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Brenda Wohlfeil

Virtual Schools Provide the Power of Choice - FamilyEducation.com - 6 views

school.familyeducation.com/...38763.html

schools homeschool choice

shared by Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • Virtual schools provide parents and children, from Oregon to New York and across the globe to Russia and other countries, with access to world-class curricula, myriad teachers, and support, just about anytime and anyplace. Most importantly, virtual schools provide the power of choice.
    • Brenda Wohlfeil
      Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14
       
      As a prior home school mom, access to curricula at anytime and anyplace was very important.  I needed a curricula that I could take with me to hours of piano lessons and family trips across America. I home schooled my children year-long and took advantage of the many learning opportunities that occurred throughout the year.  Our curricula needed to be flexible and portable.
    • eeverett3
      eeverett3 on 07 Apr 14
       
      Even understanding the flexibility of online classes, I had not thought about how effective this would be for someone who travels ALL the time! The best part of this article is how virtual learning takes advantage of all the online bonuses that a traditional teacher does not have time to look for!
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 09 Apr 14
       
      Brenda, My youngest son, who is a 5th grader, always said he wanted to be home schooled, and if I could have, I would have. Giving him the opportunity to "visit" around the world and go at his own pace would suit his personality better. He has never been a big fan of school and it is not the teachers, because he likes them. I feel it is the structure of it all. If he was in a virtual school that provided the flexibility of online classes and learning, he would probably be a happier student. http://www.ehow.com/list_5965288_advantages-virtual-school.html
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 09 Apr 14
       
      Araceli, I think it is still possible for your son to be in a virtual school so long as he has the resources and motivation to do it. The virtual schools are not quite the same as home schooling, they are more like the distance learning programs here at UTB. They have dedicated instructors with state approved curricula and a wide variety of choices in classes, instructors and educational experiences (including field trips). If I had this option when I still had children at home I might have considered this option. Our youngest daughter was never really connected to anything in school except for extra-curricular activities. She was "bored" with it and this offers opportunities and experiences that might have been beneficial to her.
    • Brenda Wohlfeil
      Brenda Wohlfeil on 11 Apr 14
       
      Araceli and Don, Some virtual programs are self-paced. For example, my daughter took classes from Texas Tech ISD for high school. They were all self-paced classes She could start a new class whenever she wanted, and she had a good amount of time to complete each classes. Extensions were also granted with an extra fee, of course. http://www.depts.ttu.edu/uc/k-12/ In a homeschool, parents are really facilitators, especially as the kids get older. (I can't imagine ever giving my kids a lecture. They would have just tuned me out completely. :) Most of my kids learning came from project based learning, although at the time I didn't know there was a name for it.) Homeschool kids take classes at co-ops, on the internet, through distant-learning, using a box curriculum, or using a curriculum parents put together. The parent facilitates the learning by providing the tools needed for the kids to learn and the expectations. It is amazing how these kids learn.
    • Brenda Wohlfeil
      Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14
       
      Deciding which method best serves their child's unique needs and talents is key here.  Children learn in so many different ways.  If virtual classes focus on only reading passages and answering questions, they will fall short of reaching so many children.  How can virtual classrooms cater to the needs and talents of so many children?
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Families facing educational choices need to research all options thoroughly. They must examine their educational priorities in order to determine which features best support their goals. Most importantly, they must decide which method best serves their child's unique needs and talents.
  • Are Virtual Schools a Type of Homeschooling? The answer to this question depends on the virtual school. While most of the learning happens in the home with virtual schools, many of them are public schools without doors. Students who register with a public virtual school are counted as public-school students, not homeschoolers, in their state. These public virtual schools collect ADA (average daily attendance), just like the neighborhood brick-and-mortar school. They offer a standards-based curriculum; require attendance keeping, frequent assessments, and progress reports; and comply with mandated state testing.
    • Brenda Wohlfeil
      Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14
       
      Take a look at this website for just a short list of online classes for home school familieshttp://a2zhomeschooling.com/home_school_programs/online_homeschooling_programs/
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 08 Apr 14
       
      I'm impressed with the diverse list of classes available to home school families seen on this website. Also, an interest-based curricula for students is an awesome way, I think, to help ensure student engagement. Some of the "fun/creative" courses for students in traditional public schools, at least in the elementary level where I teach, are in the form of clubs or additional after school programs. The flexible schedule of online classes leaves room for the management of a more stress-free existence as long as online classes are appropriate for the family. I found this article (or something similar to it) back when I was considering home schooling our daughter. #3 and #6 were our obstacles from moving forward into homeschooling. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/homeschool4you.htm
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 09 Apr 14
       
      In the allied health education setting at the college level we are moving more and more towards an integrated curriculum. Soon that approach will be bleeding down into the high school allied health programs. The model originally comes from the integrated approaches now being employed at many medical schools and nursing programs across the country. This might be a form of "interest based currcicula". If a student has an interest in a particular area then wouldn't it make sense to approach the areas they don't have as much interest in but still have need for through their area of interest? We are now offering Developmental Reading, Developmental Writing, and Developmental Math courses in a format that approaches those areas using information and examples from the allied health arena. Students read articles and writings related to allied health, they write papers on allied health subjects and they do math problems (pre-algebra and algebra) with information related to allied health concepts. I think we will see a greater degree of this in the virtual school system as we look for new and innovative ways to connect with students that just don't thrive in the traditional setting or don't have access to the kinds of content they are interested in because their school can't offer it due to lack of funds or the size of the school.
  • Eric Folks on 11 Apr 14
     
    As much as I like the idea of teaching from home, I do hesitate to jump on board with virtual schools, especially after reading stories like this: http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2014/01/15_months_in_virtual_charter_h.html I think a blended approach with both face to face (for experiments and activities that have to be hands on) and online (for PBL and the potential for students to own their learning more, possible with objective based goal setting and self paced facilitated approach) would be ideal. Honestly, if I had a chance to teach my teachers virtually, and home school my kids using an online virtual curriculum to help provide structure (while working in much PBL and experiential learning), I'd be all over it!
  • ...2 more comments...
  • Olivia Basham on 13 Apr 14
     
    Eric, I had a friend who worked for K12 and when she started and was so excited to follow her experience as I imagined it would be an excellent way to reach students and I imagined that perhaps one day I could follow her. As her year unfolded and she shared what it was like for her, I quickly lost interest (at least in that particular school). She had much the same experience described in the article, except her principal was even more abusive than what was described. She was overloaded, had almost constant meetings, did 15-16 ARDs and 504 meetings a weeks (she she was one of few certified teachers, she received the majority of these students who enrolled) and felt impotent to actually help the students she was trying to teach. Worst of all she took a 40% pay cut to do it. No thanks. Nobody becomes a teacher to get rich, but I can't imagine feeling like my students were being under served while also just barely getting by financially.
  • Don Martin on 13 Apr 14
     
    Eric and Olivia, I don't believe that this type of problem is unique to the virtual school environment. Abusive administrators, overloaded instructional staff and feelings of helplessness unfortunately are more common than they should be at any level and in every format. The solution is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of virtual schools, emphasize the strengths, find ways to minimize the weaknesses and subject the process to a continuous Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). QEP, if properly developed and employed can lead to the same type of success in a virtual learning environment as is seen in a face-to-face setting. In fact there are many instances in which the quality of the online education is as good or better than what the students are getting in the face-to-face setting. The potential benefits of VLE and virtual schools should not be overlooked or simply discarded because there may be some issues. Progress is made by doing, evaluating, planning, doing again and evaluating to start the cycle over. VLE has not been around long enough for us to have had the opportunity to work out all the bugs. Look at how long we have been practicing face-to-face education and the improvements that we continue to make today in the way we deliver education in that arena, not to mention the continuous research aimed at understanding how to make it even better. Perhaps a blended approach at first is best, it gives us an opportunity to explore the potential of VLE while developing the standards, guidelines and techniques necessary to make it a successful learning experience while using the support of the familiar face-to-face environment. However, it is my opinion that this approach should be used to help us develop the best possible VLE experience for the future. Not as a replacement for face-to-face learning (I believe there will be a place for that for many years to come) but as an effective alternative for those who would benefit from it.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 14 Apr 14
     
    I agree with Don. I think from a teacher's perspective, possibly Dr. Butler can give us some insight as to the validity of the problems stated by this teacher with regards to VLE in general.
  • lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14
     
    I too believe that a hybrid approach to instruction is the best way. Although virtual schools sounds like the way of the future, like all new technology it may not be simply for everyone. http://neatoday.org/2012/07/25/virtual-schools-not-passing-the-test/
ferrari78

Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom - US News - 5 views

www.usnews.com/...s-positive-impact-in-classroom

technology classroom study education impact integration computer

shared by ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15 - No Cached
  • Login Welcome, {{name}} Logout Rankings & Advice Education Health Money Travel Cars Law Firms News U.S. News Home education Facebook Twitter Education Rankings & Advice Home Colleges Grad Schools High Schools National Rankings State Rankings High School Notes Blog (function ($) { "use strict"; $(function () { var $metaCurrentState = $('meta[name=current_state_abbreviation]'), $headerSearch = $('#headerSearch-highSchools'), $headerState = $('select[name=bhs-school-state]', $headerSearch), $headerStates = $('option', $headerStates), currentStateAbbreviation = ''; if ($metaCurrentState.length > 0) { currentStateAbbreviation = $metaCurrentState.attr('content'); $headerStates.each(function () { var $state = $(this), text = $state.text(), value = $state.val(); if (text === currentStateAbbreviation) { $headerState.val(value); } }); } }); }(jQuery)); in
  • To meet the needs of her students, Roshan made radical changes to her lesson plans. Using Camtasia Studio, a screen recording and video editing program, Roshan uploaded her lectures to iTunes and assigned them as homework. "We've kind of reversed the whole dynamic of the class," she says. "Instead of lecturing in class, I lecture to them when they're at home, and we work problems together [in the classroom]. I liken it to an English classroom where the kids go home and do the reading and then they come into class and have this lively, engaging discussion."
    • ferrari78
      ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15
       
      Using the Camstasia Studio program is a great and fun way for students to learn from lectures. Here is a link to where you can try it out for free. http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
  • Taught with the video lectures, Roshan's students in the 2010-11 school year scored an average of 4.11 on the AP calculus test, compared to the 3.59 average among her students who took the test and were taught in the traditional classroom setting the year before. And a third of the class—a 10 percent increase from the previous year—scored a 5, the highest score a student can achieve on an AP test.
    • ferrari78
      ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15
       
      Teacher's change in the classroom had a significant positive impact on her student's AP test scores.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • The report, IT Opportunities in the Education Market, revealed that 78 percent of K-12 teachers and administrators believe technology has positively impacted the classroom and the productivity of students. Roughly 65 percent of educators surveyed also believe that students are more productive today than they were three years ago due to the increased reliance on technology in the classroom.
  • Login Welcome, {{name}} Logout Rankings & Advice Education Health Money Travel Cars Law Firms News U.S. News Home education Facebook Twitter Education Rankings & Advice Home Colleges Grad Schools High Schools National Rankings State Rankings High School Notes Blog (function ($) { "use strict"; $(function () { var $metaCurrentState = $('meta[name=current_state_abbreviation]'), $headerSearch = $('#headerSearch-highSchools'), $headerState = $('select[name=bhs-school-state]', $headerSearch), $headerStates = $('option', $headerStates), currentStateAbbreviation = ''; if ($metaCurrentState.length > 0) { currentStateAbbreviation = $metaCurrentState.attr('content'); $headerStates.each(function () { var $state = $(this), text = $state.text(), value = $state.val(); if (text === currentStateAbbreviation) { $headerState.val(value); } }); } }); }(jQuery)); in
  • Jim Tracy, headmaster at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass., sees the "process of technology coming into the classroom as inevitable."
    • ferrari78
      ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15
       
      Technology in the classroom is here to stay and students need to learn the necessary tools to not stay behind. Check this video out on how a teacher is using iPads in his math classroom. http://www.jamfsoftware.com/resources/hopkins-public-schools-advancing-technology-in-the-classroom/
  • ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15
     
    This is an article about how a calculus teacher used technology in the classroom to help her students AP calculus test scores increase. I currently teach 2nd grade and I use the digital lessons for math, science, and reading to make the lesson more fun and get more participation from students and it works great. My question to you is, how would you use technology to impact your students learning and productivity in the classroom in a positive way?
  • ...3 more comments...
  • ferrari78 on 08 Feb 15
     
    Everyone that wants to integrate technology in the classroom should watch this.
  • tvisco on 08 Feb 15
     
    Interesting examples. It's weird how if you record a video of yourself teaching, students pay attention but if you stand in front of the classroom, you're boring and invisible. But I accept it because I've watched myself do the exact same thing: a presenter shows a film of themselves and it's immediately engaging even though she's right there on stage in person! I've read some recent criticism of the Khan flipped learning video approach that says students are still learning passively, they're just doing it at home rather than at school. I disagree. As with the videos in our own class, I can watch them as many times as I need to understand what's going on. I like that. I don't think it's "passive" at all. The key seems to be having some work connected to it which is the piece I think some of these critics are missing. We're not watching a video for entertainment - there's always a task connected to it.
  • emrodriguez on 08 Feb 15
     
    I believe that the article you selected is very interesting. I like how the article describes one particular math teacher implementing technology to improve her students' scores. It also gave another side stating that some districts simply don't have the funds to buy technology or that the budget should not be used to throw gadgets to fix certain problems. That teachers in certain areas would be better off getting better training. As with everything else, there are two sides to everything, but I do believe that technology has an effective role in the classroom. When I was a teacher aide for a special education unit, the teacher had me set up a SmartBoard, which proved to be beneficial to the students. A huge task for myself and the teacher was to keep the students on task and not let their disabilities hinder teaching. So after I set up the SmartBoard, the teacher used it during the students' social skills time. During this period in the day, students would learn how to act appropriately with others and the good behavior that was expected of them. By playing educational games against each other, students learned about what the teacher was explaining through a game and how to act accordingly with their peers. It proved to be an effective technology.
  • ferrari78 on 09 Feb 15
     
    Tammy I completely agree with you how if we lecture to students, we're boring and invisible and their attention levels drop. I also remember when I was taking undergraduate courses, I had several instructors that were monotone and they made the class boring. Now, a few times I recorded the lectures and would later listen to them at home and I would get more from listening to the lecture at home than when I sat in class because I am not listening to it for entertainment, but rather to learn for my class. This class is a perfect example. I have to listen to the youtube tutorials on everything we've been learning over and over until I get it.
  • ferrari78 on 09 Feb 15
     
    You're so right, school districts shouldn't throw money to try to fix certain things, but rather use the funds to better train teachers to prepare them for the classroom. My article states that school districts budgets range from $5 million to over $100 million so some districts are able to throw money at new gadgets and technology more than others. Gadgets should be purchased, but only if they are going to be properly used in the classroom to improve student's academic success. As for Smartboard, I'm going to look it up and see if maybe I can use it in my classroom. Good post Emmanuel.
Lucretia Human

5 Tips to Help Teachers Who Struggle with Technology | Edutopia - 17 views

www.edutopia.org/...ling-with-technology-josh-work

technology classroom struggle teachers

shared by Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14 - No Cached
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14
       
      As the gap formed by the use of technology and those resistant to its use widens, so does the feelings of separation, loneliness, frustration and sometimes superiority among faculty. What has been your experience dealing with faculty, who has undergone these types of emotions when confronted with the use of technology in the classroom?
    • hillaryparrish
      hillaryparrish on 10 Jun 14
       
