Digital learning

Really the title says it all.  This blog was started because of a digital learning class.  I can honestly say that I learned so much in the class.  Every assignment was completely new to me, but at the end I learned.  I created a blog, learned how to create a spreadsheet, power point, web site, video, popplet.  The only thing I had done before was a power point.  Even in doing the power point I learned how to link other sites to it and create movement.  My final goal in taking the class is to become a teacher.  Using what I have learned in this class will enhance my teaching and enable me to be more effective in the classroom.

The digital learning class along with many other classes is required for my major.  Some of the required course work will do little to enhance my teaching. There have been many projects that I will never use in a classroom.  In this class every project we did I will use in my classroom and am excited about it.  I will make a class web site and blog immediately also spreadsheets and power points will be used often.

Students use media and digital tools all the time so incorporating them in learning is probably one of the best ways to engage them and hold their attention.

This is a class that teachers who have been teaching for a few years should consider taking because technology is constantly changing and it is important to keep up.  I would consider taking this class again in a few years because there will be new tools that will benefit my classroom in the future.  The tools we learned not only benefit instruction but also help with time management.  Learning is much more fun when it is applicable.  The content in this course was applicable to the classroom and in other areas as well.  I enjoyed and was challenged in this class.

11-27-2013

Digital Tools for Diverse Students

Using digital tools to help learning impaired, handicapped or ESL students is a great way to incorporate more learning options.  The many tools available will save teachers time and equip them with an arsenal of tools to aide diverse students as well as mainstream students.

Voice recognition software and read along and aloud books benefit a diverse group of students.  It is a way to aid students with tracking problems, visual and hearing impaired too. 

Using software in your classroom can be used like a second pair of hands.   Several students can be set up at computers or tablets and receiving help with writing or reading while the teacher is helping other students. 

The number of areas teachers are held accountable, make digital aids a necessity for teachers to accomplish and help as many students as possible.  Teachers are spread thin with careful planning digital tools can be an affective way to reach diverse students both in learning styles and impaired. 

Power Point and Video in the Classroom

Both Power Point and video should be incorporated in the classroom.  They allow a teacher to introduce lessons in a different medium. Enabling the students to receive the information differently.  Using a variety of components to your teaching enables students of different learning styles retain the information.

Power point is a great way to highlight key facts, letting students know what you expect them o remember.  The effects you can add to power point will enhance the presentation while holding students attention.  Power point could be added to a class website for parents to see or students to use for review. 

Videos are fun for the students especially if they are given the opportunity to participate in making them.  There are several companies that offer animation at a low cost to educators.  This would be a fun way for students to create a presentation to show their classmates and touch their creative side.  Children love videos so that is a fun way to add to their educational experience.

All in all, a teacher needs to facilitate learning.  Offering a wide array of tools and learning opportunities is a must if teachers are going reach all their students.  Power Point and video are just two of many ways teachers can enhance their classroom.

Social Media and the classroom:

Social Media as a classroom resource:

            While I stand by my opinion that social media such as Facebook should not be used by teachers to communicate with students, there is a place for social media in education.  Sites such as Pinterest and Classroom2.0 are beneficial.  The use of media as a tool is crucial in this day and age both for educators and students.

            As educators it is necessary to stay current with media and digital tools.  Students are comfortable with media and using it meets them in their comfort zone.  Additionally teachers can collaborate with other educators, find information, ask questions and organize ideas.  It is now possible to link in to what educators around the world use and are finding success with.  Educators will be more informed well rounded and equipped to help students become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

            Students will benefit from learning on tools that interest them and they are already comfortable with. Media puts at their fingertips experts to learn from. They are not limited to just their teacher’s knowledge on a subject.  Using Media enables them to learn in a style that suits them.  Research comes to life through video and interactive games.

            A teacher would be remiss to not take advantage of the media available to them to organize and broaden their reach of students.  Both teachers and students benefit from the use of social media to find ideas, collaborate, and learn new things.  

Evaluating Websites, part of a teachers responsibilty

Evaluating Websites, part of the Teacher's responsibility.

            Evaluating websites is an iatrical part in putting together your digital curriculum.  You want to make sure the information you are promoting, as an aid is accurate, safe, and beneficial to your students and their families.

            If the information is inaccurate you risk promoting or teaching wrong information.  Your credibility is also at risk, if a website is not current or accurate.  Parents and students count on teachers to provide truthful information that will aid their children.

            Knowing about a website and it’s content is also important to keeping children safe.  A site with many advertisements or links would not be advisable.  The reason being it is much harder to protect children from clicking an inappropriate link.  We have talked about the dangers of the Internet and websites should be monitored for those reasons.

            It is important that as teachers we don’t waste a family’s precious time on websites that offer nothing significant for the child.  We want to help families and children learn to be productive members of society.  There is nothing more frustrating than websites that just suck up time with no benefit.

            The obligation as a teacher is great.  Morally they need to provide a stimulating, helpful, and safe learning environment.  Websites can be a valuable resource to education.  

Shouldn't All Lessons be Integrated?

Recently I was required to create a lesson plan that crossed over more than one subject. I chose to incorporate math, computer, and science.  The children were required to input data and then translate that data into a graph.  Then they were required to interpret information from the graph.  I am happy when I realize that I have actually used something I learned in class in real life.  I know my students will too.

 

The children input the amount of fruits and vegetables they ate along with their energy level.  Above I mentioned the subjects they covered, but more took place than just subjects and standards being met.  They had the opportunity to reflect on their own healthy eating habits.  They learned to think critically and apply what they learned to real life.  I asked some open-ended questions to keep them thinking.

I believe it is absolutely necessary to integrate multiple tools and subjects in most, if not all lessons.  Practically there is no possible way for a teacher to get all the information required without integrating lessons.  It is a good way to teach a new skill while reviewing an old one.  I also believe open-ended questions are required to keep children’s minds going and to be innovative