important for teachers to use it as feedback for ourselves. In addition, especially with older students, it may be impactful to have students provide you with feedback to the formative assessment - did it work, how could it be modified to make more sense or meet their learning styles, etc.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Feedback is critical. It doesn't matter whether it is at the k-12 or higher ed. level or even life, feedback helps us to learn and to grow.
  • criteria
    • nickol11
       
      I truly feel that this is essential in having students really understand and give them the best chance for proficiency from the start. From the get-go, students need to know what it is they are trying to achieve and perhaps a road map of how they may get there. That road map may not be specific to induce problem-solving and creativity but it will prompt their direct. In addition, I feel it is important to model examples for students that have used the criteria well, not so well and middle ground.
  • timely feedback
    • nickol11
       
      I would also include contains academic language that derives from the content area, unit and lesson objectives.
    • leighbellville
       
      Timely feedback is important. Too often we as learners have felt frustration if we do not receive feedback in a timely manner. We have to move forward uncertainly in these instances and do not know what the outcome will be moving forward. Most of us have faced this at some point. I often keep that in mind when working with students. If my students were working on a lengthy essay, then I would walk around the room and read a paragraph and provide feedback for each student during every class. Then, they can make adjustments during the writing process versus waiting to provide feedback at the end of the unit. If formative checks are not completed along the way with descriptive feedback, then students can feel frustrated when they think they were on the right track and receive a low score because they did not meet all the expectations of the teacher.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I see this with teacher now that they give assessments but don't give the results back in a timely fashion. It is detrimental to the student learning and growth.
    • Mike Radue
       
      I would rewrite the title of this section descriptive and timely feedback. I think it's that important. As Leigh points out, a little bit along the way helps avoid the big logjam at the end of a learning unit. Finding ways to accelerate feedback cycles helps students adjust faster and progress further.
    • krcouch
       
      probably the most important thing in assessment...giving feedback quickly and not weeks down the line.
    • emmeyer
       
      So true, this is one of the most important parts to the assessment, if the feedback is not timely, it is not anywhere near as effective!
  • provide structure and support so students learn to be reflective of their own work and that of their peers
  • constructive feedback to each other,
    • nickol11
       
      I feel like this can be the most challenging for students. They sometimes don't want to feel like they are "judging" or being "judged". It is important for them to realize what constructive criticism is and that is ok to give and receive feedback.
    • leighbellville
       
      Teaching students how to provide constructive feedback is essential. We have been working on this with students during substantive conversations taking place. Teachers can provide conversations starters and prompts to assist students when they are first learning how to build on another students idea or to challenge an idea, etc.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agree with both of you. It is critical that we teach students how to give constructive feedback. This can be done through teacher modeling of the process along with students practicing how to do it.
  • used by teachers and students
    • dykstras
       
      I think this is the most overlooked part of formative assessments. These are of course for the teacher to form instruction moving forward, but the students should use it as well Teaching students to formatively assess their own work is very powerful and discourages 'making the same mistake twice.'
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agreed. It can and should be used by both teachers and students to reflect on their work.
    • krcouch
       
      I agree we need to use them as teachers and students. Students need to be a part of the assessment process
    • jwalt15
       
      I also agree. Formative assessments are powerful tools for both teachers and students to use to improve instruction and learning.
    • tifinif
       
      Agreed to both. Dont' forget that this information (especially in an elementary settying) is perfect to show parents,especially those who want to know specifics.
  • a step that is neither too large nor too small
    • dykstras
       
      Differentiated instruction at its best right here! "One size fits all" might work for an initial learning progression, but through formative assessments you might find some are ready to move on to the next progressions while some may need some reteaching, or at least a slower pace through the progressions. Two of our district's guiding questions are "What to do when they don't learn it?" and "What to do when they do learn it?" Unfortunately these two questions and answers might be happening at the same time in your classroom. A good teacher is prepared to do both!
    • jwalt15
       
      Nicely stated Shawn. Formative assessments provide a teacher with a real time snapshot of where students are with their learning. Ideally, all students would be at the same place in their learning of a concept or topic. However, experienced teachers know that in reality that rarely happens and adjust their instruction to improve all students' achievement.
  • Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement of intended instructional outcomes.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      I really like this definition. I think when someone hears the word assessment that it automatically means they are getting a grade - when in reality it is a check for understanding to adjust teaching/learning.
    • staudtt
       
      I agree that I really like the definition. I think it is something that has meaning, but those that aren't educators can still understand. Sometimes in education we tend to get a little to "fancy" with our definitions and in the end no one knows what it really means.
    • carlarwall
       
      My takeaway from this definition is that it is a process used by teachers and students. The only thing I would add to this definition is that formative assessment is something that not only happens during instruction, it should also be happening before and after instruction.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I really appreciate the words to improve student learning. Isn't that what we are all about. It is not a show where teachers are in front just dictating information for students to regurgitate but to synthesis and hold on to for future use.
    • Mike Radue
       
      I zeroed in on the word "process." Formative assessment is not a single event or a series of events. it is a process designed to provide feedback and adjust along the way...exactly what a process is.
    • dassom
       
      The "during instruction" is a huge mindshift for some teachers. Every time the assess the students they get hung up on how much teaching they have given. I give assessments just to see how much further I need to go before the class masters the concept.
    • jwalt15
       
      Many aspects of this definition provided me with a clearer vision of a formative assessment. A "process" describes the relationship between teachers and students during instruction. "Provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching" describes the need for teachers to check for understanding and adjust instruction accordingly. Finally, "to improve students' achievement" describes what teachers strive to do daily.
  • Learning Progressions: Learning progressions should clearly articulate the sub-goals of the ultimate learning goal.
  • accompanied
    • dykstras
       
      Trying to piggyback on a couple of highlights already in this paragraph, communicating the goal and providing criteria. This has been an extreme challenge for me this year switching to standards based grading. I mean it's easy to tell the kids what the standard is, but making them understand what proficient work looks like ahead of time is the challenge. I (and our district) am trying to use rubrics to do this.
  • While evidence exists in varying degrees to support the five attributes presented, there is clearly no one best way to carry out formative assessment. The way these attributes are implemented depends on the particular instructional context, the individual teacher, and—perhaps most importantly—the individual students.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This sums up the article. We need to individualize for our students. We need to meet them where they are at - but push them to grow based on what they need and not just canned assessments etc.
  • Students should be provided with evidence-based feedback that is linked to the intended instructional outcomes and criteria for success.
    • dykstras
       