      First, I will say I am the Business teacher, so I have no responsibilities to any teachers in my district regarding technology. Second, I will say that I love helping people, so if I know how to help someone, I will! My perception on this is going to be really skewed. I will give you some background, and I will try to keep it short. In Oct. 2012, our entire server for the entire school crashed. It had not been backed up since May 2012. Many people lost everything; many people lost a lot of things. It was bad. The IT Coordinator (we only have one) for our district pretty much did nothing all of the 2012-2013 school year. They fired him in July 2013. In August 2013 (one week before school started), my classroom was in shambles (the high school computer lab) as a result of a remodel and they hired a new IT Coordinator. 2013-2014 has been better. However, we still have multiple teachers without teacher computers or student computers in their classrooms. That is the short story. So, teachers come to me with all types of emotions. Although I have nothing to do with IT, I am the computer teacher. Until December 2013, our internet worked about 60% of the time. Frustration about technology was an understatement. No one wants to learn new technology, they just want to be able to take roll. It is getting better though. If I were to imagine what it would be like if everything would have been normal with bumps in the road rather than catastrophes over the last two years, this is what I would say. Mr./Mrs./Miss Teacher, I would be glad to come in early or stay late to work with you to help you with that new technology that you would like to learn. Or, if I were in charge of instructional technology, I would like to have built in times to do PD. There is a larger, neighboring district that has students go in one hour late once a week so teachers can do PD. I think this would work nicely.
    • noramedrano
      noramedrano on 11 Jun 14
       
      I am a reading teacher, and like Hillary, I have no responsibilities teaching teachers about technology. All teachers in my campus know how to use a computer, add attachments, send emails, schedule meeting through outlook email since we are assigned a computer at the beginning of the year. Teachers throughout the school year send, receive emails and attachments. Now we do use Google Docs (per grade level) to keep information on one centralized location, yet not trained on it. I am willing to help, and have helped many teachers that had never been exposed to Google Docs. I give them a quick run through and make sure they understand how to create, add, edit, and view data on a Google Doc. Teachers are very thankful when I assist them with this because they feel frustrated that they need to use the Google Doc but have not been taught or given a PD on it.
    • Benjamin Caulder
      Benjamin Caulder on 11 Jun 14
       
      I am in a 1:1 school and despite this, there are several teachers who do not regularly use all the tools available to them. I don't know of any who refuse to use any technology, but some refuse to use the tablet they were issued; others refuse to use our LMS (Moodle); and still others refuse to use any Web 2.0 tools. I know of one who would not since she was so close to retiring, she didn't want to invest in re-learning what she already did. In her particular case, the LMS and the Web 2.0 tools were presented as nothing more than fancy pencils. As they were presented (I know since they were presented to me the exact same way) they did not deepen the learning or provide a way to authenticate the learning. Why should she change when the students didn't benefit (as far as she was taught). So what I see is that the education of the teacher can NOT be secondary or tertiary. It must be the primary goal of the Instructional Tech. Dept. to guide all teachers to the greatest benefit of the kiddos, which means that in must make the learning deeper and more relevant to their actual lives.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Hillary, First sorry to hear about your year 2012-2013. I think that most schools and districts do not realize the importance of having many IT available. I know if my any of the technology at school goes down, we are pretty much up a creek without a paddle. Fortunately, I teach in higher ed and there a many people that keep our campus technology updated and running smoothly. If it happens to goes down for some reason, they spring into action, as if they were the Justice League out to crash the bad guy. However with all the great IT people on campus, we till have so many instructors who do not come to PD dealing with the use of technology in the classroom.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Ben, I understand that the one teacher close to retiring did not want to re-learn what she already did, however she should have looked at as an opportunity to grow personally. We do not retire to die! We retire to feel less pressure, to do something else, and to not get up at 5:30 in the morning (however most older people still do), but we do not retire to stop learning. I agree wholeheartedly that it is the main job of the IT Dept of any school to make sure that the teachers know what the heck they are doing with technology because only the students suffer in the end.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Nora, You are right it is not your job to train the teachers how to use Google Docs. It is very sweet of you to do that because you understand the value of doing it for the students. I would be very frustrated and angry if they school I taught at expected me to use technology or programs that I was not familiar with without offering training! I can really see why some teachers are resistant. Like Ben pointed out if the tools are presented as "fancy pencils" and not shown how they can change students lives for the better, then teacher actually have a right to frustrated.
    • Benjamin Caulder
      Benjamin Caulder on 14 Jun 14
       
      Lu, I hear you. But there is so much more in the world than Technology... just saying. I know this teacher is going off to learn about more tangible things (Art, travel...). Anyway, that was an aside. I was writing from that teacher's perspective, which was that the new information did not add anything to what she was already doing. The pencil accomplished just as much as the Web 2.0 tool. It wasn't the fault of the tool, but how it was presented to her (this I know since I was presented the same thing the same way). Anyway, my point, ultimately, is that technology should be used for the sake of using it, but to provide more in a way that pencil and paper can not. There is a teacher in my school who uses Aurasma in many of her lessons. Aurasma provides a perspective the students cannot get from a book so it deepens the lesson.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 17 Jun 14
       
      For all of you out there that might not be familiar with Aurasma, like me, check out this demo video. http://youtu.be/GBKy-hSedg8
    • crystallee530
      crystallee530 on 23 Jun 14
       
      Over half of the staff at my school have been working there for over 15 years. With the recent change in administration there came a new demand for technology integration. There were teachers that were on board with this change and were willing to try to adapt and then there were a few that were not willing to adapt and complained along the way. Some of the technology challenged teachers had frustration written all over their faces anytime technology was mentioned. The best method for easing their concerns was a private tutorial lesson.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14
       
      How would answer this question, if faced with it from one of your faculty?
    • hillaryparrish
      hillaryparrish on 10 Jun 14
       
      I think I would say, "Try it, you may find that it is more efficient. If you decide after a week/two weeks/etc. that it does not work for you, then go back to the old way. You might find that it is good for the students, so you will find that it is also rewarding to you."
    • noramedrano
      noramedrano on 11 Jun 14
       
      Everything deserves a try. Don't stay with the what if???? Technology is overwhelming and could be intimidating but there is not thing you cannot over come. Give technology a try, if you have any questions I would be glad to help you.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14
       
      These are really great questions. We have all struggled at times with technology and we have all help others who were struggling. Provide some other tips that this article did not mention that you have used either when being helped or helping others.
    • hillaryparrish
      hillaryparrish on 10 Jun 14
       
      When I have to learn a new technology, I think that online sources are my best friend. As a Business teacher, I am constantly needing to teach new software. There is no way that I could have learned every software I would have ever needed to teach in college! New software is constantly coming out on the market. So, I sit down with the software and Google, and I figure it out. Of course, most specifically YouTube can be a great source. Also, you can use LinkedIn. Look to see who has been endorsed for the technology you need to learn, and contact them to see if they will help you! More than likely they will.
    • noramedrano
      noramedrano on 11 Jun 14
       
      Google is my best friend!!! Anytime I have questions I seek Google's help. I try the tips or suggestions given through Google's search, if they work great, but if they don't work, I try to visit the software or item's website to find out more information. I also tend to visit youtube since I am a visual person, I like to see step-by-step on how it is done, worked, or put together. This has really helped me up to now in both aspects, while being helped by others and helping others.
    • vasquezgonzalezv
      vasquezgonzalezv on 12 Jun 14
       
      Exactly:  Google and YouTube.  In fact, I was having some issues with Diigo (Diigolet, I'm on a Mac) and googled my problem.  A couple of clicks later, problem solved, and now I have the experience with this particular issue added to my tech knowledge for the future.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • As schools around the globe begin to embed the use of technology in their learning environments, these teachers can be left feeling frustrated and marginalized by the new tools they are required to use but do not understand.
  • "Why would I try this when I've been doing just fine without it all these years?"
  • Are there any tips that you have for helping teachers in your school who struggle with technology? If you're a teacher still trying to master technology, how have others helped you?
    • Benjamin Caulder
      Benjamin Caulder on 11 Jun 14
       
      This is interesting and I am trying to figure out why this was their initial focus. Mind mapping is, of course, essential to students mvoing the random bit of info from the biological computer to something more tangible, like an essay. But it seems an odd place to start for teachers who can't "create a powerpoint". The general point of this bullet is a great place to start, tech team, but it seems such a weird place to set their focus. Not sure where I would start, if I were in their shoes, but I wish they had explained that point more.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Ben, Excellent observation! I don't know why they would start there either. I would probably start with the basics and make sure everyone knew how they work and then start branching out to Mind maps and other such tools. Thanks for catching that.
  • While I'm talking about PD, all educators know that extra time for PD is scarce throughout the day. I've had amazing administrators that carved out dedicated time for tech PD
    • Benjamin Caulder
      Benjamin Caulder on 11 Jun 14
       
      This cannot be over looked, though it seems it is the first of the "changes" tossed out. "We can't change the schedule". "We can't sacrifice XYZ". My school has 1 advisory period a day, no study hall and only 6 minutes between bells. They advocate bell to bell instruction (work time included). All this leaves no real time for PLC or PD within school hours. What do your schools do and how did they accomplish it?
    • vasquezgonzalezv
      vasquezgonzalezv on 12 Jun 14
       
      My district uses early release days for PD.  (Students get early release; teachers get a catered lunch and a relaxed environment training.  I have to say, I really enjoy it, and if I were making the decisions about how to do this, it's probably what I'd do.  They also offer after school trainings on technology, but they are having a difficult time getting teachers to participate.  
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Food always works to draw people into almost everything. Do you have to go longer in the school year to accommodate for the early releases?
  • We focused primarily on mind mapping ideas and helping teachers slowly introduce technology into their classes.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 12 Jun 14
       
      Ben, Like I said before I teach in Higher Ed so our policies are somewhat different, but mainly here is how it goes: if it is not mandatory instructors are not going. When it is mandatory it is done when students are not in school, the day before they come back, the day after they leave etc..
  • Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14
     
    Tips to help us as Ed Techs help those not so tech savvy teachers
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Lucretia Human on 09 Jun 14
     
    Great ideas to help teachers use technology in their classrooms!
  • kdauphiney on 22 Jun 14
     
    Many veteran teachers that have been in the classroom long before widespread technology are slow to embrace a method of teaching that they were never taught in their preparation as teachers. I think because the archaic way of instruction relied heavily on effort from the learner to "sit and get" rather than effort from the teacher to "flex and adapt" to the learner. Once they see education as a ever changing spectrum that has no definite end, only then can they embraced that teacher training does not start and stop with the college classes that comprise one's degree and certificate.
  • rcepeda610 on 06 Jul 14
     
    In my very recent experiences, technology is fun, quick but not so easy at first. I must say it is very time consuming and a bit overwhelming when the gremlins, like Dr. Butler likes to call them, are up to no good. It can be very frustrating if you can't upload, download, convert a file, etc. I am very excited to all the exposure I have had in the past few weeks. The tools we have seen in the course are pretty cool and most importantly I think once I am able to navigate through them with ease, the students will be excited to see and use them in the classroom.
Brenda Wohlfeil

Virtual Learning: A Different Approach to Home Schooling - 4 views

www.kolotv.com/...-to-Home-School-218112471.html

learning approach homeschooling

shared by Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 07 Apr 14
     
    Learning at home and using virtual learning for this family was chosen so that their son could learn without all the distractions at school. What kind of children do you think would also benefit from this option?
  • ...4 more comments...
  • Eric Folks on 11 Apr 14
     
    Some kids need more social interaction than others...my oldest is one of them. My younger would probably be just fine without all the k12 drama and testing mania. Face to face instruction may provide students with the structure and extrinsic motivation they need to get through a course, but that might be all it does...help the child "get through." Though transitioning to to a home school or virtual school scenario would no doubt be tough, in the long run I think it would produce more capable, independent, intrinsically motivated people.
  • Olivia Basham on 13 Apr 14
     
    I had a student last year who suffered from severe social anxiety and missed far too much school to get her year's credits. She did well in my class as I was able to send her assignments to her electronically and she was able to do them at home, but she fell behind in others, as few teachers at my school do any kind of online interacting with their students. Ultimately she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and failed all but two of her classes. I think she would have been a perfect candidate for this kind of program and perhaps would have been able to graduate on-time while receiving treatment (she now attends an online high school and it doing well).
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 14 Apr 14
     
    Eric, it is interesting that you are bringing up social interaction. In my experience, many homeschool students are over socialized (if there is such a thing). Because homeschool students can get their work done in much less time than sitting in classes all day long, they have the opportunity to get involved in social activities much more than someone sitting in school all day long. When they were younger, by noon we were done with school work and meeting other families at parks, museums, and various other outings. And this does not include the sports/music/dance/4-H activities we were involved in. Socialization or lack of it was never a problem. Olivia, I know a lot of parents who pulled their kids out of schools because the were diagnosed with ADHD. At home, they thrived in school work. And as I just mentioned above, once they had their work done, they had extra time to use their energy in other ways.
  • Jose Escobedo on 14 Apr 14
     
    This type of instruction could be helpful for students who might be hospitalized due to an illness or injury. For example, my daughter spent three weeks at home due to a surgery and was instructed to avoid any leg movement. Now, imagine if she would have been unable to return to school. As a parent, I would support a like program like this.
  • Jeff Blackman on 14 Apr 14
     
    I think this could be a very beneficial approach for a lot of students. Heck, I would have loved this myself when I was in high school. My particular school didn't have a lot in the way of activities that appealed to me. Most of my socializing was done outside of school in various things like volunteering, Boy Scouts and theater. So, having this type of flexibility would have been great for me.
  • Don Martin on 20 Apr 14
     
    Brenda, This seems like a good option for students with immuno-suppressed disorders as well. Many children struggling with leukemia and other diseases that require drugs that often affect their immune system fall behind in school since they are not allowed to be around other children. Additionally, they often suffer from depression and anxiety due to their withdrawal from the daily routine of life. If these children could participate in the classroom throught VLE's it would keep them engaged, bring a welcome diversion into their lives, provide some form of socialization with the children they know and are familiar with and keep them up to speed in the classroom to provide a smoother transition back into school when they do recover. I think virtual learning demonstrates a great potential for helping this segment of our population.
emrodriguez

Tips for Teachers Who Wish to Use YouTube in Classroom - EdTechReview™ (ETR) - 9 views

edtechreview.in/...-teachers-youtube-in-classroom

Technology education classroom web2.0 computer youtube

shared by emrodriguez on 09 Feb 15 - No Cached
  • YouTube for Schools:
  • YouTube Edu:
  • It plays a significant role in the educational field as many students, educators and institutions discover and share excellent educational content here. There are  thousands of channels on YouTube specially for education. From basic concepts to complex experiments, YouTube enables Students and Educators to discover anything they want to learn as a part of their academic, curricular and extracurricular activities.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • About the AuthorAuthor: Santosh Bhaskar KWebsite: http://www.twitter.com/SantoshBhaskarKDevotee of Dr. Abdul Kalam. Following his path of Creating Creative Education in India. Contributing my works in "India Vision 2020". Former EdTech Blogger/Researcher at ETR India Administrators Educational Videos Teachers/Educators Tips for Teachers/Educators // // AdvertisementWhy this Ad? AdvertisementWhy this Ad? // AdvertisementWhy this Ad? [Infographic] Microsoft in Education: Adding Value to Experiences both Inside and Outside of the Classroom Why and How Should Educators and Administrators Use Google Apps Tips for Choosing and Using Educational Videos in Your Classroom // The EdTech Tweets E
  • About the AuthorAuthor: Santosh Bhaskar KWebsite: http://www.twitter.com/SantoshBhaskarKDevotee of Dr. Abdul Kalam. Following his path of Creating Creative Education in India. Contributing my works in "India Vision 2020". Former EdTech Blogger/Researcher at ETR India Administrators Educational Videos Teachers/Educators Tips for Teachers/Educators // // AdvertisementWhy this Ad? AdvertisementWhy this Ad? // AdvertisementWhy this Ad? [Infographic] Microsoft in Education: Adding Value to Experiences both Inside and Outside of the Classroom Why and How Should Educators and Administrators Use Google Apps Tips for Choosing and Using Educational Videos in Your Classroom // The EdTech Tweets E
  • Educators can share a YouTube video in many ways. Mailing the video URL, sharing it on social networking platforms and embedding it in your blog, website, Wiki, etc., are the numerous ways of sharing a YouTube video
    • emrodriguez
      emrodriguez on 09 Feb 15
       
