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ksteingr

ALA - Webcast 2015 - Powered By WebcastInc - 0 views

  • Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video: Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly Ellard, Weston Woods Studios, Inc., producers of “Me…Jane,” are the Carnegie Medal winners. This transcendent adaptation of Patrick McDonnell’s 2012 Caldecott Honor draws viewers into the childhood of a young Jane Goodall who, with beloved stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, is transformed by what she observes in her own backyard, a “magical world full of joy and wonder.”
  •  
    Archive webcast of award announcements including the Andrew Carnegie Medal for video. It went to "Me....Jane", available through AEA Digital Library. Get a persistent link at the site - http://www.aeadigitallibrary.org/media.aspx?id=7726
julievanmanen

Articles: Design - 1 views

    • sraymond21
       
      KISS...Keep it simple, um...silly.
  • Your presentation is for the benefit of the audience. But boring an audience with bullet point after bullet point is of little benefit to them.
    • sraymond21
       
      I am guilty of this...trying to figure out how I can honor this and make notes more meaningful.
  • ...36 more annotations...
  • People should be able to comprehend each one in about three seconds.
    • debraschindler
       
      Another great rule of thumb!
    • kimkaz
       
      I would have selected this text also.  It's powerful to think that an image can promote discussion with limited time and attention.
    • sraymond21
       
      This is a helpful takeaway!
  • use contrast to focus attention
    • sraymond21
       
      I would like to get better at using this idea...
  • Highlight key points within bullet points
    • sraymond21
       
      Maybe this will help pme fix my "notes" slides.
    • stephhallberg
       
      I think, too, the white background with the blue contrasting text is visually appealing.
  • Slides with visual unity look as though the same person created them and make your message feel cohesive.
    • stephhallberg
       
      This is something else that I need to consider when developing my two slides for this week.
  • Pretend as though you are an audience member for your upcoming presentation. Do any slides feel text heavy?
    • stephhallberg
       
      This is where spending time in the slide sorter would help to see the slides from the audience's point of view.
  • Think of it as an approach to rehearsing your slides.
    • stephhallberg
       
      The key words can also let the audience know the main topic while not being bored with too much text.  
  • Don’t submit to the urge to add unrelated “decorations” to the slide.
    • stephhallberg
       
      Reynolds also says these "decorations" will help you lose credibility, too.
  • ever turn your back on the audience and read text from the slide word for word.
    • debraschindler
       
      This always drives me nuts when I see presenters do this
  • And this is even better…
    • debraschindler
       
      I would have never thought to do this but it does create a last image in your mind and as a presenter you know what its referring to so there wouldn't be the 'reading from the slide' effect
  • Unity
    • debraschindler
       
      I have actually seen the presentation below and as a viewer thought of how well-done it was.
  • Highlight the key phrases that you will help you rehearse for your presentation
    • debraschindler
       
      The bolding/highlighting key text really does improve the quality of the slide
    • kimkaz
       
      It's like advertising.  Simple, clear, powerful choices of text features and structures to draw attention to the content.
  • Depending on your content, you may be able to convert each bullet point into a separate image
    • debraschindler
       
      This is really interesting approach and I'm wanting to try it out in the near future. It easily keeps the audience engaged as they see images but are waiting to hear the connection/content
  • Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding. The less clutter you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become.
    • tamela hatcher
       
      I like the idea of having contrast and white space.
  • This slide is not unusual, but it is not a visual aid,it is more like an “eye chart.”
    • tamela hatcher
       
      My draft looked very much like this "eye chart".
  • Sans-Serif
    • tamela hatcher
       
      I could not find this option on my document to use.  Is there a trick to it?  It is not under my S drop down menu.
  • Use video and audio when appropriate.
    • tamela hatcher
       
      I still need to figure out how to download the video links so I am not dependent on the internet and jumping in and out of the presentation with links as I find this distracting.
  • logical flow
    • tamela hatcher
       
      I love the sorter method.  It really helps you see the flow.
  • The best slides may have no text at all.
    • kimkaz
       
      I feel that this is one of the most powerful sentences in this article.  "A picture tells a thousand words."  Photos and graphics can promote conversation!
  • Object builds (also called animations), such as bullet points, should not be animated on every slide. Some animation is a good thing, but stick to the most subtle and professional (similar to what you might see on the evening TV news broadcast).
    • kimkaz
       
      Animation can be incredible annoying.  I think the one that is most grating to me is the typwriter one.  It would be cool to use it for emphasis like for acronym. I totally agree limit transitions.
  • However, tables can lack impact on a visceral level.
    • kimkaz
       
      Data is easily skewed if the x or y access isn't labeled properly or scaled with proper perspective.
  • Just because the software lets you
    • kimkaz
       
      ...   Just because the software lets you do something it doesn't mean you should.  This caught my eye because I've fallen in the trap of bells and whistles.  I'm sure audiences have found my presentations to be extremely annoying at times when I 'tried out" capabilities of software.
  • learn more effectively from multimedia messages when they’re stripped of extraneous words, graphics, animation, and sounds.
    • kimkaz
       
      I like to use video in my presentations.  I think it's a great way to have an expert from the field punctuate my message.  It's also a good way to engage the audience in your theme.  I do believe they should be short, however, no more than 2 minutes.
  • You’ll reinforce your message and make it easier for people to get what you’re saying. Here’s an “after” slide to illustrate:
    • kimkaz
       
      Love this graphic.  It's clear and goes with the theme of the concept.  
  • But there’s beauty and clarity in restraint.
    • kimkaz
       
      Indeed, less is more.  Don't bring in an elephant to teach the color grey.
  • If they fall below 24 pt then you might be on to something.
    • kimkaz
       
      If you have to reduce the font size below 24 to get all of the text on the slide then it may be too text heavy.
  • Replace bullet points with images
    • kimkaz
       
      Love this idea.  I will definitely use it in my next presentation!
  • Don’t let your message and your ability to tell a story get derailed by slides that are unnecessarily complicated, busy, or full of what Edward Tufte calls “chart junk.”
    • julievanmanen
       
      Too much information can become a distraction and will take away from the point you are trying to "sell" the audience.
  • Use high-quality graphics including photographs.
    • julievanmanen
       
      Using high-quality graphics shows you have an interest in your topic besides looking professional.
  • Used to show percentages. Limit the slices to 4-6 and contrast the most important slice either with color or by exploding the slice
    • julievanmanen
       
      Again - it goes back to keeping it simple!
  • Color evokes feelings. Color is emotional. The right color can help persuade and motivate. Studies show that color usage can increase interest and improve learning comprehension
    • julievanmanen
       
      This is a little off the subject, but this is why I believe that colorful classrooms are important in the middle school and high school levels as well!
  • and retention
  • Remember, the slides are meant to support the narration of the speaker, not make the speaker superfluous
    • julievanmanen
       
      This is true in any type of presentation. Visuals should be an asset to the presentation, but not take over the message.
amorarend

PLE Articles - 1 views

  • Not every student is ready for this responsibility, so teachers need to have strategies in place to guide and support these learners. In addition, 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
    • anonymous
       
      It is not enough just to have PLEs and use them in the classroom, a teacher needs to be able to provide intervention, conferring, and reteaching strategies to help the student understand the expectations. They need to know how to use the tool correctly. 
    • lkmace
       
      Having the opportunity to collaborate with, visit schools supporting PLEs, or receive support from other professionals already comfortable with implementing PLEs would prove valuable on my journey to create learning environments to best meet my student needs. I so agree with your comment of teacher role.
    • wolson86
       
      This is a very powerful statement. I agree it is not just enough to have PLE's and use them. It is very important to have time to collaborate and have some professional development. Using PLE's teachers will be in a different role than in previous settings and will need the tools to support their students through this learning journey. 
  • Some instructors empower students to use their own mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones as a means to create PLEs. Others utilize sites such as Symbaloo or NetVibesas a foundation to help learners create and maintain their personal learning environments. Below is a video that shows how a 7th grade student uses Symbaloo as a PLE in her science class:
    • amorarend
       
      How do students learn how to use their PLE? Do they take a class to learn how to correctly and effectively them or does each classroom teacher teach bits and pieces of it?
    • Megan Schulte
       
      I think this depends on the students.  Some kids can naturally figure out how things work and others will need a tutorial.  Ultimately the kids will choose a PLE that they feel comfortable with or already know how to use.
  • Teachers, she explains, are no longer the primary or even the best source of information available to students, and our work must increasingly attend to supporting students in developing their skills and motivations for becoming themselves networked and sophisticated online learners.
    • amorarend
       
      Are schools going to provide training for teachers so they know how to use all of these PLE tools? I feel I would want to fully understand how to use all of these online tools before I teach my students how to use them.
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      We also need to teach our students to think and learn on their own. They are used to being provided with resources, graphic organizers, and other tools to guide their thinking. This is a big shift in processing and responsibility for our students. Because they have never done this in earlier education, some will really struggle to adapt.
    • wolson86
       
      You pose great questions, "are schools going to provide training for teachers so they know how to use all of the PLE tools?" I agree educators will need more training to properly implement PLE's into their classrooms. The statement that teachers are no longer the primary or even the best source of information is a huge shift in thinking. Our jobs as educators will be to support our students on their on learning pathway. 
  • ...17 more annotations...
  • as an instructor, you can make a webmix quite interactive.
    • amorarend
       
      Using this in a classroom would be helpful to catch students up who have been absent. 
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      Yes! Or to be able to access it on their own if they are absent. There isn't an excuse to not be current or up to date if resources are always at their fingertips.
  • PLEs place a large amount of responsibility on students and thus requires a high level of self-management and awareness.
    • amorarend
       
      This definitely seems more geared towards middle and high school students. Are their ways to create PLE's in the elementary classroom?
    • Megan Schulte
       
      I read in one of our assigned readings/videos that a PLE sometimes looks like the homescreen on a smart phone.  So an elementary student may have a variety of educational games that they have found/been provided that they would use for practice. Other kids' PLE may not involve technology at all, but instead be a manipulative, like counting blocks.  I know my own children (by birth) have been practicing multiplication with their Pokemon cards? My first grader couldn't handle using the iPad for sight word practice and had to go back to flash cards.  He learned what was acceptable and regained access.  While this classroom isn't necessarily PL, I would think the same concept applies? 
  • We also discussed that as they begin to work in inquiry circles next week and to collaborate on their digital research projects, they can create, publish, and share their topic webmixes with their peers so that they can collaborate and discover information sources through this form of networking/information sharing–I find this possibility exciting for the students, and they seemed impressed by this concept as well.
    • anonymous
       
      This networking in inquiry circles sounds like a wonderful way for students to share their learning. It would also give students a way to have a voice for those you are more hesitant to share in the regular classroom. I have a lot of questions about how it all works. How do we prepare students for this work? Do they have basic grammar structures so their writing makes sense? I am unfamiliar with the websites being used. Do we need to have inservices to get all teachers "up-to-date" on what students will be using? And lastly, what constitutes a finished project? How do students know when they are done?  
  • we are in a new era where information is abundantly available and professionalism is far more about the effective manipulation– access, evaluation, & application– it only makes sense to reorient 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. 
    • anonymous
       
      It is very clear the teacher and student roles are making a major shift. While we are changing the roles in the process, as educators, we need to have a unified understanding of what the balance needs to be or we will be giving students mixed messages. Students can quickly determine how to access what they need once they are given the tools but evaluation and process will require some lessons for the students AND the teachers. 
  • 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
    • anonymous
       
      Versatility and Opportunity which will allow for student work and communication in a personal learning environment with classroom connections. 
  • 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.
    • lkmace
       
      Every Wednesday my district has a late start for students while teachers are receiving PD. Just this morning a discussion at my table involved brainstorming how to move students past doing just what's expected of them. How do we get their thinking to move past, "How many paragraphs/sentences do I need to write?" PL could be a tool to develop that independent learner.
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      I agree, this will be the hardest step for our students! They are used to the traditional model of education with clear expectations and guidelines always structured and provided for them. We are trying to increase opportunities for students to be independent and accountable for their own learning and many are resistant. They know how to "play the game" of the traditional model of a school, so change can be intimidating.
  • Instead of a teacher providing resources that everyone uses, students can utilize their PLE to acquire information using preferred apps and resources such as blogs, YouTube, Pinterest, Ning or Delicious. The development of PLEs represents a shift in focus from teacher centered classrooms to more learner centered classrooms.
    • Megan Schulte
       
      As I have been talking to my kids about PL, I heard (and have feared) someone say, "So we're doing the teacher's job?"  I think, like most changes in education, it's going to take some convincing/educating the parents as to what PL is and the role of the teacher.  Of course, I feel that it's all about how it's presented.  If you get the kids to understand their role and the teacher's role, you may not have these issues.
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      This needs to start in elementary for it to be truly effective; I don't think we can expect secondary students who have not been taught how to learn in this environment to suddenly run with personal learning. While many of them think it sounds great, they haven't been conditioned to independence in their learning. They want everything provided for them and often don't know where to start when set off on their own. We need to teach students how to learn in this manner in order for it to be successful.
  • those policies are not going to change.
    • Megan Schulte
       