      I totally agree with this attribute ... eventually. In my intervention process I make 'awareness' the first step. In other words, I just let the student know their work was wrong, or didn't meet proficiency. This is usually marked with a simple mark, checkmark, x, etc. If the student can then self asses their own mistakes and resubmit work with an explanation of what they did wrong and how they fixed it, I don't intervene any more. If they can't, I begin the formal RTI process, where this statement comes into play heavily.
  • learning is their responsibility
  • Collaboration
    • dykstras
       
      Big educational buzz word, collaboration. But we primarily hear of it in regards to just teacher collaboration (CTT, PLC, etc.) or student collaboration (small groups, peer-evaluation, etc.). For effective formative assessment to work, there needs to be this third layer, teacher-student collaboration, beyond just instruction from the teacher and assessment by the student. The five points in this article should be a must read for all teachers to become more effective!
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Agreed. Students are often left out of the conversation where they could be a part of the instructional design. Student goal setting has a really high effect size, and if they know how they will be measured, they are more likely to move toward those goals.
  • realistic examples
    • staudtt
       
      This is a tricky one for me as well. I do this sometimes to make sure students understand what I'm looking for. At times I decide not to as I don't want students to look at a model and think "ok, if it looks just like this then I've done what I need to do". At times I think showing examples can hinder a students creative mindset.
  • d make adjustments to instruction accordingly
    • lisamsuya
       
      I have struggled with the idea of adjusting instruction on the fly or overnight especially when there are 125 kids to adjust for. But, I did appreciate the ideas in the lessons of this week that talked about having a bank of activities, videos, etc. at my fingertips to use just at the right time.
    • krcouch
       
      I agree that sometimes we need to do this...I have actually done this while teaching a digital citizenship lesson when I realized they had no idea what I was talking about and adjusted it right then and there.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Lisa, one thing to consider is looking at the learning targets a head of time and trying to anticipate the pitfalls students might find themselves in and how you would correct those misconceptions. That way when it comes time for that quick check/daily data, you are able to adjust instruction without throwing out the playbook.
    • emmeyer
       
      Making sure that we, as teachers, are constantly adjusting our instruction based on formative assessments, observation, to best meet their student's needs.
  • explicit learning progressions
    • lisamsuya
       
      Jim Knight recommends something similar to learning progressions, learning maps. I haven't utilized that strategy enough, but I think I will make it a goal to do so.
  • on a classroom culture characterized by a sense of trust between and among students and their teachers; by norms of respect, transparency, and appreciation of differences; and by a non-threatening environment.
    • lisamsuya
       
      I would add that it actually needs to be a school culture for students to become involved in their learning, not just a class culture. I think the annotations to this article about most students do not act responsible for their own learning support this. For students to become partners, they need much practice and opportunities to do so in numerous classes in different formats and structures as described in the first four attributes of assessments. Plus, the affective attributes of a school as described in #5 . .. respect, transparency, appreciation of differences have to also be present for students to feel like partners. That is so hard to get a whole school to exhibit these qualities. But, I submit that one classroom cannot do it on their own.
    • Mike Radue
       
      I've been thinking a lot about the student's experience throughout the school day in terms of technology. That is, most of the teachers at our school have a Google Classroom, but not all. There are differences between how Classroom is used between teachers. Point being, without a overall school culture, students experience 7 cultures a day when they change classes. In one period, they have the trust and transparency thing going on and then classes change and a student finds themselves in a more restrictive culture of sharing and learning. This is a tough task for teenagers to navigate on a daily basis. We should be mindful of this and aspire to bring our classroom cultures closer together in terms of look and feel.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      I wholeheartedly agree! This can't be something that is taught or used in isolation. Students need to learn the process of being involved in their learning. This is most easier said than done. Students have been conditioned to sit and learn - thinking that the learning just happens from what the teacher is doing in class. This whole process is a mindshift that takes some time to grab hold to be successful.
  • Formative assessment is not an adjunct to teaching but, rather, integrated into instruction
    • leighbellville
       
      It is promising that teachers are beginning to discuss their formative assessments more frequently in my building, and one teacher asked for resources to assist her in varying the methods of formative assessment she uses. Recently, the importance of formative assessments was emphasized during a Science PD that I attended as well. There should be formative (ungraded) checkpoints along the way to monitor student understanding.
    • krcouch
       
      LOve love love! we need to use assessment to drive further instruction...not just move on because the pacing guide says so. and create goals so the students know what they need to get to
  • Creating such a culture requires teachers to model these behaviors during interactions with students, to actively teach the classroom norms, and to build the students’ skills in constructive self- and peer-assessment.
    • leighbellville
       
      Creating an environment of safety and trust is important. The article mentions modeling by the teacher of the behaviors when interacting with students, and this cannot be emphasized enough. Students need reminders and modeling. Protocols for discussions should be in place, and students should be encouraged to interact with peers frequently with these in mind. The more students practice these skills the less time one needs to spend covering these expectations, but reminders are still necessary.
    • srankin11
       
      Agree!! Safety and trust is very important as students are working together. The teacher may want to consider what project(s) they start with during the school year (or semester) to build that collaboration among peers. We can learn so much from each other and that includes the teacher.
  • students’ ability to reason in increasingly complex ways
    • Heather Whitman
       
      This jumps out at me. The purpose of scaffolding and modeling along with high rigor for all allow students to reasons increasingly concept text. Let us not forget that teaching is incredibly difficult, and it truly is this that makes it challenging to do it well. But when done well, the results are amazing.
  • formative assessment process involve both teachers and students
    • Heather Whitman
       
      Often, teachers use informal data to drive instruction or make quick decisions. I think in the last 10 years there has been much more focus on metacognition. Teachers should and will formulate ideas informally. I think the key is goal setting and kids truly identifying where he/she is and communicate it in some way.
  • Remember the success criterion.
  • two stars and a wish
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I like this terminology. Through the years, we would read others writings and give feedback or other activities. I would say give at least 2 positives and one idea for improvement. I think this terminology is excellent! This definitely takes a lot of modeling as this is difficult for many. Modeling with the rubric is a way to explain how to use a rubric. This must be practiced often.
    • carlarwall
       
