From the Beginning to Now, My Reflections of What I Have Learned

I remember, at the beginning of this course in technology, I was extremely intimidated, fearful, and very unsettled.  You see, I was not a technology native, in fact I was not a part of the technology generation, to speak of.  Of course I knew some basics of using a computer, mostly to complete forms, e-mails and use Facebook.  That was pretty much the extent of my abilities and knowledge of the technology world.  I knew that schools were pushing to include technology into the schools, and that  there were a great number of opinions floating out there about why we should or why we shouldn't bring it into our schools and classrooms.

So, I began my journey, into the class, Learning Through Technology!  Here are some of my reflections of Learning, addressing the goals and objectives that were set for us to accomplish, different digital information that was presented to increase our  knowledge provide additional information from different experts as to why technology is important in our lives as well as the lives of students  in the 21st classroom setting.

As I entered the class for the first time, I had this increasing feeling of disrepair, All this other students, many computers and a syllabus full of what we were to accomplish during the next ten weeks. So here we go, another step forward in my new identified journey of re-entering the teaching profession;  what an interesting and  scary process.



As I entered and found a seat, in a place where I thought was safe and discrete,  Kim began the class, reviewing the syllabus of what each class would contain, the skills that we  would develop and what are final culminating project would be,( which at that time felt like it was miles away.  So on we went to the first module;  The Main objective here was to be able to demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote student learning.  My thought here was yep I am a student and I surely need to know for myself, as well as individuals I will be teaching how will this work.  Then came the real task, create a g mail account and develop a blog at blogger.com. WAIT what, what is a blog and what do you do with it  HELP!  Well with continued assistance from my fellow student sitting next to me and continued instruction and explanation from Kim  I began my fist successful creation using technology, I developed my Blog site, called it Fantastic Journey and began to utilize blogging.  I am now a very confident blogger and understand that it can serve multiple purposes, enabling teachers either from the same school or different schools or educational sites to communicate and collaborate in regards to different teaching methods ,ideas, etc   If used in the classroom, it can be a very useful tool for students to present their ideas , thoughts, display their technology projects and it enables them to receive feedback which is very important in the learning process.

.As we continued with the learning process, At the beginning of each class, Kim in engaged us in conversation and discussion about what we learned and then review what was our learning objectives for this class. Kim applied this procedure with each class as we met, which was extremely beneficial, as we were able to reflect on on previous learning and connect it to the on going learning process.

Some of the following learning objectives I found to be very beneficial to me as I have not been in a classroom for over thirty years.  It provided me with a fuller understanding of who are students are today, what is being required from teachers, from school districts to the standards that were developed and are required to be used by teachers.  From this perspective I was able to view and understand better how technology in the classroom can assist teachers to develop lessons based on promoting student learning through technology using a wide variety of technologies to creatively engage the students, keep their focus on what they are learning  while increase their skills in technology.  Demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote student learning  Evaluate and use a variety of current technologies to enhance content instruction and to advance students' technological literacy  Reflect upon and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources  Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented within the curriculum (e.g., NH Curriculum Frameworks, ISTE (NETS-Teacher/NETS-Student) and NH-ICT Literacy Standards for K-12 Students (306.42))

• Technology Integration 
• What is the role of the teacher?
• What is the role of the student?
• Who are our students today?

This was a very important area of questions to answer and discusses;  As we continue to  venture into the 21st learning, roles of the teachers are changing, we no longer can rely on the "old" way of how we teach,  with on going issues and debate around educational standards, what we as teachers are suppose to teach in relation to the standards, what are the students need to learn and how to accomplish that.  We need to seriously look at what we want them to take away from what we teach, and that should be, enduring and sustainable knowledge that they will use in real life experiences.  We as educators need to re-think our roles and the development of curriculum in order to reach the needs of our students.  Technology should be a part of this process, as it is not going away, it will continue to expand and integrate in each and everyone's life in many different ways.  Students today are very much digital natives, they are so immersed into technology and are using it everyday.  We need to look at who they are as digital natives and incorporate their skills and knowledge of technology into the classroom.  We, as educators need to utilize their skills with in the classroom, when considering developing units of study and lesson plans and as we teach with in the classroom.  Progression and utilization of technology tools is what going to enable students to learn, progress and develop understanding.  Teachers today should consider and act upon increasing their professional development to come in-line with today's student needs for teaching in a manner that is effective, creative, interesting and incorporates all students.  We should be afraid of technology just because its new and different, we should embrace it and look at it as a means to help us teach and educate students. Here is a link to a video about 21st learners that I found to be very useful