      This is a systematic problem that needs to change in order to make PL work.  Restricting access is not the answer, and I believe we'll get there as a society.  If we want real life, the students need to understand when it's acceptable to do what.  I already know my students will struggle with this issue, but if they're engaged in their PL, they may not need those distractions.  As with any classroom management issue, expectations will need to be established and enforced when violated.  We read that adults even struggle with using technology appropriately in the workplace, so of course this will need addressed with students.
    • lkmace
       
      On that thought, will our lifting those access restrictions at the elementary through secondary grade levels assist learners beyond the K-12 walls with using technology appropriately? Would it reduce the occurrence of workplace and adult inappropriate use of technology which seems to be sadly common place today?
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      We have so many problems with restrictions on our devices. At our school, teachers have the same filters as the students also! They give us no passwords for administrative access or even the WiFi. How can we teach students to think critically when using the web if we simply restrict everything? Especially when it comes to teachers, this seems a bit demeaning. People will always use resources inappropriately. Unfortunately, that's just the way it works. Why restrict everyone due to the poor actions of a few?
  • ong have educators, from Aristotle to Dewey to Sizer, called for “learning by doing” and “student as worker,”
    • Megan Schulte
       
      I feel that this is where we are at as educators as well.  We need to "learn by doing" because a lot of us are doing a job we were never trained to do...and I'm not even that old!  I currently have a student teacher, and she's amazed (and a little scared) at what we're doing with our students with blended learning and also standards based grading.  She hasn't even graduated and she knows nothing of either of them!  Get ready, honey!  :)
  • The notion of a PLE for students, grounding them intentionally in an environment of information tools and productive applications, is a great way to seek, develop, and structure that balanced approach.
    • Megan Schulte
       
      As much of this as we can implement in our class is a step in the right direction.  We can only control so many variables of the school day, and that's ultimately what is holding a lot of us back from implementing true PL.  
  • Because you can link to an infinite variety of web pages and you can embed media
    • Megan Schulte
       
      We do SOOO much on Google Drive in our school, I'm interested in seeing how we could use them together or if this would be separate.
  • The concept of PLE is not a way to replace classroom learning,
    • lkmace
       
      This is an important declarative to use when persuading teammates or administration to support the personal learning environment in your school. Like any differentiation piece, collaboration, individual student consideration of needs, and building a rigorous, yet attainable structure to learning is included with that design. Creating the PL to include technology students are frequenting, motivates students buying in to the idea at first.
    • wolson86
       
      I agree with this statement about not here to replace classroom learning but to enhance it. I also agree with your comment about how it is an important declarative when bringing the topic to co-teachers or administration. Education is always changing and administrators will want to listen if you have a way to enhance student learning. 
  • parents, email conversations, Facebook posts or even twitter hashtags. These interactions among their learning community reinforces learning and combats the often negative stereotypes associated with traditional learning techniques. Because PLEs are learner controlled, they are easily adapted to the learner’s day-to-day activities and interests both inside and outside of the classroom
    • lkmace
       
      This all sounds great! I could easily believe my students would enjoy these social network interaction learning communities. However, it does form a question connecting to student safety. I'm wondering how districts already implementing PLEs are assuring students they are responsible for will be involved with a secure/safe learning experience?
  • my main priority is for students to have a tool they can use to organize their information streams and to create their own topic webmixes, and from what I’ve seen so far, Symbaloo definitely will meet those needs. As we begin venturing into our research the next two weeks and students begin developing their Symbaloo webmixes, I’ll 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.
    • lkmace
       
      This grabs my interest! Not quite ready to plunge into this just yet, but could envision how this could greatly enhance students' research connected to problem-based learning situations I propose as extended learning projects with classroom teachers.
  • ymbaloo EDU
    • lkmace
       
      In taking a glimpse at the Symbaloo EDU page, I was glad to find out it's compatibility with tablets. My students have personal Chrome Books, we often find certain apps and programs that aren't available to use with these.
  • ruth be told, 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.
    • lkmace
       
      I often feel the same - slow to utilize the tools available. It's always well intent, but priority address other items at hand. I'm hoping this evolves as I develop more understanding of PLEs and their use for enhancing learning opportunities of those I instruct.
    • kelsi-johnson
       
      Not to mention, once we master one tool...another one pops up! I try to stay current in technology through classes and our PD opportunity, but it is tough to stay on top of things. I think the best way to do this is to stick with one tool and work to know it well. Otherwise we fall into the trap of "jack of all trades, master of none!"
  • Learning isn’t germane to structured classroom environments alone; it occurs in both formal and informal settings.
    • wolson86
       
      I think this statement is very important for the heading why PLE's are beneficial. Showing learning can take place in both formal and informal settings. Often with the push to meet the standards and standardized tests teachers feel the need to focus on the formal learning setting, however the informal learning setting can actually prove to be more beneficial in my opinion.  
mcgillicutty

Animoto - Create Educational Videos Using Animoto | Apply Now! - 0 views

  •  
    Animoto is awesome to use. It lets students put music with pictures to make videos.
Jill Carlson

"Personalized" vs. "Personal" Learning - 3 views

  • all children don’t learn the same way and personalization seems to honor those differences
    • krcouch
       
      we need to personalize learning for students so they can grow as learners.
    • dassom
       
      I like the part about honoring the differencees, When we ignore the difference in our students we are not really doing that great job of teaching. Sometimes it may be more work, but teaching the same way or in the same style everyday is also not fair to our students. Mix it up some days even if you can't fully commit to personalization.
    • carlarwall
       
      There are many things teachers can do on the daily to make learning different for students. The important thing to remember is to start small and not overwhelm yourself by trying to do too many new things at once.
  • it implies moving away from the industrialized form of education that pumps out cookie-cutter students with the same knowledge and skills.
    • krcouch
       
      agreed we need to have students with different mindsets and be able to grow as learners, Not just doing the same as all other kids
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Right. No longer are the majority of our students needing a certain skill set which allowed them to return to the farm as soon as possible. So much discussion that our school system still operates as it did 100 years ago. We must address this.
  • “personalization,” “engagement” and “flip.
    • krcouch
       
      Love the idea of all of these. I think the wave of the future is flipping the classroom and personalizing students' learning.
  • ...51 more annotations...
  • Personal learning entails working with each child to create projects of intellectual discovery that reflect his or her unique needs and interests
    • krcouch
       
      love this idea
  • master a set of skills mandated by people who have never met them
    • Mike Radue
       
      A learner profile is a fundamental element of a personalized learning system. The use of this technique is preferred over "one size fits all" approaches to learning. Many do not want things to be mandated to them and we know that relationships are an integral part of positive learning experiences.
  • but meaningful (and truly personal) learning never requires technology
    • Mike Radue
       
      This is sage wisdom/advice that we can't forget. Some folks try to make it seem like you need the tech when in fact you don't. As public servants, we have to think carefully and choose wisely when it comes to decisions on software/hardware and the cost/benefit involved.
    • dassom
       
      When using anyone else's resources it's important to be skepitcal. The resource has the obvious puprose of teaching or informing the student of something or teaching tem something, but technology is not necessary to perzonalize the learning, the method or way to personalize learning my be very low-tech.
    • anonymous
       
      This really moves personal learning up in Bloom's taxonomy. Allows students to analyze and create with or without technology.
  • it’s crucially more important to have the dispositions and the skills to create our own educational opportunities, not be trained to wait for opportunities that someone else has selected for delivery.
    • Mike Radue
       
      The empowered learner can create their own educational opportunities. Not many people like to wait in lines, anywhere. Definitely not in school and without personalized learning, we put our students in positions at times where they have to wait for others to come along or for some other external factor beyond their control.
    • carlarwall
       
      It is so interesting to think about the possibilities that personalized learning could provide to so many students of all abilities.
  • We often say we want creativity and innovation
    • hansenn
       
      Sometimes when I give students the freedom of choice it motivates them to learn and others students lack curiosity and need guidance to spark innovation.
    • brarykat
       
      Too many choices can also make it confusing for students.  I hope this class will provide strategies to use with those unmotivated students.
  • student moving through a prescribed set of activities at his own pace. The
    • hansenn
       
      Even this personal learning at your own pace would be difficult if students were interacting with other students in forum. Forums would need to be done at some set time.
    • brarykat
       
      Personalized learning should have flexible pacing, within reason.  Classes should still have deadlines and set expectations providing framework for students to succeed.
    • carlarwall
       
      There is certainly a difference between personalized learning and working on a set list at your own pace.
  • Technology was strikingly absent from these conversations. I
    • hansenn
       
      To me technology or blended learning would have to play some role in getting away from the one-size fits all model. Technology allows students to explore on their own and offers many resources to do so.
    • brarykat
       
      Technology also allows time to be part of student choice.  The flexibility of doing online assignments provides more options with programs, research, and making .connecting world-wide.
  • standardized tests, while at the same time telling teachers to be innovative and creative within their classrooms.
    • hansenn
       
      The skills needed for real life jobs and situations cannot be accessed by standardized tests. Students should be learning about how to be innovative and creative to solve real problems.
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Teachers feel the pressure to follow districts curriculum so closely that they are scared to get away from teaching traditionally and giving students the opportunity for personalized learning.
  • the best thing we can do for kids is empower them to make regular, important, thoughtful decisions about their own learning, what they learn and how they learn it
    • Mike Radue
       
      I think it all starts with the empowered learner and follows with the teacher's ability to guide as necessary, the learner has to be at the center and making the majority of the decisions around the learning plan with support as needed.
  • flipping doesn’t do much for helping kids become better learners in the sense of being able to drive their own education.
    • bbraack
       
      I agree flipping doesn't always help students become better learners of their own education, but I think it does help students learn the lesson since they are able to view videos and then do more deeper problem solving. But it doesn't drive their own learning, we are still telling them what they need to learn.
  • “’Personalized’ learning is something that we do to kids; ‘personal’ learning is something they do for themselves.
    • bbraack
       
      When something is "Personalized" for a student, I feel we still have given the student what they need to learn what they are interested in, the technology, the resources, etc. If learning is supposed to be about what the student wants to learn, then they should be the ones to find the technology and resources they need to learn. That way, it is more personal to the student.
    • carlarwall
       
      I completely agree with this statement. Many students will still need that adult guidance and supports and then the teacher can step back and allow students to work toward their next steps.
  • personalization only comes when students have authentic choice over how to tackle a problem
    • bbraack
       
      If a student doesn't have a choice or a limited number of choices in what they want to learn or how to tackle a problem, then it truly isn't Personalized. The teacher still had some say in what or how the student was to go about learning the information or problem and how to solve it. Students need complete control and/or choice in the way they go about learning their interest.
  • We often say we want creativity and innovation – personalization – but every mechanism we use to measure it is through control and compliance,
    • bbraack
       
      It is true we always ask students to be creative and innovative so that they feel like they have control of what their end product is, but when we have the state and districts tell us what needs to be taught and then give standardized tests, the personalization has disappeared.
  • control and compliance.
    • brarykat
       
      Standardized testing and required assessments do not jive with personalized learning.  They are ways to assess student understanding of concepts but are examples of the control and expected compliance in our current educational system.
  • truly personalized learning experience requires student choice
    • dykstras
       
      Here lies the sticking point with most teachers ... giving students a choice. Finding creative ways to do this, along with meeting standards and expectations will be the challenge of today's generation of educators.
    • blockerl
       
      I agree with you. It is challenging to provide choice with all of the expected standards and CFAs, etc. How do we honor all things? I love to give my students choice, but it isn't always easy. Is it only the content where they don't get much choice? Can we vary our process and product options to allow for choice there?
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I think it would benefit us to see lesson plan or video examples where student choice is present while still addressing the standards. I think we talk a ton about the why but then struggle when coming up with concrete steps.
  • That was flipping the curriculum, but it still wasn’t flipping the control of the learning.
    • dykstras
       
      Unfortunately for me, this describes my 'flipping' experience as well. In my mind, they should be learning the material at home by reading, watching videos, and doing research and practicing, applying, and extending their learning at school. In reality what I have experienced is that only truly motivated learners want to learn this way and experience success. Forcing it on someone does not work ... and in the sense of this article is nowhere personalized learning.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agreed Shawn. "We" the teachers are still in charge of the students learning. We haven't given over control to the student yet.
  • “delivery of instruction.”
    • dykstras
       
      Interesting how the connotation with this phrase has changed over the years. One might argue in my early teaching years this was number 1 on the list of things a teacher better be good at. Today 'good teaching' is more about being a facilitator of knowledge and not the delivery boy of it.
  • The main objective is just to raise test scores
    • dykstras
       