      I have actually planned a lesson with a teacher who used this type of feedback in art with her fifth grade students. It was a great way for students to work together and it gave them a great framework for discussion.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I like the idea of this strategy two stars and a wish. This allows for some guidance to be utilized while working with other students work.
  • involving students in decisions about how to move learning forward are illustrations of students and teachers working together in the teaching and learning process.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      This truly only works in a growth mindset classroom vs. a fixed mindset. For the students or teachers who do things just to get done or just to get the "A", this is tough and often time rushed through. It think it takes a lot of discussions about why we learn. The focus on the learning process and not the final "grade" has to be key. This is much, much harder than it sounds. It goes full circle on how to create the formative and summative assessments. Are we focusing on just the final product or the process? This is hard.
  • Learning progressions describe how concepts and skills build in a domain
    • carlarwall
       
      Many schools and districts are working on creating unit organizers for instruction based around standards. This piece of that planning is so important. The creation of the progression based around the standard is valuable work for classroom teachers to help develop and plan around learning targets. Another piece of learning progressions though is looking at the work students have done with that standard in the grade level before and also looking ahead to the grade level to come.
  • inform instruction and learning during the teaching/learning process
    • stephlindmark
       
      I agree with this statement and like the emphasis on informing instruction and learning during the process. It is as much for the teachers to change their strategies as anything.
  • unequivocal
    • stephlindmark
       
      It is not up for discussion. The process requires both the teacher and the student actively involved.
  • sufficient detail for planning instruction
    • stephlindmark
       
      I feel sometimes teacher become such expert in their content, especially at the secondary level, they forget about the details it takes to get to the big picture.
  • Both self- and peer-assessment are important for providing students an opportunity to think meta-cognitively about their learning.
    • stephlindmark
       
      Self-reflection and peer assessment are important for students to grow their thinking. This requires teachers the opportunity to work with one on one or small groups of student to do this self reflection.
  • peer-assessment, students analyze each others’ work using guidelines or rubrics and provide descriptive feedback that supports continued improvement.
    • stephlindmark
       
      This peer reflection needs to be a process that is taught on how to accurately do this. It is also an opportunity for the student to be doing self reflection while reflecting on peers work. They are constantly learning and growing as learners.
  • they must feel that they are bona fide partners in the learning process
    • stephlindmark
       
      The classroom must be a safe environment where risks can be taken and students know it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
  • teachers have the big picture
    • Mike Radue
       
      In working more with the concept of learning progressions, I think the biggest benefit is the emphasis on the big picture. As I reflect on some projects that didn't work out quite right, I think had I shared more of the big picture, students would have performed better. I could see where they didn't understand how the part related to the whole. As this section discusses, you have to provide other details and goals to support the big picture.
    • srankin11
       
      Agree! The big picture is important for not only the teacher to have, but also the students. When you can provide the big picture with details and goals to support it to students, hopefully the results of the learning will be better.
  • Effective formative assessment
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think there is a significant jump (especially at the HS level) to move from formative assessment to effective formative assessment. Often, it is simply about the grade and not about the learning or responsive instruction.
    • blockerl
       
      I agree with you. I think sometimes teachers seem less willing to carry out more effective formative assessment because it is more work.
  • a teacher could identify the “just right gap”
    • trgriffin1
       
      It is really challenging to identify this gap but even more challenging to respond appropriately to it - especially with class sizes of 25+. of course those aren't excuses to not do it.
  • Learning goals and criteria for success should be clearly identified and communicated to students.
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think the criteria for success is too often simply the score on the quiz or test. A letter grade or % is not descriptive feedback for most students. As teachers we need to clearly articulate what success means and what the goals are.
    • dassom
       
      This makes me think of the rubrics and how they could make the student's progress be communicated with them. If you gave an an assessment that has multiple learning targets a rubric might better show them where they did well, and where they could improve on. A percentage grade would not communicated how they did on each "section" of the assessment.
  • communicated using language readily understood by students
    • srankin11
       
      Students need to understand the language you are speaking. If they don't, they are already a step behind. This may require differentiating so all students are successful!
  • particular qualities of student learning with discussion or suggestions about what the student can do to improve.
    • srankin11
       
      I believe this feedback is so valuable to student achievement. With the discussion and/or suggestions, students will know how to improve. This feedback could also allow students to clarify questions they may have. Taking the time to give descriptive feedback is valuable to student learning.
  • but also to increase student scores on significant achievement examinations.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I like this idea of increasing student scores instead of seeing what students don't know. It is in line with how education is changing to fit PLC and the MTSS System.
  • A further benefit of providing feedback to a peer is that it can help deepen the student’s own learning.
    • dassom
       
      I like the idea of peer assessment but I think it would be helpful to have clear expectations (like a rubric or checklist) of what the students are looking for so they aren't over critical or give "wrong" feedback.
  • In this particular lesson, students have been asked to write an opening paragraph to their speech with the success criteria of introducing their topic in a way that engages the audience. The feedback the teacher gives to one student is, “The opening paragraph does not capture the audience’s attention because it does not clearly state what the speech is about. However, the opening sentence of the second paragraph states you
    • blockerl
       
      I like how the teacher is providing feedback to the student throughout the process of writing. That is a challenging task to do all the time, but it is great practice.
  • formative assessment as a way not only to improve student learning, but also to increase student scores on significant achievement examinations.
    • tifinif
       
      If we are not using formative assessment along the way, then we are setting our kids up for failure in the long run. Teachers can use this information to change the way they teach and to help kids with specifics.
  • Sharing learning goals
  • teachers and students receiving frequent feedback.
    • emmeyer
       
      I love that they put teachers and students. This is key...students also need to know what the feedback is so that they understand where they lie and what they need to do to get better.
  • formative assessment as a way not only to improve student learning, but also to increase student scores on significant achievement examinations.
    • emmeyer
       
      Agreed. When teachers look at formative assessments, this gives them a view of where the students are in order to change instruction to best fit students' needs.
mpercy

PLE Articles - 3 views

  • Write and Store Notes
    • lwinter14
       
      This seems like a tool that would be effective for all of my students. Most of them still take notes in their science notebooks--but a few have dabbled in writing their notes digitally. The problem I see with this is that they write them in separate google documents and then do not find a way to organize them so that they can access them easily when needed. This could be a good tool for them to learn early in their high school career and then carry it on as they get into courses with a larger need for note-taking.
  • The employ of PLEs in the classroom can go horribly wrong if teachers fail to prepare students and set usage parameters.
    • lwinter14
       