  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz

 As I continued on my journey of developing my technology understanding, using different web tools and producing  actual products,  Kim  identified and encouraged ushttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwsbt9XTzAM to use some of the following tools;

http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html

http://www.wordle.net/create

http://www.youtube.com/GoogleDocsCommunity

https://sites.google.com/site/team8project9440/using-diigo-in-the-classroom-2http://edu.glogster.com

http://www.voki.com/http://www.edmodo.com/

http://animoto.com/ http://audioboo.fm/

http://www.screencast.com/t/lQKJZerMDBvg

http://www.wordle.net/

http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html

http://groups.diigo.com/group/edu-533

https://sites.google.com/site/team8project9440/using-diigo-in-the-classroom-2

http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/webquests.htm
http://questgarden.com/search/
http://animoto.com/play/IeKe6ZOXxeAy23wA9uKQiQ
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rcK3zr4kpKh3Im34tIYXZ9DlUW112BtS2WwC_zaKj_g/edit
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/buildingblocks/p-index.htm
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/tpss99/mywebquest/index.htm
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J0Ua0SbOgMgjmCqEy_JBzHLbdbRhTAVOKLEw47yoepo/edit

http://questgarden.com/104/01/6/101202134929/index.htm
http://www.zunal.com/
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/

In addition to the above web tools, that we explored, utilized, and created, there was an abundance of literacy information that was provided to me.  From these literacy resources I was able to further gain knowledge and insight as to peoples/teachers thoughts about integrating technology into the classroom.  It also produced more insight in to standards, NETS, etc. Here is what I consider a short list of some of the important literacy information that I acquired and believe is important to have;


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/designing-using-rubrics-andrew-miller
  http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=127467
http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/accommodations
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/webquests/
http://www.uni.edu/coe/ci/240-020/webquests/webquestparts.html
http://achieve.org/achieving-common-core
http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/accommodations
http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/04/11/the-flipped-classroom.aspx
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/03/26/flipped-learning-a-response-to-five-common-criticisms/
http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/coppafaqs.shtm
http://www.bie.org/
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
http://youtu.be/jT78kBx6mFw

As I continued to develop my tool box of information and web tools that were important to have, My confidence grew, as well as my ability to understand and use this technology.  I was able to  reflect and assess my knowledge and skills after each class.  It is important to note that this process was used within the class and after each class.  We were given the opportunity in the beginning of each class to discussion are views on the previous weeks task, often there was a exit questionnaire to complete or an assessment that contained three questions about the class and Kim as a teacher.  Also Kim provided not only the grade of our product that we produced, but gave very beneficial feedback  This was a very beneficial process to have and helped in leading us/me to the development of the culminating task, The Web-Quest.

In the previous weeks that have lead up to tomorrows final class and presentation, Kim supplied us with various tools and information in regards to what a web-quest is, tools that would assist us to design and create a web-quest. Templates to utilize as we began the process.  This allowed me to build a framework/ foundation to begin progress and finish my web-quest.  With the foundation, I was able to take my toolbox that I built over the duration of this class, with all its information and web tools, and begin to build my web-quest. It was not an easy process nor was it extremely difficult.  In reviewing the objectives designed for this class, standards, NETS, and common core standards, I began to develop the web-quest.  My question to myself was, What did I want my students to take away from this web-quest?  What enduring and sustainable knowledge did I want them to acquire?  And how would this knowledge impact them in in real life situations ?  I needed to look at what type of resources I would need to accomplish this, how would I grab their attention to become curious about the activities embedded in the web-quest.  I needed to look at the type of learners and their styles and the ability to make modifications to the web-quest as they progressed.  And lastly how would I evaluate/ assess and enable them to reflect on their knowledge through out the web-quest and not just by having them produce a final product.  So armed with these ideas, questions and my toolbox, I set out to build my web-quest.  I have been successful in having built this web-quest, but not with standing many revisions and modifications.  In the process of completing this task, I developed a better understanding of why web-quests are used.  First it is a universal tool that can be used by many teachers and educators through out world.  It encourages communication and collaboration among teachers and students.  It encompasses not only the use of technology, but the use of a variety of resources and a variety of skill development and enhancement.  It has the ability to engage all types of learners and their abilities  and maintain their interest and active participation. And finally it provides a process of feedback to you, as other educators access your web-quest and use it, they can provide you with additional information as to what work really well and what did not.

