Som Creating positive digital citizens has been a top priority for me in my classroom. The novelty of having computers in every classroom has worn off for our students and it is time to get serious about teaching them how appropriately to use these powerful tools appropriately in the classroom. Students know how to physically operate a chromebook, know how to use keyboard shortcuts and edit docs and slides with ease. However my students struggle with evaluating media, appropriately using things they find online and using materials they have found online to back up a claim they are trying to prove. Outside of class, my middle school students are struggling with keeping a positive digital image/footprint and realizing that what they post online can be seen by others and can sometimes be permanent.
My action research from last semester involved helping students to learn how to evaluate websites online, but I found that many students already "knew" how to do this, however chose not to because they did not want to spend the time. Some specific things I want to try this year with me students:
4 Comments
Educational technology can most definitely support personalized learning. There are many tools such as edpuzzle and quizlet that allow students to demonstrate level 1 and 2 knowledge with quick or even instant feedback. If a student has mastered the concept they will receive positive feedback and know that they can move on. If a student needs more time, they can be directed to videos or lessons to review the information and then attempt the quiz/assessment a second or third time.
Education technology also allows students CHOICE. There are so many different ways that students can demonstrate their mastery or knowledge of a concept. Students can verbally explain something in a flipgrid video, create a collaborative interactive presentation, create a kahoot activity for their class and so much more. I have seen students take so much more ownership of their final product when they get to choose how to show me what they have learned. I have also witnessed much more motivation when they know that their classmates will also be viewing their final product. I have often utilized padlet for students to display their final products from a unit. There is so much more effort put into the projects when their classmates will also be the audience for their project and not just the teacher viewing their work. This was a great quick read and a breath of fresh air after a challenging year for me of piloting several different science curriculums. All of these curriculums seem to do very little in the area of personalization and innovative intentional use of technology. This year has felt like a giant step backwards and I am excited to make some positive changes in my classroom again this year after a rough first half of the year. I am ready to see some creativity, fun and meaningful learning in my classroom again! Link to Article |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2018
Categories |
Photo used under Creative Commons from Theo Crazzolara