Meaningful Learning

A technology based rubrics is a great way to look at how a rubrics is broken down and a teacher can change out some of the areas to validate the lesson they have assigned.  Using the rubrics has been very beneficial in most of my classes.  The rubrics allow the student to understand their grade for each assignment.  There is no mistaking how a student is graded; look over what work needed to be completed, how much the student had done and there is the score.  Most likely, I will be using it in some way or another but it will depend on if I am teaching in a classroom, resource room, life skills room/setting or sharing a class as the special education teacher.

Now the clicker assessment tools are an amazing fun, interactive way to teach students.  The instant feedback is great for students to reaffirm they understand the lesson.  Using the handheld device either one-on-one or in a group setting, introduces students not only to technology but they can ask for assistance discreetly and work at their own pace.  This is something I would enjoy using in the classroom with students.  The flexibility it gives students as well as the instant right/wrong answers can help builds confidence for a student to ask for assistance and/or share their accomplishments right away.

There have been so many times I have had to brainstorm or build off of a subject or idea, the Inspiration/Kinspiration software is a great way for students to map out their ideas using the computer.  The Kidspiration of course is great for younger grades and makes learning fun.  Any time students can “play” on the computer they will want to and when using the Kidspiration software, learning is fun and lessons can be played out as games.  With older students, Inspiration software takes the pressure off of mapping out idea/subjects.  It assists students with creating an easy way to input ideas in which can create an outline and essentially a report, project, presentation or other lesson/activity.  I hope to be able to use this software when I am teaching.  If I am working in a life skills setting, this software will be fantastic.  The lesson plan can start off with point “A” and the student can build off of point “A” with a variety of choices and still build from there.  This software is also very beneficial to visual learners.

Inspiration Software, Inc. (2011). Retrieved April 19, 2011, from Inspriation Softward, Inc.: http://www.inspiration.com

Quizdom, Inc. (2011). Retrieved April 17, 2011, from Quizdom, Inc: http://www.quizdom.com/

Rubric, Rubrics, What is a Rubric? (2011). Retrieved April 17, 2011, from CivilPass: http://www.rubrician.com

 

Visualizing w/Technology

Digital storytelling is a way for students to work in a group on a project not just using technology but using their creativity first.  The process of digital storytelling starts with gathering idea and creating a story; working through the steps of telling the story.  Putting thoughts onto the storyboard then positioning them in an order to show the beginning, middle and the end.  Once the story is laid out the students can work on taking video for the story.  The students will work together directing, editing and preparing video to fit into their story.  Technology will assist the students when preparing their video into their story; they can put audio with music or narration.  Using digital storytelling in the classroom will work great as part of an English class but also incorporate any other subject matter as well as teaching students to work together and learn from one another.

The tools that were discussed in the textbook refer to using visual tools since mathematics is such an abstract field of study.  There are various sites mentioned in the textbook Wolfram is a great website not only for higher education but also from lower grades. 

I believe it is possible to learn from TV.  El Paso Community College has a cable channel and they will do math lessons TV; they take phone calls and email request with various math questions.  The instructors teach step by step how to perform the various math problems.  It is a great way to go over homework as well as just review for students.   My college professor use to teach on the TV classroom show and we asked her if her students in her high school class viewed her show.  She said they did and they also had a set schedule for reviews on the TV before testing.  It is a very unique way for students to get even more assistance.