Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Prezi and Technology Standards
The first technology based standard for students, according to Nets for Students on the ISTE website states that:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
d. identify trends and forecast possibilities.
Creating a presentation with Prezi would meet this standard because students could use an innovative Web 2.0 tool to create an original expression of their ideas (part b). It could also be used to meet part c of this standard because the technology can be used to express ideas that are both simple and multi-faceted.
Gagne and Interactions
Robert Gagne’s “Nine Events of Instruction” describes a model of instruction where each step builds on the preceding step. While I think these steps are fairly intuitive, it makes sense for instructors to be familiar with them to ensure that their lessons are following a logical format. Having these steps in mind when planning a lesson will help the teacher to organize their ideas and create an engaging experience.
We learned that there are three different types of interactions in the classroom: student/student, instructor/student, and student/content. It’s important to plan lessons with different types of interactions in mind. You would not want to use only the instructor/student type of interaction because I don’t think students would be fully engaged for the entire lesson. However, if you broke the instructor/student interactions up with some small group activities (student/student) and possibly a project (student/content), it would create a much more dynamic lesson. Some steps seem to fit better with certain types of interactions, like “Step 2-establish a purpose”, seems like it would be a student/instructor interaction. However, I actually think that you could use any of the interactions in any step of Gagne’s model of instruction and trying something unexpected may improve the learning experience.
We learned that there are three different types of interactions in the classroom: student/student, instructor/student, and student/content. It’s important to plan lessons with different types of interactions in mind. You would not want to use only the instructor/student type of interaction because I don’t think students would be fully engaged for the entire lesson. However, if you broke the instructor/student interactions up with some small group activities (student/student) and possibly a project (student/content), it would create a much more dynamic lesson. Some steps seem to fit better with certain types of interactions, like “Step 2-establish a purpose”, seems like it would be a student/instructor interaction. However, I actually think that you could use any of the interactions in any step of Gagne’s model of instruction and trying something unexpected may improve the learning experience.
Friday, October 7, 2011
My Prezi
Wow, what a great tool! I've seen these types of presentations before and always wondered how they were created...now I know. I will definitely be using this in the future.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
TPACK Introduction using Voice Thread
Well, here we go - this is my Introduction to TPACK that I created using Voice Thread. Learning how to use Voice Thread was a great experience and I definitely can see myself incorporating this type of technology into my classroom in the future. Learning about TPACK was also very beneficial and I'm sure I will refer back to the websites often as I am planning lessons in the future.
Link to Voice Thread TPACK Intro:
http://voicethread.com/share/2260550/
Link to Voice Thread TPACK Intro:
http://voicethread.com/share/2260550/
Thursday, September 22, 2011
My Educational Philosophy
Growing up, I always knew that I enjoyed math and science and the trajectory of my life seemed to be heading towards a technical career. While volunteering at my son’s preschool, however, I discovered the joy of spending the day in a room full of children. My son was fortunate to have a very patient and caring teacher who managed to create a vibrant classroom community with amazing energy and enthusiasm. It reminded me of my favorite teachers from my own childhood that were able to make even the shyest child feel accepted. I started working as a preschool teacher and suddenly my career focus had changed as I came to love the classroom community.
I believe, first and foremost, that teachers need to provide an appropriate environment for students to learn. The classroom should be a positive community where all students feel safe and accepted. Teachers should be respectful of all students and work with the understanding that all students possess the ability to learn. Teachers need to be aware of the ability of their students and strive to provide work that is appropriate. As a member of the community, teachers need to be positive role models and extend this respect to the community as a whole.
Teachers need to be aware of the expectations of the school and greater community and teach the students in the context of these expectations. Teaching should occur in a positive and thoughtful manner so students feel engaged and ready to learn. Educators also need to be aware of the rules and regulations of their school and strive to follow these guidelines when presented with choices. Teachers need to come to class prepared and be willing to put in the time necessary for that commitment.
I have encountered many great teachers over the course of my and my children’s educations and they have had this combination of respect and commitment to their students. I want to be a teacher because I know I will be able make a difference in the lives of others. I love the energy and enthusiasm students can bring to a classroom if they feel safe and accepted and I want to foster this in my classroom community. As my skills as a teacher develop, I know my ideas about teaching will also develop. I look forward to a career where I can continually improve my technique as I am taught new skills and I welcome the challenge that this career puts before me.
I believe, first and foremost, that teachers need to provide an appropriate environment for students to learn. The classroom should be a positive community where all students feel safe and accepted. Teachers should be respectful of all students and work with the understanding that all students possess the ability to learn. Teachers need to be aware of the ability of their students and strive to provide work that is appropriate. As a member of the community, teachers need to be positive role models and extend this respect to the community as a whole.
Teachers need to be aware of the expectations of the school and greater community and teach the students in the context of these expectations. Teaching should occur in a positive and thoughtful manner so students feel engaged and ready to learn. Educators also need to be aware of the rules and regulations of their school and strive to follow these guidelines when presented with choices. Teachers need to come to class prepared and be willing to put in the time necessary for that commitment.
I have encountered many great teachers over the course of my and my children’s educations and they have had this combination of respect and commitment to their students. I want to be a teacher because I know I will be able make a difference in the lives of others. I love the energy and enthusiasm students can bring to a classroom if they feel safe and accepted and I want to foster this in my classroom community. As my skills as a teacher develop, I know my ideas about teaching will also develop. I look forward to a career where I can continually improve my technique as I am taught new skills and I welcome the challenge that this career puts before me.
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