674+Reflections

__674 Reflections __ __﻿__Reflection 1: 21st Century Learning


 * There are 9 Essential 21st Century Skills that are critical to the learning process. After you have taken time to read through one or more of the external links about these Learning Skills (found on class wiki) write a reflection. Consider the impact these skills could have/do have on your teaching and on your students' experiences in the classroom. What issues were addressed in the article(s)? What is one thing you could do in your classroom, that is not being done yet, to help incorporate one of the 9 skills?
 * Your reflection needs to be at least 10-15 sentences long. Please include the title of each article you read and are referencing.
 * This reflection is due by the Saturday after our first weekend's class.

The video __21st Century Assessment__ showed how schools are successfully implementing performance-based assessments. In teaching 21st Century Skills, we as teachers need to focus more on learning and move away from “High Steaks Test”. 21st Century Assessment holds the student to a high standard in their learning. For example, the video showed a school, Urban Academy, using Assessors to hold conversations with students about a book they have read. These conversations take place one-on-one. Although performance-based assessments may be time consuming, it fosters a higher-level thinking and knowledge platform. The idea is that a student reading a book, knowing they will be having a conversation about the book, will take more time to comprehend the book. Rather than read bits and pieces of the book to answer “Chapter Questions”. 21st Century Assessment goes hand-in-hand with all 21st Century Skills. I do not believe it would be an accurate evaluation giving a formal test on 21st Century Skills. I do tend to believe we over test our students in our schools. Many teachers still lecture and teach to the standardized test. Once we as teachers embrace the needs of our 21st Century learners, we will be able to enrich their learning more. The video showed how 21st Century classrooms should look. When I taught Engineering at the High School, I asked my students what they wanted to learn. The students brainstormed and said they would like to compete in the First Robotics competition. I did my research, wrote a grant, and received $4,000.00 to compete. I did not have a clue how to build a real robot. I acted as a facilitator, we found students who knew C++ and did our programming for us. We contacted another High School to use their Wood Shop class for tools. In the end, my students learned what deadlines were and how to handle the pressure. We competed in the competition and had a wonderful life learning experience! This class is exactly what a 21st Century classroom should look like. Reflecting on the 9 skills, I really would like to reach out more to other teachers. I would like to help other teachers in my school integrate technology in their classrooms. Last year I have one teacher come into my lab and I taught his class how to make podcasts. I would like to do this more and connect with more teachers. I am interested in sharing my knowledge!

Reflection 2: Videos for the Classroom


 * After you have found a video to use in the classroom, post the link to the video on the Moodle in the reflection section. Then, write at least a 5 sentence reflection as to how you will use this video in the classroom and what impact you think it will have on your students' learning.
 * Please find a video that is new to you and your classroom.
 * In addition to sites such as YouTube and TeacherTube there is a free online educational video service available to Wisconsin residents on the state's online library, Badgerlink. It provides streaming and downloadable video programs for K-12 students and teachers. See links below:

[|http://www.ecb.org] or [|http://www.badgerlink.net] [] "How to" videos that last no longer than 5 minutes each. [] Step-by-step video help for various topics. Not all videos are free. [] A video sharing website geared towards education. [] A "how to" website with videos, PDFs, and instructables. [] Documentaries listed by category. [|http://kideos.com] A site where kids can safely watch videos online - all videos have been screened before being published. [] A K-12 moderated video sharing website that provides students and educators with safe video sharing. [] Educator approved videos and documentaries. [] A database for documentaries. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[] Educational programs on TV and online. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">[] Search and view timelines, or sign up and create your own.

I teach a Computer Lit class and one of the programs I teach is Spreadsheets. I am always looking for fun ways to integrate core subjects into my class. This video from teachertube.com demonstrates a math lesson using M&M’s. Students are instructed to separate and group by color. They are to count the M&M’s and put the numbers in a chart, using formulas to calculate the percent. They use a spreadsheet to create a pie chart that will be shared in class. I enjoy how this video explains and visually shows students the directions.

The other video's will also be used in my class as resource tools.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Link #1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtFYD-2NRMc
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Link #2 http://www1.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=187&title=Audacity_Basics
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Link #3 http://www1.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=1490&title=M_Ms_and_Spreadsheets
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Link #4 http://www1.teachertube.com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=12495&title=Green_Screen

Reflection 3: Types of Learners in the Classroom
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Think about the types of learners found in your classroom. Are they active, sensing, visual, sequential, reflective, intuitive, verbal, global? Now consider the ways you have used technology in your lessons.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Reflect on:
 * What is not working with your curriculum? What needs to be improved or done differently?
 * What types of technology you would like to experiment with.


 * What is not working with the curriculum || Types of technology I would like to experiment with ||
 * 1) Programs compatible with the computers || 1) I would like to up grade and change my management software and keyboarding software. ||
 * 2) RIA students and 1st year ESL || 2) I would like a program that fits their needs. i.e., Rosetta Stone ||
 * 3) Lack of administrative Rights || 3) I would like to have more control over my computer and my lab. I would like to be able to install programs without having to call someone ||
 * 4) Lack of technology for video class and web 2.0 tools blocked || 4) I would like the opportunity to use Mac equipment and web 2.0 tools that are currently block. ||