I've actually never heard about Second Life until I read the article and watched the short video. What a neat concept. The first thing I actually thought of when I was watching the short film was Minecraft. Minecraft is an online game where you build and have challenges to gain tools and materials to build your own city. I don't know much about this either, but last semester one of my seniors made a scale model of the Globe Theatre using Minecraft. It was fantastic! He did all of the research to find out exactly what the outside and the inside of the theatre looked like. When he was finished, he brought his computer into school and took the class on a tour using his character. We were able to "go inside" and sit in the audience. We were also able to go on stage and figure out what was in the back tower. This student did all the research so his Globe Theatre would be as accurate as possible. What a fantastic way to learn! He was extremely proud of his product. The class enjoyed it as well because we were able to go on a "tour" of the Globe Theatre.
Second Life has some similar components as far as being able to take virtual tours. Having virtual options for children, especially homebound children, makes learning more relevant. I wish I could fly all of my students to England to see the real cities and places where Shakespeare lived and worked. However, we can't, so we have to do the next best thing. Personally, I think that virtual learning, in this sense, is going to become more prevalent over time. I think in the near future, we will put away the textbooks and rely solely on Second Life type of learning.
According to the article, "7 Things You Should Know about Second Life", this type of software allows for virtual field trips and allows students to interact in a 3D world where they feel comfortable. This allows students to explore learning and engage in informal self-directed practice. Overall, software like Second Life can and will create meaningful educational experiences.
"7 Things You Should Know about Second Life." Educase Learning Initiative (2008): n. pag. Web. 11 June 2013.
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
QR Codes (Week 8)
QR Codes are a Web Tool that I've been playing with this past school year. I came across this blog Free Technology For Teachers, and this particular post talked about different ways to use QR Codes.
The one tool I think I will try next year is QR Voice. QR Voice "is a free tool that allows you to create QR codes that when scanned will play a short audio message"(Byrne). I think it would be neat to put this on projects as a "secret message" or maybe "secret extra credit". This could also be used as a opening activity and scavenger hunt! This tool also has the option of changing the language. Teachers of foreign languages could create listening activities with this tool. There are various ways to use QR codes. I'm looking forward to exploring new ways.
Byrne, Richard. "What QR Codes Can Do for You." Web log post. Free Technology for Teachers. N.p., 6 June 2013. Web. 10 June 2013. <http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/06/what-qr-codes-can-do-for-you.html#.UbZd4uC1l8s>.
The one tool I think I will try next year is QR Voice. QR Voice "is a free tool that allows you to create QR codes that when scanned will play a short audio message"(Byrne). I think it would be neat to put this on projects as a "secret message" or maybe "secret extra credit". This could also be used as a opening activity and scavenger hunt! This tool also has the option of changing the language. Teachers of foreign languages could create listening activities with this tool. There are various ways to use QR codes. I'm looking forward to exploring new ways.
Byrne, Richard. "What QR Codes Can Do for You." Web log post. Free Technology for Teachers. N.p., 6 June 2013. Web. 10 June 2013. <http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/06/what-qr-codes-can-do-for-you.html#.UbZd4uC1l8s>.
End of Year Reflection ( Week 7)
Today was the last day of school for the 2012-2013 school year. I can't believe that I've just finished my fifth year teaching at Jack Britt High School. Today feels different than the last 4 "last days of school". Not different in a bad way, but more reflective. As I'm sitting here typing, I can picture certain days and moments out of the past five years of teaching (good and bad). In the past five years I've taught 9th, 11th, and 12th grade English. I've assistant coached and now head coach the Speech and Debate team (which is going to Nationals next week!!!). I've become involved with my school improvement team and am constantly striving to be a better teacher.
Many people, articles, and statistics say that 5th year teachers are most likely to feel burnt out. Do I feel tired? Sure, but I'm becoming such an experienced teacher that it doesn't matter to me. For those teachers out their that love their job, but are feeling tired and "burnt out", what can you do to make it better? How can you make what you love, easier on you once again? At the end of the school year I like to reflect on what I've done and what I can do next year. This helps with the warn out feeling. The article, 25 Ways To Make Students Better Learners, is something that caught my eye. This year my county implemented Common Core. This was an arduous task, but overall transitioned well into what we were already doing. Many of the things mentioned in this article go with Common Core and with making critical thinkers. For example, "Use evidence and reasoning to support thinking" and "Synthesize diverse ideas" are strategies taught to my students. Students always need to back up their answers with evidence. This makes them think more critically. Some strategies on here that I will emphasize more next year are "Question the credibility, accuracy, and relevancy of information and sources" and "Seek new and better solution." These strategies will get my students thinking on a higher level.
