Internet-based learning

I believe the integrated approach would be one of the best approaches to use because it allows the students to be exposed to other curriculum content more than once. It also shows that technology isn’t an entity by itself, but can be used to enhance learning in a variety of areas. I also think it is important to use the lifelong learning approach so that students become problem solvers and will have confidence when using technology in the future. I could use a WebQuest with first graders for math. This would work best with partners or older student volunteers. One strategy used would be constructivism so that students could discover the material on their own. It also would allow them to meet a goal. I have already created a WebQuest which involved adding money. I think I could use an educational blog later in the year for students to respond to each others writing. The strategy I would use would be cooperative learning so that students can work together to make their writing better. Additionally, I have already taken my class on an online field trip since my school district doesn’t allow us to take real trips. We took a trip to the zoo when we were discussion habitats and animal characteristics. I personally believe it would be a bit tricky for first graders to do online research or follow a RSS feeder page since their technological experience is so limited.

Personal Learning Reflection 810

I have learned that there are both benefits and challenges when trying to integrate technology and use multiple teaching strategies at the same time. One of the benefits for using different pedagogical strategies is meeting the needs of many learning styles within the classroom. It also allows for choice which often increases student interest and motivation. Using multiple strategies also presents a challenge. Presenting a concept in multiple ways often takes additional time and resources, which most teachers do not have.

Integrating the internet allowed me to see the many resources available. Learning about the various sites also taught me to be more critical when selecting sites to use in my classroom. Many of the sites can be used to save time and allow more time for teaching. My favorite site is Delicious because I use it on a daily basis to bookmark sites that I want to use with my Promethean board at school.

I believe the SIG proposal is a good example of teaching with technology. I learned about a new technology and how to use it in the classroom, researched the topic, collaborated with knowledgeable peers, and found outside resources. I also became more comfortable using Google documents and Delicious bookmarking. I was exposed to these sites and I now feel comfortable. Prior to this assignment, I was a bit unsure of group projects done solely online. I now see that they are entirely possible and a time efficient way to get things done.

My number one goal was to grow more confident using new technologies. I have achieved this by becoming more knowledgeable, experimenting, taking risks, and collaborating with others in the course. I am able to problem solve and experiment with new technologies. Another one of my personal goals was to apply and integrate what I learned in this course into my current classroom and teaching practices. I wanted my work to directly relate to the students in my classroom. I believe I have reached this goal. I have more confidence when using new technology in my classroom. (I was asked by my principal to pilot a Promethean Board and allow other teachers to observe me using the board as I teach.) I use my delicious account to bookmark sites I want to use at home and school. I began a Google Document for monthly newsletter so that all the first grade teachers could contribute and edit the document. Additionally, I am more aware of using various strategies and where to find helpful resources.

My goals are to continue to learn about the seemingly never ending technological resources available to educators. I would like to use my Promethean board more effectively and more often. I am hoping to receive training soon. I plan on continuing to follow my RSS page to keep updated on various technological topics and happenings. I would like to create a classroom blog for parents. I would like to look into becoming e-pals with another class to increase student confidence with technology. Another thing I could like to incorporate and further explore is the use of VoiceThreads to increase student collaboration and participation.

Personal Learning Reflection

I have learned that there are both benefits and challenges when trying to integrate technology and use multiple teaching strategies at the same time. One of the benefits for using different pedagogical strategies is meeting the needs of many learning styles within the classroom. It also allows for choice which often increases student interest and motivation. Using multiple strategies also presents a challenge. Presenting a concept in multiple ways often takes additional time and resources, which most teachers do not have.

Integrating the internet allowed me to see the many resources available. Learning about the various sites also taught me to be more critical when selecting sites or WebQuests to use in my classroom. Many of the sites can be used to save time and allow more time for teaching. My favorite site is Delicious because I use it on a daily basis to bookmark sites that I want to use with my Promethean board at school.

I feel that my STAIR project is an example of good technology and teaching. It is something that I will take away from this course and be able to directly apply into my classroom. I now view PowerPoint in a new light. Prior to this course, I would have never selected this program to create something meaningful for my class. Now I see how simple and effective the program is and I plan to make many more presentations. One of the strategies incorporated into my project is the inductive strategy. The project provides several examples of various times and has the students analyze the similarities to form a conclusion. The project also incorporates questions and provides the learner with feedback to ensure active participation. The project incorporates scaffolding, as well. Information is presented at the beginning of the project and guides the students toward working independently as it goes on. One of the strengths of the project is the oral, written, and visual components to address different learning styles. It also requires interaction for the learner and provides them with feedback. Extensions are provided at the end for students who would like additional practice or would like to be challenged. This allows for differentiated instruction to meet the needs of many learners. Additionally, the project offers visuals and movements to keep the learner interested and involved. I personally did not care for the WebQuest portion of the course. I felt like the reading level on most WebQuests was too high for the students I work with and they were often tricky to navigate. I preferred using PowerPoint and including additional tasks/links as extensions.