      This is definitely something that I would worry about with my students initially. Because they are used to having technology, I sometimes take for granted the skills I expect them to have when it comes to using different sites. Moodle has been a bigger learning curve for my students than expected, so I know that I would definitely need to prepare my students for setting up and using PLE first. Which also means that I need to feel comfortable explaining what it is and how it works to my students as well.
  • our work must increasingly attend to supporting students in developing their skills and motivations for becoming themselves networked and sophisticated online learners.
    • lwinter14
       
      I find this becoming more and more true the longer I teach. My frustration comes from where to start in supporting students so that they can become more sophisticated in learning online. For example, I use Moodle for my courses rather than Google Classroom and I run into more hesitation and complaints from students than I anticipated because it is "something different." I'm not sure if it is because only a small subset of teachers are currently pushing their students outside of their comfort zones when it comes to online learning and that's where the pushback is, but I feel like we need more teachers to buy into changing the landscape of online learning beyond Google Classroom. I feel like only then will students start to develop those skills and abilities to grow in their capacity as online learners.
  • ...16 more annotations...
  • Teachers are challenged to provide the appropriate balance between structured lessons and learner autonomy in order to facilitate self-directed learning.
    • lwinter14
       
      This is definitely a balance that I am still trying to find within my classroom and even one that I think my students are trying to figure out. There are some days where they would rather take control on their own, but other days when they want to be given more structure and told what to do or how to do something. I think this balance is hard to find depending on the particular student because some really struggle with the autonomy provided in online learning and still need those additional structures in place. Is there a formula to follow in terms of finding that balance? Does the balance vary from class-to-class depending on your students or can it be a one-size-fits-all approach? These are things I know I will figure out in time, but it can be frustrating at first.
  • teachers must pursue training and be knowledgeable of how to utilize PLEs
    • jhatcher
       
      I agree with the comment above wholeheartedly. I think this is what caused my genius hour plan to not be what I had hoped a couple years ago. I saw weak projects and kids not very motivated. This is what I want to make sure does not happen again. I just wonder will I really be prepared and confident? Will I have learned enough? Hope so!
  • Symbaloo or NetVibesas a foundation to help learners create and maintain their personal learning environments.
  • Others utilize sites such as
    • jhatcher
       
      I use Sybaloo and can definitely see how its use by students as they are creating/ learning in Personalized Learning would be useful.
  • I could stand to be more savvy in my own organizing of online learning and networking: I’ve been slow to use tools and develop skills for managing online resource, such as the use of vehicles like Symbaloo, Evernote, or Diigo, and I want to take inspiration from the 7th grade student in the video above to move forward in this way and learn and practive better these skills and with these tools.
    • kimgrissom
       
      This is true for a lot of teachers--I think we are often slow to set up our own professional learning tools whether that's joining a professional learning network via an LMS, Twitter, or just tools to help us organize our own resources.
  • Students engaging in networked learning have to learn to be more self-directed than in the typical classroom
    • kimgrissom
       
      Yes, passive learning doesn't get far in personal learning so we have to find ways to change the narrative and train learners to understand a new set of "success criteria." What used to look like being a good student won't work as well.
  • as an instructor, you can make a webmix quite interactive
    • kimgrissom
       
      I've used symbaloo as a way to organize myself and I've even put together webmixes on a specific professional development topic before. Reading about Symbaloo in this context makes me rethink how this tool might be helpful in personalized learning. Building in interaction is a really interesting idea I had never considered.
  • Not every student is ready for this responsibility, so teachers need to have strategies in place to guide and support these learner
    • kimgrissom
       
      What does that look like? Explicit expectations for what learning looks like, encouragement, assistance and tutorials for tools, formative check-ins to see how things are going and offer guidance. There's a lot to think about .
  • A PLE is the method students use to organize their self-directed online learning, including the tools they employ to gather information, conduct research, and present their findings.
    • Wendy Arch
       
      This makes a PLE sound more like an LMS or organizational tool - which I am in desperate need of! We assume students can work through a linear progression, but even adults struggle with that! I know I'm guilty of putting more emphasis and effort into WHAT students will learn rather than HOW they will learn or what the EXPERIENCE will be like.
  • facilitation of students’ “active role in the learning process” and teachers’ provision of the right balance between structured lessons and autonomy; let’s never forget it is an ongoing balancing act. 
    • Wendy Arch
       
      One thing I also do is forget that students have lives outside of my class. I set what I think is a reasonable amount of time for a task - but neglect to acknowledge that I'm basing that time estimate on my own abilities or on previous experiences in a face-to-face setting where students (and I) could get fairly immediate feedback on the learning (or lack thereof) occurring. While we have to balance between structured lesson and autonomy, we also have to balance between what can feasibly be done by students all alone versus students being actively guided in person.
  • Susan and I loved that students could organize their Netvibes portals in a way that made sense to them and that a page could contain a diverse range of information streams:  a webpage, an embedded document, a RSS feed, a database widget, the link tool that made a webpage “live” within the Netvibes page.  Not only could students organize information, but they could also publish content they were creating through tools like Google Docs and VoiceThread as well as original works, such as artwork and videos.
    • Wendy Arch
       
      Ideally, this sounds a lot like the WIki feature on many LMS. Our school uses PowerSchool, which offers a student Wiki option that allows students the same features. I can see Netvibes being a great alternative if a school doesn't yet have an LMS or uses a not fully featured LMS.
  • What Are the Potential Issues With PLEs?
    • Wendy Arch
       
      An issue i don't see addressed directly below is the issue of students accessing or pulling inappropriate or inaccurate content. Maybe this falls under the "Not every student is ready for the responsibility" category. Depending on the age range, students could so easily get lost in "fake news" or general misinformation, so there would have to be appropriate media and tech literacy lessons provided.
  • The concept of PLE is not a way to replace classroom learning, but to enhance it
    • mpercy
       
      As I have been reading information on the PLE, it often seems like a complete overhaul of the current educational system is necessary. It is good to hear that is not the case but changes can be made to improve the current classroom environment.
  • Some instructors empower students to use their own mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones as a means to create PLEs
    • mpercy
       
      It is really ideal to have students use their smartphones to enhance their learning rather than distracting their learning!
  • PLEs place a large amount of responsibility on students and thus requires a high level of self-management and awareness.
    • mpercy
       
