Modern technology is developing at an alarming rate. As it progresses, it is providing a plethora of opportunities for educational growth. Educators must take advantage of these opportunities in order to best prepare their students for success. By evaluating how others are using technology to meet state standards, we can gain ideas on how to implement technology into our own classrooms.
In the online video, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Projects Encourage Students to Excel (Edutopia, 2012), Mott Hall School shows evidence of meeting Standard 2.1: Creating a physical environment that engages all students (2008, p. 39). The school achieves this standard as they engage their students in project based learning through the use of individual laptops. In this video students use their laptops to design and calculate the dimensions of a kite. As they create their hands on projects they become active participants in their own education. Mott Hall’s Principal stated that this has allowed students, “To become directors and managers of their own learning” (Edutopia, 2012). Given this evidence, I believe that the this is an extremely effective teaching method in engaging students. If given the opportunity to have individual computers in my classroom I would apply this same approach. In the mean time it is important to remember that my students will benefit most when they can take ownership of their own learning.
Differentiating Instruction Through Interactive Games (Edutopia, 2012) is an online video which meets the state standards Standard 3.4: Involving and guiding all students in assessing their own learning and Standard 5.2: Using the results of assessments to guide instruction (2008, p. 39). In this video, 2nd grade teacher Mr. Pronovost uses technology to actively engage his students in developing their math skills. Each student is given a laptop with educational games to help them practice what they have learned during their instructional time. Mr. Pronovost stated, “Not only are they getting immediate feedback and they are able to move at their own pace, but then I am able to support the students who really need my support” (Edutopia, 2012). He also says that while his students see technology as an opportunity to play games and advance to the next level, what they are really doing is mastering facts before progressing to the next skill. They are continually assessing their abilities to guide their own learning. I believe the technology he has integrated in his classroom provides an efficient way to assess students. While I do not have individual computers in my classroom, my school does have a computer lab that I could use to assess my students’ growth.
In the article, Maximizing the Impact: “The pivotal role of technology in a 21st century education system”, schools use eMINTS (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) to meet Standard 3.4: Developing student understanding through instructional strategies (2008, p. 39). According to page eleven in this article, students use technology to, “Communicate with experts outside their classrooms as they gather perspectives to create solutions to real-world problems…” Students in this program use personal computers, interactive white boards, and cameras to learn from others who would normally be inaccessible. I believe that is an invaluable teaching strategy because it builds students' exposure to the world around them. While I am unaware of who my students might communicate with during a live streaming, I could allow them to view pod casts from future field trip sites.
These are some ways technology is being used in classrooms today to meet the state standards and demands of the 21st century. If given the opportunity I would love the chance to take advantage of these opportunities in order to help prepare my students for their future.
Differentiating Instruction Through Interactive Games (Tech2Learn Series). (2102). Edutopia. Retrieved on December 2, 2012: http://youtu.be/XZ0BGXMf83U
Maximizing the Impact: “The pivotal role of technology in a 21st century education system” Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Retrieved on December 2, 2012: http://www.setda.org/web/guest/maximizingimpactreport
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Projects Encourage Students to Excel. (2012). Edutopia. Retrieved on December 2, 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRrLPCQTZwc&feature=player_embedded
Your idea to view pod casts of future field trip sights triggered thoughts and ideas for me. At our school, one of our annual field trips is always the same. Our grade level goes to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. I always have more than enough chaperones to help supervise. I get to focus on the aquarium more than minor students needs. This year I can make a video of highlights to review with my students after the trip and/or to preview with my students next year before the trip.
ReplyDeleteIn another example of real world experiences, I would like to copy an idea I saw on YouTube. For a unit on recycling, a teacher made a video of his personal household tasks of recycling from saving his water bottles, to sorting into his recycle bins, to his trip to the recycling center. I was inspired how it integrated science and environmental responsibility, as he modeled the actions of a conscientious member of society.
The next step is to brainstorm how my students could create their own video. If your students had the tools to direct their own pod or video, what subjects or integration themes would you lead them to focus on?
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteOur class also goes to the Long Beach Aquarium every year! I love your idea of videotaping the event so that you can discuss it with your students later. I’ll have to give this a try.
Your idea about teaching recycling was great. There are so many valuable online resources that can help bring things to life inside our classrooms. For example, I just finished teaching a chapter on maps/communities. I used Google Maps to help my student view the continents, oceans, and even their own houses! It’s amazing the opportunities technology provides.
One way I could use a video in my classroom is to tape my students acting out the different Bible stories we learn each week (they might need my help to create a video since they are only six). Since I already have my students act them out while I teach, getting this on tape would really engage them! This is something you could do if you teach history or any other subject where your students could role play. I’m sure they would love to see themselves on video!
Thanks for your question and for your post. My wheels are turning for future ideas!