One of my personal goals was to apply and integrate what I learned in this course into my current classroom and teaching practices. I wanted my work to directly relate to the students in my classroom. I believe I have reached this goal. I have more confidence when using new technology in my classroom. (I was asked by my principal to pilot a Promethean Board and allow other teachers to observe me using the board as I teach.) I use my delicious account to bookmark sites I want to use at home and school. I will introduce and have each student complete my STAIR project when we begin our unit on telling time later in the year. I began a Google Document for monthly newsletter so that all the first grade teachers could contribute and edit the document. Additionally, I am more aware of using various strategies and where to find helpful resources.

My goals are to continue to learn about the seemingly never ending technological resources available to educators. I would like to use my Promethean board more effectively and more often. I am hoping to receive training soon. I would like to create similar programs to the STAIR project that I can use within the classroom to introduce or reinforce specific areas of the curriculum. I plan on continuing to follow my RSS page to keep updated on various technological topics and happenings. I would like to create a classroom blog for parents. I would like to look into becoming e-pals with another class to increase student confidence with technology. Another thing I could like to incorporate and further explore is the use of VoiceThreads to increase student collaboration and participation.

Learning Styles

One thing I noticed right away while reading the article was the type of learner I am NOT. It was also difficult to select one or two areas that fully describe me. We can’t always teach each lesson and focus on every learning style. I think this is important to remember when we are teaching. Most people are able to learn through many learning styles or teaching strategies. We should focus on making sure that students are given choices, multiple learning styles are being addresses when possible, and that we are open to suggestions to better meet the students’ needs. I think it is important to know how each student in your class learns so you can motivate and assist them. It also would be beneficial when highlighting the strengths of students in your class.

In my personal experience I have found that I mostly relate with two intelligences. One is the Interpersonal Intelligence. I found it most effective to work on my own during school. I am able to sense people’s feelings very easily and I am the type that likes to make sure everyone is happy. Therefore, in group situations I would (I’ve been working on it!) many times be the mediator and worry about everyone in the group, but myself. I would often be unhappy with the task or the outcome. On a positive note, I had high reading comprehension throughout school because I could understand character motives and feelings. This makes reading very enjoyable for me! Another intelligence I identify with is the Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence. I like to have written directions as opposed to verbal directions. Each week I read the lecture transcripts instead of watching the videos. Therefore, it was difficult for me to follow verbal directions or lectures throughout school. Without the written piece, my mind would wander and still does! This could break down the comprehension of the subject. I am able to read and comprehend fluently. I used many strategies for decoding unknown words and I often excelled in writing assignments.

Creative Commons

I would use images when teaching science. In first grade, we learn about the life cycle of butterflies. I think it is important for students to see real images especially of nature and animals. I used many photos when our class was learning about tree homes and animal uses.


Photo Attribution
Original Image: Monarch butterfly on Pentas flower at the Butterfly World attraction in Coconut Creek, Florida
Author: Florida. Division of Tourism.
URL:http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridamemory/3341375526/in/photostream/
Restrictions/Released: http://www.floridamemory.com/disclaimer-flickr.cfm

My Picassa Page Photo

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SuqIcCaDGT9oVOafr4krBIPwuksIWLFpRF9qwrzy0q0mvbxHz_sloG25szWMP4mi_va1wvmiSMLSZUl_uq-KZmwzlOvn-r-PBMoYRf6mryB51MEIn-OLEUApuk82NiDl5XeOUmwro6I/s640/DSC00355.JPG

Strategies and Blogs

I think student interaction, collaboration, and project/inquiry based strategies would work well using blogs. I think experimentation, writing process, questioning, and constructing own knowledge would work. Direct instruction might be a bit tricky, as well as exercises and examples. It might also be tricky to conference with students individually and provide “private” feedback. I also think it would be difficult to conduct guided reading groups over a blog. Additional resources are necessary to complete these tasks and students need first-hand experience. I also think it is important for teachers to observe students reading to analyze what strategies they are using and what the next steps should be. Also, I have a few students in my class who do not have a home computer and it may be tricky for them to add their additional thoughts outside of school. I can picture using blogs with other teachers and parents. In 1^st grade the prime limitation is typing. A blog where students can practice typing to express their thoughts or questions about school might be something I could incorporate. I could have a few students a day read posts, comment, and write their own post. I think it would be more like a journal with students asking questions to each other, creating a classroom community, and becoming familiar with technology. I could also integrate this into the Reading Workshop. I could have students blog about a book they would recommend to other readers and why. I could have their classmates read the blogs, comment or make additional posts about books. One area I think would be tricky to help students over a blog would be sorting and classifying. I think students need hands on manipulatives to grasp this math concept. I suppose students could post web pages that address this concept, strategies they use, or ideas of objects to sort at home on a blog. A blog would also be a great way to share WebQuests.