      For those who are educators, have you used YouTube in your classroom to supplement your instruction? If not, please state the reason why whether it be the site being blocked at your campus, not aware of the informational videos on the site, etc.
    • emrodriguez
      emrodriguez on 09 Feb 15
       
      I think that sharing videos with your students is an effective way to supplement your instruction because the student may not be able to grasp the entire lecture during the time they have with you at school. Sharing a video can be done via email, on a social networking site such as twitter, or your personal blog. What benefits and drawbacks can you see to implementing this tactic in the educational setting?
    • emrodriguez
      emrodriguez on 09 Feb 15
       
      Were you aware that a part of YouTube is specifically made to offer educational videos to its viewers? YouTube education offers a variety of educational videos posted by universities, private organizations dedicated to education, and companies such as PBS, National Geographic, and NASA. YouTube for Schools is a section made available to educators who can register using their school email address. These educators will then have have access to only educational videos and never have to worry about showing their students inappropriate material. It's even customizable to the educators likes and dislikes as to what they want to present to their students. Knowing that YouTube offers videos specific to the classroom, would you now be more likely to use this technology in your own classroom?
  • emrodriguez on 11 Feb 15
     
    What do you all think about the use of YouTube in the educational setting? Do you believe it can be beneficial to instruction?
  • ...6 more comments...
  • emrodriguez on 15 Feb 15
     
    Any comments on the article about YouTube being used in the classroom?
  • emrodriguez on 15 Feb 15
     
    When I worked for Brownsville ISD, YouTube was a blocked website. Therefore, no teachers used the site. I think that blocking off the website is detrimental to instruction when there is so much information available and nothing can be done with it. Fortunately, there are ways around this. Videos could be downloaded at home and shown in class. Of course, one should take the time to review the video to make sure it is appropriate and of course beneficial to learning.
  • emrodriguez on 15 Feb 15
     
    I think sharing videos with students can be beneficial to them by having supplemental instruction in case they didn't understand the material during class. The link could be emailed to students via email or by setting up a YouTube channel specifically for your class. I think a good way to implement this would be to have administration give you the okay and of course, inform parents of what you are trying to do and get their consent. Once everything is good to, videos can be shared with your class. More time could be spent learning a concept, videos could provide more in depth information, and so much more.
  • emrodriguez on 15 Feb 15
     
    Before I started my masters, I wasn't aware that YouTube had channels specifically made for education. They offer a great amount of information that can benefit all persons whether it be children or the elderly. These channels are a great source because the videos have already been filtered to make sure that you are only showing students appropriate and relevant material.
  • emrodriguez on 15 Feb 15
     
    What does everyone else think about this article and the specific questions mentioned?
  • tvisco on 17 Feb 15
     
    I've only ever encountered youtube videos used in graduate classes so aren't facing the issues of the other commenters. I think it makes a huge difference in attention. Being able to hear the words straight from the horse's mouth in a TedTalk or hear an author speak...etc. changes everything. The conversations inspired from a video talk were better than I think from articles.
  • emrodriguez on 18 Feb 15
     
    @ tvisco. Yeah, I too have only encountered YouTube videos in my graduate education as well. As for the comments, videos can ban comments or approve them if they have those video settings set up. I do agree with you that hearing information straight from the expert is a big plus to these videos. Regardless, I believe that the videos can truly supplement instruction.
  • emrodriguez on 22 Feb 15
     
    Does anyone else have anything they'd like to share regarding their thoughts/views on YouTube in the classroom?
ksspurgin

Check Out That Selfie: How to Use Social Media in the Classroom - US News - 9 views

www.usnews.com/...-social-media-in-the-classroom

classroom social media education technology teaching

shared by ksspurgin on 23 Jul 14 - No Cached
  • A recent survey from the University of Phoenix College of Education that surveyed more than 1,000 teachers found 47 percent of all K-12 teachers said participation in social media platforms could help enhance their students' education
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 23 Jul 14
       
      Since almost half of the 1000+ teachers surveyed agree that social media can improve learning, why aren't schools being more proactive about training and protecting their teachers when it comes to using social media for the classroom?
    • kbanda
      kbanda on 25 Jul 14
       
      The funds have a lot to do with it because the schools cannot allow for these types of trainings. Another reason could be the older teachers refuse to learn technology. Final reason could deal with the fact that there aren't enough computers for this type of learning.
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 30 Jul 14
       
      I hear you Kim but at the same time see these as excuses given by administrators who generally aren't very forward thinking. Region ESC's should be able to provide this training for free. I think Region 10 does but I would have to double check that. And as far as the older teachers refusing to learn, that's a teacher I don't need on my campus. I tend to be pretty blunt and have little patience for ANY "teacher" who refuses to learn.
    • Maria Ing
      Maria Ing on 03 Aug 14
       
      I wonder if other than financial reasons, if many administrators are worried for liability reasons. Even if they properly trained teachers would they still be worried about people crossing the line using social media. I know that our district has a pretty strict policy that as long as a student is enrolled in the district, they cannot be your "friend" on social media. It's too easy for negative things to come of it. I personally have a Facebook fan page for my classroom. My principal is on it and posts are public so everyone can see what is being said and posted. I invite students and parents to "like" my page so they can get review information & videos, test reminders and things of that nature.
    • Jose Davila
      Jose Davila on 04 Aug 14
       
      I strongly feel that teachers need to be up to date with technology and get to use it and etc... It is very important that teachers understand technology well so they can teach their students properly. The old teachers must be able to adapt with change for the better of their students. Technology is the way of life and it is very important that they embrace it and have a positive outlook on it. There are no excuses because technology will continue to be used everyday in life and will continue to evolve.
    • kbanda
      kbanda on 05 Aug 14
       
      I agree that some may not want to provide these trainings because they may need to use the money elsewhere or do not want to bring in technology to the school. Some see is as a negative thing but our society today has changed. We cannot get away from technology because it is the way of life nowadays and you're right Jose, it will continue to evolve.
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 28 Sep 14
       
      @kbanda- I think that you have a point, a lot of school districts especially smaller ones do not have extra funds to allocate to these types of trainings. In fact, they may want to be more proactive when it comes to technology and the use of social media in their teacher's curriculum, but there is a lot of liability to it if teachers aren't trained on this type of medium. It all comes down to the bottom line. Technology is in our TEKS and we must teach it…however, social media is not in our TEKS and until the day it is, then trainings for this type of technology usage may not be priority when it comes to balancing the school year's budget.
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 29 Nov 14
       
      @ksspurgin There can be many factors involved. I believe it can be money and time which means some schools do not have the resources. Another reason can be that social media can cause a distraction for the students. Also privacy is a huge concern. I know school districts can use Google Apps which limits the use of YouTube and Blogger to only the school, but some schools do not want to use Google Apps. I wonder if someone has a site out on the Internet that educates the teacher and parents on social media.
  • Controversy has surrounded teachers’ use of social media and whether posts -- both about students and about their personal lives -- can be used as grounds for termination. 
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 23 Jul 14
       
      How is this different from (or similar to) the rules for teachers around the turn of the 20th century such as "Teachers will not marry or keep company with a man friend during the week except as an escort to church services.  (The only man a woman teacher could be seen with was her father or her brother)"? (source: http://www.ameshistory.org/contract.htm)
    • textraveller
      textraveller on 28 Jul 14
       
      This rule has changed? When did this happen?
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 30 Jul 14
       
      Yea, it was a while ago Chris ;)
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 28 Sep 14
       
      I think this article really touched base about what is rocky territory when it comes to what is appropriate student/teacher interaction. Therefore, this could be the reason why schools are not being as proactive on training and protecting their teachers when it comes to social media in the classroom. On the one hand social media is a wonderful outlet for students to learn, because they have grown up with the tablets, ipads, smart phones and they know "that language" per say. In my classroom, I engage my students on the regular by using Edmodo and I absolutely love it. It allows me the opportunity to set expectations, provide reminders, send well wishes, but most importantly turn my classroom into a true flipped classroom environment where learning doesn't stop when the last bell rings. As an educator, I have heard of so many unfortunate stories where a teacher or student may cross the line in communication and the teacher ends up reaping the bad consequences of that. Therefore, as the article points out, it makes sense that many teachers would be hesitant to even toil with social media outlets for supplementation of classroom curriculum. According to the article, "teachers are more often using web tools, such as YouTube videos and podcasts, or other types of technology -- such as laptops, interactive white boards or tablets -- over social media tools (http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/01/17/check-out-that-selfie-how-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom)," which says to me that they try to stick to "safer" technological modes of communication, and interaction. I currently work for the largest Net Zero School in the nation, where the school districts expectations run high when it comes to implementing technology in the classroom, and I love that. I use and invite students and teachers to follow me on Twitter, however- I do not put anything personal on that account. I tweet or retweet a lot of links to excellent educational websites such as Edutopia. The reason
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 29 Nov 14
       
      There is a very thin line for this. Maybe the teachers or students should not post about their personal lives and keep it strictly school oriented. I know that it can be tough for the students, because students are more prone to talk about personal lives. Maybe one solution is to agree that teachers and students will use one platform, such as Edmodo for education. As far as posting personal post on other social networks, what constitutes grounds for termination needs to be clearly defined and training will need to be offered.
  • According to the survey, teachers are more often using web tools, such as YouTube videos and podcasts, or other types of technology -- such as laptops, interactive white boards or tablets -- over social media tools.
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 23 Jul 14
       
      Teachers often play it safe and for good reason! Effective training could free teachers to use technology to engage students in learning.
    • textraveller
      textraveller on 28 Jul 14
       
      The problem seems to be that some types of social media eliminate the separation between student/teacher that physical distance usually creates (i.e. going home at the end of the day.) If teachers receive training that makes them well-aware that they are erasing this boundary by interacting on FB or Twitter, then let them go for it. I second Brook's idea that having a separate, professional social media account for interaction with parents and students is probably wise. - C Hilgeman
    • ksspurgin
      ksspurgin on 30 Jul 14
       
      No doubt about that Chris! We did have a short training at our school 2 years ago about setting up professional social media accounts to use with students and parents. This is a MUST for educators!
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 28 Sep 14
       
      @texttravelor- I totally agree with you Chris. I try to implement the flipped classroom model into my curriculum structure, and I find that it is very difficult to separate the two. When I'm at home, I am always carrying around my iPad, attempting to be super teacher by answering all of my student's questions. I try to provide them with accurate and grammatically proper assignments online through Edmodo, and I find that there tends to be a thin line between my work and personal time. That "physical distance" that you speak of is often frayed, of which has caused me to lack in other areas. However, it's important to note that if one can find a happy medium between the two- as an educator one will greatly benefit. In addition, I definitely agree that separating professional social media accounts with personal accounts is also "wise."
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 29 Nov 14
       
      I believe social media can be used, but teachers will need trainings and administrators will need to be clear on how one needs to use social media. If I was an administrator, I would look at research to see which social media tool actually increases learning. I would even go as far as creating a pilot program to measure the learning. If it did not work, then I would say concentrate on the tools that do increase learning.
  • dbrookpark on 27 Jul 14
     
    Effective training for using social media in the classroom would be an essential for more teachers to start to use social media in the classroom. The administration should facilitate trainings for the teachers on setting up a classroom account and having the teacher monitor and approve all students posts would be a good start. As far as connecting with students and parents through social media, the only way that I think would be prudent would be to set up another separate account that is purely for connecting on a professional basis. The ability for the teacher to keep their personal and professional lives apart is very important. Brook
  • mrigal on 27 Jul 14
     
    Some schools are slowly catching-up to current technology trends. Some districts are afraid to fully incorporate technology such as social networking sites because of potential security liabilities. Districts must adapt to technologies such as networking sites because technology such as these are currently being used at home by students as their tools. Districts should bring students tools to school to enhance learning.
  • Vianna Madrid on 20 Oct 14
     
    I would love to incorporate social media into the classroom, but I do not see it happening anytime soon. Our administration is reluctant to opening our filters to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the fear of inappropriate posts and distraction. There needs to be more training available to educate on the integration, use and opportunities social media has in the classroom.
Stephen Simon

Grades are in: Digital learning gets more state attention | District Administration Mag... - 9 views

www.districtadministration.com/...ning-gets-more-state-attention

shared by Stephen Simon on 20 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • Texas
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
       
      Well we are finally improving and making progress. Now if we could just get healthcare to the rest of the uninsured children in our great state.
  • Eric Folks on 20 Apr 14
     
    Grades Are In: Digital Learning Gets More State Attention Does Texas deserve a "B" when it comes to enabling the 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning?
  • ...10 more comments...
  • Eric Folks on 25 Apr 14
     
    How far is your district from enabling customized learning? I interpret this as true differentiation, and for most teachers, without technology integration it remains an elusive goal beyond modified assessments for those with IEPs. A basic prerequisitie of customized learning I believe, is that there are multiple ways the teacher provides for learning the same content...this way if students don't get it the first time, they can go to another explanation that might be more likely "to click."
  • Eric Folks on 25 Apr 14
     
    10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning 1. Student eligibility: All students are digital learners. 2. Student access: All students have access to high-quality digital content and online courses. 3. Personalized learning: All students can customize their education using digital content through an approved provider. 4. Advancement: Students progress based on demonstrated competency. 5. Quality content: Digital content, instructional materials, and online and blended learning courses are high quality. 6. Quality instruction: Digital instruction is high quality. 7. Quality choices: All students have access to multiple high-quality providers. 8. Assessment and accountability: Student learning is the metric for evaluating the quality of content and instruction. 9. Funding: Funding creates incentives for performance, options and innovation. 10. Delivery: Infrastructure supports digital learning.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 25 Apr 14
     
    Interesting that many of the states' grades went up because of state regulation changes. It is no surprise to me that Utah is a front runner. I have always admired and appreciate their education website. The resources for teachers and parents, in my opinion, is the best, bar none. Utah Education Network: http://www.uen.org
  • Don Martin on 26 Apr 14
     
    I was at a conference with a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) yesterday and we talked about technology in the classroom. He is the head of the classroom technology development group at THECB and he is not convinced that we are using technology appropriately and that there might be a rush to use technology either to be the first to introduce something or just to ride the wave. I've said this before about other topics, the problem is not the technology, the problem is we don't know what to do with it yet or what we can do with it. There is always a learning curve for anything new, however, the learning curve for educational technology may be the steepest curve we have ever met as human beings. In fact if the curve gets any steeper it will be a vertical line rocketing towards the heavens! It is very difficult to climb a vertical face. So what do we do about it? I think we as instructors have to determine what our needs are in the classroom, investigate tools that can address those needs and finally focus on mastering those tools and not worry about all the other things going on around us. That is not to say that we should become static or satisfied with our approach, in fact we need to be lifetime learners. In any endeavor it is possible to become overwhelmed with information. We have all seen at one time or another the student with the deer in the headlights look because they have become overwhelmed and lost in the content. I think that many of our peers are in the same position with education technology. As a result it becomes necessary for us to help them sort through the web of Web 2.0 If we help them find 2 or 3 tools they can effectively use for collaboration and they can master that is enough in the beginning. Let's then help them identify 2 or 3 tools that can help them make better and more engaging presentations, once they have mastered those we can move on. Human's are extraordinarily adaptable but we also are easily overwhelmed
  • Araceli Gracia on 26 Apr 14
     
    Our school is a large open campus that the biggest problem is having enough bandwidth. We only have so many ports which makes our internet slow at times. The issue of cost is the reason that they will not invest in any more throughout our campus. Not sure about the price of this investment but if they want technology to be used in the classroom this has to be taken care of first. Don, When I first started this class, I have to say I was one of those deer in headlights type of student. I am not going for my MTT like most of the students in this course, so it was an eye opener to know that I really did not know much about technology as I thought. Although I have learned so much in this class, I think that introducing teachers to a few Web 2.0 tools at a time, and letting teachers explore there potential in the classroom is something that inexperienced users would appreciate.
  • Eric Folks on 28 Apr 14
     