      I long for the day when this isn't even a consideration! Until then, this topic must appear in every article like this. Ironic timing...we give the Iowa Assessments tomorrow and guess what, my boss(es) aren't asking me for my personalized learning plans, but rather what tactics were recently employed to raise test scores and show growth.
  • while making sense of ideas is surely personal, it is not exclusively individual because it involves collaboration and takes place in a community
    • dykstras
       
      Excellent advice to end with, personal does not equal individual
  • resource rich
    • blockerl
       
      I'm interested to see what "resource rich" looks like. If students are in charge of their own learning, what are the best resources to provide them? Is it that we have a lot of options like databases for them to draw the information, or is it the teacher's job to do some of that curation?
  • “Personalized” learning is something that we do to kids; “personal” learning is something they do for themselves
    • schma3
       
      We spend too much time doing things TO kids. And not giving students ownership.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is a critical step to get our students started. This is just like swimming. We could throw them in the deep end and see what happens or we could start in the shallow end and give them the tools and skills needed to be successful. I vote for the later!
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree with both of you. Educators do spend too much time doing things TO kids instead of guiding them to learn it for themselves. The critical step is to get them started by encouraging them to try and fail at new things. Students don't know a world without devices but they don't know how to utilize those devices as learning tools. That is the starting point in the shallow end of the pool (or as I know it - elementary school.) It is just as important to give them the skills needed to use the tools as it is to give them the tools.
  • short term.
  • If we can’t engage our kids in ideas and explorations that require no technology, then we have surely lost our way.
    • schma3
       
      So true....putting technology in front of a student, does not magically make a student learn.
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree. They need to be exposed to the skill sets needed to utilize the technology as tools for learning.
    • carlarwall
       
      The challenge some teachers see with this idea is that using the technology is the easy way to get kids engaged. There were ways to engage students in learning before schools went to the one to one concept.
  • moving ownership of learning away from the teacher and more toward the student
    • schma3
       
      Who's doing the work? Flipping has become a very surface level strategy- as he said, taking care of those mundane housekeeping tasks, not really taking advantage of the possibilities!
    • jwalt15
       
      Well said! Flipping a classroom doesn't change learning ownership. It is just a different way to do the same teacher led lecture. It is not any different then creating or scanning a worksheet to do on the computer.
    • schma3
       
      That's a great way to think about that...who own's the learning? We haven't changed instruction or how the instruction is given.
  • for
  • A term like “mass customized learning,”
    • schma3
       
      Wow...someone really thought this phrase was a good idea??
  • kids spend much of their time learning with and from one another.
    • schma3
       
      Thinking about how adults learn best- isn't that how we learn? Collaboratively with others? Rarely do I learn in isolation.
  • tandardized way
    • dassom
       
      It's important that you have a standardize way of addressing the personalization. You need to know the end goal and the different pathways they can get there. If you jump into this without proper preparation you could loose some kids along the way.
  • Our systems and assessments assume that neither content nor access to teachers is widely available, and that we must deliver a proscribed, fairly narrow curriculum to each child because if they don’t have it in their heads when they need it, they will fail at the task
    • schma3
       
      I think about how much I have learned outside of a classroom or a course. In education we have to get over ourselves thinking that once a student leaves our high schools they know everything they need to know and will never learn again (outside of school). Unfortunately- our assessments drive this. If a student is proficient, they are "good". :-)
  • huge disruption
    • dassom
       
      I forgot about this phrase from our previous learning. Maybe it was in our Blended Book? I think it's a important phrase to keep in mind. If you are being true to updating your classroom/curriculum to match modern students it MUST be a disruptive environment.
  • skeptical
  • flipped classrooms, flipped teachers, flipped texts. For the uninitiated, the flipped concept suggests that we can now use technology to offload many of the more mundane classroom tasks
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is such a large issue. People use technology and say they have flipped their classroom when in essence all they did was digitize their paper documents.
  • It requires the presence of a caring teacher who knows each child well.
    • blockerl
       
      It is important for me to know and understand my students. I think sometimes, after having new students year in and year out, we forget to do the little things that helps us to really know our students. I always appreciate the reminder.
  • “monitor students’ progress,” we should immediately ask, “What do you mean by progress?” That word, like achievement, often refers to nothing more than results on dreadful tests.
    • blockerl
       
      Umm, I can't help but think about the CFAs we are creating in our teacher teams. Are we doing things wrong?
  • You want to really engage kids? Give them opportunities to learn personally, to create their own texts and courses of study, and to pursue that learning with others in and out of the classroom who share a passion.
    • jwalt15
       
      I think this is a very powerful statement. Every learner, whether they are young or old, will be more engaged in their learning if they are given the opportunity to decide their own courses of study with others who share their passion.
  • A suffix can change everything. When you attach -ality to sentiment, for example, you end up with what Wallace Stevens called a failure of feeling.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      This is part of the discussion as to why the new ISTE standards reflect roles rather than actions. For example, instead of "digital citizenship" the standard now describes a "digital citizen", and I think this makes all the difference.
  • Will Richardson
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I wonder if we asked our students what skills they thought they should acquire via school if they would be anything remotely resembling our state standards...
  • synthesize and analyze information into original productions.
    • carlarwall
       
      This type of personalization also adds the higher order skills from Bloom's Taxonomy and is more rigorous for students.
  • nothing to do with the person sitting in front of you
    • emmeyer
       
      PERSONalized learning is all about the person sitting in front of you, not what is easy for the teacher.
  • allows students to work at their own pace and level, meets the individual needs of students
    • emmeyer
       
      When students are able to work at their own pace and level, they thrive. They are able to complete and correctly practice the skills that are being taught to them.
  • But as is so often the case in education, I’m not sure we as a community are spending enough time digging to parse what those words really mean, especially in the context of what deep learning now requires in a connected world.
    • emmeyer
       
      This is sad, but true. Often in education, we jump in without fully understanding what makes something truly effective. Or we put our own spin on it to make it easier/ "more effective."
  • And while they come from the same root, those two words are vastly different
    • emmeyer
       
      This is a very important distinction. Personal learning teachers students to become lifelong learners!
  • personalized environment gives students the freedom
    • anonymous
       
      Students would love to have "freedom" in a classroom.
  • with access to the sum of human knowledge in our pockets
    • anonymous
       
      Who needs to learn any more when we can "Google" the answer? I've heard this comment time and time again. So now we need to set a new standard in how students learn.
  • promote and give opportunities
    • anonymous
       
      Yes, give the students opportunities for personalized learning. Students can choose their opportunity, it's not owned by the teacher.
  • bits of information, not the construction of meaning.
  • word
  • only choice
    • Jill Carlson
       
      When students are given choice, learning is more meaningful to them.
  • eave little room for the kind of authentic, whole-child personalization many teachers dream of offering
  • many school district leaders require public school educators to teach a specific curriculum
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Teachers want to provide personalized learning but are not always allowed the freedom they need. Teachers feel the pressure of 25+ students in one classroom meeting the standards they need to meet.
  • She cautions educators who may be excited about the progressive educational implications for “personalized learning” to make sure everyone they work with is on the same page about what that phrase means.
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Each school district will need to have a conversation about what personalized learning is to be on the same page.
annott

Physical Environment Considerations, con't - 2 views

shared by annott on 21 Jul 15 - No Cached
    • katie50009
       
      Yes--this is something that I fear. Teachers, parents, students, etc. not seeing or using the tools for what they really could offer.
    • ecsexton1
       
      I'm not sure if I can see this happening at an elementary school. I think personalized learning would be more beneficial for MS and HS. Also, what is the teacher's role in PL? Do they do any teaching? Kids could essentially be homeschooled if we are just going to stick a computer or ipad in their face all day.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      You're right, to an extent. I think for it to be successful at MS or HS, it has to be slowly introduced in the earlier grades. I teach high school and my students have never had the opportunity to make choices about their learning, so they don't know how to do it well. It often leads to chaos and behavioral challenges because they're experiencing freedom without having been taught what to do with it and the power of having that freedom. It takes a lot of training and the more than can be done in a controlled environment earlier on in a student's educational career, the more successful it will be for all students.
    • ecsexton1
       
      I think teachers who are not familiar with PL would need a lot of training if my school district decided to convert from a standard school to a PL school. I would like to see a video of how this works from a new teacher to an experienced teacher.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      This is so true! Also thinking about experienced teachers who have been doing what they do (and often times being successful at it!) for so many years and now are being told they have to completely shift what they're doing. That's super hard!
    • juliannehoward
       
      I also believe being able to observe a classroom that is already familiar and incorporating PL would be fantastic for so many reasons! The ability to see it would give the teacher a better handle on it.
  • ...21 more annotations...
    • ecsexton1
       
      I'm wondering the same thing...how does PL work when everyone has different interests in the same classroom? How much pre-planning comes from the teachers?
    • ecsexton1
       
      We currently have a chromebook cart that 5 classrooms share. How much money would the school district have to invest to have at least 8 computers in every classroom?
    • annott
       
      I believe chromebooks are around $100 each.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      This has been so key in my progression with differentiation, self-pacing, and now learning about PL. The biggest reason that I don't go deeper with this is because some/many (I teach freshmen) students aren't able to keep their focus on one particular subject. It turns into me redirecting several groups and less learning taking place than when I orchestrated the class as a whole.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      Sadly, this is the world we live in. A colleague and myself have sent students right into the hallways to watch video-lessons of something they are ready for, but they cannot do this anymore because the principal says no students can be in the hallways at all, for safety reasons.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      So huge! It should probably be assumed the opposite -- that student's DON'T know how to create and utilize a dashboard and they should be explicitly shown how to do so. Even if they do know how, it doesn't hurt for them to see it and hear it from you so they know your expectations.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      I think this point is HUGE! There are some things that computers do better at than teachers for helping students learn (lower level skills, think vocabulary, spelling, facts, etc) but there are some things that computers and technology will never be able to replace teachers (higher level thinking, creativity, compassion, empathy, etc). Therefore, there needs to be a balance and this seems to be a nice blend of the two.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I am curious what this would look like. I understand better how to increase the social side of online learning through video conferencing, forums, group projects, etc., but I wonder what this looks like for working in person while on the job. Working with other online looks can be very different than face to face on a regular basis.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      All too often we push, push kids from one area to another. No, we can't talk about this because we now have to move to science, or it is time for music. I think one of the biggest issues is we don't give enough time to process and reflect what we have learned and what question we have. I think designed correctly, this time to "chill out" is there naturally.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      This is the area that I think begins the difficult part for many teachers. How do we allow kids freedom on a regular basis? What is suggested for practicing the routines/procedures/expectations for this? I think evaluating reports would be essential beyond the obvious to collect data but also to focus on time on task. I know some people are better being told what to do and when. I think this needs to be flexible.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      How administrator and college prep programs would have to be adjusted/evaluated. Many of the descriptors still apply, but what the evidence looks like is different. This would take training so that administration feels confident.
    • carlarwall
       
      The design of this space reminds me of the design of many of the preschool and early learning classrooms. It takes those same concepts and shows how it can be applied with older students and for a more advanced purpose.
    • carlarwall
       
      This thoughts and ideas are tied closely with the flexible seating research many teachers are currently implementing and exploring.
    • carlarwall
       
      This statement is so powerful. So many times teachers are using tools like Canvas or Google Classroom and it really is just the same way of teaching as the traditional classroom. The work is the same, just done on line.
    • carlarwall
       
      And the more independent this student will be able to be in the future as they will be able to use their knowledge with these tools to guide them.
    • juliannehoward
       
      What a genius way to think of organizing the classroom! Each "Zone" has a clear meaning so students know exactly where they can be successful in their learning. Are their labels with their meaning at each of these zones so kids are able to remember it's purpose?
    • juliannehoward
       
      This visual aid helps me to better understand the areas of the classroom. I also agree should be able to move freely around the room. My biggest question or may fear is what do you do for the students who do not stay on task or is there some sort of consequence if this is the case?
    • juliannehoward
       
      When reading point 2 and how students are able to understand what types of social situations lead best to learning since the point that adults have also not mastered this is such a great point! The reality that this is how we learn best is 100% true, but the mentality of teachers is that you DO NOT give students this time because that seems like students would waste time and not complete their assignment or project.
    • annott
       
      Wouldn't it nice if we had funding to change our classrooms. But physical environment does make a difference.
    • annott
       
      I'm not sure I to the point of allowing high school students to socialize whenever they want.
    • annott
       
      I am surprised that the LMS systems is more for traditional learning, rather then personalized.
    • annott
       
      The adaptive learning environment is really overwhelming to think about in the traditional classroom setting. For instance I have 170 students in a day, I can't imagine how I could adapt leaning for all of them.
annott

Implementation in a Secondary Classroom (Articles) - 0 views

  • choice serves as a motivator
    • mgast40diigo
       
      When I give some of my kids choices on what they want to do, they have a tendency to ask me for suggestions. I would think the students would need experience with choices to feel confident enough to go make their own.
    • anonymous
       