Tomorrow will be the final  class in this course, I will have learned a great deal about thinking and teaching outside the standard box.  I have come to embrace the idea and use of technology within education, and the reasons why.  We want our students to be able to  have the skills, abilities and enduring knowledge that will enable them to deal, respond and solve real life situations.  Technology is not going away, as a teacher we need to open our minds, develop and continue with our own professional development in order to give our students the experiences they need and want.  Tomorrow when the class comes to an end, I will have some sense of relief, only because this was a real challenge to me, but mostly I will a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have obtained some enduring knowledge and skills that I did not have before.  This class has provided me with a solid foundation for using technology and the ability and need to want more.

Learning with Technology, My Field Experience at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, 6th Grade Science Class

Learning in a sixth grade science class

Real world Technology use-  Where does it start?

Well recently I had the pleasure of observing and interviewing , Fran Leach and two of her sixth grade science classes at the Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, in Derry NH.

This task was part of a requirement that needed to be completed as part of my current class, Learning through technology.  Part of this process is to actual learn and see and understand why teachers may or may not integrate technology into their teaching practices and in developing lessons to teach students.   

I have to admit, this task was very enjoyable, it increased my knowledge and perception of why technology should be integrated in to what and how we are teaching are students, their response to the use of technology, their ability to interact with different technology, how it engaged them into participating in the class, and the knowledge they obtained.

My initial contact with Fran, was actual through technology of e-mail, where we established a structure of communication back and forth, Identify dates times and classes I could observe.  I also developed a list of questions to ask Fran.  I was able to share these questions with Fran prior to our meeting to observe and discuss with her these "Identified Questions".  I thought that these questions would enable me to understand Fran's process into teaching , how she has developed this tool of technology into her 21st classroom.

The following are the initial questions I had sent and proposed to Fran;

1. As an educator in the 21st century, Where did you begin and where do you think the direction of education is going?

2.  What has been one of the biggest hurdles for you in education process and how have you been able to get over that hurdle ?

3.  What is your educational opinion of integrating technology into the classroom and into the curriculum ?  Your personal thoughts ?

4. In using technology in the classroom, what has made it successful ?  What has made it difficult ?

5.  How are you able to assess the students acquisition of knowledge that is truly essential  and enduring, and still be able to met the standards ?

6.  How, and do you identify, students different ways of learning and capabilities ?, and how does that play out in your development of lesson plans with the inclusion of technology ?

My intention in using this questions was to provide me a frame work and a spring broad into this observation and interview,  what I learned from this  is having Fran explain and discuss with me, her knowledge, skill acquisition, her experiences and abilities as a teacher using technology and the actual observation of her teaching her class was far more informative than using structured questions to obtain information and experience in understanding the real world experience.

In conversing with Fran, prior to the beginning of her next class, I learned a lot about her as a teacher , her acquisition of being able to learn technology, how she makes her classroom technology friendly and accessible to all students, and additional information that made this experience very worth whiled. The following is the abundance of  of wealth and her experience and ability to see her in action.

In being are discussion, Fran identified herself as having been a sixth grade science teacher for the past eight years here at her current school.  She actual became a teacher at the age of 52.  Prior to her becoming a teacher she had been a teacher assistant in a different school district for many years.  Fran then had an opportunity to obtain licencing for level 1-2.  Fran attended a community college in which she took 6-8 courses, and this was where the beginning of technology  began for her.  She received a lot of support, went through the teacher conversion program and was hired as an alt.4.  Fran described that many of the challenges were actually getting forms of technology into the classroom, and what they did have many of of the school teams via for access to it so it then limits time and opportunity.  Fran has addressed that challenge by writing multiple grants  and receiving funding from these grants.  Fran also uses a site called "Donor's Choose" which allows individuals to place a request for a needed item(she only request one item at a time) and donor's will contribute to the cost and purchase of that requested item.  So far to this date she has been able to obtain six net books for student use.  Fran also started out with only one technology station in her class, and learned that you have to develop other stations for student use that are not technology based or otherwise they the students would not be engaged in learning for a period of time.  Fran now has had the ability to develop four technology based stations in her classroom and is able to usually divide the classroom into four groups of 4-5 students.  One of the draw backs is that it becomes a group an activity versus students be able to individualize some of the activities.  Fran described that one of her difficulties was the school obtained a new server this year and it has made it difficult to make some of the programs she uses compatible.  Fran use a variety of technology in her classroom both for instructional purposes and project based learning.  Some of the items she uses is the Smart board, where they are able to play scientific games as a class, she uses sites such as Jason.org, Bob Ballard- titanic , hurricane sites which promotes discussions and debates.  Fran finds these classes very rich and rewarding.

