Math Interview - Strategies

Podcast Link

Description of Need or Opportunity –Part A (812)

Description of Need or Opportunity –Part A

First grade is a year where reading success is essential. Much of the year is spent developing the reading strategies, practicing and modeling fluency, and assessing comprehension. I have found that students benefit from hearing fluent readers read to them. Through this project I would like to incorporate technology to increase reading fluency in first graders. Being a fluent reader is linked to comprehension and understanding. Fluency doesn’t ensure comprehension, but comprehension is difficult without fluency. If a reader is constantly stopping to decode and figure out unknown words, most likely meaning will be disrupted and the process of reading becomes long and laborious.

I would like to incorporate books on iPods to increase reading fluency. Currently, I have a listening center in my classroom that takes both tapes and CDs. Unfortunately, many of the books on tape are outdated, worn, or falling apart. The books on CDs are more current, but are not as functional for first grade use. Students often scratch the CDs or the story skips while playing. This creates for an unpleasant experience and doesn’t effectively model fluent reading. Additionally, I can only order books on tape or CD that are offered in book stores or scholastic. Many students have books that they are interested in reading, but the listening resources are not available on tape or CD. If I incorporate the use of iPods, I could download books that students were currently reading or interested in. I could also incorporate books that I already have available in my classroom. This would also broaden my “listening library” and be more user-friendly. The iPods would also deliver one on one modeling of fluent reading at any level.

Students would have an opportunity to use these resources during Reading Workshop. I envision students listening to one to two picture books a day using the iPod. Several students could listen to the same story and just pass the iPod when they finish. I would begin this process with students that are struggling with their own reading fluency, but if resources are available, I would like all students to have the opportunity.

During this course, I will use my personal iPod to download books to use in my classroom. I will allow several students to use this resource daily. If this seems to positively affect their reading fluency, I will write a grant when the course concludes to receive additional resources.

There are several websites available to download free books and search children’s books. Three of those websites are listed below.

http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Children

http://storynory.com/

http://www.playtime-books.com/

According the National Reading Panel (2000), fluency is the ability to read text with speed, accuracy and proper expression. Fluent readers:

· Recognize words automatically

· Read aloud effortlessly and with expression

· Do not have to concentrate on decoding

· Can focus on comprehension

According to Brenda-Jean Tyler from the Department of Special Education at The University of Texas at Austin, research suggests that “effective interventions for building fluency include an explicit model of fluent reading, multiple opportunities to repeatedly read familiar text independently and with corrective feedback, and established performance criteria for increasing text difficulty.” (J Learn Disabil September/October 2002 vol. 35 no. 5 386-406).

Below is a link that describes how students can play a larger role in assessing their own reading fluency with the use of new technologies. The focus is on the actual fluency assessment as opposed to building the fluency skills, but providing feedback would be beneficial for older students to improve.

http://doit.aurorak12.org/2010/02/07/reading-fluency-i-pod-touch/

Here are several links about teachers already using iPods in the classroom.

http://ipodclassroom.wikispaces.com/

http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/ipods-in-the-classroom

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/sites/sites070.shtml

To determine if this project is successful, I will conduct a pre-assessment taking into account the students’ current reading rate, use of expression, and heeding punctuation using a Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). After several weeks listening to books on the iPods, I will conduct the same assessment again to verify if changes are evident.

Introduction Slidecast

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.

Final Reflection 811

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.

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. I have introduced several WebQuests to small groups of students. I will use my STAIR project later in the year when we begin to learn about telling time. 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 use WebQuests and I would like to create more STAIR projects. I would like to research, find, or create WebQuests that deal with social/emotional issues. 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.

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.