      I have found this as well, in language arts/my writing classes. Giving them an umbrella topic- How-To Essay, and the world at their finger tips, they'll try to take one of my simple examples (how to tie your shoes) instead of choosing their own. I wonder a good way to teach students how to make choices- seems like a valuable lesson!
    • tmolitor
       
      I've also witnessed this in many things.Most the time I try to put a similar assignment on paper as on chromebook and allow the students the choice on how they would even like to do the assignment for that day.
  • You have to have a principal who understands that when he walks into a room and it’s not silent, it’s okay.
    • mgast40diigo
       
      I have to get over this at times. We do a lot of collaborative work and if a visitor came into my room they would probably say it is noisier than most classrooms. Once they sit in there for awhile they see the students working together and learning from each other. It is a great thing to experience.
    • kmolitor
       
      I had a principal that once told me he loved when he'd walk into a classroom where the noise was coming from the students working together. Learning can be noisy and people need to understand that, whether that is in a library or a classroom.
    • anonymous
       
      It kind of bothers me nowadays when I walk into a room where students aren't talking. It can be hard to get students to know the difference between just 'socializing' and working together, but I often see the most learning happening in my classroom when the students (rather than just me) are discussing.
    • tmolitor
       
      I used to always get nervous when an administrator would come into my room, and it wasn't quiet. Now that I've been teaching for a couple of years I have figured out most learning seems to be occurring when students are talking.
  • One of the things I had to learn recently was to let go and allow the kids to experience the consequences of their choices. And maybe there’s a failure. Maybe a kid was trying to do a vodcast and he couldn’t get the video to work correctly on the computer. That’s a learning opportunity for that child. Because it was his choice, he’s going to try to figure out a way to make it work—sometimes with the help of a fellow student.”
    • mgast40diigo
       
      Such a real life skill. Learning to fail and work through a situation is such great lesson to learn. As teachers it is difficult to watch a student struggle. Knowing that it is part of the process of becoming better at something gives us a little more patience.
    • tracyc4
       
      This is a difficult thing to convince parents about in my school. They are looking for perfect scores and don't like it when we "let the kids fail". It will take time to make this shift in thought in our community. I agree that this is a very real life skill that is important for kids to learn how to work through.
  • ...28 more annotations...
  • Eighth grade math teacher Julie Ison describes a project her classes worked on that involved graphing. Working with Excel, the students went to a few websites (preselected by the teacher) and picked data about whatever they were interested in—flavors of ice cream, baseball statistics, basketball statistics, whatever they wanted. They sucked in all the information, put it in Excel, manipulated it, made graphs out of it, and figured out what graphs went with that data, what graphs didn’t go with that data
    • mgast40diigo
       
      Neat idea. I have a unit on statistics and probability coming up. This is an activity that I might steal. Great way to incorporate personalized learning with graphing real life data.
  • We use Schoology as a learning management system, which many students access on their own phones if there aren’t enough devices to go around.
    • mgast40diigo
       
      I heard this is a great program. My school is looking to adopt this as our LMS.
    • kmolitor
       
      I know often people think it's important for all teachers to use the same LMS is that true? Does it hurt students to have some teachers using one and some using another?
  • This flipped learning setup frees up my students to use classtime to practice their skills.
    • mgast40diigo
       
      One of my goals before the end of the school year is to do a flipped lesson. I'm excited to try it.
    • rhoadsb_
       
      Given that we only see our students twice a week in PE, the use of blended learning is very beneficial to making the best use of face to face class time.
    • kmolitor
       
      I think we need to do more flipping as it would also help parents, especially in math. Often times I hear parents say well I can't help them with their math, so this way they could see how the teacher was doing the problem and help their child easier.
  • fantasy football stats during class, their motivation began to soar.
    • mgast40diigo
       
      I've used the curriculum Fantasy Math and Sports by Dan Flockhart. The students who love sports love this program. It's great way to learn math and is aligned with the common core.
  • The more meaningful an activity is to the person engaging in it, the more likely he or she will be motivated to continue doing it.
    • cmanring
       
      This is definitely the case in History/Social Studies. Some students will come in and out of interest based on the time period/unit/activity. Finding a way to keep interest would help.
    • tommuller4
       
      I was thinking the same exact thing about my Social Studies classes. Some time periods/events are more exciting then others but if you can relate it to current day things or to how it still impacts students today they seem more interested in the topic.
    • annott
       
      This is a very valid point. Technology does give way for more student engagement.
  • But when the teacher started to use the students’ questions rather than her own to frame discussions, motivation began to rise.
    • cmanring
       
      I have found success and better serving students in the last few years by continually asking them what is and isn't working.
  • They became more motivated and less fidgety when the teacher allowed them to find a comfortable place to read.
    • cmanring
       
      I have loosened up on this as well the last few years. I wouldn't want to read on the dusty floor but some really enjoy it.
    • kmolitor
       
      Our school is moving to more flexible seating in most classrooms. I think in some cases it works well, in others I think it can be an issue. I think it's important to at least allow students to stand up as opposed to staying seated as they literally sit all day.
  • Certainly, giving choice to students often means that teachers need to allow students to make their own decisions, and it can be difficult to give up this control.
    • cmanring
       
      In the end just allowing students to have and make choices at the minimum gives them the sense that their opinion matters, counts, and they can make decisions.
  • While choice can be a powerful motivator, on some occasions it can also have an adverse effect
    • tommuller4
       
      I've given kids freedom to choose topics/ideas in my class and many times I have a handful of kids coming up and asking me what they should do, what would be a good one, what would be an easy one to do.
  • However, if tasks are perceived to be too difficult, motivation is likely to suffer.
    • tommuller4
       
      I feel like this is kind of a catch 22. If you make the project challenging for the students they are more likely to lose interest in doing it. So should we make easy projects to keep them motivated. I don't think thats the solution.
  • For example, when a teacher assigns a research project, some students will prefer to have a broad range of topics, others will prefer a small list of options, and yet others will prefer to be told what to do. Giving students a short list of topics with an option to create their own topic, with the teacher’s approval, often works well.
    • tommuller4
       
      This just described just about every class I have ever taught. Some kids like endless options, some want a few, and some want to be told their only option.
    • kmolitor
       
      I agree Tom, but I think it's because they have lacked choice before they get to HS and then once they get to HS they worry about grades and want to know how to get an A.
  • Not every program lends itself to choice
    • tracyc4
       
      This is something that is important to remember. It doesn't always have to be choice in the topic or the process of learning, it can be choice in the presentation.
    • tmolitor
       
      Right, I think that is sometimes easily forgotten. Just any choice along the way can be good.
  • So far the teachers have talked about choice in terms of curriculum, but choice can also, surprisingly, come into play in relation to discipline
    • tracyc4
       
      This is so true! I have started using this in my classes, "these are your options....you choose" Many times I have used, "Would you like me to help with the situation or do you think you can settle it yourselves?" Sometimes they do actually want my help to settle a conflict and other times they are able to do it on their own. This of course is for small disagreements, not big blow outs. I think it is important though to give them the chance to sort things out on their own if they feel they can do so. Most of the time they can and it is a good skill to practice.
    • tmolitor
       
      We have done a lot of PBIS training recently, and this is one of the big things they tell us.
  • They could be two ‘bad’ choices
    • tracyc4
       
      There are consequences for actions and the teacher is still in charge of those consequences, even when students are getting choice in the disciplinary action.
  • Show us what you’ve learned,
    • mistermohr
       
      I think that choice in assessment is the harder one to implement. Choice in what you learn about seems more common place. (ie what dinosaur to study, which event to study, etc.)
  • differentiation of instruction, assessment and expression of learning as well as the collection of student data.
    • mistermohr
       
      I think that automating what you can in these categories makes teachers more effective.
    • rhoadsb_
       
      This is key to the Physical Education world especially as they tend to have twice as many students than other teachers.
    • anonymous
       
      Pretty much anything that gives you more data is brilliant in my book- particularly if it's a technology that gives the student data that they can reflect on as well!
  • Now they have access to the full unit from the beginning
    • mistermohr
       
      Having a unit ready to go from day 1 of the unit is tough. When students see that though, I think they have confidence because that means the expectations are all set out at the beginning. They just have to navigate each expectation. It is the difference in running a race and knowing where the finish line is and running a race and not knowing where the finish line is.
    • rhoadsb_
       
      I am thinking this is the way to go but I worry that if changes need to me made midstream how that will affect the students who may moved ahead.
  • Your class is easy. I don’t mean simple — I mean it is easy for me to learn because I can pick assignments that let me do my best work.
    • mistermohr
       
      I love this quote. Easy vs. simple.
  • It is the purposeful design of instruction to combine face-to-face teaching, technology-assisted instruction and collaboration to leverage each student’s learning style and interests for deeper learning.
    • rhoadsb_
       
      There is so much to be learned about the design of instruction for all teachers as we move forward. All teachers need more PD on this to get us into the 21st Century of Learning and beyond. There are so many exciting things that can happen when this is done well for students. I really think that our students would be more motivated to come to school if we would move out of the industrial era!
    • kmolitor
       
      I totally agree. We need to change the way school is structured so we can motivate students.
  • require students to work in groups
    • kmolitor
       
      I think we need to work on getting students to collaborate with different people but they tend to want to be with friend groups especially in MS. I like the idea of giving one "buddy" in their group.
    • anonymous
       
      My system of group selection works as follows- I draw names randomly, and students jump into groups as they are called. It very rarely happens that an entire group of friends gets together, as some other students will jump in. For this to work, though, there usually has to be a topic set up beforehand, so they know what they're getting into.
  • “One of you needs to move. You decide.”
    • anonymous
       
      I'm surprised I haven't heard much/seen much on this fairly simple concept. Maybe it doesn't work as well as they mention here? I could forsee, if I have two students causing issues, and I ask one of them to decide who moves- they would just get in another fight and/or both refuse to move. Nice in principle though!
    • tmolitor
       
      I feel the same as you. It seems like when you give two or more students a choice they start arguing about it.
  • The journey from old school to new learning paradigm was bumpy at first.
    • annott
       
      I would agree, it has been bumpy, but it's definitely better!
  • And our classroom is often noisy and active as we play a round of Kahoot
    • annott
       
      Some of my students love to play it and others don't . But its great for a change of pace.
    • annott
       
      Learning doesn't have to be quiet.
  • This year I create experiences to expose my students to a range of real-world issues, review the fundamentals of research and help them discover authentic ways to research their issues using a wide variety of digital tools.
  • When it is time to take the standardized tests at the end of the year, your teachers use your project portfolio to help you identify the standards you have already met and rehearse the test with you but don’t otherwise find it necessary to do extensive test prep.
  • Here’s a list of choices. Choose one. As long as you follow the steps in my rubric, you’re fine.’”
    • annott
       
      I would agree that giving options is much better for student learning. When they are part of the planning and designing it natural makes it more engaging.
  • As a result, instead of lecturing to students and showing them a PowerPoint during classtime, I give them screencasts or videos to watch at home.
    • annott
       
      We have to let go of the idea that every student must watch every minute of our videos. Good point that they can fast forward, that does make it adaptive.
  • Just three short years ago, my AP students would each have produced their own 10-page research paper. This year, they will select social justice issues that they will research with a team. Each team will collaborate to create a presentation for the board of a philanthropic organization in competition for a hypothetical grant that will be awarded to the program or event most likely to deliver real change. I will bring in administrators and community members to serve as the “board” and choose a winner.  The students won’t get a real grant, but they will receive public recognition for the winning project.
    • annott
       
      I love this idea, what a great way to get higher order thinking along with collaboration, and an authentic audience.
edgerlyj1

"Personalized" vs. "Personal" Learning - 1 views

  • but every mechanism we use to measure it is through control and compliance
    • edgerlyj1
       
      This is such a true point. We emphasize wanting to produce independent critical thinkers, but most of our whole educational system is aimed at producing compliant students who have all mastered the same things.
    • agoeser
       
      Do we have a need for students in society that haven't mastered the basics? I just feel we need both worlds. We need a traditional classroom with traditional standards and we need personal learning aspects to benefit the individual.
    • crystalseier
       
      As teachers, we think of adding choice or creativity is a simple way to differentiate and personalize learning for students. Yet, we are still in the mindset of assigning grades. How do you grade someone on creativity and innovation?
    • cgerbracht
       
      I think it is difficult for teachers to offer a more personalized approach to learning when the state demands rigorous and frequent assessments on our students.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      crystalseier: "Yet, we are still in the mindset of assigning grades." I agree 100%. The realm of personalized learning is hindered by the current reality that we have to grade students. I see progress in this area because some schools are going away from class rank and some are even getting rid of GPAs. I think standards-based grading is progress towards being able to have more flexibility in the classroom and not being restricted by grades, both as a teacher and also in the minds of students (and parents!)
  • Personalization is often used in the ed-tech community to describe a student moving through a prescribed set of activities at his own pace. The only choice a student gets is what box to check on the screen and how quickly to move through the exercises. For many educators that’s not the true meaning of “personalized learning.”
    • edgerlyj1
       
