CEP 811 Growth

Whew! What a quick eight weeks! I have really learned so many new tools and obtained many new resources that I can use throughout the rest of my professional career.  

Through these last eight weeks I have been able to explore effective strategies for the classroom such as lecture and hands-on exploration. The idea being that there is a time and place to lecture, but when it comes to incorporating technology guiding hands-on exploration can be more effective for the learning process. 

I have also discovered web-based resources such as MERLOT that can be used as a valuable source of content as well as evaluation of materials. This is such a great resource for teachers and I think that everyone should take some time to explore this for their classroom. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/index.htm

Another tool that I am definitely going to use is UDL (Universal Design for Learning). While it is not necessary for every lesson to meet every principlee, it is important to make sure that you are differentiating your instruction with technology and this is a great guide. http://www.udlcenter.org/  

As far as the goals for the course I definitely think that I have learned some ideas for integrating technology.   It is the idea of finding a piece of technology that can be used to help SUPPORT your curriculum.  Not making the technology the game changer.   So it is the idea of taking a tool like an iPad and using it in the classroom for either teacher instruction or academic discovery.  I think there is always going to be a "new" technology to use to teach an "old" concept.  What I have learned is not to use technology for technology sake.  Use it when it can engage the students more than before!

Long term, (after this course) I would like to continue building and cultivating my PLN.  I think that having a reliable place to go to gather information and ideas for your classroom is priceless.  I hope to continue building this and hopefully begin contributing to the conversation. I know that I am going to be learning new things and I want to begin to share those with my colleagues.  That is why I am happy that this blog was created.  I hope to continue posting and sharing new ideas with whoever wants to listen!

Overall I think this class was great!  It was a great combination of reading and hands-on activities.  I hope that the remaining classes in this program are just as engaging.

Teaching & Learning Online: Wikis

 Wiki (a collaborative editing place on the web)

• This tool would be very useful for any content. However, this tool would help support project based learning exceptionally well.  Students can contribute to a collaborative space and support their own learning experiences. They can learn from each other as they work through a project.

• Many different pedagogical strategies could be used with students. Including experienced based learning, cooperative learning, as well as interactive lectures. Students could be asked to drive their own academic discovery while collaborating with peers. Teachers can also enhance learning by posting video/audio of lectures or supplemental materials that help support 24/7 learning.

• RSS Feeds would be a hard tool to use with students. While this tool is powerful, it better serves someone on a personal level, i.e. developing a personal learning network. This tool would not necessarily support any of these characteristics; Collaboration, Integration, Sustainability, Life-long Skills, and Teacher Involvement. Therefore, I do not think this would be a useful tool for an online learning environment.
  
  

All About Wikis

During Session 5, we were asked to learn about wikis and collaborative spaces. Below you will see my additions to my company's Wikipedia page as well as the start of my personal wiki page. This was a fun assignment and I have learned a lot!

 http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WGTE-TV&pe=1&

https://charleneclassroom.wikispaces.com/

UDL Lesson Evaluation

Evaluation of a lesson based on UDL... (you can also access the doc by clicking here )

Evaluation of Learning Material: AudioBoo

AudioBoo Learning Material Description:

Social networking tool that allows users to record audio and add a picture to be uploaded and listened to by others.  Users can use mobile devices or their computers to record and edit their boos.

Quality of Content:
I found this resource under the Instructional Technology Category.  I believe this tool, AudioBoo, meets the criteria for this category.  

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:

1. This tool can be used in many stages of the learning process. 
   1. Students can use this tool to explan or describe topics 
   2. Students can create "boos" and demonstrate their knowledge of a concept therefore applying what they know.
2. This tool can be used as a way to apply technology to existing lessons. Therefore, it can support many learning objectives including supporting 21st century skills.  Specifically, creativity and communication.
3. The characteristics of the target learner would be varied.  All types of learners including those who might not be tech savvy. It de
4. This tool can be used to help improve students' abilities to learn material.
5. This tool can be easily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within disciplines.
6. This software can be used in a variety of ways to achieve learning goals.
7. The teaching and learning goals of this tool are not easily identified.
8. An educator can easily write good learning assignments or using this tool.
9.  

Ease of Use

1. Are the labels, buttons, menus, text, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct? Yes
2. Does the user get trapped in the material? No
3. Can the user get lost easily in the material? Possibly
4. Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses? No
5. Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use? Appropriate for the simplicity of the tool
6. Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support, and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software? No
7. Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students? Yes
8. Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students? Yes