I think blogs would be very helpful for communication in and out of the classroom. Students may respond to each others blogs and teachers and students may discuss issues. Not only in the classroom, parents and teachers, and students may respond back and forth and alleviate the need for paper altogether.
Teachers have a major role in blogging. There must be rules that students abide by. Foul language and criticism should not be allowed. The only criticism should be constructive.
Parents need to be aware of events in the classroom and one way to let them know is by blogging. There could be a weekly blog setup where teachers, students, and parents comment. A newsletter may be discussed with the events up and coming. Also, students reflection on their work may be added and parents and teachers may comment. This will allow open communication in all areas.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Excellent features of the blogs
I like how we can set up surverys and have people participate. I also like how we can manage who can see our blogs. Putting our links and images on the blogs have been very interesting to me. The immediate comments you put on someone's blog is amazing. I always look to see who all have commented on my blog.
What I have learned from my blogging experience
In blogging, I have found that I am interested in writing my own blogs about what I have learned but I do not care to reply to others blogs. I think it may be the time element. I like the organization that the blog requires. It keeps your reflections in order as well as your work. I am surprised at how easy it was to start a blog. I had always heard about peoples' blogs but never knew how they did it.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
PBL article
Harada, V.H., Kirio, C., & Yamamoto, S. (2008). Project-based learning: rigor and
relevance in high schools. Library Media Connection, 14-20.
The authors of the article discuss the poor graduation rates and increasing dropout rates of high school students. The reason the authors give for this is that the curriculum does not address real life situations that students want and need. They also mention that many of the students who are of greatest concern are the disadvantaged minorities. High schools are now focusing on the academic needs and have begun creating learning environments that would meet the needs by using the project-based learning approach. Students are now seeing relevance in their learning. Students are now exploring their own interests within the bounds of curriculum.
The authors list the major features of PBL. The first is the exploration by the students, second is the students’ selection of topics that are interesting to them and gaining the responsibility of their own learning, third is that the instructors are facilitating and coaching rather than teaching, fourth, students are using technology, fifth, students are collaborating, and sixth, students are now reflecting on their work.
The authors give benefits of the PBL. They state that it helps students learn content and the process, it stresses real-life situations, it focuses on theme and issues interesting to the student, and meets the needs of all learners.
relevance in high schools. Library Media Connection, 14-20.
The authors of the article discuss the poor graduation rates and increasing dropout rates of high school students. The reason the authors give for this is that the curriculum does not address real life situations that students want and need. They also mention that many of the students who are of greatest concern are the disadvantaged minorities. High schools are now focusing on the academic needs and have begun creating learning environments that would meet the needs by using the project-based learning approach. Students are now seeing relevance in their learning. Students are now exploring their own interests within the bounds of curriculum.
The authors list the major features of PBL. The first is the exploration by the students, second is the students’ selection of topics that are interesting to them and gaining the responsibility of their own learning, third is that the instructors are facilitating and coaching rather than teaching, fourth, students are using technology, fifth, students are collaborating, and sixth, students are now reflecting on their work.
The authors give benefits of the PBL. They state that it helps students learn content and the process, it stresses real-life situations, it focuses on theme and issues interesting to the student, and meets the needs of all learners.
PBL reflection
Money Matters
Reflection by Betty Teresa Ray
In creating this lesson plan for the eighth grade students, I have learned the need of direction in money matters for these students. Having someone visit the classroom and speak to them about finances would be very helpful in guiding them to make wise choices in life. Many of the students would not be able to see the value in saving and investing if someone did not give a lesson to inform them.
As I created the instructions of what I wanted the students to do in order for them to learn about real life, I was amazed at all they needed to do to perform the basic duties. Also, in presenting this type of lesson there would be an incorporation math, technology, and life skills. The students will hopefully see the value of an education when they are selecting a job for this project. I wanted the students to look at the various jobs in which they are interested and see what it pays them and how much education is needed.
Reflection by Betty Teresa Ray
In creating this lesson plan for the eighth grade students, I have learned the need of direction in money matters for these students. Having someone visit the classroom and speak to them about finances would be very helpful in guiding them to make wise choices in life. Many of the students would not be able to see the value in saving and investing if someone did not give a lesson to inform them.
As I created the instructions of what I wanted the students to do in order for them to learn about real life, I was amazed at all they needed to do to perform the basic duties. Also, in presenting this type of lesson there would be an incorporation math, technology, and life skills. The students will hopefully see the value of an education when they are selecting a job for this project. I wanted the students to look at the various jobs in which they are interested and see what it pays them and how much education is needed.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Supporting Student Learning
Boss, S. & Krauss, J. (2007). Reinventing project-based learning. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
While reading chapter eight, I realize the benefits of learning outside the classroom with consultation with experts, people in other countries, and community involvement. While classroom learning is very important, learning goes beyond the classroom walls to real life. To take advantage of these opportunites means more meaningful learning. In chapter nine, I read about effective assessments. Teaching for many years, I have seen students different learning styles. Projects reveal the true learning of students by requiring application of knowledge.
While reading chapter eight, I realize the benefits of learning outside the classroom with consultation with experts, people in other countries, and community involvement. While classroom learning is very important, learning goes beyond the classroom walls to real life. To take advantage of these opportunites means more meaningful learning. In chapter nine, I read about effective assessments. Teaching for many years, I have seen students different learning styles. Projects reveal the true learning of students by requiring application of knowledge.
Supporting Student Learning
Egbert, J. (2007). Supporting learning with technology: essentials of classroom practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.
Chapter eight of Egbert(2007) talks about the benefits of eLearning (p.213) and the disadvantages (p.214). Since we are learning online, I thought this particularly interesting. I agree with the advantages such as flexibility, responsibility,and convenience. Interaction is so different when learning online because of the lack of face-to-face meetings, but you really get to know classmates from afar. As far as the disadvantages, I am not sure that I agree with all of them because I have found that professors are attentive to the emails, discussions, and problems of the students. Teamwork has been excellent for me. I can see potential issues when there is a student who does not participate, but usually someone else steps up and helps. Graduate school is probably different in that the students are older and are wanting to be in school. Technical difficulties could arise that may not be handled in time to get assignments completed and sent in, and that can be a major set back. Overall, eLearning can be an excellent choice for students.
On pages 216-217, guidelines are listed that help with the design of the eLearning opportunities. Building community which is very important to being able to work with others in the class and assignments. The hidden curriculum should be carefully considered when instructors are developing the lessons. Organization is a must for the online learner. Instructors and students must be aware of each aspect of the program. Instructions must be clear.
Chapter eight of Egbert(2007) talks about the benefits of eLearning (p.213) and the disadvantages (p.214). Since we are learning online, I thought this particularly interesting. I agree with the advantages such as flexibility, responsibility,and convenience. Interaction is so different when learning online because of the lack of face-to-face meetings, but you really get to know classmates from afar. As far as the disadvantages, I am not sure that I agree with all of them because I have found that professors are attentive to the emails, discussions, and problems of the students. Teamwork has been excellent for me. I can see potential issues when there is a student who does not participate, but usually someone else steps up and helps. Graduate school is probably different in that the students are older and are wanting to be in school. Technical difficulties could arise that may not be handled in time to get assignments completed and sent in, and that can be a major set back. Overall, eLearning can be an excellent choice for students.
On pages 216-217, guidelines are listed that help with the design of the eLearning opportunities. Building community which is very important to being able to work with others in the class and assignments. The hidden curriculum should be carefully considered when instructors are developing the lessons. Organization is a must for the online learner. Instructors and students must be aware of each aspect of the program. Instructions must be clear.
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