There is no doubt that technology is changing our lives at a rapid pace. It is changing the way we work, think, communicate and learn. In the classroom, the skills that we teach and learn are not changing. What changes is they way we apply our learning and present our knowledge. In Humanities this year we will apply our classroom learning by creating projects, solving problems, and exploring new technologies and ideas. We will use imovies to present the importance and responsibilities of a Digital Citizen. We will use Explain Everything to present the reasoning behind many mathematical concepts, and we will use Puppet Pals for historical illustrations. We will chart our own course, full speed ahead!
Essential Questions
How can I measure learning and student success in a blended learning environment?
What an important question! The ability to measure learning is paramount in determining teacher effectiveness. All teachers must be able to measure learning to validate structures, strategies, and assessments in the classrooms. I have pondered the question for a while. I am also open to and welcome suggestions.
One way to measure student success in my particular classroom will require collaborative environment with the classroom teacher. One plan could be for the teacher to administer a test after teaching content. Then, when the student begins a 3 week session in my class they will choose, design, and create a project to supplement their general classroom content. After project or problem completion the student will again take the same test. The progress will be measured. For example, Mrs. Smith has taught and assessed Jordan on the branches of government. Then Jordan begins his 3 week session with me where he does research for a project of an interactive map illustrating the branches. He then retests using the same assessment. On the surface it would seem as though the project contributed to possible growth.
Standards and the 21st Century
There are many standards we will master this year! We will begin Humanities session with the following standards.
Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
List classroom rules of safe technology use.
List potential dangers in digital environments and how to report potentially unsafe situations.
Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration and learning.
This year we will will be incorporating many Web 2.0 tools and then moving into exploring the Augmented Reality realm. I am very excited to take this step with my students.
Skills and Strategies Currently In This Year's Line-Up
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Peer Review Strategies on Many Platforms and Interfaces
Blogging in Edmodo Students will be able to communicate with their peers through the blogging feature. They will also be able to communicate with the teacher and turn in assignments and projects.
Social Bookmarking in Diigo Students will be able to save sites for later review as well as annotate and share them.
Organization and Portfolio in Live Binder Students will be able to organize their projects using tabs and access them online from anywhere.
Screen Casting Students will be able to teach skills and share the videos with their peers and families.
Creating and Publishing audio, text, and video content (imovie, Explain Everything)
QR Codes Students will be able to create and use QR codes to elevate their traditional projects.