Being a teacher with five years of experience is a neat feeling. I finally have a handle on my teaching styles and what works for me. I'm constantly reflecting and making things better for my students. Whenever I get that "burnt out" feeling, I just take a step back and think about why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place.
Dunn, Jeff. "25 Ways To Make Students Better Learners." Edudemic. N.p., 6 June 2013. Web. 10 June 2013.
Many people, articles, and statistics say that 5th year teachers are most likely to feel burnt out. Do I feel tired? Sure, but I'm becoming such an experienced teacher that it doesn't matter to me. For those teachers out their that love their job, but are feeling tired and "burnt out", what can you do to make it better? How can you make what you love, easier on you once again? At the end of the school year I like to reflect on what I've done and what I can do next year. This helps with the warn out feeling. The article, 25 Ways To Make Students Better Learners, is something that caught my eye. This year my county implemented Common Core. This was an arduous task, but overall transitioned well into what we were already doing. Many of the things mentioned in this article go with Common Core and with making critical thinkers. For example, "Use evidence and reasoning to support thinking" and "Synthesize diverse ideas" are strategies taught to my students. Students always need to back up their answers with evidence. This makes them think more critically. Some strategies on here that I will emphasize more next year are "Question the credibility, accuracy, and relevancy of information and sources" and "Seek new and better solution." These strategies will get my students thinking on a higher level.
Being a teacher with five years of experience is a neat feeling. I finally have a handle on my teaching styles and what works for me. I'm constantly reflecting and making things better for my students. Whenever I get that "burnt out" feeling, I just take a step back and think about why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place.
Dunn, Jeff. "25 Ways To Make Students Better Learners." Edudemic. N.p., 6 June 2013. Web. 10 June 2013.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Google Apps (Week 7)
About midway through the school year last year, we switched over to Google. Now, all of the computers have Google Chrome and a variety of Google Apps. Before taking the courses in this program, I only ever used Gmail, Blogger, and the Calendar. Google Apps have really enhanced the way I teach.
The Good:
Sharing content is as simple as giving someone access to your work. Being able to sign into one place anywhere in the world to access documents and files without worrying about compatibility is priceless (Educase). Say, for example, students have a group paper to work on. These apps would allow them to work on any computer anywhere that has internet access. Also, I've given surveys and quizzes now using Google Forms. The greatest aspect of Google Apps in my opinion is the fact that I don't have as much paperwork to keep up with.
The Bad:
No matter how great something may seem, there can be a few drawbacks. According to the article "7 things you should know about Google Apps", "the greatest concern about Google Apps and similar services is loss of control." Yes, one must log in to access files and other apps. When someone shares their work, they are relying on the fact that the person they sent their files to keeps their login safe. This is not always the case. Files and/or ideas may be stolen and published under a different name. This is a major drawback in the world of academia.
Overall Google Apps are a great tool for educators and students alike.
"7 Things You Should Know about Google Apps." Educase Learning Initiative (2008): n. pag. Web.
The Good:
Sharing content is as simple as giving someone access to your work. Being able to sign into one place anywhere in the world to access documents and files without worrying about compatibility is priceless (Educase). Say, for example, students have a group paper to work on. These apps would allow them to work on any computer anywhere that has internet access. Also, I've given surveys and quizzes now using Google Forms. The greatest aspect of Google Apps in my opinion is the fact that I don't have as much paperwork to keep up with.
The Bad:
No matter how great something may seem, there can be a few drawbacks. According to the article "7 things you should know about Google Apps", "the greatest concern about Google Apps and similar services is loss of control." Yes, one must log in to access files and other apps. When someone shares their work, they are relying on the fact that the person they sent their files to keeps their login safe. This is not always the case. Files and/or ideas may be stolen and published under a different name. This is a major drawback in the world of academia.
Overall Google Apps are a great tool for educators and students alike.