      This may not be "personalized learning" based on the definition, but I feel this is a common stepping stone for most teachers to move in that direction. I feel it would be very hard to move from traditional teaching to completely PL based on how it is defined.
    • cgerbracht
       
      I think there can be a place for these tools in a classroom. However, they are definitely not personalized. My first graders use a math program like this. It adjusts instruction based on students' answers. I use it as part of my math stations, but I do not see it as the entire instruction by any means. I also do not see it as personalized learning. Students do not get to choose interest areas. It does not even really allow for solving math problems in unconventional ways. However, I do find it to be a useful resource for a small part of the school day.
  • personalization only comes when students have authentic choice over how to tackle a problem. A personalized environment gives students the freedom to follow a meaningful line of inquiry, while building the skills to connect, synthesize and analyze information into original productions.
    • aaronpals
       
      This particular section revealed some real fears I thought I didn't have about relinquishing control.
    • agoeser
       
      It seems like technology will be controlling the classroom instead of the teacher.
    • jessicamotto
       
      When teaching very young students, how can the make an authentic choice to tackle a problem?
    • crystalseier
       
      Facilitating opportunities for 'authentic choice' for each student for every concept is an overwhelming thought. Students need to have the skill of being self-motivated.
    • mriniker
       
      I love the idea of personal learning and kids would be more engaged in authentic work. But how do we give them the skills we are still required to teach while allowing this type of environment.
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  • However, in order to navigate the system of accountability in the U.S. educational system, many school district leaders require public school educators to teach a specific curriculum that will be evaluated on standardized tests, while at the same time telling teachers to be innovative and creative within their classrooms.
    • agoeser
       
      It seems that the older generation is more reluctant to change the way students learn. I feel that a large percentage of people that have been in education for quite awhile want standardized tests, data, etc. That is what they know. Changing to a personal way of learning is going to take many years for everyone to buy into that concept...in my opinion.
    • aaronpals
       
      Agreed. I think even the new generation of teachers out there are behind the pace of what students need nowadays because the conventional ways of education have been so slow to change.
    • edgerlyj1
       
      Yes, it's going to be slow change.... I think what complicates this is the rate at which technology changes things. We just can't keep up!
  • From what I’ve seen, flipping doesn’t do much for helping kids become better learners in the sense of being able to drive their own education.
    • agoeser
       
      I had a friend that taught HS English/French for over 30 years. She retired last year because she said her school was using more and more technology. Her exact words were "I have no desire to learn all that new technology." My first thought was "that's too bad. Maybe she would have really enjoyed the new changes."
    • agoeser
       
      Her style of learning was having the students read the material at night and discuss the material during class.
    • anonymous
       
      It really is a shame at what some of these teachers that are near retirement age are missing out on. I understand that change is not always fun at first. However, when we see the engagement and joy in the students' eyes with these new and exciting resources we have to offer them, that's when our jobs are most rewarding!
    • christopherrush
       
      That can be true, but I know students who feel the opposite. In some foreign language classes, they are being inundated with technology (videos, interactive sites, music), but they hate the courses because they aren't learning anything! No grammar, no sentence structure, no parsing, just parroting sounds pretending technology is giving them an education. Sometimes too many resources can be detrimental.
  • Certain forms of technology can be used to support progressive education, but meaningful (and truly personal) learning never requires technology.
  • Therefore, if an idea like personalization is presented from the start as entailing software or a screen, we ought to be extremely skeptical about who really benefits.
    • agoeser
       
      It seems we can't do anything without technology. Does anyone think technology has went too far? I struggle with that question.
    • anonymous
       
      I also struggle with that question. Is technology great? Yes. Is technology changing the way we think and teach at times? Yes. Should technology always be the main focus of our teaching/learning. I don't necessarily think so. I feel students need foundation skills (reading from print books, basic mathematics understandings, etc.) before they have the potential to be distracted by technology. Can a child learn to read on an iPad-of course! Can a child learn their numbers on an iPad-of course! But there is something about a child holding a book in their hand and flipping the pages as they are learning to read. There is also something about a child using counters and manipulating them to help them get a better sense of numbers.
    • bennettfr
       
      I think we need to think in terms of what works best for the student. I have students that hate getting on computers to do their work and would prefer just to work out of a workbook or have a worksheet with manipulatives. Part of personal learning is letting the students choose how to do the work, at a minimum.
    • jessicamotto
       
      I agree that we need to think about what works best for each student. Even in preschool we have technology requirements and I have students that could care less if they ever had tablet time. I feel bad trying to force technology on them when the information could be learned a different way.
    • cgerbracht
       
      I agree with you mogrena. Looking at education through a developmental lens, I do not feel that allowing young children large amounts of technology use is appropriate. Young students need to manipulate objects. It can't be done exclusively with a software program.
  • I’m not sure we as a community are spending enough time digging to parse what those words really mean, especially in the context of what deep learning now requires in a connected world.
    • agoeser
       
      Put 20 people into a room and you'll have 20 different answers for those words.
    • aaronpals
       
      Agreed, "deep learning" can mean varying degrees of effort, time, and rigor depending on who is talking.
  • In a world where we can explore almost every interest or passion in depth on our own or with others, it’s crucially more important to have the dispositions and the skills to create our own educational opportunities, not be trained to wait for opportunities that someone else has selected for delivery.
    • agoeser
       
      We talk about personal learning for our children. What about the learning for our educators? Should we incorporate this in the college setting?
  • pumps out cookie-cutter students with the same knowledge and skills.
    • anonymous
       
      I found this analogy very intriguing and have never thought of education in this way. However, now that I read this, it totally makes sense to me.
    • christopherrush
       
      It's a good thing to keep in mind as teachers, definitely. I have a senior doing her senior thesis on the failings of the Industrialized Education System, and it's hard to argue against her.
  • It’s as if engaging them in learning without technology has become this impossible task.
    • anonymous
       
      As educators and the rise of technology, I feel this is typically listed as one of the top 5 ways to engage students today. They are used to technology. However, it is our job to make the content engaging without ALWAYS having technology at our finger tips.
    • christopherrush
       
      We will never be able to keep up with the kids' access to latest technologies, so we just embarrass ourselves when we try to impress them with technology. We should focus on teaching them how to use it - kids don't know how to indent papers or format block quotations anymore!
  • If we can’t engage our kids in ideas and explorations that require no technology, then we have surely lost our way.
    • christopherrush
       
      That strikes me as a crucial point. Why are we embarrassed to say "take your library card to the library and personalize your learning in there for a few hours a day"? Is reading books old fashioned and not "real learning" anymore? Surely with all the brain research coming in about the deleterious effects of starting at screens all day, we can't continue to advocate technology as the only solution for "real" education.
  • Finally, it seems like everything is being “flipped” these days
    • christopherrush
       
      Not every subject lends itself well to "flipping" - mathematics springs quickly to mind. Often when students are told to teach themselves the lesson at home without initial direct instruction and guided practice by the teacher, the result seems to be frustration and tears not learning and mastery.
  • f the point is to dump a load of facts into children, then it may be necessary to adjust the style and rate of dumping – and to help teachers become more efficient at it.
    • christopherrush
       
      But is this not, at least in part, what is actually meant by "education"? Are we saying a third grader does not need to learn multiplication skills or division skills if he'd prefer a personal learning path of video games and potato chips all day? I'm bemused by the embarrassment over the history of human learning as if someone it is wrong for us to pass it on to the next generation. (Would we allow our children to create their own personal eating plan simply because their hearts tell them to seek out ice cream and tootsie rolls instead of vegetables and fruit?) Someone help me understand this, please.
  • kids spend much of their time learning with and from one another.
    • christopherrush
       
      Some of the best "test answers" I've gotten over the years are from group tests, in which students are wresting collaborative ideas and interactions with the material out of each other in a much more engaged way than they would individually. And surely quality interaction with ideas is the goal? at least one of them?
    • bennettfr
       
      Some of my best days in my career have been days when my students are working with partners on a topic and I get to see them helping/teaching each other and fixing each others misconceptions!
  • The main objective is just to raise test scores
    • christopherrush
       
      But when the Administration and the Board declare this is the only objective (to use the adjective) way we have to measure classroom "success" ... how do teachers counter that? Especially when SAT averages and college acceptance lists are the main selling points on the promotional material?
    • aaronpals
       
      Agreed with the premise that there are some serious issues in what counts as "success" in our school systems. Risk taking is fine, encouraged even, as long as the research behind it says it will help scores go up.
    • mriniker
       
      This is a sad truth in teaching today. As a reading interventionist Fast score have a large influence in what I am to be working towards and what is considered success. However, my success is when students are becoming better readers. Good readers is a much larger picture than how fast they read. Are they monitoring their reading, do they understand it? These are skills that matter greatly as well.
  • You want to really engage kids? Give them opportunities to learn personally, to create their own texts and courses of study, and to pursue that learning with others in and out of the classroom who share a passion.
    • bennettfr
       
      I truly do want to engage my students, but am fearful of giving up control and putting the responsibility in their hands. Especially with all the buzz about teacher accountability for student growth.
  • the best thing we can do for kids is empower them to make regular, important, thoughtful decisions about their own learning, what they learn and how they learn it
    • bennettfr
       
      I would agree that the best thing we can do for students is empower kids to realize that education isn't a spectator sport, they have to participate and take responsibility for their own learning, but so many kids have learned helplessness and are fearful of failure.
  • new dispositions to take advantage of it for learning.
    • aaronpals
       
      How do we teach these new dispositions. Now that it's easy to find "facts" about stuff and just pull up a video of someone else explaining..how do we help students understand that learning encompasses more than just the ability to find out stuff?
  • The idea of personalized learning is seductive
    • aaronpals
       
      #1 Are my classmates seeing this? #2 Given that it is Valentine's Day and I'm bust annotating, I'm going to press pretty hard against the idea that PL is seductive. Curiosity building, full of potential, even rabbit hole-like, but definitely not seductive.
  • Follow the money” is apt advice in many sectors of education
    • aaronpals
       
      and to some degree, all sectors of education.
  • Personalized learning entails adjusting the difficulty level of prefabricated skills-based exercises based on students’ test scores.   It requires the purchase of software from one of those companies that can afford full-page ads in Education Week.
    • aaronpals
       
      But these tools the companies sell can be used as measuring stick to ensure some levels of competency are reached, right?
    • cgerbracht
       
      That is a challenge of personalized learning. There needs to be some accountability that students are meeting standards.
  • “Personalized” learning is something that we do to kids; “personal” learning is something they do for themselves.
    • jessicamotto
       
      As a former special education teacher, I am very familiar with personalized learning. I'm just beginning to learn how personal learning is different.
    • ashleyteunissen
       
      I agree, I too have been a special education teacher and feel that all I have done is personalized learning, but am on board with you that I am just learning about personal learning, about how it really includes the student, where my IEP's, although tailored to the student, didn't involve the student in decisions.
    • mriniker
       
      As a reading interventionist I feel we are always giving personalized goals for our students and working towards them. Personal learning sounds exciting but will take a great shift in mindset. How do we allow for personal learning while still meeting kids goals in areas they need support in?
  • Big questions, passion, personal interest are what should drive our use of technology, not the other way around.
    • jessicamotto
       
      I think this is true- so many times it feels like we are using technology just to use technology. We should start with what we want to learn and then decide what technology will work best.
    • ashleyteunissen
       
      I think teachers who aren't comfortable or well versed in all the latest technology feel incompetent, which is sad, because we can engage students without technology, but the current drive is to use technology all the time! If you're not using it, you're an old dog that can't learn new tricks.
  • Education is about the transmission of bits of information, not the construction of meaning.
    • jessicamotto
       
      "Learning" through rote memory is not learning. Students must understand the principles behind what they are learning to actually learn.
    • ashleyteunissen
       
      A professor of mine in college called this "binge and purge" teaching, where the students "binge" on the content the night before a test, then "purge" it back out for the test, and then it's gone, not thought of again! 
  • most of the content knowledge that, as we know from experience, never gets applied in real life.
    • ashleyteunissen
       
      Yes!  I have thought so many times that all this content knowledge is just purged out for testing purposes, then forgotten!  I've never known a content area well enough to teach it without the aid of teacher's guides and other resources.  
  • that all children don’t learn the same way and personalization seems to honor those differences.
    • anonymous
       
      The traditional education system is seen in a very negative light. While personalization helps build students interest in their learning and make their learning efficient, I would argue there is some value in learning to conform or be held to the same standards as peers. This is what they will face in the workplace and throughout life.
  • Instead, the common view of personalization focused on giving agency for learning to the student and valuing each individual in a classroom.
    • anonymous
       
      I think it is great that teachers at this conference prioritized the value of students' understanding real purpose in their learning.
  • Our kids (and we ourselves) are suddenly walking around with access to the sum of human knowledge in our pockets and connections to literally millions of potential teachers.
    • anonymous
       