    Araceli, We too have been tackling the issue of ports and infrastructure in general. Fortunately, we have a very supportive superintendent and school board, and they have been very frugal leading up to this point...much of the investment dollars driving our infrastructure improvements have come from our fund balance. We're at the point where we're piloting class sets for Biology next year and a 5th grade 1:1 at one campus using IMA funds, but honestly we're all holding our breath, wondering if we have the infrastructure necessary for these efforts to be successful, at least on the technology side. This summer technology will be making lots of changes to our network, and that always makes us nervous. Last August they moved us from roaming profiles to folder redirect, and come August staff development (and Sept for that matter) we had lots of improvising to do as most users would only see partial profile loads due to the network configuration at the time. This meant users could sometimes see their drives but not access them (permission errors are so frustrating!), or they couldn't see their network drives at all. As it turned out, this really helped drive teacher and student adoption of Google Drive for file management, so in that respect it worked out. I agree with you and Don and many others, teachers need to be eased into new technology tools one or two at a time, and we as instructional (technology?) leaders need to make a compelling case for why the advantages outweigh the time investment for learning new tools.
  • lbanuelos on 28 Apr 14
     
    Our school districts are just beginning to implement newer forms of technology aimed at providing students a richer learning experience. I am certain that bandwidth will be a concern since currently we use the internet for email and submitting paperwork. Do I agree that to do for the say of doing is not the right approach with new technology. Our approach must be strategic and well thought out.
  • eeverett3 on 28 Apr 14
     
    Nice to see that Texas is as high as the "B" category...and another mention of the texas VLE that allows students to take/make up high school credits online!
  • Jose Escobedo on 29 Apr 14
     
    Is funding a major factor why some school districts don't rush in implementing new technology in schools? I am amazed how some Asian countries had no technology in schools 20 years ago and now it is a different world.
  • Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
     
    I think that it will be a slow process to bring personalized, adaptive learning to the classroom. The article is intriguing in that it brings to light the deficiencies in the public schools of America. This is a sad commentary on the institutional legacy tempered by political decisiveness impacting every individual in the country who has received an American education. Rather than investing in the future knowledgebase of our young minds, we waste our precious resources on the military industrial machine. I ponder the thought of what will happen next when we have the entire nation wired with high-speed internet access. I consider it a given that every child today has a cell phone or access to one. It is but a small transition from there to a smartphone with complete access to social media, search engines, email, and instant messaging; in short, a completely connected computer. How will the upcoming generation use this technology?
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 01 May 14
     
    I can't agree more with all of you that stated the infrastructure as being a big problem. My school bought 50 iPads only to have the infrastructure support no more than 10 at a time. What a waste! I have met with other private schools, and in every case, lack of a good infrastructure was the major obstacle. Jose, here is a link to an article on technology education in South Korea. One of the things that stuck out for me was the access that students have after school hours. http://edutechassociates.net/2012/05/14/what-can-we-learn-from-south-korea/
  • Merrill Redfern on 05 May 14
     
    Our school is also going through some technology updates/changes this summer. Currently we have several classrooms that are either having trouble keeping a connection or not making a connection at all. I always see a first grade class sitting in the hallway working with their Ipads because the connection in their classroom is non-existent. From what I understand, we have plenty of bandwidth but not enough ports to support it. We have recently bought 25 Ipads. I am eager to know if our infrastructure will support them all plus the ones we currently have. http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-education/
Merrill Redfern

How Technology Trends Have Influenced the Classroom | MindShift - 8 views

blogs.kqed.org/...-inflitrated-change-classrooms

shared by Merrill Redfern on 26 Mar 14 - No Cached
  • let’s examine which features of society (and media) have changed and then consider what we can do in education to use it as an advantage for learning.
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 26 Mar 14
       
      I like the author's approach to this article. Bringing the two worlds together (society and education) with a commonality is an example of thinking forward.
  • As students, we learned to play the game of “know your audience” when it came to writing a paper for a certain professor. Our purpose was writing for writing’s sake. Now we no longer have to limit ourselves to one recipient. Our students have access to a global audience and don’t have to write just to please one teacher. They can write based on what they see and believe to be true.
  • One of the greatest challenges to the classrooms of today is mobile technology. Do we fund a 1:1 program? Allow a Bring Your Own Device policy? Won’t this just add the distraction of the outside world into a classroom?
    • Jose Escobedo
      Jose Escobedo on 28 Mar 14
       
      As a parent, I would not oppose for my daughter to take her tablet to school. She carrys her tablet everywhere and is always reading. This has helped increase her reading skills. I am not saying this works with every child but its time we left the "seat time" concept behind.
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 29 Mar 14
       
      Jose - I agree. My 10 year old daughter also carries an Ipad around with her. I would not be against a "bring your own device" policy to school if the proper policies and procedures were in place, even for the elementary level. In a lot of cases, bringing in the outside world into education could be of significant benefit. While working with our school Ipads yesterday, I took a poll in two of my kinder classes on who had some kind of tech device at home (not mom or dads, but their own). More than 1/2 the class raised their hands and proved their skills with a library Ipad. The poll provoked some thought, it is more important than ever to provide 21st Century learning opportunities for the younger grade levels as well.
    • Jose Escobedo
      Jose Escobedo on 30 Mar 14
       
      At first, I had mixed feelings about the "bring your own device" concept until I started learning how to use a digital device in a classroom with the help of my EDTC graduate courses. I had an old school mentality until last semester when my flip phone gave up and I made the transition to a smart phone. This transition made me realize it was time to allow technology in the classroom.
    • Olivia Basham
      Olivia Basham on 31 Mar 14
       
      While I find 1:1 policies laughable (I have yet to see a school district not lose millions of dollars on these kinds of programs), I think that BYOT policies are great, as long as the teacher has some technology (I have a set of netbooks) that students who are without their own device can use. I DO think this brings the outside world into the classroom, but I also think that this is a good thing. And those teachers who find the outside world to be a distraction can still use technology; they just need to use closed systems like Edmodo.
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 20 Apr 14
       
      While my students are older than what we are typically talking about here I have tried to incorporate the use of personal electronic devices in the classroom for some time now. For example, I have on occasion sent my students on an internet scavenger hunt for items or information related to the content of lecture. One of the impediments to using personal electronic devices is the disparity of quality and capability based upon cost. To get around that I try to have the students work in groups using whatever devices they have available to them in their respective groups. This also creates an opportunity for collaboration.
  • Araceli Gracia on 27 Mar 14
     
    Merrill, I like the idea of Flipped Teaching, where lessons are recorded and then viewed later in the classroom. I am not sure how I would feel hearing myself give the lesson, but the kids would love it. I am sure my students get tired of hearing me give a lesson, but if I was recorded, they would possibly be more engaged with the lesson simply because I am on the computer. It is very noticeable when we do online activites, compared to just lecture, that they are more attentive. As far as the 1:1 program, I teach 3rd grade, so our district does not "allow" that type of technology in the classroom. Students bring cell phones anyways, but to use them in the classroom is not ok. Budget is always a concern on my campus, so we do not have enough technology, such as kindles and iPads, for every student. We can request them ahead of time, but that is only for the day. I can understand how it may be a distraction in the classroom, like being on other programs or texting with others. However, for the most part, students would do what the lesson call for. They would much rather do the lesson on their phone, kindle, iPad, etc, than on paper. http://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2011/07/14/study-emerging-technology-has-positive-impact-in-classroom
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 28 Mar 14
     
    I teach math, and although I don't flip my classes, I provide videos or links to videos for my students to watch at home. Videos have been a good resource for my students, especially those who miss class. My favorite sites for finding videos are Kahn Academy and LearnZillion. https://www.khanacademy.org http://learnzillion.com My school has also banned student devices due to the misuse of them in school. I find it frustrating and would love to hear how other schools have handled students using their own devices to school.
  • eeverett3 on 30 Mar 14
     
    The reason I like videos and links is so that students have access to the learning when they decide to learn it! I see way to many high school students wasting their class time and hope that they have the video or link listed somewhere when they finally see that the lesson was important not...that being said, it is crucial that the lessons we are tying to teach are important! Real world applications again...not just tests.
  • Jeff Blackman on 14 Apr 14
     
    I come from a corporate perspective and would definitely like to bring more of these types of concepts to the adult "classroom" or training situation. I think kids "get it" more, though. I notice that the adults all around our company still have trouble with just basic computing skills. So, while I'd love to adopt more mobile type learning, I wonder how it would be received. For my kids, I think they'd really accept it because they are so used to all of these devices.
cinthia_sierra

4 Tips for Getting to Know the Blended Instructional Model | Edutopia - 10 views

www.edutopia.org/...-blended-learning-victor-small

blendedlearning blended edtech technology classroom

shared by cinthia_sierra on 14 Jun 14 - No Cached
  • this same technology is banned from our schools to prevent students from using it inappropriately
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 14 Jun 14
       
      There are still many schools and districts with a strict no electronics policy.  What can you do in order for your students to be able to use their electronics in your classroom?
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      Recently, our Dean of Instruction mentioned she wanted to post posters emphasizing the use of cellphones for the purpose of learning. I think this is a great idea since they are easily accessible and allow students to gather information much quicker than having to wait till they get home or making a trip to the library. I can be a responsible moderator and observer who ensures the proper use of these electronics in order to enhance learning rather than hinder it.
    • Sean Getchell
      Sean Getchell on 15 Jun 14
       
      I can't imagine that in this day and age they would still try and have a "no electronics" policy. I think most progressive schools would understand that electronics will be there whether they like it or not, so they might as well try to focus students on using them to accentuate their learning experience. If I were a student in a classroom, I would try a modified bring your own device (BYOD) to class. Whether it was a cell phone, tablet, or laptop (okay, maybe not a laptop, but definitely some of the smaller devices), and show them how it could be used to improve their learning (and collaborative) experience. I know it would take some time and understanding to get the students to use the devices responsibly, but nothing worth it is ever easy in my experience.
    • natalie_cepeda
      natalie_cepeda on 16 Jun 14
       
      In the campus I am in, the librarian hosts a training session for the BYOD program. It is highly encouraged for students to bring their devices. This year since it was my first year, I did not want to take too much on, but this coming year I am definitely taking on the BYOD Program to help students use their electronics in my classroom for Web 2.0 tools like Discussion Boards.
    • noramedrano
      noramedrano on 16 Jun 14
       
      At the campus I currently work there is no electronics allowed. I would like for students to be allowed to bring their electronic or given an electronic such as an iPad for learning purposes. Students can do many things with electronics, such as reviewing a specific area that needs improvement on a web 2.0 tool.
    • hillaryparrish
      hillaryparrish on 16 Jun 14
       
      At my campus (a PK-12 campus), electronics my be used before the first bell rings. During class, they may be used at teacher discretion. However, this has been abused because I have had parents say to me that their child was posting to Facebook during a specific class period daily. Of course, the child could be going to the restroom or somewhere else on campus to do this, but sometimes the privilege does get abused. I like the idea of BYOD for learning purposes.
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 16 Jun 14
       
      It is surprising that schools still have a "no electronics" policy which is the case of my school. Now like Sean and Cinthia added, electronics are in our schools whether they are allowed or not, and we should have our students use these electronics to enhance their learning. I've caught my students taking selfies and or sending Snapchats, but I wonder if we truly engage them and use technology to its fullest potential in our classrooms will students continue to abuse BYOD?
    • crystallee530
      crystallee530 on 23 Jun 14
       
      Our school district implemented bring your own technology (BYOT) at the beginning of the 2012-2013 2nd semester. Since it began in the middle of the school year, most students and teachers were still hesitant to use personal technology in the classroom because it was unfamiliar ground. The past year I used more BYOT in the classroom with strict supervision and high expectations for following the district technology rules and restrictions.
    • Maria Ing
      Maria Ing on 03 Aug 14
       
      Our campus still has a no electronics policy. We were supposed to get bring your own device (BYOD) implemented this past year but it never happened. I think they were not happy that they couldn't secure the network to where only students and teachers would be on the network. I'm not sure what they are going to do. But I see so much potential for students being able to use their devices in the classroom. I think next year, regardless if they have the policy implemented or not, I will try to start having students using their phones in class for activities if I can't get the iPads checked out, if it's for quick electronic surveys. Most have phones now and they are on them anyway for social media and texting (under desk, in bathrooms, when my back is turned), so I may as well make them use them for educational purposes.
  • Tip #1: Kids Aren't as Tech Savvy as You Think
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 14 Jun 14
       
      This very true, although many of our students seem to be Tech Savvy, their skills when it comes to technology are mainly for entertainment and social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  I recently gave a digital literacy survey to a student partner for another course and her results were very low.  This is the link to the survey:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/21cTechPart2 How do you think your students would perform on this survey?
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      I think it would be a 50/50 depending on the population. I find that most of my GT, highly involved (gaming) students, and tech junkies can figure out almost anything. But for the most part, others' abilities rely heavily on the social networking tools used to communicate but little experience is shown for Web 2.0 tools or other technological uses.
    • Sean Getchell
      Sean Getchell on 15 Jun 14
       
      I saw this firsthand last week when I was doing a presentation for a high school summer school technology course. You have most students that are able to use social media technology effortlessly; however, if you get to Web 2.0, or some of the more complex tools, and they are clueless. Now some of the more tech-savvy students can figure anything out, but I was a little disappointed by the 30/70 difference in students understanding / students overwhelmed by new technology. I definitely thought it would be the reverse...especially with all of the gamers in attendance (though to be honest, I think they were the majority of the ones that were able to keep up with some of the more complex tech).
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 16 Jun 14
       
      Cinthia, I think you are correct in adding that it depends on the population. Do you think that students' socioeconomic status has a correlation to their digital literacy?
    • rcepeda610
      rcepeda610 on 06 Jul 14
       
      Yes, I agree with Cynthia, most of the student population is pretty good with social networking and entertainment. They spend countless hours sharing, uploading, blogging, exploring that they become quite the experts. But if presented with a different task they are hesitant and have difficulties completing the task.
  • Tip #2: Be Wary of Online Textbooks and Online Classes
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 14 Jun 14
       
      If you are to pick and choose from online textbooks based on the need, what other tools can be used in a blended classroom and how can you implement them?
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      Apps and websites such as Whyville, playground, etc, can improve students' learning in order to deviate from the traditional textbook teaching method.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Tip #4: Get Your Students to Communicate with Each Other
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 14 Jun 14
       
      We recently read about discussion boards.  How would you use a discussion board in your classroom or what other collaboration tools are you interested in using and how?
  • Tip #3: PowerPoint is for Planning Lessons, Not Delivering Lectures
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 14 Jun 14
       
      How does this tip go in hand with what we have read in our textbook regarding PowerPoint presentations?
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      Basically, powerpoints are to be kept as a simplistic method that engages yet guides the reader without overpowering the art of your presentation.
  • 4 Tips for Getting to Know the Blended Instructional Model
  • cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
     
    Tips for an effective blended classroom
  • kdauphiney on 22 Jun 14
     
    This is the issue that some tax payers have with instructional learning and online classes. They think that the student will be placed in a room in front of a computer and expected to teach themselves. They really need to get know what blended instruction looks like and what it can do to enhance learning. There perhaps need to be more model schools that allow for public study, so that they can showcase how efficient and effective this new phenomenon is and just how much more can be offered to the students with the same tax money.
stacey perkins

Voicethread in the classroom - 10 views

njea.org/...voicethread

web2.0 Technology classroom differentiation

shared by stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14 - No Cached
  • collaborative projects
    • stacey perkins
      stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14
       
      Voicethread works as an asynchronous discussion board, so students could work collaboratively in different class periods or locations.
    • Elizabeth Rodriguez
      Elizabeth Rodriguez on 18 Sep 14
       
