Blog 14: Learning Network

Blog 14: Learning Network I choose #edtech as my Learning Network. I love the positive post. There are many post that contain information on new apps, what educators are using in their classrooms as well as how do I find what I need. https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edtech

Blog 15 The Last!

Blog 15: The last! WOW! It has been a challenge, but one that I’m so glad that I experienced. Ipads have made a big difference in my classroom. Participation, discipline and grades were all effected in a big positive way. I had so much fun teaching my students but also learning new things from them. I am so proud of the higher attendance rate of my students. They did not want to miss being on the iPad. Whether we were blogging, reading a book on iBook’s, or creating a puppet show in Puppet Pals 2, the students couldn’t get enough. One of my biggest challenges was going from a 1:1 ratio of students to iPads, to adding a few PC to not having enough devices. I had to rethink my lessons. I really do hope in the future that it can be a 1:1 ratio for all students in the district. My best advice is, “Be adventurous, and incorporate one thing at a time.” I really want to learn more about OneNote.

Blog 13 How Many?

Blog 13: How Many? I use iPads on a daily basis in every subject taught. In reading, I have downloaded Touching Spirit Bear. Students open up the app, Kidblog and read over the open ended questions that will need to be answered after reading. The iBook app is then opened and students follow along as I read it. It is also displayed on the Presentation station through airserver. When we are through reading, Students will open up google maps and we will chart how far the Alaskan coast is from us as well as find the population of the small Alaskan village we are reading about. Students will return to Kidblog and answer the questions pertaining to novel. In history, students have read a book about Mummies and Pyramids on the iBooks app. They have used Kidblog app to blog information, Discovery App to watch short videos, and finally the Puppet Pals 2 App to create a puppet show. In math we used the Brainpop app to be introduced to integers and then took a short quiz. The quiz results were emailed to me. We then used the Screenchomp app to watch a few short lessons the teacher had recorded for them to watch. These were also placed on a Kidblog app for later reference. We then used our Google Chrome app to open up our online math book and went to assignments and each student practiced using integers. It is very hard to imagine not teaching with the iPads. I believe they are a, “Big Plus,” in the classroom. I have been able to cut down on discipline and catch the attention of a few students who would never before participate in class. There is the occasional student who likes to wonder so it would be nice to have an app similar to the program Lanschool to spy on them.

Blog 12 Student Voice and Choice

Blog 12 Student Voice and Choice Our Teaching Journey is about the students and how they learn best. Bringing in multiple strategies to the classroom will help meet that need. It is very important to give the learner a voice and a choice. This will keep them motivated and challenged. Having a blended classroom challenges students, but gives them control; it allows them to be more motivated and engaged. When you teach out of a Blended Classroom, you empower the student with a learner driven environment. The learner has some control over how they will formulate their plan for learning. This type of learning helps the struggling students. Struggling students now develop a voice in collaborative learning which also decreases discipline problems in the classroom. Technology can make a world of difference for all learners. Some learners have trouble putting pen to paper, now there are many fantastic iPad apps that just might inspire them to tell a story. They will be able to gather ideas, brainstorm and write straight from the iPad. Some learners struggle with math. There are geometry apps that help students visualize 3D shapes. This allows the learner to take apart the triangular prism to see how many triangles it takes to build it. The old method, paper, glue and scissors is too time consuming. As teachers, we need to become coaches. We give the learner a starting point and know that there are many paths to take to get to the finish line. How learners design the pathway they take to get to the finish line can look different for each of them in the technology world. Becoming a coach in the new learning environment I must also stay up to date with the technology world. Every day there are new apps, research sites, and programs to help capture the learner. I must also learn the new skills to help coach my students through new learning paths to get to the finish line.

Blog 11: Keep Learning?

Bringing technology into the classroom has opened so many more learning opportunities for my students. Students learn in so many ways that the traditional teaching methods do not reach all students. Working with technology in the classroom has given me the opportunity to reach more of my students. My shy quiet students that traditionally do not like to speak have opened up to blogging and sharing their thoughts. My students who have hard time writing have taken off using the keyboard. My energetic over achievers go the extra mile plus they love helping others. The success that my students have had has fueled my fire for wanting to continue learning about technology. New Apps and updates pop up every day. I want to be able to continue learning so my students will be up with the latest technology. I also appreciate all the new classes being offered through the technology department. Learning about new technology and how to apply it in the classroom has been a big help.

Blog 10 Technology update

I am using technology daily in the classroom. In World History and Language, we are studying Egypt. I have downloaded the book, Mummies and Pyramids to iBook’s. My students read along on the iPad as I read it from the Presentation station. Once we have read the chapter, Students must open their Kidblog account to view the activity that I have created to go with the chapter. Students may be watching a short video, or answering open ended questions. In 6th grade math, we have toured the online version of the new adopted math book. Students were able to go online and complete homework as well as take a quiz. Student’s that needed more practice with integers, where able to watch a short video on LearnZillion as well as Brainpop. Extra practice could be attained through Digitwhiz. Students are very diligent with policing the rules for the iPad. I have not had to change any procedures at this time.

Blog 9: Assess and Test Prep

The iPad is a wonderful tool for a formative assessment. A student needs quick feedback as to where there level of understanding is, as well as a teacher needing to know how to improve the intake of information being presented. There are many apps available as well as creating your own assessments through google forms. Once skills are evaluated, an individualized plan can be put in action. This can be done in KidBlog. Each student’s assignment can vary per their need. Being able to individualize student’s needs, gives them an edge on being successful on Summative assessments. Helping students build a more firm foundation to have the tools to pass a Summative test is very important. Using the iPad to enforce these skills is a very helpful tool. Assigning and choosing an appropriate App for the student’s needs, gives them practice as well as immediate feedback. The feedback gives us the data to decide whether the student has mastered a skill or is in need of more practice. If a student needs more practice, there are many ways to pull in videos and information to help a student be successful.