      This is very true. Educators in today's world need to teach how to think and process information and skills to create and be critical thinkers instead of rote memorization. This is so much more complex for students and nearly impossible for teachers to teach in the traditional model. Personalization is needed for all students to be successful in the new world environment.
    • crystalseier
       
      I agree. We also need to teach students how to best make use of those little computers in their pockets. It's not realistic for them to tune out from their phones during learning. Students need the tools to use that technology to their advantage in order to be successful in the future.
    • cgerbracht
       
      Digital literacy is a huge component missing from today's education. It is such a vital component to daily life, it needs to be addressed. The amount of time spent on rote memorization of facts that students will not necessarily need to have memorized, could be devoted to teaching evaluating internet resources.
  • [10] Personalization is an even more disturbing example of this phenomenon because the word has come to be equated with technology
    • anonymous
       
      This is very interesting. I do think of personalized learning as requiring some form of technological component because of the world we live in. However, I didn't really realize that this assumption comes from a drive of these educational tech companies to make money.
  • When that happens, the structures around the classroom leave little room for the kind of authentic, whole-child personalization many teachers dream of offering.
    • crystalseier
       
      Certain elements of my school allow for such wishful thinking (shorter Flex classes that aren't necessarily tied to a standard) but it is difficult to think about designing a course based on standards/school expectations this way.
  • free up time for in-class problem-solving and discussion
    • mriniker
       
      The idea of flipping can be a great concept, however, if you are truly giving the student the opportunities they need each student would be in different places in their learning. It seems to be impossible to teach all the different learning possibilities in a flipped classroom if you are going to allow students to learn at their pace or interest.
  • computerized, modular and often very standardized system of “personalization”
mpercy

Implementation in a Secondary Classroom (Articles) - 0 views

  • in each of the four major academic subjects, students are offered choice as a means to motivate them and to enable them to take charge, even in small ways, of their own education
    • Wendy Arch
       
      This is the ideal, but the logistics are insane. At a former district, the English department tried our own - very pared down - version of this. I like to believe it was a success. We scrapped all the old courses and created entirely new courses based on themes we thought would appeal to teenagers, divided them into 2 framework categories, divided all the 11-12 grade band standards between the courses, and let students choose. They had to take at least one course from each framework before the graduated, so we still covered all the standards. The curriculum and pacing were traditional, but we required at least one literature circle or free choice book per course. At least, in some small ways, students had ownership of their learning.
  • let go and allow the kids to experience the consequences of their choices. And maybe there’s a failure. Maybe a kid was trying to do a vodcast and he couldn’t get the video to work correctly on the computer. That’s a learning opportunity for that child. Because it was his choice, he’s going to try to figure out a way to make it work—sometimes with the help of a fellow student.”
    • Wendy Arch
       
      This 1000%! As a society, we are trained to fear failure, yet we learn most when we fail. Sometimes the difference between future success and failure is learning to cope with past failures in a healthy manner. We're going to keep failing in large and small ways our entire lives. The sooner we learn to cope with and learn from our failures in a healthy way, the better off we are as individuals and a society. The hardest part of this is justifying the "failure" to parents or administrators looking at numbers. As a parent and a teacher, I know how hard it is to tell a parent that their child has failed a course. As a parent, when my own children's teachers have communicated a failure on my children's part, it feels like I'M the one who failed. The same as a teacher, when a student fails my class, I feel like I failed them. Maybe we can relearn about failure and incorporate it into a healthier society for everyone.
    • lwinter14
       
      How do we respond to the students who do not handle failure well? I have students who would see failing as a reason to shut down and not move forward. As many times as I have tried to have that conversation with students that failure can be a learning opportunity, a lot of them still can't see past that moment of "failure." I think that the older students become, the less likely they are willing to take risks that may involve possibilities of failure. And for many of them, they are a lot less likely to let their peers know it.
  • I’m putting together a wiki where my students will have to respond a certain number of times a week to whatever they’ve read. I am going to give them a series of questions like I always do, but they don’t have to respond to those directly. The response will be very open. They can choose instead to respond to someone else’s views. Everybody will read each other’s responses. They’ll have to post a couple of responses—and post a couple of responses to responses— as part of the class.
    • Wendy Arch
       
      This seems like a great way to hear the voices that don't normally get heard. It also really connects with and promotes civil online discussion and discourse. THAT is something we desperately need!
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • Another key piece in preparing personalized curriculum units and projects includes mandates, such as performance standards, standardized texts, and academy themes. If mandates are seen as “something we have to teach,” they become a discouraging burden on teachers. If they are seen as ways to inspire, inform, and lend coherence to planning, they can be seen as useful. Both vertical departmental discussions and horizontal grade-team discussions are useful in mapping and creatively incorporating mandates into curriculum designs.
    • Wendy Arch
       
      A phrase I hear a LOT is "If we aren't teaching what we're supposed to, then just tell us. Don't make us tie everything to standards I didn't write." Unfortunately it seems, that even as educators, we can't move out of the dislike of requirements. :-P. If WE as educated learners don't like mandates and requirements, why in the heck would we think students would? It always boggles my mind when teachers act like the very students they complain about the most.
  • At the end of the project they can choose how they will present their findings
    • tkofoot
       
      I think it is great the students will have a choice on how they want to present their project at the end. I do get feedback from students on what they prefer for projects and presenting them. They are different.
  • with one student working one way, another a different way—you get the picture.
    • tkofoot
       
      This is something I need to learn to get use to, a "disorganized" classroom. I do think it has to do with working in special ed so long. I have a hard time letting kids go as not all of them can handle it. I may need to try letting go a little, but with daily goal for tasks.
  • I would gather up the two paragraphs each student wrote and take them home to read, grade, and turn back in, with nobody else getting the chance to read them.
    • tkofoot
       
      I am learning a lot of different ways for presentation through the Ollie courses. I like that it doesn't have to be just a written response as this had been a barrier for some students in the past.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I think that this tool we are using here could also be useful. If you have students post their work to a site like this, and then use this tool, I wonder it you could get students collaborating across different teams or even grade levels I recently used it with the other 8th grade team so they could see how students on the other team were learning the same content. It was really cool for them to make connections to each other's work and I think it helped increase the "realness" because they were explaining their thinking to their peers.
  • they loved doing it because it was a break from math!
    • tkofoot
       
      Math can be fun. The math teacher I work with tries to get the kids moving and doing activities other than pencil to paper. Kids benefit from seeing what math can look like in the real world, like creating a graph.
  • It is a messier way to teach, though it takes more organization on the teacher’s part, not less. You really have to be on top of things to allow the students choice since now there is more than one “right” way of doing something in the classroom.
    • lwinter14
       
      I think that this is something that both teachers and students likely struggle with at first. Because it looks so different, teachers really have to be prepared to help 28 different students on any one thing. At the same time, students have to be comfortable with knowing that there isn't that one way of doing things to get it right. I've spoken with some of my students and I ask them what they would be interested in studying if they had some more choice and a lot of them give me the traditional "idk" answer. They want choices, but then when asked what they might choose, they realize that the decision isn't as simple.
  • I won’t lie. The journey from old school to new learning paradigm was bumpy at first. I tried blended lessons that took less time than planned, had technology failures, chose the wrong method of delivery for various types of content or skills, and generally made every mistake you can imagine.
    • lwinter14
       
      I've definitely had some struggles along the way with trying to set up a more blended classroom. Even small things that I thought were set up correctly in Moodle and then when students go to access them, I find out I forgot to do something. However, the small successes when things go well do make the effort to shift thigns worth it. I do try to listen to the students who provide input beyond the usual complaints because they know what works best from their perspective.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I hear you. I hope 9th graders are little more forgiving when things don't quiet right. Most of my bumps in the road have been setting up different types of forums. I agree the some students have provided good and useful feedback that I've used to make my Moodle site better. I can also relate the authors comment about the wrong delivery methods. I have already gone back and changed some lessons and activity types. Hopefully next year will go smoother.
    • mpercy
       
      There is definitely a learning curve as you begin to blend or flip your classroom. It's great that you are using student feedback to make decisions as you continue to change your classroom.
  • Now they have access to the full unit from the beginning, so they can gauge their own pacing and get practice in time management. Completion rules also give me the freedom to have small-group or individual conferences to assess learning and make choices about future instruction.
    • lwinter14
       
      This sounds like such a freeing way to operate a classroom. I would love to have students move through things at their own pace so that I have the opportunity to meet with small groups or individual students based on their needs. It makes me uncomfortable though, because I cannot imagine being able to have a full unit ready ahead of time that students can go ahead and dive into. I'm guessing this teacher had a curriculum that was well developed because sometimes I am planning things as I go. I also how this works from a perspective of science teaching? How does a teacher manage multiple labs within one day or anticipate when labs would be needed at times? Perhaps there is more structure that would be needed for those days and deadlines to where all students need to be at a certain point so that the whole group can do a lab and then they go back to moving at their own pace?
  • Since the project focuses on student learning that is engaging and relevant, we asked the teachers to tell us about ways they are using choice to involve students in content learning.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      This is such an important part in the path toward helping students take charge in their own education. Getting student voice is key. I think that too often we forget this aspect and for the most part our educational system hasn't changes a whole lot. Most of our classrooms still look like they did 100 years ago and yet the "real world" had moved beyond that. What future will our students have if they can't or won't take a hold of their own education and become invested?
  • So far the teachers have talked about choice in terms of curriculum, but choice can also, surprisingly, come into play in relation to discipline. In her first years of teaching, Julie, like just about every other teacher, would confront students sitting near each other who either were having too good a time socializing or were fighting. In either case, she would separate them by sending one to another part of the classroom. Not anymore. Now she says, “One of you needs to move. You decide.” It is less stressful to her and focuses the students on what they need to do to regain control. And if students require more serious discipline, Julie again usually offers them choices: “They could be two ‘bad’ choices; for example, one of them might be to go to the principal’s office and the other to stay in a specific teacher’s room. But if they have a choice, they’ll pick one; they take ownership.”
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I just plain like this part. Making the students choose. I use this a lot and for the most part is works. Sure, sometimes the student makes the wrong choice or the choice I wish they wouldn't, but it's their choice. They are the ones who have to deal with the consequences good or bad. It is also nice at the teacher when students want to complain about the situation. You simply say, well that was you're choice, and again you put the ownership back on them.
  • Instead of just giving a final exam at the end of each unit, I try to use formative assessment to enable me to give my students guidance and assistance when they need it. I use a variety of methods for this. For instance, my video lectures often include interactive questions to assess their understanding of the material. And our classroom is often noisy and active as we play a round of Kahoot, which gives me ins
    • jnewmanfd
       
      The assess as you go is something I've been trying to do more of this year. I haven't waited until the end to do one big assessment, but rather, I've done several smaller ones. For the most part, student don't always realize they are being assessed as the smaller pieces seem to fit seamlessly with our current activities. I think it is easier for me as a instructor to make needed changes on our learning course before it's too late. What I need work on next would be getting meaningful feedback to students. Getting better, but it's not where I want it yet.
  • Low motivation does not need to be a recurring problem in the classroom. Although teachers can draw from myriad strategies to cultivate higher levels of motivation, well crafted choices have the potential to have a powerful impact on students’ attitudes toward classroom work. When promoting student decision making, it is important to remember that some of the most motivating choices are those that promote feelings of control, competence, and purpose. Certainly, giving choice to students often mea
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I would say that this year, I am hurting big time in the area. My group last year loved it and they really excelled. They got to the point that they wanted to explore on their own. My group this year just doesn't want to take charge of their learning and seeks the easiest way out of work. They say things like, "...just tell us the answer or can we just read an article or something". I'll keep pushing them because I know it's worth it, but man it's a struggle.
  • All of this guidance helped me find more effective ways to lead my students while empowering them to take responsibility for their own learning.
    • mpercy
       
      The goal of blended learning: giving students the tools and encouraging them to become self-motivated learners!
  • they can access and even return to my videos and screencasts when they need them most, as they are working on an assignment or reviewing for a test.
    • mpercy
       
      This is a great resource for students to have at their convenience. All of the instruction can be viewed at any time.
  • I feel that I am on this blended learning journey with them, and I truly believe it has made us all more engaged in our work and more focused learners.
    • mpercy
       
      Teachers have an opportunity to model being a life long learner by looking for ways to adjust their classrooms to create a more engaging environment for students. It's great to model this for students.
nickol11

ollie1 (Peterman): Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 2 views

  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face
    • bbraack
       
      Not all instruction is appropriate for completely online. The teacher will have to decide when or what parts of the lesson can be delivered online (video, recording, etc.) and when it should be delivered F2F. Sometimes activites and discussions are better suited for F2F. While videos, quizzes, forums, etc., can be all delivered online.
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • bbraack
       
      Formative and summative assessments are important to see if students understand the material. If the assessments show students aren't understanding, then adjustments, such as reteaching, can be made to help students to understand.
    • leighbellville
       