      This is a big concern as I see many students that don't display self-motivation and desire to achieve at a high level. Will they be successful in this environment or get left behind?
  • Teachers, she explains, are no longer the primary or even the best source of information available to students,
    • mpercy
       
      The role of teacher has completely changed since I first entered the profession. As we encourage our students to be life long learners, we have the opportunity to show them what that means.
sarankin

ollie1 (Peterman): Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 40 views

  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student
    • ames726
       
      I feel that this is essential for any teacher of an online course.  Just as a classroom teacher  has at some point been a student in a classroom, so should a teacher of an online course have been an online student.  It is an imperative experience that provides empathy and understanding that would otherwise be absent
    • ljhlaura
       
      I agree with this comment. While I think it is possible to be successful teaching in an environment one has not experienced personally, having that experience makes it easier and more likely. As I take the first steps in designing an online course, I think about how I would experience certain elements if I were the student and am able to draw on personal experience.
    • clmensing6
       
      absolutely! It is very important to me to be able to do what I ask my students to do. If I don't know what they are doing, it is my hope they can teach, or at least show, me how they did what they did.
    • kelleyneumann
       
      I agree.  I think this applies to all teaching, not only online teaching.  Whenever I assign a new project to my students, I like to go through the assignment myself so I can be ready for questions or make adjustments to avoid confusion or frustration for my students.
    • cwhitebotello
       
      The experience of being an on-line learners helps me as an on-line teacher be more sensitive not only to learning to content but also the stress new on-line learners go through.  Am I doing this right? Where do I find this? Learning to "routines & procedures" in the on-line classroom can be stressful!
  • Meets the professional teaching standards established by a state-licensing agency, or has the academic credentials in the field in which he or she is teaching
    • ames726
       
      My concern here is with the word "or."  My opinion is that the correct word should be "and."  Although I believe that it is of utmost importance that an instructor have academic credentials in the field in which he or she is teaching, I also perceive it to be just as important that he or she meet the professional teaching standards established.
  • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning, which may include (but is not limited to) age and ability level, multiple intelligences, didactic conversation, student developmental influences, constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, connectivism, and group theory
    • ames726
       
      I agree that learning theories are an integral part of teaching.  This ties to the annotation I made under standard 2.  Having this knowledge is an innate feature of meeting the professional teaching standards established.
  • ...47 more annotations...
  • Creates or selects multiple assessment instruments that are appropriate for online learning (SREB H.1, Varvel VI.C)
    • ljhlaura
       
      I agree that administering varying types of assessments is important to ensuring that students who learn and communicate in different ways will have an opportunity to demonstrate what they know. Some might be most successful in responding to direct, objective test questions, while others might be more effective in writing essays. Multiple types of assessments can also reveal the depth of knowledge of any one student, regardless of learning and communication style.
  • Understands and uses course content that complies with intellectual property rights and fair use, and assists students in complying as well
    • ljhlaura
       
      I am curious to learn about complying with intellectual property rights online. While copyright law allows for "fair use" for educational purposes, online courses seem especially suited to drawing material from other parts of the Internet. At what point might a teacher cross from "fair use" into a violation of someone's intellectual property rights?
    • ames726
       
      I am intrigued by this thought.  the term "fair use" seems vague and undefined.  I agree that online courses do seem particularly suited to drawing material from the internet.  Perhaps examples of acceptable use vs. unacceptable use would be helpful.
    • ramonasatre
       
      This is a great question. I don't feel I fully understand "fair use" when it comes to using material from the internet for courses.
    • Adam Cox
       
      I intended to highlight this as well. Perhaps since it is already highlighted I am unable to do so as well. Fair use issues and proper citing of sources is probably something many of us need an update on. Especially now that our content will be online for people to see and perhaps even borrow in their courses, we need to be sure we are legal in what we share and use.
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
    • ramonasatre
       
      I think networking provides great opportunities in all field for learning. Sharing real experiences are some of the best "professional development" I have attended. Just attended the science TIC; wonderful experience of teachers sharing with teachers.
    • stitesm
       
      You are correct.  Networking is the best way to learn.  It isn't always easy finding time to get together face 2 face but technology is enhancing our collaboration across the state in order to learn from each other
  • Understands student motivation and uses techniques to engage students
    • ramonasatre
       
      Wish I had a clear picture of "what" motivates students. This concept in the classroom or online can be a tricky one.
  • content knowledge (including technological knowledge
    • Elizabeth Fritz
       
      great connection to Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) ...attempts to identify the nature of knowledge required by teachers for technology
    • hstaebell
       
      Technical knowledge is a hard one for me. I feel like technology changes at such a rapid pace and with not being in a physical classroom I have to rely on myself to further my tech knowledge. That doesn't happen easily.
  • Promotes learning through online collaboration group work that is goal-oriented and focused
    • Elizabeth Fritz
       
      This can be a most challenging task, online group work that has true collaboration. So often we just want to be anonymous.
  • • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students (SREB D.8, Varvel VI.F, ITS 5.e)
    • senoracoffey
       
      As a student and as a teacher, I have found getting my assignments graded online as a student and grading them as a teacher is very time consuming. Sometimes I have even wondered if my assignments were graded by my instructors. It takes a lot of time sitting in front of the computer, opening up each student's assignment, and grading it with quality feedback. I have found that online work tends to take a lot longer to grade. 
    • Adam Cox
       
      We are currently using a lot of Google Docs in our classes at Woodbine, and I too have been a bit overwhelmed by the time it takes to grade work. Some resources like Flubaroo are helping me with multiple choice type work but basic writing stuff takes a long time.
    • cwhitebotello
       
      This seems to be a common theme and something that on-line teachers struggle with. Getting timely feedback as a student is important so new learning is affirmed before I move on to the next topic.  As a teacher it requires allot of time and self discipline to attend to. 
    • sarankin
       
      Getting feedback on student work is key for motivating students to work hard daily.  Google Classroom has made a big difference in face-to-face classes and I believe it could also make a different in online classes.  If the assessment is a paper, then the teacher can give feedback daily or every few days instead of just grading the paper at the end when it is due.  This feedback would allow for students to know if they are on the right track as they are working on it.  
  • • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning (SREB M.3, Varvel IV.D, ITS 3.e, ITS 4.f)
    • senoracoffey
       