      Stacey, I've not heard about Voicethread but I am excited to look into it and come back and comment more in depth on this web 2.0 tool. It's amazing just how much technology is out there for use in the classroom! I love it because I am always looking for innovative technology tools for our faculty to use in their courses!!
    • Gena Jean
      Gena Jean on 20 Sep 14
       
      This app was new to me as well, but I could definitely see where it could boost communication among students. As a design instructor I could definitely see how it could be used by students to help them in sharing their work and providing constructive criticism to one another's works.
    • Karla Fabiola Garcia
      Karla Fabiola Garcia on 20 Sep 14
       
      This tool is also new to me. I love what I have read so far and the different ways it can be incorporated into the classroom. I am defenitily sharing this with my colleagues and brainstorming on diffrent ways we can incorporate, as some of us don't have many computers in our classroom.
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 30 Sep 14
       
      My initial response to Stacey Perkins Article Post- As was stated in your link, it makes sense that "text alone can't deliver the subtlety and expression required for meaningful connections (http://njea.org/news-and-publications/njea-review/march-2011/voicethread)." Students need a place to be able to communicate and learn from each other. Not just via text, or typing forums- but also through real life asynchronous discussion boards. This allows students the ability to work together and collaborate to come up with some real solutions to problems. What I noticed about this particular medium, was that as an educator I would have the ability to use a webcam, and reach all types of students in that manner. It appears to be a good way for students to learn from each other, and really get into the lessons that are being taught.
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 30 Sep 14
       
      My 2nd reply- @Gena Jean- I agree with you that this application can help students communicate and thus collaborate with each other- in efforts to gain knowledge. It is important in today's world that our students are as tech savvy as possible, and so the incorporation of asynchronous technology such as this has so much value in today's educational realm. The students of today are living within the technology revolution. They grew up with smart phones, and my daughter who is only 1 year old…screams when I take away my phone because she in some way understands apps like "Candy Crush." She literally knows what to do to manipulate and thus communicate with the technology. It's truly amazing in that same regard, how Voice Thread can help even the shyest students come out of their shells. As educators we need to speak our students language and that is making sure that we learn as many technology driven programs as possible- such as Voice Thread and so on.
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 04 Dec 14
       
      @stacey perkins I have heard of voice thread but have not seen its potential in the classroom. I am glad you shared it with us. I a begin to start integrating discussion into lessons, I can see how voicethread is a good tool for students. This tool changes things up a bit, instead writing, one can record their voice. I also like the integration to LMSs.
  • You can look at examples of how other educators are using VoiceThread on its digital library or browse Ideas for using VoiceThread, a collection of 143 examples from the library
    • stacey perkins
      stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14
       
      If you aren't sure how you might incorporate Voicethread into your classroom/curriculum, check out how these teachers are using it.
    • sharonmahabir
      sharonmahabir on 24 Sep 14
       
      Thank you for the link. I have never used Voicethread in my classroom. I wanted to implement a new technology this year and I think Voicethread is a great tool that my PreK students will be able to use. I particularly liked the Brown Bear example. We do a Brown Bear unit at the beginning of the year and this would be a great way for students to represent their learning.
    • stacey perkins
      stacey perkins on 27 Sep 14
       
      Sharon, I have taught in the elementary grades for years, and have struggled to find tech tools that were user-friendly to my students. Their frustration threshold is low! But I think Voicethread would require minimal training.
    • Maricela Gonzalez
      Maricela Gonzalez on 30 Sep 14
       
      My 1st reply- @ Elizabeth Rodriguez- just like you I had never heard of Voice Thread. I think that it is definitely something that I can use in my classroom. Right now I'm really trying to use as much technology within my curriculum, but I really need to figure out which Web 2.0 technology is going to be the most effective for the amount of time that I have with my students. I will need to research a little more about this particular software, and I hope that I can find some online You Tube tutorials to help me figure out an easier way to use this platform.
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 04 Dec 14
       
      Wow, there are many examples one can use. I know sometimes the hardest part of web tools is learning how to integrate them into the curriculum. I can see the examples are also grouped together by subject. Best part is that educators can contribute to the examples.
  • Examples of classroom VoiceThreads
    • stacey perkins
      stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14
       
      Examples of some finished products...
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • New Jersey Education Association Sign in for member information and resources. Member Sign In Need help signing in? function toggle_signin() { if(document.getElementById('member-signin-form').style.display == 'none') document.getElementById('member-signin-form').style.display = 'block'; else document.getElementById('member-signin-form').style.display = 'none'; } jQuery('#login-username').keydown(function(e) { if(e.keyCode == 13) { e.preventDefault(); postToLogin(); return false; } }); jQuery('#login-password').keydown(function(e) { if(e.keyCode == 13) { e.preventDefault(); postToLogin(); return false; } }); jQuery("#login-button").click( function() { postToLogin(); return false; } ); function postToLogin() { jQuery.cookie("loginusername", jQuery('#login-username').val(), {path: '/'}); jQuery.cookie("loginpassword", jQuery('#login-password').val(), {path: '/'}); var query = window.location.search.substring(1); var launchUrl = "https://njea.org/resources/help-desk"; if (query != null) { launchUrl += "?" + query; } window.location = launchUrl; return false; } Facebook YouTube Twitter RSS Feeds Message Pinterest Flickr Email Texting AboutWho We AreCalendar and EventsAffiliated GroupsRegional OfficesCounty/Local AssociationsNJEA Hipp FoundationClassroom Close-Up, NJEmployment OpportunitiesContact NJEANews & PublicationsNews RoomGood News About NJ's Public SchoolsNJEA ReviewNJEA Reporter ArchivesTeaching & LearningAdvocacy TrainingProfessional LearningClassroom ToolsNJEA ConventionE-Learning AcademyESP AcademyJobs and CertificationNJ Center for Teaching & LearningCenter for Future EducatorsParents & CommunityFamily InvolvementPRIDE in Public EducationTeacher for a DayRead Across AmericaPartnerships and ContestsFamilies and Schools Together (FAST)¡Contribuya al éxito de su hijo!Issues & ActionAnti-BullyingCollective BargainingElectionsESEA - No Child Left BehindEvaluationHealth and SafetyNJEA Political Action Committee (PAC)NJEA Position StatementsPensions and Health BenefitsTenurePolitical Action GuideSchool FundingTake ActionVouchersResourcesAID-NJEAAssistance for RIF'ed membe
  • A single educator license is free and class and district memberships are reasonable
    • Pedro Rodriguez
      Pedro Rodriguez on 04 Dec 14
       
      Trying out the product at no cost is a great idea. By creating voicethreads, you can showcase your work and it becomes easier for the school of school district to see how it works. This can convince administration to purchase voicethread for the whole school or district.
  • rather than using text to talk about text (which doesn't jive when you're teaching art history)
    • stacey perkins
      stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14
       
      Since virtually all of my students are struggling readers (I'm a dyslexia teacher), I think they would be more engaged with--and more willing to respond to--pictures or videos than a written prompt.
  • stacey perkins on 18 Sep 14
     
    How could Voicethread be used in the classroom to differentiate instruction?
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Elizabeth Rodriguez on 21 Sep 14
     
    VoiceThread seems to be a great tool to have students interact with each other. I have found in my own experience that sometimes students have a difficult time sharing in person, in front of a classroom. VoiceThread would give students the ability to share their thoughts with the classroom on different assignments. I think its a great collaboration tool!! I would not hesitate to use it in my classroom!
  • mariavictoria1 on 18 Oct 14
     
    Hi Stacey! I have never heard of Voicethread but after reading the article you shared it seems like a very intriguing tool to use. What I loved the most about Voicethread is that it allows those with hearing impairments to collaborate through webcam commenting by using sign language. Thank you for sharing.
  • robertogarcia24 on 07 Dec 14
     
    It's very nice to hear about the voice threads. I've never actually used them before, but I've seen students present information using them. It looks like something I'll be looking into for my future classes. Thank you so much for sharing.
juanrubenromero

Will Virtual Reality Stake Its Claim in K-12 Classrooms? | EdTech Magazine - 5 views

www.edtechmagazine.com/...take-its-claim-k-12-classrooms

education technology VirtualWorlds VirtualEnvironments classroom

shared by juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15 - No Cached
myraguz liked it
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      This is a very interesting statement about the uses of online virtual environments.  Could using online virtual environments be the direction K-12 schools take when assigning projects? How could a virtual environment be used to replace current projects or assignments in your curriculum?
  • The building of the immersive environment was a transformative teaching and learning experience, says Aaron E. Walsh, iED’s founding director. “As we used to build dioramas in school, when you’re building something like this, you’re putting down neural pathways in the brain,” he says. “You can remember what you’re learning much better.”
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      If virtual worlds are being used by employers, shouldn't we be incorporating this technology into our K-12 instruction? At the high school level, we are always being told to teach to ensure that students will be college and workforce ready. By not incorporating the technology that employers use, are we doing a disservices to our students? 
  • ...7 more annotations...
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      We all know that in education we are often limited by the set budget. However this section makes an excellent point! Virtual reality headsets can be purchased for a high price, but alternatives are also available, which I found quite interesting and surprisingly simply, i.e. Google Cardboard which uses a smartphone for virtual reality. here is the link for further information on Google Cardboard... its literally cardboard! https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/get-cardboard/ Watch this youtube video of a classroom using Google Cardboard
  • iED provides VR headsets to students that cost about $18 each, he says. Constructed of foam and cardboard, the student-built headsets use a smartphone to run graphics.
  • Companies such as Caterpillar, General Motors and Ford have used VR technology in the workplace to train their staffs
  • In addition, evolving apps and tools such as Google Cardboard and Microsoft HoloLens mean there are plenty of developers and educational technologists thinking about VR and how to best use the technology — within and outside of the classroom.
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      I completely agree, with today's technology centered students, we as educators need to adapt to our learners. Excellent point about students already being ready to think in 3D. What changes have you had to make in order to meet students technology needs?
  • Today’s students are more tech-savvy than students of just a few years ago, White notes. They grow up using tablets to play games such as Minecraft and not only are prepared to use VR but also are already able to think in 3D
  • Will Virtual Reality Stake Its Claim in K–12 Classrooms?
  • asuarez1 on 16 Jul 15
     
    I think that virtual reality is already being used in the classroom. I have already had a class where we had a virtual classroom. We met to get to know the platform and explore the possibilities. We found out that there are even businesses using these virtual reality spaces to conduct meetings and advertise among other users. Although right now I think it is so time consuming to show students how to use this AND the risk of open platforms will not allow the use of it readily, I do think that it will be used soon. Technology develops so quickly and needs assessments happen just as fast. Once there is a need for a tool, someone usually develops it. We need a safe environment for students to use and I think it is in the works.
  • ...6 more comments...
  • juancalvarez on 16 Jul 15
     
    1. I do not think that VR can be used in all grade levels. I think that Pre-k to 4th grade (+/-) would need to first learn about technology in general and then they could understand a virtual world, plus they need to understand their real world first. VR could provide a visit to a Zoo or any other field trip that is currently impossible. We could take the students to visit other cultures or animal habitats. 2. I think that VR should be incorporated in High School for the students to learn the technology and be able to use it. 3. Well, maybe 3% of the companies are using VR because of the health concerns. The following article describes why so many developers are going slow in creating new VR devices and the problems they have with people throwing up. The "nightmare scenario", as they call it, has to be solved before the technology can really be sold or used for education. This article is from March 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/technology/solution-to-nausea-puts-virtual-reality-closer-to-market.html?_r=0 The video you provide is amazing! I hope the developers can fix all the problems and can be an available technology soon. 4. I have had to research what apps are good for my students and try to find apps that do not have links that take them out, which has been a huge problem because once they are out, they click here and there and sometimes find things they shouldn't see. Most apps have their section for more information about the developer, but once they click there and go to the app store, and click here and there, they find other things. 5. Eventually VR will take its claim and there will be hundreds of VR schools and courses.
  • juanrubenromero on 17 Jul 15
     
    Ana Suarez, I agree with you about the time and open platform issues with virtual reality environments. I too have taken a course that explores virtual environments, but I am not sure how common it is for K-12 schools to use a virtual world. Maybe virtual worlds may not be a good fit for all levels, but I think benefit can come at the high school level.
  • juanrubenromero on 17 Jul 15
     
    Juan Alvarez, you make a great point, this technology may not be ideal for all grade levels. With this technology they may need to roll it out with higher level and work down to work out the issues, so lower level grades can make a smooth transition into the technology if possible. You make an excellent point, many may not consider. Some people are sensitive to the 3D nature of virtual worlds, and this can be an issue when trying to provide instruction. This might be a difficult thing to solve as it deals with the individual perception. Virtual worlds definitely need to be refined to make it more safe with a focus on closed platform. Like you said, students are going to wander once they are out in the world, we need to be able to control how their wandering just like we do in class. I definitely think that virtual worlds will begin to incorporate themselves in school curriculums. During my exploration of Second Life, I met with the owner of a the NOVA campus science world and he mentioned how the nursing program at the college was going to begin simulated practicals using Second Life.
  • Marie Evans on 18 Jul 15
     
    Most K-12 has not embraced virtual reality in the classroom. There are many great learning opportunities such as the CSI lab for science. It is yet another engaging tool to add to the K-12 arsenal of learning experiences.
  • jfaguilar on 18 Jul 15
     
    I believe exposing our students to virtual worlds is beneficial for them understanding and learning at the same time. I remember an anecdote from one class that introduced the Alamo in San Antonio using SecondLife software. My students liked this trip and learned a lot. We saved time and money and were able to have students "travel" and see places that they may not be able to see in real life due to everyday expenses, obstacles, etc.
  • bradlampton on 18 Jul 15
     
    This was a great article to read and well informative. In my opinion, The vision of Project Tomorrow is ensure that today's students are well prepared to be tomorrow's innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world. Also, I believe that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century.
  • juanrubenromero on 20 Jul 15
     
    Javier, thats a great way use virtual environments. Second Life definitely allows teachers to explore various sites around the world for students to get experience of what certain structures looks like. Not only that, but I know with SL the sites can be loaded with information and interactive educational activities.
  • juanrubenromero on 20 Jul 15
     
    Brad, rolling out the use of virtual environment with a STEM focus might be a good start to then mainstream its use into other subjects. I talked to the owner of the NOVA campus on Second Life and he mentioned that a lot of high schools that are able to use SL on campus use it in courses for building and scripting. This technology can offer a lot to courses in the math and sciences.
cinthia_sierra

Five Ways To Bring Technology into the Classroom Without the Gadgets | Alisa ... - 7 views

www.huffingtonpost.com/...without-gadgets_b_5324611.html

education technology classroom

shared by cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14 - No Cached
  • Technology was originally idealized as the panacea for our nation's "failing schools"
  • The reality is in the middle: Technology is not a panacea, but used effectively and implemented purposefully, it can help transform how our children experience school.
  • For us, having our students engage in real-world learning experiences is a priority, so we utilized technologies like video-conferencing that enabled making those connections.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • at the iSchool we leveraged teachers' strengths by having some focus more on planning and curriculum development, some focus more on online course design, some on facilitating our challenge-based courses and some supporting struggling students.
  • Schools can combine resources to offer more Advanced Placement or credit recovery courses.
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      This quote almost relates to the quality for quantity conception in education; it is not enough to use random technology without a purpose. Think about classes you've observed or reflect on your own: is technology use productive?
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 16 Jun 14
       
      There have been some classes which I have observed where the teacher is using technology but not the students. Technology is sometimes being used for the sake of using it and is not enhancing the students learning.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 17 Jun 14
       
      True integration happens when technology supports the learning outcome goals. It must aid in the 4 key components of learning: active engagement, group collaboration, frequent interaction and feedback, and a conncetion to the real-world. Watch the following video to see how one school integrateds technology into every facet of learning. http://youtu.be/xCcwOmFF0HM
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 17 Jun 14
       
