Reflecting on our learning!

We continue to realize how important differentiation is with our students. We both have a mixture of students including the Quest students and see the value in how we pair students up. We really feel that self-direction is optimal when the grouping is appropriately done. This aides in helping guide all the kids from the low to the highest. It is so beneficial and neat to see when one of your low, struggling students gets it because of a peer and vice versa. People often underestimate the lower students, but just make a group of low students and you will see a leader take charge and others follow suit. 

Gina & Shannon

Student Centered Assessment Reflection

Student assessments are really difficult. You have to make sure you are actually assessing what they are working on and that it is aligned with the curriculum. It is important to know that the kids are on task and can see that they are mastering the project at hand. I feel that student assessments need to be evaluated on a regular basis. This will ensure that the students are getting the necessary information. It also helps to make sure that they are not cheating and really doing the work. I feel that I have learned a lot with the student assessments. I noticed that I need to be constantly revisiting my work and making sure it is aligned and worthwhile.

Model 4 Reflection

How can technology be used most effectively to support and assess student learning?

Using technology allows the students to guide their own learning. I(the teacher) become a facilitator of their learning instead spoon feeding the necessary information. This allows the students to feel that they are in control of all their learning and activities. It gives them a larger ownership stake than what they are normally used to. The assessment part would be easy to track by simply monitoring what work they have produced. At that time if you notice a group not on track then it will be easy to redirect them on the right path. During the unit our students will be creating blogs where they will write to the teacher about what they found that day during their research. They will also include what sites they visited and how they can use that information in their Power Point or brochure. I can read their blog and find out if some students are struggling with their research, if there is something they can't seem to find and I can help steer them toward that information.

Shannon's Reflection

I am learning so much from this class. I'm learning that I'm not as good with technology as I thought I was. There is so much to learn. My philosophy has always been with me making learning interesting and fun, then I believe that all students will want to learn. With using technology in the classroom, I think our students are going to be more eager to come to class and learn. 

The one thing that makes me a little nervous is setting up a class blog and having my kids use it. Sue had made a great point in her blog- that we as the teacher needs to set it up so that we have to approve everything before it gets posted. I would hate for someone to say something or post something inappropriate and I get into trouble.

Posted by Shannon at 10:41 AM

Impact of Learning

I really am enjoying this class. I feel that there are so many aspects and ideas that I was not even aware of. I think that this kind of lesson will greatly increase my students excitement about learning. Plus I feel it gets us back to where we as teachers need to be, facilitators. I feel that the students really need to take ownership in their learning and really teach each other with the help and guidance from the teacher. I think it is phenomenal what kind of learning takes place when you give the students the reigns. I am still struggling with certain aspects that I am not technology aware of. I don't know how to create podcasts or use garage band. I feel like I need to try an utilize those if I can. I am also having trouble finding the time. Not sure if it is that spring rush I always feel or just a lot on my plate. I am trying to keep up with the activities as well as I can. I just don't want to rush them and miss something crucial to learning.

Trip Brochure

Here is our trip brochure. I am sure we can perfect it later once we really get a handle on all of this. 

The Trouble with WIKI

So, I started a Wiki like our facilitators asked, but the problem is I am not sure how to use it, nor have the time to figure it out just yet. You wait and see Wiki I will figure you out one day soon. For now Shannon and I will be posting our assignments on this blog. Instead of our previous Wiki page called hodgesadventurestours.pbwiki.com. I did make a few posts there. For now this is our main source. Yea!!! We are on a role now. Look out Intel for what we have in store for you.