Using Clickers in the Classroom
I have not had the opportunity to use clickers in my classroom, although I have been to several trainings on the use of them in the classroom. We need to make sure that we are not over using a technology tool so that students become bored with the tool. Also, using clickers, according to this article, did not improve student achievement but that doesn't mean we should stop using them. I believe they are a great way to get all students to participate in class, you are able to get an idea of what the students know, and one person is not dominating the discussion.
This is a short article that discussions the use of clickers and informs readers of the importance of using such tools in the classroom effectively. I hope to have the opportunity to use these in my classroom next year as I know the students enjoy using them, and a lot of information can be obtained quickly. This information can be used to plan and modify instruction.
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Sunday, June 17, 2012
Technology Improving Student Achievement
Mobile Aps and Devices Improve Student Achievement
We are constantly thinking about techology implementation in the classroom. All the technology we have access to, is it really benefiting the students? The study discussed in the article claim that students who used the technology instead of the textbook were just as successful if not more than the students who used the traditional textbook. As technology is changing every second, it is important for teachers to use technology ot meet the diverse needs of our students today. It is no longer acceptable to sit and lecture at a class for an hour and expect them to retain the information, or more importantly care about the topic being discussed.
This article is one more verification that technology, when used efficiently and effectively, can have a positive impact on the students. We as teachers need to go the extra step and familiarize ourselves with the technology available so we can ensure student success in our classroom.
We are constantly thinking about techology implementation in the classroom. All the technology we have access to, is it really benefiting the students? The study discussed in the article claim that students who used the technology instead of the textbook were just as successful if not more than the students who used the traditional textbook. As technology is changing every second, it is important for teachers to use technology ot meet the diverse needs of our students today. It is no longer acceptable to sit and lecture at a class for an hour and expect them to retain the information, or more importantly care about the topic being discussed.
This article is one more verification that technology, when used efficiently and effectively, can have a positive impact on the students. We as teachers need to go the extra step and familiarize ourselves with the technology available so we can ensure student success in our classroom.
What happens to learning over the summer?
Engaging Student with Technology Over the Summer
Teachers are often concerned that students are going to lose some of their skills and basic knowledge over the summer months. This post, by Mary Beth Hertz, gives great ideas for teachers to use with their students over the summer to keep them using skills they need to be successful without tedious "school-like" work. Hertz uses Web 2.0 tools to have students keep blogs, write collaborative stories, and keep in touch with the teacher and other students.
She also suggests a "fan page" on Facebook, allowing students access to your Instagram account, and connecting with students via games. I personally think the interactive Web 2.0 tools would be great for students, especially if you have established these tools throughout the year with the students. I am hesitant as to the Facebook page and connecting with students on games. I can see the benefit of connecting and maintaining relationships with students, but 24/7 may be too much for me.
Teachers are often concerned that students are going to lose some of their skills and basic knowledge over the summer months. This post, by Mary Beth Hertz, gives great ideas for teachers to use with their students over the summer to keep them using skills they need to be successful without tedious "school-like" work. Hertz uses Web 2.0 tools to have students keep blogs, write collaborative stories, and keep in touch with the teacher and other students.
She also suggests a "fan page" on Facebook, allowing students access to your Instagram account, and connecting with students via games. I personally think the interactive Web 2.0 tools would be great for students, especially if you have established these tools throughout the year with the students. I am hesitant as to the Facebook page and connecting with students on games. I can see the benefit of connecting and maintaining relationships with students, but 24/7 may be too much for me.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Yet Another Example of Technology Ruling Our World
Feeling Blue? Kinect May Have an Offer You Can't Refuse
I often notice while I am on Facebook that the ads on the pages refer to things that I am interested in or have recently posted about. You may have noticed this as well. However, did you know that Microsoft is trying to patent an emotional detector in the Kinect that will provide you with advertisements based on your feelings and emotions. So we are now going to have a game system that is going to be able to tell us some things about how we are feeling that we may not even be aware of. Is this necessary? Of course money is involved with the new emotional dectetor, but is this going too far?
I know being on Facebook that the advertisements are related to what I am talking about with friends on Facebook, the pictures I post, and the status changes that I make. However, do I want some machine telling me that I am depressed and that I don't need to overeat while depressed because that will only make it worse? How far is too far?
I often notice while I am on Facebook that the ads on the pages refer to things that I am interested in or have recently posted about. You may have noticed this as well. However, did you know that Microsoft is trying to patent an emotional detector in the Kinect that will provide you with advertisements based on your feelings and emotions. So we are now going to have a game system that is going to be able to tell us some things about how we are feeling that we may not even be aware of. Is this necessary? Of course money is involved with the new emotional dectetor, but is this going too far?
I know being on Facebook that the advertisements are related to what I am talking about with friends on Facebook, the pictures I post, and the status changes that I make. However, do I want some machine telling me that I am depressed and that I don't need to overeat while depressed because that will only make it worse? How far is too far?
Internet Safety
The Importance of Internet Safety
The debate over how involved schools should be in matters that take place online outside of school has become more prevalent in today's changing society. However, even more importantly is the idea of internet safety out of school. Too often we find families with computers and the only people that know how to use them are the kids (especially is poorer districts). Author, Heather Wolper-Gawron, makes a great point, that in schools there are filters that block even some useful content so when students get home and there are no blockers they don't know how to use the internet safely.
