TLA tech learnings

Here is my TLA Tech Project for Tuesday summarizing much of the technology I have learned over two months.
http://animoto.com/play/actVym5m1k1ZAf69qSjgGA

Web Site Evaluations

It is important to assess websites I select for students to use.     Using an evaluation tool, such as the one created by Kaythleen Schrock, is a good way to begin when first evaluating websites.   After looking at the first to web-sites, both of which, were not acceptable, I had a better idea of what to look for.   It is also important for students to be educated on website evaluation and this form would be very beneficial for them. 

Digital Citizenship

I believe that digital etiquette needs to be addressed directly and often.     We need to do more than state the “rules” regarding digital etiquette.    Greenville Public Schools had speakers come in to address cyber bullying and cyber safety.   The presentation was lively, had videos, pictures, and multiple presenters.     They involved the students and were highly engaging.   It would be great to make this presentation available to parents.       There are also several online resources, here are a few that address digital etiquette:

EdTech Professional Development videos

Edutopia Webinars on digital citizenship

Edutopia's multiple resources on digital citizenship

Greenville is going to B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) for the first time this 2013-2014 school year.     To ensure equal access, the school has purchased several devices for students to check out and use for the entire school year, just like they do for text books.  

Michigan Online Learning Requirement for K-12

Greenville Public Schools are leading the way with meeting the Michigan Online Learning Requirements for K-12.     We have been given a National Grant through Verizon to train our math and science teachers in the area of technology use in the classroom.    The training will take place over the next two years with bi-weekly meetings.      We met for two days this summer for the first time.   We learned several ways to incorporate technology into our lessons so that the use of technology supports our state core curriculum.    It is exciting to have trainings with support built in and person to person dialogue.

Of the Core Principles of Online Learning, I feel that our Verizon Grant Trainings will address the following areas:

·       Have instructional goals, objectives, strategies, and assessments that are aligned with

state standards, benchmarks and expectations

·       Include the principles of Universal Design for Learning

http://www.cast.org/research/udl/index.html) by providing multiple approaches to meet

the needs of diverse learners

·       Be relevant and address many learning styles

·       Include asynchronous and/or synchronous interaction between teacher and student, and

student-to-student

·       Include teachers who are knowledgeable in web-based instruction techniques

·       Incorporate resources outside the classroom

We also have Powerschool with parental and student access.     Educators, parents, and students have partial rights to view information so that we are in compliance with FERPA.    Educators for example, can log in discipline to Powerschool but not have full access to see past student discipline entries.  Based on need, we can have access to this information quickly and easily.   Parents may also request further details on their child’s discipline.    With a log-in, one can view grades, teacher comments, demographics, and basic health information.

What Works & What Does Not

When re-reading Hattie’s research, I was surprised to see that feedback was as powerful as it is, “almost three times the average effect size”.      I appreciated his notes that the feedback was from not that of teacher to student, but rather from students to the teacher.    Knowing this will help me to not feel rushed to move on.   Allocating and building in time for students to reflect will increase student learning.  Also, feedback was one of the necessary components that helped to make the use of computer-aided instruction effective.   

   

Feedback (almost three times the average effect size)

Read more: What works best http://www.learningandteaching.info/teaching/what_works.htm#Individualisation#ixzz2bElzNIki
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives

UDL

I learned that UDL is a way to make sure that all students learn and are served; from those who traditionally struggle to those that are labeled gifted.      UDL should begin with what the end goals are so that the varied learning paths all lead to the identified goals.   The learning paths will be different for learners but all lead to meeting and even exceeding the communicated outcomes.  

During the lesson, students are exposed to multiple representations; symbolic, pictorial, physical, visual, etc.    Students are then able to choose their learning path and explore a variety of forms for expressing their understandings.    In UDL students are motivated and engaged and the teacher works along as their facilitator.    Students are self directed.   

I will work hard to include more technology, visuals, and hands-on experiences in the classroom.     I also look forward to working with Google Docs and the Voice Comments added for varied feedback.  Google Docs Voice Comments

“Do We Really Need Technology in the Classroom?”

“Do We Really Need Technology in the Classroom?”

Our children need to be able to navigate the current tools available to them.    Technology is being used on a daily basis around the world and is incorporated in all careers.   This is a challenge for teachers as today’s tools were not around when we were born and thus not accustomed to using such tools with lessons.   Instructing and facilitating the use of technology requires continual growth and learning for all; students and teachers.

Teachers’ role changes from instructor of set skills to that of a facilitator of learning.   "Students need to be “self-directed learners, effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, peers, and print and digital reference materials.”  Common Core Standards.  The teaching of skills is short lived.  

Technology connects us to the world.     Learners are engaged, focused as they create, share, and learn at their individual pace.   Learners are engaged through exploration, “play”, and tinkering.  Learners “use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts." Common Core Standards.