      Having reliable, quality, affordable software to support learning is hard to come by. 
  • • Has knowledge of and informs student of their rights to privacy and the conditions under which their work may be shared with others (SREB E.8, Varvel I.D)
    • Adam Cox
       
      I think this would be easy to overlook in this type of class offering. Sharing student rights as it pertains to their work and who exactly will be seeing it IS important.
    • Adam Cox
       
      Course evaluations have been interesting to me in the past. If they are not well designed they can create a forum for feedback that is not as "helpful" as you'd hope. Putting a lot of thought into the feedback you are seeking and then asking about those things in particular with carefully worded questions might help a person avoid "extra input" that sometimes is not as helpful. (I've had students use them as a place to judge and criticize. That CAN be helpful, but it is often not the type of feedback that leads to creating change for the overall good of the course.)
  • • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course (Varvel VI.F)
    • Adam Cox
       
      Be careful as to the questions used for bringing in feedback and think hard about whether to make it anonymous or not as well. Open ended feedback from anonymous posters is sometimes not as helpful as you'd hope it to be. :)
    • disneygal
       
      My experience is that course evaluations for online or traditional AEA courses are often not completed. Those that are posted often do not have enough detail to help guide changes.  We have tried to send out a separate SurveyMonkey and don't get a good response there either. Would be concerned re: how this criteria would be evaluated.  AND, I would love to know how to encourage more course feedbackk!
    • Deena Recker
       
      When this was trialed in my last course, I found the pre-course evaluation fairly straight forward. The co-teacher and myself had to revise the post-course evaluation a few times as we walked through the course to ask questions that provided us with usable information. 
  • Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process
    • Cari Teske
       
      Collaboration is key to a successful online course.  It is not enough to read content and complete assessments.  A student needs to be actively involved in the learning process.  This is where discussion forums become important as do the activities that you are directly involved with during the class.  Reflecting and responding increase the social aspects and allow for learning to go beyond the content provided.  - Cari Teske
  • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.) (SREB B.3
    • mcgillicutty
       
      As teachers we need to follow the 21st century technology standards.
  • • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content (SREB D.2, Varvel VII.B, ITS 6.a)
    • mcgillicutty
       
      It is important for students to learn in groups and for them to collaborate with each other, problem solve, and to learn good communication skills.
    • paulboysen
       
      Alignment is very important to make sure that the students are are receiving instruction to meet the local achievement goals.
  • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners (SREB C.7, Varvel V.H, ITS 4.c)
    • paulboysen
       
      With the implementation of DSI, this area becomes critical for successful implementation of this mandated instruction.
  • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies (SREB B.5)
    • stitesm
       
      Very important for all instructors on either side of the screen.  Keep current on new research by reading, taking classes, collaborating and networking. 
    • cwdorman
       
      Online instruction is more than just putting print up on a website (the online version of worksheets perhaps!)--one must strive to learn all aspects of the technology and use it to be an effective online instructor.
  • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students (SREB A.3, Varvel II.A, ITS 2.a)
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation
    • shawnaharris
       
      Just in case the other comment wasn't posted, here it is again...All participants/students should know what is expected of them and how they will be graded and classroom expectations.
  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
    • shawnaharris
       
      There is a HUGE difference between face-to-face and online learning/teaching.
    • Cari Teske
       
      Very true.  Also, between blended and those mentioned above.  Strategies used need to be developed to provide learning to be at it's optimum.  
    • janevolden
       
      I feel there is a definite challenge that is larger barrier than teaching face-to face.  You must get your thought across without that personal face-to-face and not loosing anything in the interpretation.  you must also feel as though you have your message getting across ....quite a challenge.
    • sarankin
       
      I agree that there is a huge difference between online and face-to-face teaching.  I also believe that some people think it's "easier" to teach online and takes less time.  Actually I think it takes more time!
  • Continuously
  • evaluate
  • • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use (SREB E.7)
    • verploeg
       
      Students believe that copying and pasting from several sites alleviates the worry of plagiarism while never translating the material into their own words.  In addition, sometimes students have the false idea that posts are anonymous unaware that what is said online remains.  And edits and deletions may be impossible.  With this comes responsibility.
    • kelleyneumann
       
      This is a huge concern in our building since going 1:1.  Students don't understand that they can't copy and paste something word for word from the Internet.  I have had students simply change one or two words and think they can all it their own. 
  • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use (SREB E.7)
    • paulboysen
       
      https://diigo.com/08anyu This is a test.
  • • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction (SREB J, ITS 5.c)
    • paulboysen
       
      https://diigo.com/08anyu I have found assessment data to be very valuable in seeing if what you are teaching matches the goals of the course.  Data often show gaps in instruction.  It also indicates areas that may need to covered in more detail.
  • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict (Varvel VII.D, ITS 6.e)
    • paulboysen
       
      https://diigo.com/08anyu I have found that dealing with the problem before it escalates usually is the best approach.  If a student is having a problem, talking with the student in a normal calm voice can beneficial.  Sometimes, things just blow up and then the main goal is to keep the students safe.
  • • Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional growth to improve practice (SREB C.8, ITS 7.c)
  • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students
    • anonymous
       
      This corresponds to teaching mathematics. One MUST know the content at grade level, what content comes before, and what content comes after.
    • cwdorman
       
      This would seem to be pretty essential as one must know the content well in order to teach it effectively.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • anonymous
       
      I believe that the content being learned must be the focus and not the technology being used. The technology should only be a tool that enhances student learning.
    • stitesm
       
      Good comment!  Even with students that we work with face 2 face.... technology should not be a subject or an objective but it should be used to enhance their learning with core curriculum.  
  • presentation of the conte
    • stitesm
       
      This can be scary for on-line instructors because it is important that you apply the correct presentation of content for students to learn and engage.
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • verploeg
       
      Teaching is all about constantly tweaking the material to meet the students' needs.  What worked a year ago may not work at all with the current students.  
    • Cari Teske
       
      Yes, reflection is always good.  But, often times it needs to happen during the course.  As instructors we often assume that others will be able to follow along with the instruction.  When that is not the case, material needs to be retaught.  In a face-to-face classroom, one can observe the students.  In an online class, it may be more difficult to see and the method of gathering understanding from participants may take a different approach.  
    • Deena Recker
       
      I find it very helpful to document immediately following a lesson with a student before going on to the next. It helps keep data clear and immediate.
  • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication
    • verploeg
       
