As I look back on the past few weeks, I discover that this class has offered a wealth of knowledge. Throughout the class, new web 2.0 technologies were introduced and ways to implement them into the class were offered. I found that I prefer to use a deductive approach to using some of this technology. However, it depends on the application that is used. Blogs for example work very well with problem solving and simulation exercises. The interaction amongst peers that the blog offers allows students to bounce ideas and possible solutions of of each other. Overall, the constructivist approach, while it may seem like organized chaos, seems to fit well with the idea of implementing web 2.0 tools.
Web-based tools offer a whole new dimension to teaching. The instructor is able to take the students outside of the classroom to gain knowledge. Web 2.0 tools like Zoho or Google Docs, allow students to collaborate on projects. Other tools such as Evernote allow the student to take notes on the computer and incorporate captured images from the net to back up what they are studying. It helps to establish a connection to the material.
I feel that this class helped me discover new ways to bring technology to the class. I would say that it did help me to achieve my goal of using Web 2.0 programs in my class. I have to admit that I had to look up the term "Web 2.0" so I could get a concise definition of the word. Now after working in this class, I feel more up to date with technology I can adapt for use in all of my classes.
A major new goal that I have is to take class room management systems like MOODLE and incorporate it more into my class. Up to this point, it has been used in a limited fashion. I would like to broaden the horizon and make it a more integral part of my classes. I would also like to slowly introduce new technology to my students as the year progresses. Tools like Zoho would benefit my class immensely when we reach our Science Fair. (There is a lot of group work.) I would also like to take the leap and offer another avenue to completing the Science Fair in the spring. I would like to offer avenues that utilize Web 2.0 tools to present a project instead of the tried and true science fair board.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Online Instruction in Schools
Michigan is getting ready to for students to graduate with more technology requirements that have to be met. There are teachers out there who will say this is unnecessary; however, it is very much needed. The students who are in grade schools right now will be faced with a tremendous amount of technology that will be wired into their life. (Pun intended.) Technology is becoming cheaper and more available to the average Joe. It is becoming an integral part of our life. Just look at the number of "smart phones" that the public uses. Due to this integration, it is very important that our youth learn to handle this technology appropriately.
One tool that I have begun to use in my class is MOODLE. This is a course management system or learning management system (depends who you ask) that has been integrated into my class. I have to admit that this is very much a trial by fire implementation. Essentially, my class has become a "hybrid" class where the buzz word/phrase is "blended instruction." The students experience the normal class which has a mix of lecture and lab activities (I teach science), but it also not has an online component.
MOODLE serves as a launching point for many different projects in my class. Supplemental activities like the STAIR that was developed for my CEP 811 class are hosted on this site. This allows the students who are having a hard time keeping up a chance to better understand what is covered in class. MOODLE also gives the students a place to upload their assignments. In doing this, the paper used in the class is reduced. Many assignments are done online.
One benefit that MOODLE and other CMS/LMS components have is that they can cover several of the requirements set up by the Michigan Merit Curriculum Guidelines. MOODLE and its siblings are capable of hosting wikis, discussion forums, and word processing tools. All three are able to help the student become familiar with lifelong skills that involve technology. Students also are able to interact with other students from different classes as well as different schools through the discussion forums. Another teacher in my school had her class discuss a novel they were reading with another school in our ISD. The kids had n excellent time doing this.
A constructivist model of education can work well with a tool like MOODLE. A WebQuest can be posted on this system and the students are then responsible for completing the quest. In doing this, the student then embarks on a project that is inquiry-based. The student must search out the answer to the problem that is given using websites that the instructor may provide, or ones they find on their own.
One type of technology that I think would be somewhat hard to do with middle school students would be online interactive discussion. From what I've noticed with my students, this would be an excellent tool if it was in the format of a chat room. In this area, middle schoolers excel! I see a video conference with other students being somewhat awkward for many of the students.
In the next couple of years, it will be interesting to see how schools adjust to the new requirements in implementing technology into the classroom/school environment. I noticed last year that our ISD really pushed for teachers to have training in MOODLE. Now after reading this week's articles, I wonder if this is happening to help the schools handle this tech. requirement. Hmmm.
One tool that I have begun to use in my class is MOODLE. This is a course management system or learning management system (depends who you ask) that has been integrated into my class. I have to admit that this is very much a trial by fire implementation. Essentially, my class has become a "hybrid" class where the buzz word/phrase is "blended instruction." The students experience the normal class which has a mix of lecture and lab activities (I teach science), but it also not has an online component.
MOODLE serves as a launching point for many different projects in my class. Supplemental activities like the STAIR that was developed for my CEP 811 class are hosted on this site. This allows the students who are having a hard time keeping up a chance to better understand what is covered in class. MOODLE also gives the students a place to upload their assignments. In doing this, the paper used in the class is reduced. Many assignments are done online.
One benefit that MOODLE and other CMS/LMS components have is that they can cover several of the requirements set up by the Michigan Merit Curriculum Guidelines. MOODLE and its siblings are capable of hosting wikis, discussion forums, and word processing tools. All three are able to help the student become familiar with lifelong skills that involve technology. Students also are able to interact with other students from different classes as well as different schools through the discussion forums. Another teacher in my school had her class discuss a novel they were reading with another school in our ISD. The kids had n excellent time doing this.
A constructivist model of education can work well with a tool like MOODLE. A WebQuest can be posted on this system and the students are then responsible for completing the quest. In doing this, the student then embarks on a project that is inquiry-based. The student must search out the answer to the problem that is given using websites that the instructor may provide, or ones they find on their own.
One type of technology that I think would be somewhat hard to do with middle school students would be online interactive discussion. From what I've noticed with my students, this would be an excellent tool if it was in the format of a chat room. In this area, middle schoolers excel! I see a video conference with other students being somewhat awkward for many of the students.
In the next couple of years, it will be interesting to see how schools adjust to the new requirements in implementing technology into the classroom/school environment. I noticed last year that our ISD really pushed for teachers to have training in MOODLE. Now after reading this week's articles, I wonder if this is happening to help the schools handle this tech. requirement. Hmmm.
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