      True integration happens when technology supports the learning outcome goals. It must aid in the 4 key components of learning: active engagement, group collaboration, frequent interaction and feedback, and a connection to the real-world. Watch the following video to see how one school integrated technology into every facet of learning. http://youtu.be/xCcwOmFF0HM">http://youtu.be/xCcwOmFF0HM">http://youtu.be/xCcwOmFF0HM
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      Consider your content area and former lessons and discuss how video conferencing can be utilized to maximize learning.
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 16 Jun 14
       
      I teach 8th ELAR, and we read Night by Elie Wiesel as part of a Holocaust unit.  It would have been amazing for my students to video conference with a actual Holocaust survivor.  This would have given them even deeper knowledge on the Holocaust.
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      Would this even be possible at your district/school? Elaborate
    • Cynthia Rios
      Cynthia Rios on 16 Jun 14
       
      I don't know if this would be possible at my school.  Unfortunately, many veteran teachers are not as open to change.
    • cinthia_sierra
      cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
       
      This would prepare students for online classes at the post-secondary level.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 17 Jun 14
       
      I think that students would be helped by experiencing different teachers and teaching styles in order to have a well rounded learning experience. Sometimes students get very comfortable in a school with familiar surroundings and prior knowledge of teachers. When placed in this kind of atmosphere, the student will need to adjust and focus on the material being presented and the presenter.
    • Lucretia Human
      Lucretia Human on 17 Jun 14
       
      I think that students would be helped by experiencing different teachers and teaching styles in order to have a well rounded learning experience. Sometimes students get very comfortable in a school with familiar surroundings and prior knowledge of teachers. When placed in this kind of atmosphere, the student will need to adjust and focus on the material being presented and the presenter.
  • cinthia_sierra on 15 Jun 14
     
    Using technology wisely in order to improve instruction
lbanuelos

Integrating Web 2.0 Tools into the Classroom: Changing the Culture of Learning | CCT - 5 views

cct.edc.org/...room-changing-culture-learning

shared by lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • Educators are using Web 2.0 tools to promote new avenues of communication among teachers, students, and the community in ways that can strengthen the community of learners.
    • lbanuelos
      lbanuelos on 20 Apr 14
       
      Communication and collaboration promote learning.
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
       
      Web 2.0 content roadblocks to delivery are obstructions that can be avoided by utilizing tools which place no such restrictions on student access. Here is a link to some of those resources: http://www.jogtheweb.com/run/6fHHrXqPLFpm/Web-20-No-Registration-Necessary
  • lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14
     
    This report represents the finding from a two-year investigation on how Web 2.0 tools and social networking technologies support teaching. One of the things I found most interesting is that instructors are using these tools to incorporate parents into the learning process. Research suggests that parent involvement has a positive effect on academic performance. How are you connecting parents to the classroom? http://www.education.com/reference/article/benefits-parent-involvement-research/ http://www.childtrends.org/?indicators=parental-involvement-in-schools
  • ...7 more comments...
  • lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14
  • eeverett3 on 14 Apr 14
     
    Great articles! Increased parent involvement and web 2.0 tools to increase communication! Everyone take note that "ease of use" was a major factor in wether or not teachers would use a new tool! We have to make this easy for our teachers...
  • Araceli Gracia on 14 Apr 14
     
    Elizabeth, I am guilty of being one of those teachers that is all about the "ease of use". If it is something that takes too much time, I will just find another tool that is quicker. Thankfully through this class ,I have learned so many tools that not only I, but my students can use in the classroom and at home. One of the problems that I had encounter in the past is having sites blocked by our school district. The Web 2.0 tools that I have recently used in my class have not been blocked so it is great to be able to share them with my students. Having the technology to communicate with parents and students is another plus. There can be many ways to communicate with parents even if it is a simple email. I have many parents who ask me to email them instead of calling because that is just a better way of communication for them. Merrill had mentioned a website last week called Kidblog. Having students participate in this is a perfect example of how technology is being used outside the classroom.
  • Jeff Blackman on 14 Apr 14
     
    To date, my kids' teachers have not used any type of Web 2.0 tools to allow for us (parents) to get involved. That's not to say that they don't involve us in other ways but I can definitely see some potential there. Outside of school, I have found it interesting that the stage manager of a play my son is in uses Shutterfly as a way to communicate with the cast and parents. We get reminders, participate in discussion boards, sign up for things, get a calendar - all within this site she has set up. It's pretty cool and definitely helps me as a parent to know what is going on. I'd always thought Shutterfly was just for photos so it was very enlightening to learn about this whole new functionality.
  • Merrill Redfern on 15 Apr 14
     
    Our campus supports the use of Twitter and Facebook for parent communication. In fact, our PTO has their own Facebook page in which they communicate all activities and upcoming events and encourage parent questions. In addition, each grade level has their own closed Facebook page where they communicate to parents about field trips, special occasions and post pictures of students hard at work. This is not the only form of communication. The teachers continue to send out flyers and documents home with their students. Personally, I maintain a Twitter account for our Library. I tweet (still so weird to use the word "tweet") information such as new book arrivals, facts/history about the library, and advertise book fairs/club etc. http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/06/ultimate-guide-to-use-of-facebook-in.html
  • lbanuelos on 17 Apr 14
     
    Yes Elizabeth, ease of use is a must but with so many web 2.0 tools out there, finding one shouldn't be an issue. I also believe that fear of change is another factor that should be considered. So many professionals are not happy about change. They need to be shown the benefits of these new technologies and provided a support system to help them adapt. Besides teachers, parents may also have reservations about technology. I believe that if parents are exposed to technology when their children first start school (pre-k), they will be less resistant as the years go by. Jeff, my son's school doesn't use any tools either. I still get notices by paper. I can contact the teacher by email but that is about as high tech as it gets. I never thought about Shutterfly as a communication tools. I'd like to see the same type of initiative at our local school district. I believe that it will enhance parent participation. Merrill, I like that your campus supports Twitter and Facebook for parent communication. That's great that you maintain a twitter account at your library to let students know about new arrivals. If you tweet them, they will come.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 17 Apr 14
     
    Interesting! Last year, I introduced Edmodo to the middle school students. I used it mainly to post assignments and interesting links and videos. However, it seemed that students only used it about 50% of the time and the parents were unaware of the parent accounts (even though I had sent a paper home). So this year, at a mandatory technology parent meeting, I presented a PowerPoint to parents about Edmodo and how to register for an account. I really wanted the parents involved. Especially since late homework is an issue in our school. I can say that for the parents that use Edmodo, their children rarely miss handing in homework. Those parents are also greatly appreciative of my efforts in keeping them in the loop. I agree that parent involvement has a positive effect on academic performance, and informing parents is a good thing.
  • Don Martin on 20 Apr 14
     
    Unfortunately, in my arena connecting parents to the classroom isn't really an option or a concern. I teach at the college level and while many of the things we discuss in this class are applicable at every level of instruction the idea of parental involvement is not an option when we are working with adult learners. Collaboration, engagement, web 2.0 technologies, and so much more that we have talked about are universal concepts in education but by the time they reach me the time for parental influence has passed. Hopefully their parents have had some interest in their education but at the college level I can't even share any of their education history or information with their parents without express written consent from the learner.
  • Jose Escobedo on 20 Apr 14
     
    I am not well versed on what is allowed in the classroom as far as technology but if it's easy and fun to use why not implement the Web tool.
Olivia Basham

Social Networking in Schools - 4 views

www.huffingtonpost.com/...tworking-schools_n_840911.html

education technology classroom teaching computer Web2.0 bullying

shared by Olivia Basham on 08 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • Olivia Basham on 08 Apr 14
     
    No one doubts the value of online collaboration to students and the classroom. However, there is much controversy and debate about how and if social networking is appropriate for the classroom and beyond. Fears about sexual predators and bullying have made educators ask if perhaps the benefits don't outweigh the risk.
  • ...11 more comments...
  • Araceli Gracia on 09 Apr 14
     
    Olivia, I can understand how there would be concerns about online predators and bullying but I think that this is something that could be monitored in a control environment. I realize the situation may not always be ideal but your article explains all the good that can come of online collaboration, such as a decrease in students being absent. Students are already using I pads, kindles, laptops, etc... for other activities, why not encourage that use for something positive that will motivate them in the classroom. I http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/05/100-inspiring-ways-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom/
  • Merrill Redfern on 11 Apr 14
     
    I have a book club that consists of 10 4th grade students. We communicate mostly through Kidblog. We do meet once a week however, the kids love posting on their blog outside of the school's four walls. I love that they are discussing book club topics outside of the classroom. They feel empowered when they have the opportunity to make decisions such as, what avatar to create and how they want their individual blog to appear. I've made our blog a very controlled environment in that it is set as private and password protected, just the members have access. In addition, posts must be approved by me before they go out in our blog world (which consists of the 11 of us, plus our principal). Other than the introduction to Kidblog, I began with an author study by providing links to author interviews via a YouTube channel for the students. We have embedded Google forms in our blog for a quick assessment. Overall, it has been successful and the students are excited and remain engaged with our activities.
  • Merrill Redfern on 11 Apr 14
  • Eric Folks on 11 Apr 14
     
    We've come along way as a district. Into thousand 10 when I arrived teacher to not have the ability to create a folder on the desktop. They have access to basically all sites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube...and many of them are even active on these sites, uploading and sharing resources with other teachers and students. Here is a link to the guidelines we've established for use of YouTube and Facebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BMXrouaj67SFh-BISriU24a59c9mk8-K-9K9qeEEW4E/pub Still, the communication is primarily one-way: teachers disseminate information to their students through social media, but do not collaborate with students in real time, nor do they encourage students to collaborate with each other using social media. That may come down the road. For now, I'm happy we have continued to move away from the top-down control model to the empower the end user and give them the benefit of doubt...we don't want our students leaving a walled garden environment to fall on their face in the real world, where their aren't heavy-handed content filters in place. We need to wean them off being told what to do and educate them to make good decisions. With that in mind we moved in 2012 from an Acceptable Use Policy to a Responsible Use Policy. Here's what the student version looked like (https://www.dropbox.com/s/iwqu8kf9qmvlmuu/2012-2013%20Student%20RUP.pdf) and here's the teacher version (http://www.lampasas.k12.tx.us/files/filesystem/responsible%20use%20policy-employee.pdf). We considered opening up G+ to students as it's part of our GAFE suite of services, but tech tells me if we do, students, even younger ones, will be able to communicate with users outside our sub domain / walled garden. Thoughts? Have you found this to be true in your district? We are also looking at Office 365 and Sharepoint in terms of a training ground for safe student social networking....we will see what it can do in the coming weeks. For now, most of our teachers are comfortable using
  • Olivia Basham on 13 Apr 14
     
    Araceli, I agree that the benefits DO outweigh the risks especially when controls are put into place and certain systems are used. I try to stick to closed systems, but recently I have been hosting all my courses' book discussions via GoodReads.com, which is open. I teach high school students though, so I feel like I have an opportunity to teach intelligent internet use. For example, not only forbidding students from using actual pictures of themselves and never posting their age or location, but also teaching them why those are bad ideas through digital citizenship lessons. I honestly don't know how I would handle social networking with younger students, but I suspect I would stick only to closed systems.
  • Olivia Basham on 13 Apr 14
     
    Eric, Our district has recently decided to open up G+ to our students with good results so far. Because the students are still behind the school district Google web-mail (which provides them a kind-of "dummy" email that can't send or receive messages) their online visibility is very limited and no personal information is shared (as none exists other than their names). However, the program has just launched and many parents have expressed discomfort, especially with elementary and jr. high students. I'm taking a wait and see attitude as far as making any judgements.
  • lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14
     
    With the onset of Web 2.0 tools, collaboration between students and teachers is easier than ever before. I agree with Araceli that the risks far outweigh the risks. With apps like slideshare, slidebomb, google drive, and dropbox, students are encourage to provide feedback to fellow students with leads to increase confidence. http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-college-prep
  • Jeff Blackman on 14 Apr 14
     
    As a parent, it would have to be REALLY controlled and closed for me to let my kids use it. I am appalled at some of the things I see kids posting on Facebook and other social media. Obviously, as someone in the EdTech program, I am seeing a lot of awesome ways to use technology. So, while not dead set against social media in the classroom, I would need to know what safeguards were in place and I would still be watching like a hawk.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 17 Apr 14
     
    We have banned social networking in school except using Edmodo, which the teachers can monitor. Our school has problems with social networking without even having it in the school! Parents feel it is the school's issue because problems are occurring between students, even though it is occurring outside of school. In my honest opinion, parents need to be better educated about social networking and take responsibility for their own children. As a parent of a child who did not use social media well, I know it is tough to restrict internet/website usage. But it is possible and needed.
  • Don Martin on 20 Apr 14
     
    Olivia, I don't see any reason that we couldn't incorporate the use of social media within the closed classroom environment. There must be many opportunities for collaboration, communication and scaffolding using social media in a controlled and safe environment. There are also many social networking sites that are designed specifically with kids in mind. Among them are: 1. Scuttlepad (2010) Age 7+ Social network with training wheels is safe but limited. 2. Togetherville (2010) Age 7+ Kids' social site connects to parents' Facebook friends. 3. WhatsWhat.me (2011) Age7+ Tween social network with top-notch safety features. 4. YourSphere (2009) Age 9+ Kid-only social network promises to block dangerous adults. 5. Franktown Rocks (2009) Age 10+ Music and social networking combine in safe, cool hangout. 6. GiantHello (2010) Age 10+ Facebook-lite gets a lot right, but watch out for games. 7. GirlSense (2009) Age 10+ Safe, creative community for tween fashionistas. 8. Sweety High (2010) Age 11+ Fun, closed social network for girls is strong on privacy. 9. Imbee (2011) Age 10+ Safer social networking if parents stay involved. With proper guidance and parental involvement I don't see any reason that we can't take advantage of the opportunities that social networking could provide.
  • eeverett3 on 21 Apr 14
     
    I think that one of the main reasons that student interest and engagement increases with the use of social media tools is that these tools are familiar and easy for the students to use...it is not only teachers that are intimidated by new tools! :)
  • Araceli Gracia on 21 Apr 14
     
    Thank you Don for your list of websites. That is awesome!!
  • Stephen Simon on 22 Apr 14
     
    My perception of social media in school is that it is essential to the process of development. That it is beyond the understanding of current educators should come as no surprise; one needs a point of reference in order understand the magnitude of such technological developments. Don made an excellent point concerning proper guidance and parental involvement; the latter representing the tired and overworked. Consider that many of our fellow classmates push themselves in these Master's classes at a cost to their personal lives. Social-ability is essential to our family core values and from it comes the capacity of the new generation to take the torch to the next.
Araceli Gracia

Using Google Glass to Transform Education - 3 views

teach.com/...e-glass-to-transform-education

education technology classroom teaching computer

shared by Araceli Gracia on 02 Mar 14 - No Cached
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 02 Mar 14
       
      Perhaps Google Glass could also be used for students who can not go to school due to major injuries.
    • eeverett3
      eeverett3 on 03 Mar 14
       
      Google Glass is here, whether we like it or not! So our best course of action is to use the technology to our best advantage. I am a worrier, and I work in a high school, so in addition to the privacy issues, I worry about the distraction factor of students having all that access to IM etc. while they should be learning...however, that is a student choice! On the privacy issue, we already have students videotaping everything that ever happens (staged sometimes) and uploading to YouTube so we have to watch the internet sites constantly. I personally do not want people around me to video what I am doing and saying without my consent. Another area of technology outdistancing privacy laws. In the world of education, Glass will definitely make things faster and easier to record and upload. Some of the examples that have been given are great and we already have the technology to do this but not ready to go on a voice command...so that will be an advantage. I really like the teacher created examples at STEMbite... https://www.youtube.com/user/STEMbite A Glass user was at the ISTE conference in San Antonio last year and joked about the personal hazards of wearing Google Glass and having to focus on content and walking at the same time to avoid running into things. If everyone is about to look up how/where to get one, here is a Nov 2013 article on release dates and some changes that Google made becuase of privacy issues. http://www.techradar.com/us/news/video/google-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114/1
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 04 Mar 14
       