      This particular point is important in that instructors should include formative checks for understanding along the way. There is certainly a need for this in an online course.
    • jbuerman
       
      This is definitely needed to help guide students and teachers with their learning.  Especially in online learning when teachers do not see their students each day.  Quality formative assessments help check to see if students are learning what they need to learn.
  • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course
    • pnbolton
       
      I think getting feedback from my students will be very important. When I finally teach a fully online course, I know I will make mistakes and hearing from my students what work and what doesn't will be very important!
    • leighbellville
       
      Yes, course evaluations are helpful to determine new approaches and reflect on what is working well and what needs improvement.
    • trgriffin1
       
      You also have to create a culture in which the feedback is constructive so that you can improve instead of just "the link doesn't work" or "this is dumb".
  • ...27 more annotations...
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation
    • pnbolton
       
      I believe a strong intro or syllabus is very important in an online learning environment. The thing I like about online is that students can work at their own pace, and keeping deadlines or guidelines is helpful in helping students succeed.
    • leighbellville
       
      Yes, clear expectations are essential when designing a course. Learners should not immediately what the learning outcomes will be and the expectations for the work they are completing.
    • Catherine Hines
       
      Absolutely! Planning and organization are keys to learning in any classroom, but becomes even more crucial in the online environment. A student must have clear expectations and timely feedback (so he/she knows work is being done correctly) if he/she wishes to be successful in an online environment.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning (SREB M.3, Varvel IV.D, ITS 3.e, ITS 4.f)
    • leighbellville
       
      Selecting technology that is appropriate for the task is essential. Technology should be tested as a learner and chosen to assist participants in accessing content and demonstrating their understanding in meaningful ways. Quality of tools over quantity and allowing participants an opportunity to learn how to navigate those tools is an important consideration.
    • sjadamsbrennan
       
      Agreed. It is also important that the instructor has a good understanding of the tool and how to use it. I feel there are times when instrutors will choose tools that are popular, but don't understand all of the functions.
    • whitvere
       
      I always preach, "Don't use technology for technology's sake." I also call it in my classroom or when teaching peers, "Over-tooling." I believe that technology loses its effectiveness when not used sparingly and looking for the right tool for the purpose.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A)
    • leighbellville
       
      Online learning can seem distant and impersonal, or it can be a valuable and meaningful experience for the instructor and students. I read previously that if a student's first experience in an online course is positive, it is far more likely that he or she will continue online courses in the future. Learners should feel safe to ask questions and feel supported during their courses. If an instructor is mindful of reaching out to students frequently, checking on their progress, and answers questions quickly, then the overall impact will be positive.
    • sjadamsbrennan
       
      Your point about the instructor being mindful is so important. So much of the online learning experience is a direct result of what the instructor chooses to do with the course.
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student (SREB F.1, Varvel II.E)
    • sjadamsbrennan
       
      I have had the experience of being an on-line learner with various instructors. Some courses were great and others were frustrating. I think it's very important to have had the student experience before being an instructor.
    • sjadamsbrennan
       
      One key component of on-line instruction is to facilitate student to student and instructor- student interactions. It is the responsibilty of the instructor to structure the course in a way that will engage everyone. Setting up the expectation for on-going discussion beyond single posts is critical.
    • jbuerman
       
      I think it is extremely important for all teachers to have experienced being an online student.  More schools have an LMS and are required to place things online.  I think experiencing the online environment as a student enhances a teachers ability to be able to disseminate appropriate information to their students.
    • Vicki Zylstra
       
      It's amazing but the teacher-student interaction is every bit as important, if not more important, in the online environment.
  • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students (SREB D.8, Varvel VI.F, ITS 5.e)
  • student
  • 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)
  • 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)
    • sjadamsbrennan
       
      An instructor must have a solid understanding of the content that is being taught in order to determine the best methods of presenting the material online. Some content lends itself better to individual work while group work/discussion may be more appropriate in other cases. When providing content instruction, the instrutor must also be able to determine good online sources and tools from those that aren't great. Old online material or videos can often confuse students more than help them.
  • uses data to evaluate
    • trgriffin1
       
      This is going to be key for me because I am creating a course. I will need to establish some consistent measures to show that the blended format is effective. I am not sure how to compare the blended delivery to the traditional classes besides a common assessment - but a common assessment will limit the power of PBL and personalization, which is a key element of the course offering.
  • ability to enhance academic performance
    • trgriffin1
       
      This is, of course, the goal for all teachers. However, I feel that in trying something different I really need to show that the blended course that is being offered will enhance academic performance to the same extent (or more than) the traditional offering.
  • Engages in professional growth (ITS 7)
    • trgriffin1
       
      Continual PD and reflection will be key as tools change and research continues to show what is effective and what isn't.
    • hagartyc
       
      By communicating and providing information with your team/co-workers shows that you are putting in the effort to learn and share your knowledge.
  • student motivation and uses techniques to engage students
    • Catherine Hines
       
      I think this is a challenge to online learning. Students often take an online course with the misconception that it is easier than traditional learning. And as they work, the just think "blah blah blah let me jump through hoops and get this done". This is not a good approach for true long term learning.
    • hagartyc
       
      Student motivation and appropriate techniques is very important to help engage your student. The more interested your student is about the topic at hand the more willing they are to participate which equals learning!
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies
    • whitvere
       
      Technology changes so quickly which is another reason why continual PD is an important standard. I try to remember that if I think that I will become an expert in technology I will never make that goal. I must instead strive to stay current and try and learn new things.
    • Vicki Zylstra
       
      This is so true and proven by the list of Cool Tools we looked at in Topic 1.
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment (SREB C.1, SREB G.6, Varvel V.C, ITS 3.d, ITS 4.b)
    • jbuerman
       
      Instructional strategies are mentioned many times in this document.  Different strategies need to be considered when providing online education.  All strategies (online & traditional) need to encourage higher order thinking skills for students.  Instructional strategies have been a major focus of our work in our district this year and I hope it continues to challenge teachers to think about how they are providing instructions and change to increase the thinking necessary to challenge students.
  • including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc
    • Vicki Zylstra
       
      This is very important for me to learn and do! The first online course I taught was in 1997, and most of these tools weren't even available. I have added some of them through the years but not enough. I need to step up my game in this area.
    • Catherine Hines
       
      It's hard to keep up with online tools because they come and go so quickly! But it's not going to change so your right; we all need to keep our game sharp if we are going to work in an online environment.
  • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use
    • Catherine Hines
       
      Yes, this is what I was thinking when I highlighted and commented on "creates a safe environment" but also when it comes to respecting copyright as well.
  • 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)
    • bdowney
       
      Each student has a unique background set of knowledge and skills. We need to individualize to each learner whenever possible.
  • Sets and models clear expectations for appropriate behavior and proper interaction (SREB D.6, ITS 6.b
    • bdowney
       
      Setting high expectations encourages each student to be challenged, but not frustrated. Teachers walk a fine line at times.
  • content knowledge
    • Catherine Hines
       
      I think content knowledge is very important and sometimes overlooked. Some become to concerned with the bells and whistles of the technology and try to create an innovative way to use the tech. However, if it is not rooted in an important knowledge base to the content the person is teaching, the technology is meaningless. As an instructor and as I coach, I first consider what content is important.
  • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning
    • Catherine Hines
       
      I am a BIG fan of TPACK learning theory and use it in my practice as a teacher and a coach. Knowing why we do what we do in the classroom, and knowing how it is supported by research and theory, is very important for quality online learning (IMHO).
  • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict
    • Catherine Hines
       
      To be honest, I had not considered this factor because my online work has been in an adult learning environment and I have never noticed any troubles in this area. However, I can see the need to work on this if teaching high school kids; they often make some poor decisions when typing online!
  • such as with the Iowa Core (Varvel I.A, IT
    • lisamsuya
       
      It is important to awknowledge that online instruction is to be aligned with Iowa Core standards. That is a good reminder not to use technology for technology's sake, but for a greater purpose.
  • 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 (
    • lisamsuya
       
      Because the learning theories are specifically mentioned in the standards, one should review or increase their knowledge of these theories. It seems like these theories could be information that is added to the Ollie online courses.
  • 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)
    • nickol11
       
      This is a huge component to any classroom whether it is a traditional, flipped for fully online learning environment. Students need to be aware of what they are doing online, what others can do with that information and how to interact with others in this environment in a safe way.
  • including rubrics for student performances
    • nickol11
       
      In teaching art, rubrics are an essential grading tool in summative assessments. It is very helpful to have this information available to students before they start their learning. That way they know the direct route they are going, can reflect on modifications they may need to make to reach mastery, etc.
  •  
    The student/teacher relationship has traditionally been crucial in the learning process. I continue to believe that instructors need to reach out to their students in ways that promote learning and the relationship with the class.
Deborah Cleveland

Screen Recorder | Screencast-O-Matic - Free online screen recorder for instant screen c... - 0 views

  •  
    Allows up to 15 minutes of recorded video and allows you to embed a webcam image in your screencast.
russelljohanna

How To Be An Effective Teacher On The First Days Of School Part 1 - SIMPLE secrets!! - ... - 0 views

  •  
    I am not sure that this will be the final video that I land on, but I want additional resources of what an effective behavior management system looks like. If students are going to be self-motivated they need an environment that demands productivity. This is a good, but long example
disneygal

Education World: Podcast for Free - 0 views

  •  
    Ideas for creating podcasts. Consider using this to embed into blended class this summer. Have students do the video recording during our face-to-face days. 
Cari Teske

Gale and Google Partner to Improve Learning | GetMedia - 2 views

  •  
    This page provides information on how to use Gale and Google collaboratively. There is nice video that shows how to move articles into your Google Drive.
Marcia Jensen

18 Ways Teachers Can Use Google+ Hangouts - Online Colleges - 6 views

  •  
    Through Hangouts, up to ten users can video conference at once, and the service is easily connected to existing Google+ circles, offering up a whole host of exciting ways teachers can make use of it for educational applications.
Ami Leath

TechSmith | Jing, instant screenshots and screencasts, home - 4 views

  •  
    Create images and videos of what you see on your computer screen and share with others quickly.
  •  
    I've used Jing before for multiple projects and find it very user friendly. The only drawback is the length of time you have for a screencast. Five minutes goes pretty quickly!
dougmay

Articles: Design - 0 views

  • The less clutter you have on your slide, the more powerful your visual message will become.
    • rabraham
       
      This is something that will help transform presentations.  Keeping it simple will ensure the audience stays engaged.
  • Instead of a copy of your PowerPoint slides, it is far better to prepare a written document which highlights your content from the presentation and expands on that content.
    • rabraham
       
      This is a great way to keep the talking points limited.  I think it will be great to use with students who are absent for the lessons too.
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      I was glad to see that they still advise giving a document if the thought is to not give out the slide handouts. This is good for students who are absent.
  • You will be able to notice more extraneous pieces of visual data that can be removed to increase visual clarity and improve communication.
    • rabraham
       
      Slide Sorter view helps you to see the big picture of the entire presentation put together.
  • ...57 more annotations...
  • But including a healthy amount of white space sharpens viewers’ focus by isolating elements.
    • rabraham
       
      This is a key element to remember.
    • dougmay
       
      I wouldn't have thought of this, but this slide looks good. The old thought process was to not have extra space.
  • Highlight the key phrases that you will help you rehearse for your presentation
    • rabraham
       
      This is a good step to simplify what the audiences sees and may keep them interested because they can't simply read the rest of the information.
  • Listeners will get bored very quickly if they are asked to endure slide after slide of animation. For transitions between slides, use no more than two-three different types of transition effects and do not place transition
    • suzdohrer
       
      I've struggled with using animations for transitions and lists. Now I read it may not be worth it. Yeah, back to basics and keep it simple.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I will admit that I never use animations or transitions in any of my presentations. Not even a subtle fade. Not only is it extra junk, but it can add an hour to your development time. The most I do are builds. If I have a slide with an important point that I want to reveal, I will make two copies of the slide, and delete the "revealed" info on the first one. Then when I advance to the next slide, voila, I have a "transition".
    • dougmay
       
      With my students presentations, It sooooo delayed their presentations with all of their animartions and transitions. I, too, kept thinking of these articles.
  • Gill Sans
  • Cut out the extraneous content. Speak to that content when you present
    • suzdohrer
       
      This is when I move the cut text or additional text notes to the "Notes" section of the powerpoint, below the slide shot. Then, I like to print-out the slides to show the notes for my presentation.
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      I was thinking that I would be using the notes area much more too. I've even been using it to keep the information of where I got the image on the slide so that I can decide where to add that later.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      For many people, the notes section is really good. If you haven't tried the presenter view within Power Point, it is worth trying. On your computer, you can see your current slide, the next slide coming up, the notes that you have, and a timer/clock. The audience only sees your slide.
    • ney4cy
       