      Some students are under the mistaken impression that copying and pasting from several different websites and compiling this info is NOT plagiarism.  Translating into their own words hasn't been done and yet they don't understand that they are stealing content.  We, as educators, must establish the guidelines for writing with integrity.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere
    • verploeg
       
      Knowing you can get a teacher's feedback quickly is important in keeping students engaged so frustration does not set in.
    • kelleyneumann
       
      This is essential to any online course.  Unfortunately, I have taken courses in which the instructor is either unavailable and/or unapproachable and it is extremely frustrating.
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment
    • verploeg
       
      With all the technology available free, it seems it would be easy to throw in elements that really don't enhance the learning of a topic.  Prudence would need to be taken.
    • disneygal
       
      The details in this criteria include 2 items that are recognized as cornerstones of good teaching and likely share common definitions-overviews & reviews and patterns in lesson sequencing. "Appropriate visual web design techniques" on the other hand does not have a widely held definition. Where will this come from? How can online instructors keep up with what are appropriate techniques?
  • Understands student motivation and uses techniques to engage students (Varvel V.D, ITS 4.d)
    • abbys213
       
      It is very important for an online student to be engaged. Instructors can help by adding interactive pieces to the course.
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
    • abbys213
       
      This class is helping with that!
    • mikedemario
       
      This is important.  I try to go through each evaluation to improve the course experience - but would love to spend some more time creating a more thorough evaluation document
    • mikedemario
       
      I try to have any assignment where teachers create a lesson, worksheet, unit plan, homework activity, etc - contain a component that allows them to evaluate the impact on student learning.
  • Knows and aligns instruction
    • deb loftsgard
       
      It is imperative that teachers (whether teaching online or face to face) has alignment with their standards, instruction, and alignment
  • instructional strategies
    • deb loftsgard
       
      In an online course, instructional strategies can get tricky, but it is important to keep things fresh, and keep participants engaged in the learning process.
  • planning, designing,
    • Cari Teske
       
      When starting an online class is important to design it with the end in mind.  What do you want students to know by participating in this course?  Planning and designing how to get to those goals is critical.  It can often be difficult for instructors to 'unlearn' what they are already know.  In a regular classroom they pick up clues by observing the students as to whether they understand the content.  That is much harder to do in an online environment.  Therefore, it is important to carefully review your course throughout the planning and designing stage in order to deliver a clear message of instruction.
    • janevolden
       
      I really feel that I am working on aligning my course to the Iowa Teaching Standards.  I LOVE standards....think it is such a great thing for all. 
    • matt66ludwig
       
      If instruction is not aligned to the achievement goals of the district and/or state, I again would question the intent of the lesson. Alignment ensures that we are teaching and monitoring what students need to know and be able to do.
  • Demonstrates ethical conduct as defined by state law and local policies or procedures
  • Communicates assessment criteria and standards to students, including rubrics for student performances and participation (Varvel VI.D, ITS 5.b)
  •  
    As a yearbook advisor, I've always taught students that you can mention film, media, music, games, etc. and you can use portions of lyrics but not whole songs or poems. Attribution is important, but doesn't necessarily let you use whatever you want. If kids want to use pictures in our book from Facebook or Instagram, I make them ASK permission from the person who took the picture. As an Art teacher, I explain to students that it gets a whole lot messier. No one blinked when Warhol parodied advertising labels or art masterpieces or when Marcel Duchamp recreated the Mona Lisa with a mustache, but Shepherd Fairy was sued by the Associate Press for basing his Hope/Change/Progress posters of Barrack Obama on one of their news photographer's images from a press conference. I encourages students to use Photoshop, Pixler or Google Drawings to create their own graphics and MeMes rather than simply downloading preexisting material, but I don't think I'll ever manage to stop them from looking up pictures on the internet to draw or paint.
  • ...1 more comment...
  •  
    Okay, but don't we also need to have a feel for each individual student's learning styles, cognitive abilities, behaviors & intelligence strengths & deficits? Anyone who's been a classroom teacher for very long can also tell you that every group seems to have a "chemistry" or personality or relational dynamic which is unique too. Every year I've had to adjust because of how groups get a long or work together or respond best to. I would like to know if the social/group dynamics play as much of a role in online teaching if any. Is it like classroom teaching, something that you gain instincts about through experience? It there just as much art and science to teaching with moodle or in a chat room as in an actual school?
  •  
    Designs the structure of the course and the presentation of the content to best enhance student learning, including using unit/lesson overviews and reviews, using patterns in lesson sequencing, and using appropriate visual web design techniques (SREB C.14, Varvel V.F)
  •  
    I agree to be the best teacher you have to experience the lesson from the students perspective. Having been on both sides give the educator a much better understanding of how things should be taught.
Kim Swartz

Google Apps Blog - 3 views

  •  
    Blog with Google application updates by Kay Schmalen at AEA 267
emoses

Articles: Presentation "Awakening" - 0 views

  • The use of the PowerPoint presentation has been a disaster. It should be ditched.
    • scott fillner
       
      I would agree with this quote if it is the only means by which we engage learners.  We should consider audience and modalities when designing a presentation.
  • PowerPoint is a medium that can be used effectively — that is, with effective design methods — or ineffectively, that is with ineffective design methods. We would not necessarily say that books are rarely a good method, because books can be designed using effective or ineffective methods."
    • scott fillner
       
      It is a medium that is endangered due to the collaborative possibilities of Google.  I cannot remember the last time I utilized PPT for a presentation.
    • francysmaureen
       
      A ppt can also be shared via email. I use google slides in my classes, it's easier to share anything from my Google drive though
    • carolborchard
       
      It is like anything. It can be helpful or not depending upon how it is used.
  • Communication is the transfer of emotion.
    • scott fillner
       
      I enjoy the way the subtitle is written here. It is akin to asking who the audience will be before authoring a piece of writing. The key word that sticks with me is transfer.
    • carolborchard
       
      Interesting definition.
    • emoses
       
      Sadly, this is what I have replaced for presentations - I just give them a PowerPoint of information and expect them to get the information. Rather than be a drain on their day (and waste class time reading slides), I just give them the information so we can do more interactive things in class.
  • ...27 more annotations...
  • reinforce
    • scott fillner
       
      Reinforcing is a powerful word choice that is spot on when thinking about presentations and communication.
  • feedback cycle
    • scott fillner
       