      I would probably get motion sickness wearing the glasses and bump into a few walls. I'm sure over time though, people get used to them and grow to love them. The STEMbite site had great examples of what it is to experience Google glass. Thanks for sharing.
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 04 Mar 14
       
      Google Glass is an interesting technology system. I was especially intrigued by the idea that a teacher could go to a remote location and present their class information from that place. I could see this advantage being used in all kinds of applications. I could have used this in my classroom to go into the operating room and discuss surgical procedures with my students as they occurred. It would have been great to be able to get feedback from the surgeon on students questions and to be able to talk about small details of anatomy and the steps of the procedures as they happened.
    • Jose Escobedo
      Jose Escobedo on 05 Mar 14
       
      How many times have we heard a teacher tell us, "I wish you guys were at the conference"? Well, Google Glass can alleviate that barrier. I understand sometimes presenters do not like to be recorded due to privacy or monetary issues but prior coordination with the presenter will allow students the opportunity to hear the presentation firsthand.
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 06 Mar 14
       
      What a very interesting and fascinating technology. The first thing that I thought of when I read through the description of Google Glass is how this technology could be used in a library setting. Libraries are not really known for their technology however, I believe, efforts are being made within many districts in moving forward into the digital age especially when they are faced with the inevitable. This article lists 7 ways Google Glass can be used in a Library setting. http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/6-things-libraries-can-do-with-google-glass/ I found number 7 especially interesting in that Google Glass has Voice Translation capability. Our school has recently enrolled three children who speak only Arabic and this type of technology would be very beneficial to them as they learn English. In addition and more fascinating, the article states there is talk regarding apps that will allow two people both wearing the Glass that can view the translations on their own screen.
    • eeverett3
      eeverett3 on 06 Mar 14
       
      Great points! I had not really thought about the adaptive technology uses for special education students. Thanks!
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 06 Mar 14
       
      Using Google Glass in the library setting is awesome. I liked number 2 because many times we do have special events going on in the library and it is just impossible for every classes to participate. For example, we had a Dr. Seuss celebration with guest readers from Target. They were dressed up and reading to the students, but not everyone was able to go. Using Google Glass would have allowed more students to be part of the fun.
    • Jose Escobedo
      Jose Escobedo on 10 Mar 14
       
      The military is rolling out an equivalent protype of Google Glass for its Special Forces units in order to provide better situational awareness in a combat environment.
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 12 Mar 14
       
      Jose, I can only imagine what an advantage this would be. I didn't even think about how it could help the military. Thanks for making that point.
  • Araceli Gracia on 02 Mar 14
     
    One of the goals is to have students become 21st century learners. This type of technology will help this happen and also be a way of creating Professional Learning Communities. Below is a short video from a teacher's perspective of Google Glass. http://binged.it/1cvMKqT
  • ...5 more comments...
  • lbanuelos on 03 Mar 14
     
    Google Glass could indeed transform education in time. I don't think it's quite there yet. Once more apps are added and concerns over privacy are addressed, I feel that it can change how we communicate and learn. For example, in math students could record how they solve a particular problem is solved and then share that with struggling peers. Students would then become co-teachers. Here are a couple of sites that I found interesting on the topic. https://plus.google.com/communities/110296377171353281556 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/future-education-through-google-glass-andrew-marcinek
  • Araceli Gracia on 04 Mar 14
     
    I have to agree that privacy is the biggest issue with Google Glass but then again what really is private. Hackers are out there getting our personal information from credit cards. Everything can be recorded by cell phones at anytime. This is an issue that Google is aware of and no doubt working to improve this concern.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 05 Mar 14
     
    Wow! After reading all the links and information on Google Glass, I am impressed. The first-person perspective gives students the opportunity to live in the shoes of others. What a great way to build empathy among students within the classroom and across the globe.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 05 Mar 14
     
    This following link provides a graphic for 30 Ways Google Glass can Innovate the Classroom: http://mashable.com/2013/08/19/google-glass-education/ One that stood out to me was using Google Glass for facial recognition to help teachers identify students. Making connections with our audience and students is very important. At Scott Lane Elementary School in Santa Clara, California, a principal hung pictures with names of a group of kindergartners so teachers could greet them by name. After 1000 days, the reading level of 97% of these students increased. (Burmark, 2011) As a middle school teacher, I can have up to 140 students in a day. Google Glass could help me identify students thus making faster and better connections with the students and improving overall learning. Burmark, L. (2011). They snooze, you lose. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  • Araceli Gracia on 09 Mar 14
     
    Brenda, The link you provided is great. It is very easy to follow and understand the many ways Google Glass can be used in the classroom. I like how it could provide access to students and teachers with visual, auditory, & other physical handicaps. On our campus we have a student who is a home-bound student due to her severe epilepsy. So her parents come to the school, get her work, and then she has to be tutored at home. Using this type of technology would give her the opportunity to be a more active participant in the classroom.
  • lbanuelos on 09 Mar 14
     
    Araceli, as I go through the various articles, I can't help but think about how great it would be having a QR code reader app on Google Glass. Just imagine having the power to look up information on anything on the fly without voice commands or typing. School security could also use them to identify unauthorized individuals on campus. It would make them look more intimidating as well.
  • lbanuelos on 10 Mar 14
     
    Individuals with disabilities could certainly use Google Glass. Here is a video I found interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GVKqGruOQ
bhanak

What Schools Hope to Achieve by Making Computer Science Widespread - 6 views

ww2.kqed.org/...ng-computer-science-widespread

technology education classroom teaching computer

shared by bhanak on 16 Jul 15 - No Cached
Gladys Suarez liked it
  • bhanak on 16 Jul 15
     
    I loved the direction that San Francisco's school district is going with their Computer Science pilot program. I worked with my 5th graders on coding this year and saw how the students were applying problem solving skills at a high level to complete many of the tasks. Do you think a Computer Science course should be a mandatory class for graduation?
  • ...9 more comments...
  • bhanak on 16 Jul 15
     
    Do you think by making Computer Science course mandatory that it will influence minorities to remain in the field?
  • bhanak on 16 Jul 15
     
    How do you think this would work at your campus? What would the teacher and student response be like at your campus?
  • juancalvarez on 16 Jul 15
     
    Brandy, I think it is amazing that you worked with your 5th graders on coding. It opens the students' minds to new possibilities and they learn to value working hard to achieve an outcome. 1. Yes, I think that Computer Science should be a mandatory course for graduation, because almost all jobs need interaction with computers. 2. Not necessarily. A few years ago I read a report where they mention that, in the case of Hispanics, a high percentage didn't go to college because of ideology. Most Hispanics believe in making their kids find a job after High School and this is why there are 4, 5 or even 6 Hispanic generations in the United States, and yet they do not send their kids to college. In the other hand, people that come or their ancestors came from Asia, now a days they send most of their kids to learn medicine, computer science, engineering, and any career that will give them a better life. I think that a Computer Science class will open up doors to all students, but we would have to work on their group ideology for them to have be able to really move forward. 3. My campus and my district is all about technology. This year we will receive more mini iPads for students and I heard that they were seeking for the financial means to give each High School student a laptop. But, there is one thing we have to consider as a society or civilization. There are many kinds of jobs, and we need all for the city to keep on functioning. Amazingly, companies are having an extremely hard time finding truck drivers. Their salaries in certain areas have gone so high that they are making more than a teacher with less hours of work. No matter how many people want to learn Computer Science, there will only be so many jobs in the field, and there will be spaces in others. What should we do as a civilization if at some point our products cannot find their way to the customers? Food, computers, furniture? I don't have a solution for this, but I think everyone deserves a chan
  • bhanak on 16 Jul 15
     
    I think your comment about the ideology of Hispanics is something to consider. I taught in a Title I campus for many years, I did see a large family of hard workers with many of the Hispanic families. Not every child is going to go into the field of Computer Science but hopefully they will be proficient with computer skills. And yes, "The world needs ditch diggers too." Thanks for sharing! I had my student work on Code.org, where each level they have to complete a task before moving on and they provide video clips of people in the field. They loved it!
  • asuarez1 on 17 Jul 15
     
    I do think that all students should get a "taste" of coding. There are great sites like code.org where students can see if they like it. Last school year, I found that some students moved ahead to harder levels quickly, while others stayed on the beginning levels. Some students went on to register for summer classes that taught them more. It was very exciting to see their interest sparked. At the very least, students should be exposed to the many facets of STEM and see where it may lead them.
  • bhanak on 17 Jul 15
     
    I also saw that for some students the tasks were very easy while others needed more time and practice before completing the task. It was great to open their eyes to the way the games they use are created. I will look into more sites for my students to use this year.
  • Marie Evans on 18 Jul 15
     
    Our country needs to "up its game" in STEM! We are definitely lagging in this area compared to many other countries. Offering opportunities to learn skills in coding may teach the critical thinking skills we need to reinforce to move toward a challenging learning environment.
  • jfaguilar on 18 Jul 15
     
    I believe computer science is taking an important role in our future. I agree with code.org to promote coding or computer science in the early stages of elementary will spark the interest in students to learn coding, robotics and other computer science tools that will be beneficial for them as they go onto higher areas of education.
  • Gladys Suarez on 18 Jul 15
     
    1. Yes, I do believe it should be mandatory for graduation, since jobs require people to be digital literate. Computer science is taking a high role in our future! 2. I don't think it will make a difference. But it will spark motivation on students. 3. My campus is not updated! We might be lost, but I think that everyone would collaborate to make it work and have us update.
  • bhanak on 19 Jul 15
     
    I think many campuses in the state are like yours, not updated. The article stated that the program was funded by companies not the district. The district reached out for support. I would love for my district to do the same for the benefit of your students.
  • Joanna Villarreal on 19 Jul 15
     
    YES!!! I think it should be a requirement. College readiness is heard of more and more these days. First, district must have that "vision" and understanding the importance of technology. Door must be opened. It would be amazing if more and more districts follow the steps of San Francisco-USD and introduce to their preschools-high schools.
Lauren Simpson

Districts Learn Lessons on 1-to-1 From Others' Missteps - Education Week - 8 views

www.edweek.org/...s-on-1-to-1-from-watching.html

Technology Education Pedagogy

shared by Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15 - No Cached
Gladys Suarez liked it
  • "I wanted to observe and study what went wrong [in other districts] and why."
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      This is a first! I find that many of those in power in education often like to jump headfirst into something then try to troubleshoot problems along the way. I applaud Mr. Carvalho.
  • In fall 2013, districts across the country were running into trouble implementing ambitious 1-to-1 computing initiatives:
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      Before reading further, what do you think went wrong in so many districts with the 1-to-1 roll outs?
  • The initiative remains shelved.
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      What else could this money have been used for??
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Still, Ms. Diaz acknowledged that the school system didn't get as much teacher participation in workshops as expected, since teachers were being asked to attend on their own time.
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      I find this too be all too common, districts often try to implement new tech or just new resources and want teachers to attend on their own time. This is a systemic problem across education, I know that as a teacher I value my personal time away from school, and when I am asked to attend a training on my own time and money, I get a slight bit perturbed.
  • "It's not about the devices,"
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      This is the hardest thing for new teachers to understand, in my opinion. I feel that they see having or not having a particular device is going to make or break the students' learning. It really isn't about the device, the device just helps enrich and expand an already good lesson base.
  • Districts Learn Lessons on 1-to-1 From Others' Missteps
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
       
      If you were the head/lead of a committee bringing 1-to-1 to your campus/district, what advantages could you provide to motivate/persuade people to get on board?
    • Lauren Simpson
      Lauren Simpson on 16 Jul 15
       
      If you were the head/lead of a committee bringing 1-to-1 to your campus/district, what advantages could you provide to motivate/persuade people to get on board?
  • Lauren Simpson on 15 Jul 15
     
    My questions are a little out of order, not sure what happened with the annotator. Just read thru my comments/annotations and answer in one reply. Thanks! -Lauren
  • ...5 more comments...
  • juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
     
    Sticky #1: I think the best way to get someone on board is to show results. I would do research into how other districts that have implemented a similar program have improved their students learning. Also look at the steps taken by districts that had a successful implementation, and how far or close our district is to being able to do the same. Sticky #3: They probably didn't have an effective implementation plan. It's easier said than done. It could be teacher training on the how to use devices or how to incorporate them into their curriculum. I think that's something that districts need to focus on, is the education of teachers on the technology and continual monitoring and assistance. Sticky #4: They probably should have invested in ensuring that wireless coverage would be good enough to carry out online lessons before moving on to actually implementing the technology. More research could have gone into lessons that were aligned into the state standards. Sticky #5: I think that teacher training is very important to the survival of technology programs. School districts need to realize this and invest in providing professional development for its teachers. My school district is very good at providing professional development opportunities, unless it's very outrageous, our requests for professional developments get approved. Sticky #6: I wouldn't say that this thinking is exclusive to new teachers. I think in general some teachers will hear of a new technology that is all the rage and must have it because without it they will never catch up to other districts. I agree with you its not about the device, its about how its going to be used to enhance the lesson.
  • candacejames07 on 17 Jul 15
     
    This article was a perfect read for me right now. We are in the beginning phases of a 1 to 1 program in our school using iPads. I keep trying to tell the other teachers and admins that getting apps and devices are the easy parts of design model, but what are we going to do with apps and devices, is the hard part? I like how the article says to focus on one subject and give teachers trainings that are organized and well focused. As the instructional technology coach for our campus I have my work cut out for me and getting teachers trained. I can't wait to help these teachers understand how use the iPads to facilitate problem solving and higher level thinking skills.
  • Gladys Suarez on 18 Jul 15
     
    Mr. Carvalho gets a thumbs up! Usually those in power just jump right in! It is great that he wanted to check out what went wrong in other districts first.
  • Marie Evans on 18 Jul 15
     
    1 to 1 needs to be more grade/need specific. We cannot use a PENCIL for all activities at all grade levels in all schools. We need to keep this concept in mind as we move to implement innovations. AND we need a plan that is shared with all stakeholders BEFORE we even decide on which device(s) to purchase! Then we need a training and implementation plan to assist teachers, students and administrators!!! Hmmmm.
  • Lauren Simpson on 18 Jul 15
     
    Candace you are so right! Finding what you will use is easy, but the challenging portion is using it effectively to transform learning. Mrs. Evans I agree plans need to be shared with everyone, because often times when the plans aren't shared there is less buy in to the program.
  • asuarez1 on 19 Jul 15
     
    Would a committee work in these cases? Perhaps having a sampling of everyone involved would help in this situation! Then professional development is essential!
  • Lauren Simpson on 19 Jul 15
     
    A committee would work, but only if the committee truly represented the population accurately (sorry I so sounded like a math teacher there). I think it is an idea worth exploring, maybe on a smaller scale first.
Stephen Simon

Dipity - Find, Create, and Embed Interactive Timelines - 6 views

www.dipity.com

share Web2.0 timeline education visualization history collaboration

shared by Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14 - Cached
  • Dipity is a free digital timeline website. Our mission is to organize the web's content by date and time.
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 13 Feb 14
       
      Timeglider is another nice timeline application. There are actually a lot of great timeline resources. Timelines are a great tool that allows you to create linear content with embedded learning objects like pop-up text boxes, videos, pictures, sound files, and more. I've used timelines in my courses in the past and have even embedded them in presentations.
    • eeverett3
      eeverett3 on 13 Feb 14
       
      This is a neat, free tool! I searched WWII and the Holocaust because I know that my 8th grade AP English teachers are about to start a project on this that will involve a timeline. I will share this immediately with those teachers! We will experiment with the students adding information to one timeline. I looked at the sources listed on one of the Holocaust timelines and that information was not very detailed so I will be looking closely at sources as I play! Thanks for the link, Stephen!
    • Joe Pedraza
      Joe Pedraza on 17 Feb 14
       