"7 Things You Should Know about Google Apps." Educase Learning Initiative (2008): n. pag. Web.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Social bookmarking and Pinterest
Reading the article, "7 things you should know about Social Bookmarking", I would have to agree with the fact that social bookmarking "gives users the opportunity to express differing perspectives on information and resources through informal organizational structures." I've used Delicious before taking this course. Overall, I like Delicious. It is a good place to collect and share links and websites for future reference. A social bookmarking site that I find even more user friendly is Pinterest. Pinterest uses pictures and is linked to other social networking sites. The appeal of Pinterest "encourages users to keep coming back because the folksonomy and the collection of resources are constantly changing." This isn't just a shameless plug for Pinterest, but I have used this site for lesson planning on many occasions. I have also used it for cooking, DIY, and hair styles! As an educational resource, Pinterest and social bookmarking, simplifies the way we store and share information. As a teacher, I could create a "board" and "pin" certain materials to assist my students. Overall, this is a valuable resource.
"7 Things You Should Know about Social Bookmarking." Educase Learning Initiative (2005): n. pag. Web.
"7 Things You Should Know about Social Bookmarking." Educase Learning Initiative (2005): n. pag. Web.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Digital Writing
As an English teacher I am constantly looking for new ways to make reading and writing more enjoyable for my students. I was looking for some blogs about writing and I came across this one, Digital Writing, Digital Teaching. Coincidentally, this blog is written by someone at Central Michigan University! I looked at a few posts and the one that stuck out to me the most was a review on a new book that was just published. This book focuses on writing digitally and incorporating it into all classes. Composing digitally defines the new generation of learners. Babies are born with iPhones in their hands now. As teachers, we need to hone in on this skill and make it important to the students. I'm curious about checking out this book. According to the blog, the author of the book "explores the questions of how to teach digital writing by examining author’s craft, demonstrating how intentional thinking about author’s craft in digital texts engages students in writing that is grounded in their digital lives." Knowing and understanding the author's craft is important to reading comprehension and writing. I think this book will be a great resource to use in my classroom as I prepare my lessons for the coming school year.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
School days around the world
Imagine if you will:
1. Two breaks a day to collaborate with teachers.
2. Fifty minute lunches.
3. School delayed one day a week to accommodate a weekly faculty meeting.
This is not a fantasy. This is real life in New Zealand! What are these two breaks exactly? This is a customary "teatime". Students get "teatime" as well. The writer of this article went around during this time to talk to teachers and students and he found that the "adults felt like they had time to share concerns with peers, grow philosophically, innovate." The students also felt that they could decompress from class time, take a break, and get ready to learn again. The writer himself witnessed this in the classroom shortly after teatime. The best thing about this schedule is that " teachers and students in New Zealand have roughly ten hours of collaborative professional development time built into the schedule." Any time for professional development built into the schedule in the United States would be a luxury.
Another philosophy that I thought was interesting was their idea of homework. The writer interviewed a Head of School (or a principal) about homework and they said, "Our job is to inspire them to want to learn, not to work them to death. When you're that busy and that stressed, it's a recipe to hate education, to hate learning, to hate school." I feel that in the U.S., as a whole, we don't feel this way.
Would it be hard to implement this kind of school day? Would it work? It is interesting, and I would definitely be willing to try it.
Provost, Adam. ""School Time" in New Zealand." Weblog post. Edutopia. N.p., 6 May 2013. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-time-in-new-zealand-adam-provost>.
1. Two breaks a day to collaborate with teachers.
2. Fifty minute lunches.
3. School delayed one day a week to accommodate a weekly faculty meeting.
This is not a fantasy. This is real life in New Zealand! What are these two breaks exactly? This is a customary "teatime". Students get "teatime" as well. The writer of this article went around during this time to talk to teachers and students and he found that the "adults felt like they had time to share concerns with peers, grow philosophically, innovate." The students also felt that they could decompress from class time, take a break, and get ready to learn again. The writer himself witnessed this in the classroom shortly after teatime. The best thing about this schedule is that " teachers and students in New Zealand have roughly ten hours of collaborative professional development time built into the schedule." Any time for professional development built into the schedule in the United States would be a luxury.
Another philosophy that I thought was interesting was their idea of homework. The writer interviewed a Head of School (or a principal) about homework and they said, "Our job is to inspire them to want to learn, not to work them to death. When you're that busy and that stressed, it's a recipe to hate education, to hate learning, to hate school." I feel that in the U.S., as a whole, we don't feel this way.
Would it be hard to implement this kind of school day? Would it work? It is interesting, and I would definitely be willing to try it.
Provost, Adam. ""School Time" in New Zealand." Weblog post. Edutopia. N.p., 6 May 2013. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-time-in-new-zealand-adam-provost>.
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