Fran feels that the direction of technology is going forward, schools are looking towards a paperless environment where each student will have access to a net book.  But as it stands right now the infra- structure does not support it.  Each year  the school would have to add new stuff and the current stuff becomes outdated.

Fran's view  of our current student population is that they are truly digital natives.  95% of students have a cell phone.  Students in her perspective respond very well to technology and usually know more about technology than the teachers.She encourages student support if she is having difficulty or needs help..  Fran believes that with the use of technology that her students are able to ignite a passion for learning, are able to appreciate their world, become curious, increase their observation abilities, and they remember stuff more easily.

Fran did express that she is not a fan of the standardized testing , does not believe its fair to compare to last years group and you can't make students testers.    Fran does like the direction that she sees education going,  She expressed that one of the  components that she really likes is the collaboration with other peers in regards to what they are teaching and how they are teaching it, it allows them to be on the same page.  They also develop a rubrics course, it allows them to teach/design the lesson backwards procedure  tests are designed to reflect that , it assisted Fran in  changing the way she grades and enables her to grade on content.  Fran also trys to work with the different learning styles,  She enables students to have choices in projects and has one general rubrics that assesses each students project.  Fran also incorporates her Daily Science assessment question for students to write in their journals,,  this allow students to assess what they know and then they are given the opportunity to use previous notes to help find the answer.  This also gives students immediate direction and purpose when they enter the classroom.  Also Fran explained that many of the DSA's  are included in the culminating test, so their is no hidden curriculum.  Fran also utilizes a pre-test with students, that she does not grade, but gives back to the students for them to correct the information that is not present, or is incorrect.

As Fran instructed her class, she was able to give clear defined directions,  Goals were posted in the classroom visible to all students .  In the two classes I observed Fran worked with multiple devices through out the lesson,  using the over head to display a chart, the ability to visual complete a table with students, so they had the correct information.  She clearly engaged the students to think critically by probing for answers and asking questions and encouraged whole class participation  Fran also made reference to other previous materials that they had used to acquire knowledge such as, the Venn diagram.  Fran supports many forms of resources so that the students have the information they need to succeed.  As the class(e) proceeded fran utilized the computer with screen video display to have students watch an animation on oxygen.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CGkQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.privatehand.com%2Fflash%2Foxygen.html&ei=wEK6UM6_G-SH0QHk8YDwCw&usg=AFQjCNFHSXiJIG1ZbtMa0ZTay13L2ROnvQ&sig2=2n5mLB39AXHy5v5NHB5dlg

Please watch and you will find why the students enjoyed this animation.  Fran always show the animation twice, once for the students to just watch, and then she asks them what they learned from it, the second time is most students just want to see it again.  Fran also puts the link into their homework page.  Fran then transitioned the class to their project that they are going to complete, by showing a demo-reel of a finished product she made herself.  She then identified the web tool they were going to use as " SAM Animation" also known as stop action animation.  Verbalized the basic requirements of what it was to included , the length of the presentation, the time frame in which they will need to complete this project in and that they will be working in groups.  The students will receive 2 grades/evaluations on the project, one for the contents of science information and one for production.






I know I have provided an enormous amount of information and insight in this blog and have much more to share from the perspective of Fran and her experiences and other tools she uses through out her classroom, that I would love to share.  So if you would like  to see more, or hear more about my experience, please contact me through this blog.

Again I would like to thank Fran and her two sixth grade science classes for allowing me to utilize their time, skills and information.