      This tool can be integrated into the classroom, workplace or at home. Timelines are a great way for students to visualize what they are learning and engage in the lesson. Dipity would be great for history teachers. They can use the power of multimedia, social media content with trends like timestamps, geolocations and real time updates to bring the lesson to a life-like experience.
    • Jose Escobedo
      Jose Escobedo on 19 Feb 14
       
      Dipity can be a very useful tool for those students who have a difficult time being creative with school projects. As Joe P. mentioned, the use of social media will facilitate the need for students to think "outside the box".
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 23 Feb 14
       
      This timeline tool is wonderful and can be integrated into the library as well. Each year our campus celebrates the author, Theodor Seuss Geisel's (aka Dr. Seuss'), birthday with book readings, book trivia, etc. I searched Dr. Seuss and found many interesting facts about the beloved children's author. What a great way to conduct an in depth study about him while incorporating history and literature.
    • Eric Folks
      Eric Folks on 24 Feb 14
       
      Did you all see this post from Tech & Learning? Top 20 Sites and Apps for Creating Timelines (Feb. 21st) http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&entryid=7150
    • Merrill Redfern
      Merrill Redfern on 02 Mar 14
       
      Thank you for posting the Tech & Learning link. Being fairly new to the technology of timelines I found this top 20 list very inspiring. As I sifted through the list of apps thinking about how I could implement such a great tool in the library I found the app TIMELINE. It's FREE :) and is practically effortless to navigate through. One can simply tap on the timeline at the location where you want to add an event including label, description and image. Projects can be saved in a file within the app and can also be sent out to others. I like the idea of my students conducting research on authors and creating a timeline of books published by the author.
  • Dipity allows users to create free timelines online.
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14
       
      Drag the timeline around; there is some interesting content here but it looks largely aggregated. Have you tried integrating a timeline in your classroom with any success?
    • Brenda Wohlfeil
      Brenda Wohlfeil on 15 Feb 14
       
      Although I did not have the internet as a resource, I have had my students create mini-timelines using PowerPoint.  Each slide portrayed a different event and were in chronological order with dates.  My favorite was a timeline on the the battles and events of the American Revolution. Students were responsible for creating slides for different battles including sound and animation.  The slides were imported together into a class PPT. I don't think it will be something the students will forget.
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 18 Feb 14
       
      I have used timelines in my courses to teach the history of the Surgical Technology Profession and show the development of various technological innovations as well as surgical specialties. The interactivity of the timelines and the addition of a visual component to the information makes the timeline effective. Add in the fact that you can embed learning objects such as videos and links to other information and timelines can be very flexible and effective as a tool to help reach an objective.
    • Araceli Gracia
      Araceli Gracia on 18 Feb 14
       
      I know it is horrible to admit, but I had no idea what a meme was so I had to look it up. If I am correct it is an idea that gets replicated and then evolves from sensations like famous people, videos, or certain phrases. http://thedailymeme.com/what-is-a-meme/
  • ...2 more annotations...
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14
       
      Internet Memes Timeline can provoke an interesting discussion on memes, how they get started, and what fuels their expansion. Is it possible to create a meme within a school?
    • Joe Pedraza
      Joe Pedraza on 17 Feb 14
       
      A meme is an idea that is spread from person to person quickly. The internet has become the home for the modern memes. The use of email, instant messaging, social media allows for the spread of memes. Humor is a great way to create a new meme. I think it is very possible to create a meme within a school. It's easy to pass along a meme to your colleagues by email. I have included a link to the top internet memes. (http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/weirdwebculture/tp/The-Best-Internet-Memes.htm)
    • Eric Folks
      Eric Folks on 19 Feb 14
       
      Timeline Maker claims to have the interactive capabilitites of Dipity but with the ability to integrate your timeline into Power Point and other MS programs. It is $125 however...this is a one-time cost and not a yearly subscription. http://www.timelinemaker.com/
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14
       
      This is an example of a broken-link and is usually a sign that the site is not maintained regularly. I consider it a red flag. It is just one more thing that can make you nuts. We all have our pet peeves; what is yours?
    • eeverett3
      eeverett3 on 17 Feb 14
       
      I agree with Brenda that timelines are a must in history classes; however, I think they are just as valuable in researching biographies in all subjects and as tool for building relationships with students. When elementary children create personal timelines, they see the connections between all their lives and what common stories and events they share.
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 21 Feb 14
       
      Yes timelines are the most applicable to history and perspective. Great app!
    • Eric Folks
      Eric Folks on 24 Feb 14
       
      Life is really about turning points, and so is history. What better way to make them come alive than through the creation of interactive timelines! Araceli Gracia nailed it: what a perfect storm of events that must fall into place for an indvidual to become a US president...what better way to highlight these turning points than Dipity!
  • Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14
     
    Timelines are an excellent tool to get the "big picture" of an event, or events. I have always liked using it in projects that participants can study and formulate time-based concepts.
  • ...4 more comments...
  • Stephen Simon on 11 Feb 14
     
    I find this tool similar to VoiceThread. See what you think.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 15 Feb 14
     
    I firmly believe visual timelines are a must in history classes. From my own experience, it was not until I taught my own children history using a timeline did I really understand history. For me, it was just events and a bunch of dates until I created one with my daughters. We built a timeline around our schoolroom of all the historical events that we were studying. Each time we studied and added another event, we were able to see it in the context of the world's history. I helped me see history in context for the first time. As Simon said, the "big picture." Dipity and other timelines like it, should be one of the pillar of tools used in today's history classes.
  • Araceli Gracia on 17 Feb 14
     
    I recently had students do a project for President's Day but this would be a great way to incorporate this project even more. They would be able to understand the person they have chosen and the events that went on during their time and like you mentioned Stephen get the "big picture." Awesome.
  • lbanuelos on 17 Feb 14
     
    Its easy to see how this technology could be used in the educational setting. It allows the instructor to set the background for a lesson on a particular event. It can be used to teach history but other topics as well. For example, in literature it can be used to list situations leading to a climax in play such as Romeo and Juliet. I was most surprised to see it being used in journalism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvCyLrY9rDs http://www.dipity.com/alexvoa/Timeline-Chile-Miners-Ordeal/
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 23 Feb 14
     
    Besides Presidents, timelines can be used to deepen our understanding about any person. Seeing a person within a specific era, can help up better understand the thinking process of that person. Furthermore, it can help us really appreciate the uniqueness of people who think outside of the common thinking of that time.
  • lbanuelos on 24 Feb 14
     
    Dipity can be power tool in the classroom. Integrating pictures and video in a timeline can enhance retention. Dipity add multimedia to instruction. Both visual and audible learners will benefit. I remember one of my teacher in middle school discussing how bills become laws by showing us a "School House Rock" video. To this day, I can still sing some of the lyrics to the songs in the video.
Stephen Simon

How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success | Edutopia - 8 views

www.edutopia.org/borative-learning-college-prep

shared by Stephen Simon on 14 Apr 14 - No Cached
  • "What our collaborative learning style empowers and enables is a student's resilience -- how do you look to your neighbor as a resource, how do you test your own theories, how do you understand if you're on the right track or the wrong track?"
  • But now it's clear to her why allowing her students to learn in this way is so powerful. "They're learning more than just math," she says. "They're learning to be more proactive; they're learning how to depend on their peers. When they go off to college, they already know how to work with people and draw out their strengths."
    • lbanuelos
      lbanuelos on 20 Apr 14
       
      When students engage in peer learning, the build self esteem and a sense of responsibility. http://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/engaging-students/collaborative-learning.html
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
       
      Being more proactive enhances how we move forward with advancements in every discipline. College Prep forces students to learn to depend on each other in times of need and stress. Leaving the nest is an experience that everyone who goes away for college encounters. The more at ease you feel when join a new group in a new setting just lubricates the learning environment.
    • Don Martin
      Don Martin on 04 May 14
       
      I like the statement that students are learning more than math. What are they learning? They are learning life skills that cross the content area boundaries. Skills such as critical thinking which are so important in problem solving, creativity and general success can only be learned through collaborative learning. It is not possible to learn to depend on peers or to learn teamwork without working with others in a collaborative environment. In order to be proactive you have to be able to see the possibilities before they occur, this can't be done without interacting with a complex environment that involves others. You cannot predict in a system you have no familiarity with. Collaboration is a key scaffolding tool in the effort to constantly expand understanding and performance.
  • In math, for instance, the teachers prompt the students to ask each other their questions before asking the teacher, so that students learn to rely on their own collective wisdom.
    • lbanuelos
      lbanuelos on 20 Apr 14
       
      Peer learning is a mutual experience where student make equal contributions. Learning is also less formal. It may start in the classroom but can continue through social media.
    • Stephen Simon
      Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
       
      It's now OK to ask your classmate for help. This is a great idea and really fosters two things: learning and socialization. When certain tasks are intentionally harder, it nudges the student to explore if their classmates are having the same situation: a shared learning experience. This is an awesome approach to what can be both tedious and difficult in nature. This particular paradigm to math will foster metacognition in the individual learner.
  • lbanuelos on 14 Apr 14
     
    With the onset of many Web 2.0 tools we can all agree that collaboration is easier that ever before. As a student in high school I remember doing poorly in one of my Spanish classes so my teacher sat me next to another student that was doing much better. Together all three of us formed a partnership that ultimately helped me pass that class. Back then I never really understood why it was easier for me to learn with the help of my peer. How can we as educators encourage collaboration in the classroom? http://www.smu.edu/~/media/Site/Simmons/CCCD/Peer%20Teaching%20in%20Math.ashx
  • ...10 more comments...
  • eeverett3 on 14 Apr 14
     
    After the sticker shock of the private high school costs, I was able to focus on the many ways they are using collabortion! What I enjoy in collaborative efforts is watching the students justify their answers/opinions. That is going to serve them well in future jobs.
  • Jeff Blackman on 14 Apr 14
     
    I think the tools we will be showcasing in this class could be one way. I didn't realize there were so many of these types of tools out there and I'm looking forward to hearing about more. It can be overwhelming, though. So, I'd pick one or two to focus on and get my students going on those.
  • Araceli Gracia on 14 Apr 14
     
    Luis, I think teachers and administration would encourage more collaboration, but since everything is so data driven, they are weary of what that would do to their numbers especially in the upper grades. I like the idea of collaboration because like your article mentioned students do not all have to agree and they are able to challenge each others ideas. The opportunity to work with others gives everyone a chance to learn from one another, however there could be students who do not like being part of a group. My younger son sometimes does get frustrated when in a group, since he is just one of those who likes to work alone. http://www.districtadministration.com/article/benefits-teacher-collaboration
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 17 Apr 14
     
    As a math teacher, I love having my students collaborate. However, I found that just throwing a group of students together and hoping for the best does not work. I found an article called "So Collaborative Learning Tips and Strategies for Teachers" that summarizes a lot of what I have learned in to have successful collaborate learning. Check it out, it is one that you might like to bookmark for future reference. http://www.teachthought.com/learning/20-collaborative-learning-tips-and-strategies/
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 17 Apr 14
     
    Elizabeth, I had to laugh at your mentioning the sticker shock! I was thinking I must be in the wrong private school. Although my private school is in Texas, the Archdiocese of San Antonio decided to incorporate the instructional shifts of Common Core, especially the mathematical practices. I find that collaboration is strongly needed in satisfying these practices. Collaborating is essential in make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. (MP.1) and constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others. (MP.3) One of my favorite activities is to put a challenging problem on the board and have the students collaborate in groups to solve it. Then the groups debate between themselves as to the correct answers. We have many lively discussions. http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/
  • Don Martin on 20 Apr 14
     
    For me the best thing about collaboration is that it all fits well with the things that I feel work best in the classroom. I am a big proponent of scaffolding in the zone of proximal development. Problem based learning (PBL) and task centered learning (TCL) are two of my favorite scaffolding tools. Many of the web 2.0 tools we have seen this semester are excellent tools to help develop PBL and TCL experiences. The collaborative nature of many of the Web 2.0 tools lends itself well to learners helping learners and I think this is the best method of learning that we can foster in our classrooms whether they are online or face to face. Collaboration is great but it needs structure and guidance in order to be effective and have long lasting results.
  • Eric Folks on 20 Apr 14
     
    I'd say I'm going to play devil's advocate here and argue what I don't really believe, but I'll be honest: I'm on the fence about collaborative learning. I know in this day and age disparaging collaborative learning is like arguing for ObamaCare in Texas, especially with Social Media and sharing tools everywhere - many, many of which I use and advocate - but working in a group sometimes frustrates the snot out of me, and I'm not alone. http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archive/cl1/cl/story/middlecc/TSCMD.htm#speed Some people like to just get the work done on their own, at their own speed, without all the trials and tribulations of working in a group. Here it is, Sunday night, and my son and I are waiting to hear back on a video presentation due tomorrow for his 8th grade English class. Obviously they're done with their Staar test and have more time and flexibility than they did a couple months ago, but the teacher has instructed them to work together collaboratively on a video version of a book they read...completely outside of class. So having worked through the challenges of scheduling a shooting time for the raw clips, and the challenges of everyone voicing different ideas on what to shoot, how to shoot, how to operate and so on, we finally got all the raw footage put together Friday afternoon. I keep saying "we" because for some reason my wife didn't want my 13 year old son going over to someone's house and recording themselves shooting BB guns !? Anyway, we specifically agreed and confirmed with one kid, who volunteered to do the editing and put the video together, that we wouldn't wait till Monday to see it for the first time. I send him the footage clips in the form of a Dropbox link Friday evening. At 12:15 AM last night he says he just got them and will hopefully get the video to us sometime today (even though the sent email below showed he rec'd the email Friday). Same old small group story. I know there are times when we need to collaborate in the real w
  • Jose Escobedo on 20 Apr 14
     
    Eric, I feel your pain. I have to say I remember those days when my kids brought group projects and were always waiting for the group to meet during the weekend. Like always dad had to help on Sunday night. Of course the main excuse they got from their peers was the lack of transportation. Luis made a good point when he mentioned the availability of Web 2.0 tools. With all these real time collaboration tools it should be easier for my youngest daughter once she gets to Middle School and HS.
  • Brenda Wohlfeil on 20 Apr 14
     
    Eric, I also feel your pain. My daughter ends up doing most of the work on collaborative projects. But I think with the tips in the link I left and teachers giving students time to work on projects in class, a lot of this pain we go through could be alleviated.
  • Don Martin on 26 Apr 14
     
    Eric, I believe the fault is not in the concept of collaborative learning but in the design of the collaborative project. How can there be a fault in any learning tool or style that works? When we look at anything we do or use in the classroom if that system fails it is usually a design flaw as a result of the creator. Power Point is a great example, I don't claim to be a power user of Power Point but I know what the system is capable of and I know when I have seen a really bad presentation. Collaboration is no different, it takes a great deal of thought and effort on the part of the instructor to create a successful collaborative exercise that can be used to scaffold a class or subject effectively. I think that if you went back and looked at the design of the project you could probably identify ways to make it better and make it work. If you do that you should send feedback to your child's teacher, let them know what the problem was for your child and give them feedback on how to fix it. Remember, teachers are learners too!
  • Eric Folks on 26 Apr 14
     
    Don, I train 240 teachers and even more para professionals and staff on an ongoing basis. I get that they are learner too. My point was not that any and all collaborative learning models are flawed; it was that it's proponents seem to go unchallenged and in practice, many times anything deemed or labeled "collaborative" is considered good teaching. I believe collaborative learning has its place, but I also believe individual learning does as well. If the project is collaborative, there must be clearly delineated roles and rubrics, and "group" grades must be coupled with grades that target individual contributions. Google Docs and Murally are just two tools of many I share with teachers to more accurately determine who has done what and when.
  • Stephen Simon on 01 May 14
     
    "How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success"
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