      A must for all presentations. If you want to grow, serve your audience and be effective, feedback loops are critical.
  • Curse of Knowledge
    • scott fillner
       
      So true, whether it be presenting or teaching.  Unless you plan for feedback, interaction, and checks for understanding, it is truly hard to stay in that moment and perspective of your audience.
    • francysmaureen
       
      It is hard to act "casual" when you are trying to be professional and want to be taken seriously.
  • "It is effective to speak to a diagram, because it presents information in a different form. But it is not effective to speak the same words that are written, because it is putting too much load on the mind and decreases your ability to understand what is being presented."
  • Suggesting we abandon PowerPoint because it's often (usually?) misused and abused to produce awful presentation visuals is like saying we should dump the idea of 24-hour cable news because so much of it is vacuous rubbish. But whether we’re talking about bad TV or boring presentations
    • francysmaureen
       
      Being able to read and listen to a presentation - a couple of lines on the slide - is handy for people who's not familiar with the presenter's accent (foreign or regional)
    • alberhasky
       
      I agree that phrases are helpful for focus, for me. Wall to wall text is certainly poor use of PowerPoint and reading off the slides is redundant.
  • make yourself cue cards. Don’t put them on the screen.
    • francysmaureen
       
      I remember the sticky notes for presentations then, we were supposed to use powerpoint in order to be updated and using technology. So, now we have to go back?
    • alberhasky
       
      I think this works for a presentation, but what about a lecture? Same deal or apples and oranges?
  • it is important to keep in mind what makes your ideas resonate with people.
    • francysmaureen
       
      When presenting, we should always remember we need to be appealing to our public.
  • Suggesting we abandon PowerPoint because it's often (usually?) misused and abused to produce awful presentation visuals is like saying we should dump the idea of 24-hour cable news because so much of it is vacuous rubbish. But whether we’re talking about bad TV or boring presentations
    • francysmaureen
       
      A presentation that lacks of content or good backup information, will be bad no matter what media we use to transmit it..
  • he never forgets the lesson
    • francysmaureen
       
      This happens with older people, I mean, a reaction. When you tell a cultural story to younger people, they tend to criticize the details.
  • it’s long past time that we realized that putting the same information on a slide that is coming out of our mouths usually does not help — in fact usually hurts our message.
    • carolborchard
       
      I have a hard time remembering a presentation where the speaker didn't read from the powerpoint. I remember thinking each time, "I can read this myself. This is a waste of my time."
    • micintosh
       
      I totally agree with you.  The presenter feels like we can't read it ourselves and in turn disengages the audience.
  • If everyone in the room agreed with you, you wouldn’t need to do a presentation, would you?
    • carolborchard
       
      Haha! That makes me laugh!
    • emoses
       
      Well, that's the truth! I think more like, if everyone in the room could get the information, I wouldn't be doing the presentation. The funny thing is, they actually could get the information - they all have the Internet at their fingertips in class. They should be teaching each other, not me regurgitating information.
  • Bullets Are For the NRA
    • carolborchard
       
      I enjoy how the author writes. It's effective for me.
  • five rules you need to remember to create amazing Powerpoint presentations:
    • carolborchard
       
      "five rules" but lists six. Good points to remember, though.
  • “sticky” ideas have six key principles in common: simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions, and stories. And yes, these six compress nicely into the acronym SUCCESs.
    • carolborchard
       
      Nice acronym.
  • it is more effective to target both the visual and auditory processors of working memory.
    • micintosh
       
      This would also be true for trying to reach people with different learning styles.
    • emoses
       
      I do believe this is very true. I know there are so many visual learners out there, and I feel like presenting to them the information (with visuals and different colors) will reach them a lot better. However, if it's not the right visual, it's going to lose the audience very quickly. 
  • No more than six words on a slide. EVER. There is no presentation so complex that this rule needs to be broken
    • micintosh
       
      I don't agree with limiting yourself to only 6 words to a slide.  What if you have a great quote like "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a... " A what?  I WANT to know WHAT to build??  If I limit myself to 6 words my audience will never gain the insight of the author.  Or on a second thought maybe I should leave them on a cliff hanger.
    • alberhasky
       
      I agree that seems a bit arbitrary and can't possibly work in all cases. But "less is more" is a good rule to abide by.
  • One of the components for creating sticking messages is story.
    • micintosh
       
      I agree that stories can be very useful as I became more engaged with this class when reading the instructors stories that made me laugh and relate to them better.
    • alberhasky
       
      Yes, very true, but also can be difficult to tell the right story that gets the point across without distracting from the point. Also I remember teachers who could string together great anecdotes, but they led us away from the course content.
    • emoses
       
      Stories can be a great way to attract your audience. I have the opportunity in many of my presentation to bring my real life into it, but shy away from this idea because I might not want them knowing too much about it. It's debilitating to cut your audience off from seeing the message through the eyes of the presenter. It's more real for them if you open up.
  • When possible, put your ideas in human terms.
  • When possible, put your ideas in human terms.
  • When possible, put your ideas in human terms.
    • micintosh
       
      This statement and the example make sense to me.  100 grams of fat doesn't mean much, but when you talk about what it looks like, then I get it. 
  • MPORTANT: Don’t hand out the written stuff at the beginning! If you do, people will read the memo while you’re talking and ignore you
  • No dissolves, spins or other transitions.
  • “Our mission is to become the international leader in the space industry through maximum team-centered innovation and strategically targeted aerospace initiatives.” Or “...put a man on the moon and return him safely by the end of the decade.”
  • The home run is easy to describe: You put up a slide. It triggers an emotional reaction in the audience. They sit up and want to know what you’re going to say that fits in with that image. Then, if you do it right, every time they think of what you said, they’ll see the image (and vice versa).
    • emoses
       
      This makes a lot of sense. Simplicity is key, and if you can make them remember whatever it is you're talking about by having one image, one quote, one something that's so profound, they won't be able to forget it, that's a home run.
joanmax

40+ Google Docs Tips to Become a Power User - 2 views

  •  
    Here are some helpful tips and how-to's if you have no idea how to use Google Docs.
tjetman1

Remotely Control Your Google Drive Presentations Using Your Smartphone ~ Educational Te... - 1 views

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    Worth a try....
Chip Bishop

Michael Penney's Blog: Google Docs-Moodle tutorial - 0 views

  •  
    adding google docs to moodle
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