      I have done so few PowerPoints but this was a great tip. I will be checking out my notes section and presenter for sure.
  • The blurred backgrounds set off the stark white illustrations for quick visual processing:
    • suzdohrer
       
      I do not have an artisticy background, but I now think this blurred background image will be a use ful tool.
  • You can achieve this through consistent type styles, color, image treatment, and element placement throughout the slide deck.
    • suzdohrer
       
      Another artistic point of placement and imagery through cohesiveness. I worry that I do not have the natural talent to put this together on my own, but I do see the real difference.
    • chaneline
       
      Some presenters use lots of different colors, fonts and backgrounds.  May it's just because they can and they haven't taken this course.  The visual clutter distracts from the content and decreases the cohesiveness.
    • mrswalker_
       
      I like creating templates using Google Slides to ensure that colors and fonts translate to all of the slides in a deck.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      We kind of pooh-pooh color and design elements in learning, as though it is just pretty-ness. But, it does have a big effect, and it is worth it to improve one's sense of color combination.
  • If you have a detailed handout or publication for the audience to be passed out after your talk, you need not feel compelled to fill your PowerPoint slides with a great deal of text.
    • mgoodwin5
       
      I think this is a great point. The more I'm reading about what should (or is appropriate) be on a slide for the best presentations, it is better to have less, than more.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Do you think the "after" is important? Is it better to pass it out after or before?
    • ney4cy
       
      interesting point.At the presentation I attend Monday afternoon the speaker handed out a document before he started his talk. in a way I liked being able to dot notes or highlight an idea or concept I wanted to review more closely later, but on the other hand it was very distracting to be leafing through the document trying to find the page that matched up with what he was discussing. I guess I would say it is better to wait till after your talk is done.
  • Use the same font set throughout your entire slide presentation, and use no more than two complementary fonts (e.g., Arial and Arial Bold).
    • mgoodwin5
       
      This is something that we stress to our students, since based on what students will usually do is have many different text fonts and sizes. They tend to use whatever looks best for each slide, instead of having the presentation look more smooth and have a togetherness.
    • mrswalker_
       
      I like using two fonts on slides: one to convey the big idea (title) and another to convey the supporting ideas (text).
    • Evan Abbey
       
      My rule of thumb is no more than two. One for headers, one for text (though I often use the same for each). I use a sans-serif font for my text, and either the same sans-serif font for my headers, or a designer font to communicate a special theme. I never use serif fonts.
    • ney4cy
       
      Okay,Okay no more Comic Sans
  • Use the same font set throughout your entire slide presentation, and use no more than two complementary fonts (e.g., Arial and Arial Bold).
  • Images can be very powerful and effective if used with careful intention.
    • mgoodwin5
       
      This is so true. Many times the image used, is what immediately gets the audiences attention and interest. Images are very powerful. i.e. "A picture is worth a thousand words."
    • mrswalker_
       
      I like the idea of using text over images, but it has to be the right image! This creates one image for students to remember, rather than an idea and an image.
  • Lots of extras actually take away meaning because they become a distraction.
    • mgoodwin5
       
      As goes with the statement, "Less is more." I completely understand that too much can be a distraction for the eye. Too much on a slide, take s away the meaning and I feel it also makes a person wonder what they should focus on, such as what is the most important point I'm supposed to be receiving from this slide?
    • dougmay
       
      Agreed!
  • The first step is admitting that you have a problem
    • mgoodwin5
       
      Many of my slides in my presentations either look like this, or have started out like this. This is exactly what I need to work on! Eliminating some of the bullet points and a lot of text!
  • Depending on your content, you may be able to convert each bullet point into a separate image on one slide or over several slides.
    • mgoodwin5
       
      Here is what I'm going to work towards doing. Since learning about Zen, I realize I'm definitely adding too much to my slides, whether it be text or bullets. By using images, or at least less text and bullets, it appears presentations will be much more appealing and interesting to the audience. I really like the idea of using the images instead of any text at all. Then the presenter (me) will expand on the meaning of the image or what it stands for.
  • Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding.
    • chaneline
       
      This point has been huge for me.  I really thought I would want to fill up the slide with information, not any more.  I see the power of simplicity of the white or negative space.
    • mrswalker_
       
      This is a great idea- I like the idea of negative space better than white space. My classroom is really bright so light text on a dark background sometimes works better than white.
  • No audience will be excited about a cookie-cutter presentation, and we must therefore shy away from any supporting visuals, such as the ubiquitous PowerPoint Design Template, that suggests your presentation is formulaic or prepackaged.You can make your own background templates which will be more tailored to your needs.
    • chaneline
       
      This lead me to think about use of a white background.  I was so afraid of it because it seemed boring, but with the use of visuals, a white background can be powerful and increase the interest of the slide.
  • Avoid off-the-shelf clip art (though your own sketches & drawings can be a refreshing change if used consistently throughout the visuals).
    • chaneline
       
      Some presenters overuse cartoon type Clipart, maybe because it's easier, that's what they are used to, they are trying to be funny/cute or they haven't learned the power of a visual image/picture within a presentation.  
    • aboevers
       
      I don't think I will be drawing my own art either!
  • Go through your bullet points and try to highlight the main point of each bullet point. Try to bold only the key parts of each point — limit it to as few words as possible.
    • mrswalker_
       
      Great idea to take it step by step rather than just trying to cut a lot of information at once. 
  • Go through your bullet points and try to highlight the main point of each bullet point. Try to bold only the key parts of each point — limit it to as few words as possible.
  • It is very common for people to “brain dump” all of their ideas or thoughts into “stream of consciousness” bullet points as they create slides.
    • chaneline
       
      I think this happens because you want to make sure that all of the points you feel are important are given to the audience.  It has been one of the most eye opening concepts from this course.  I made note cards for my presentation, rather than putting all of the info on the slide. " Redundancy effect" is powerful!
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      Yes, I had always thought bullet points were a good thing! Oh how wrong I was!
    • ney4cy
       
      I thought bullet points would be superior to long connected text or narrative on a slide. I really felt it was the most effective way to get your message out. Now I have seen the light!
    • vmcgee
       
      Me too.  I have been using bullet points extensively all year.  Google slides makes it very easy to do so...
  • The best slides may have no text at all
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      It is interesting to go to presentations while I'm taking this class. I took the ISEA's mandatory reporter training last week and it was an RN on a video with powerpoint slides for 3 hours. Lots of text, the crayon template and a graph that she kept going back to that you couldn't even read due to tiny font. Death by PowerPoint!
    • Evan Abbey
       
      This is true. It also is somewhat of a curse. You can get to the point where you can't see any presentation without being critical of it :)
    • vmcgee
       
      Absolutely.  Just today I had to give a presentation to a class on behalf of another teacher.  It had WAY too much text and I had great difficulty keeping the attention of 13 year old students.  I couldn't help but think of this class while presenting.
    • dougmay
       
      In the past, I would have a hard time with no text. My thought was that the slide should do the work. My students did presentations and I kept wanting to critique their slides.
  • Presenters are usually guilty of including too much data in their on-screen charts
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      This can be tricky when you really need to get all of the data in the hands of your audience. What to leave out?
    • ney4cy
       
      I guess this is where the analog planning is helpful. Along with the elevator test.
  • though your own sketches & drawings can be a refreshing change if used consistently throughout the visuals)
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      I had not thought about the use of your own sketches and drawings. I would be afraid that it would look corny, like the clip art, but I'm also intrigued to try this!
    • ney4cy
       
      It does sound interesting. I think it would nice to try student drawings too when using this if educators or students themselves.
  • The trick becomes finding just the right image(s)
    • bdoudwaukee
       
      This is where I feel that I could take hours second guessing my choice of image, or trying to edit it to work.
    • ney4cy
       
      I agree. I have already been out looking, and I just keep looking and looking. I am hoping it will get easier the more experience I have creating PowerPoints.
    • dougmay
       
      This can seem to take more time than the planning.
  • Use high-quality graphics including photographs.
    • mrswalker_
       
      My students LOVE seeing pictures of themselves in a presentation. I try to use student examples as often as possible to create images for presentations.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      This is a great idea! Especially for younger students!
  • But boring an audience with bullet point after bullet point is of little benefit to them
    • aboevers
       
      This reminds me of that first video we watched for this class and the gun image. That has stuck with me and it is all because of the image of the gun!
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I guess this goes to speak of the power of an image.
    • ney4cy
       
      I just sat through a presentation Monday afternoon on PLCs and Short Data Cycle. The presentaer was very engaging but his PowerPoint was not! Too much text and bullets very few images. I found myself critiquing his slides instead of listening to the message!
  • The right color can help persuade and motivate. Studies show that color usage can increase interest and improve learning comprehension and retention
    • aboevers
       
      Color can do so much, like make you feel stronger/weaker, or energize/soothe. That was why they painted our visiting team locker room pink!
  • This looks like they were going for the full-bleed background image effect but just missed
    • aboevers
       
      One of my classrooms has a projector that is slightly to the right and the image bleeds to the white board behind the screen. It is very distracting for me and my students!
  • in your slide deck
    • aboevers
       
      I have recently heard of a presentation set of slides referred to as a deck, but we certainly do not need 52 slides to present!
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Well, this depends. Some presenters make one master deck and then "hide" the slides they don't want. For the next preso, they hide different slides. Also, it depends on how you use your slides. If you talk for each slide, then 52 is way to many. But if you are using builds or quick sequences of slides as a substitute for bulleted lists, you can get there pretty quick. My rule of thumb is one slide every two minutes, but I do have one preso with 70 slides in it for a 45 minute preso. It is the exception, not the rule.
    • ney4cy
       
      At a recent in-service the speaker had 3 PowerPoints open he retrieved slides from different presentations based on our dicussion. It made the informtion much more relevant to our school but at the same time created a distraction when he couldn't find a slide and had to flip back and forth.
  • the golden rule of PowerPoint presentations — always do what is right for your audience.
    • aboevers
       
      Shouldn't the rule state, "Present unto others as you would like presented to you?"
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Ha! Hilarious!
  • add unrelated “decorations
    • aboevers
       
      Keep the idea of purpose in mind constantly.
    • ney4cy
       
      This is was my typical slide! ALL bullet points.
    • pkmills
       
      Somehow that simple idea got very lost along the way.
  • “Sorry I missed your presentation. I hear it was great. Can you just send me your PowerPoint slides?” But if they are good slides, they will be of little use without you.
    • pkmills
       
      If someone had said this to me, I would have. Now if they say it to me I still will send them the slides. Ha Ha.
  • You can take your own high-quality photographs with your digital camera,
    • pkmills
       
      I ran into soem object that I need for my presentation that were "iffy" for me in the copyright area, so I decided to take my own pictures instead. I feel great about how it turned out.
  • So make sure your slides pass what I call the glance test: People should be able to comprehend each one in about three seconds
    • pkmills
       
      Love this idea. It's a good way for me to see if I am travelling down the right road.
  • Live long and prosper.
    • pkmills
       
      I found out that "Live long and prosper" was added by Leonard Nimoy for character and was based in his Jewish teachings.
  • By getting out of the Slide View and into the Slide Sorter view, you can see how the logical flow of your presentation is progressing. In this view you may decide to break up one slide into, say, two-three slides so that your presentation has a more natural and logical flow or process.
    • pkmills
       
      I used the sticky notes at the begginnig to check the flow of my presentation. I will use the sorter to check the presentation at the end of the creation process.
  • Try to avoid text-heavy (and sleep inducing) slides like this one
    • vmcgee
       
      I gave a presentation today on behalf of another teacher that was structured much like this slide.  It had too much text and information on it, and I found myself racing to get through it before I lost the attention of my audience.  Afterwards, it completely felt like a waste of time.
  • Not sure what two guys shaking hands in front of a globe has to do with the fertility rate in Japan. Yet even if we were talking about "international partnership" the image is still a cliché.
    • vmcgee
       
      It seems like I have seen some sort of "handshake" image a thousand times.  It is overused and carries no meaning - which I think defeats the purpose of an image in a slide.
  • An audience can’t listen to your presentation and read detailed, text-heavy slides at the same time (not without missing key parts of your message, anyway
    • vmcgee
       
      This is probably the topic that has had the greatest effect on my presentations so far.  I have done about 3 different presentations since this course began, and I am now always concentrating on not having my students read slide material while I talk.
  • Very few audiences enjoy paragraph-length bullet points.
    • dougmay
       
      I can't think of anybody, let alone a few people.
  • It’s okay to cover details verbally that are not reflected in your bullet points.
    • dougmay
       
      I am having a hard time adjusting to this thought. In the past, I wanted to include everything in the slides. Now I thinking of it more of an outline for me.
  • & contains watermark
  • & contains watermark
  • & contains watermark
  • & contains watermark
  • ) Image is of poor quality & contains watermark
  • This introduces distracting visual noi
    • dougmay
       
      Why would anyone do this? How could they think that this is ok?
amberstrang

StudyJams - 0 views

  •  
    Great free resource for elementary science and math videos.
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