As educators, I think it is part of our responsibility to teach students the proper uses of technology to protect themselves and others. There are not too many filters put on by parents on the home computers because many of them simply don't know how. We need to prepare our students for their futures of even more change regarding technology. Now should schools be responsible for actions on the internet outside of school 100%? That is a continuing debate that I am sure we will be having for years to come. Schools and districts can however invite parents to information meetings and spread the word on the severity of using the web inappropriately. We need to educate the parents so they can educate and monitor their child's internet use as they see fit. We can't control home life but we can give parents and caregivers the necessary tools to make it safer for their children using the internet.
Wolper-Gawron gives a great system to follow to have a program ran by your school in this article. Check it out!
The debate over how involved schools should be in matters that take place online outside of school has become more prevalent in today's changing society. However, even more importantly is the idea of internet safety out of school. Too often we find families with computers and the only people that know how to use them are the kids (especially is poorer districts). Author, Heather Wolper-Gawron, makes a great point, that in schools there are filters that block even some useful content so when students get home and there are no blockers they don't know how to use the internet safely.
As educators, I think it is part of our responsibility to teach students the proper uses of technology to protect themselves and others. There are not too many filters put on by parents on the home computers because many of them simply don't know how. We need to prepare our students for their futures of even more change regarding technology. Now should schools be responsible for actions on the internet outside of school 100%? That is a continuing debate that I am sure we will be having for years to come. Schools and districts can however invite parents to information meetings and spread the word on the severity of using the web inappropriately. We need to educate the parents so they can educate and monitor their child's internet use as they see fit. We can't control home life but we can give parents and caregivers the necessary tools to make it safer for their children using the internet.
Wolper-Gawron gives a great system to follow to have a program ran by your school in this article. Check it out!
Comparing Education to Video Games
Unlocking Learning Mastery
This article is interesting in that it compares our education system to that of a video game. It caught my eye in my RSS feed because I had a hard time this year tapping into some of my students' needs because I am not as familiar with the video game world as I once was, and video games is what seemed to interest a lot of my students this year. I thought the article was going to be about teaching using video games and online simulations, but instead that article compared education to a video game.
Author, Terry Heick, claims that we need to put the learning in the hands of the students. Video games allow for students to advance through levels and see immediate rewards using their own tactics and being in control. The games don't hold students back when they are not excelling, instead they provide the gamer with more practice to complete the task. This author makes several comparisons that led me into deeper thought regarding how we approach teaching and learning in the classroom.
One of the points that Heick makes stuck with me."What would happen if a student was required to unlock the next assignment in a project-based learning environment? In light of students demonstrating irregular progress rates -- especially in middle school -- holding a student back because they are struggling with an idea doesn't make sense." There are several ideas to grapple with in this article. Take a look!
This article is interesting in that it compares our education system to that of a video game. It caught my eye in my RSS feed because I had a hard time this year tapping into some of my students' needs because I am not as familiar with the video game world as I once was, and video games is what seemed to interest a lot of my students this year. I thought the article was going to be about teaching using video games and online simulations, but instead that article compared education to a video game.
Author, Terry Heick, claims that we need to put the learning in the hands of the students. Video games allow for students to advance through levels and see immediate rewards using their own tactics and being in control. The games don't hold students back when they are not excelling, instead they provide the gamer with more practice to complete the task. This author makes several comparisons that led me into deeper thought regarding how we approach teaching and learning in the classroom.
One of the points that Heick makes stuck with me."What would happen if a student was required to unlock the next assignment in a project-based learning environment? In light of students demonstrating irregular progress rates -- especially in middle school -- holding a student back because they are struggling with an idea doesn't make sense." There are several ideas to grapple with in this article. Take a look!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
PBL Can Help Meet Standardized Test Learning Goals.
PBL and Standardized Tests. It Can Work!
I myself fall into the "testing" mode around standardized testing time. However, I know what is right for the students and teaching to the test does not benefit them in the long-run. I agree with the author of this article when he says that we should not wait until after the testing "season" to start problem-based learning in our classrooms. We can incorporate the benchmarks and test taking strategies into our problem-based learning if we plan accordingly.
I am excited to try new strategies in my classroom and will plan problem-based learning lessons that meet the learning goals that are set forth by my district. The integration of technology in the classroom as well as problem-based learning and more hands-on activities will benefit my students. I am already looking forward to planning next year, but we definitely enjoy my summer first!
I myself fall into the "testing" mode around standardized testing time. However, I know what is right for the students and teaching to the test does not benefit them in the long-run. I agree with the author of this article when he says that we should not wait until after the testing "season" to start problem-based learning in our classrooms. We can incorporate the benchmarks and test taking strategies into our problem-based learning if we plan accordingly.
I am excited to try new strategies in my classroom and will plan problem-based learning lessons that meet the learning goals that are set forth by my district. The integration of technology in the classroom as well as problem-based learning and more hands-on activities will benefit my students. I am already looking forward to planning next year, but we definitely enjoy my summer first!
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