Indicator 1 -Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
- Engage students in exploring real world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
I've been able to make progress towards this goal by starting the unit on Flowers for Algernon with my students. Progress is slow towards this as we read the entire extended expert out loud in class. McDougal Littel has the complete story in audio online and for the first time I will be able to play it in class, as I had never paid attention to their website close enough to see all the benefits. This will help speed things along. I've also started the ball rolling in talking with community members. I contacted social services of Canon City and met with Pat Smith who was able to tell me about places I might look to for reaching and helping special needs people. That led me to an organization called STAR in Canon City which offers living assistance to mentally disabled people. I have set up a call appointment with them and will be brainstorming for ideas. The purpose of the phone call is not to choose the activity for my kids, but to know enough to be useful when the project is chosen.
Indicator #2
Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences
- Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning
For my progress here, and I think this is powerful, I am creating a collection of sites on Symbaloo. I'm also researching the website Internet4classrooms.com for a list of web tools in my class. The website is organized several different ways. I can cross check information for middle school, language arts, eighth grade and even look up a complete list of all their Web 2.0 tools. I started reading about the idea behind what Web 2.0 means. I feel like this unlocked a door for me. I feel that now I understand the current movement of the internet in education. Understanding this was a large piece of the puzzle. I'm also developing my online class. Actually I started to work in Blackboard's free online system, but hear about Moodle and went there. I hit a wall and was stuck. I've since then started researching other places for LMS (learning management systems). I learned that term while reading. I found a place called Instructure that seems to be the best of both worlds. We'll see.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about Moodle and find it very intriguing, although I though it was something schools have to pay to use? Am I wrong? What caused you to hit a wall? Is it not very user friendly?
My school district uses blackboard but I'm not a huge fan of it. I don't think it's user-friendly and there isn't much you can change. I've only been using it since the start of this school year, and I'd much rather have my own webpage through a different server. What do you think?
I know what you mean about Web 2.0 tools opening a door! When our library media specialist had a workshop about web 2.0 tools I was blown away by the wide array of tools out there that can support and enhance student learning. Of course, I tried to use them all at once, which sometimes can be overwhelming, but now I feel that I can use several tools seamlessly in my classroom. Good luck finding a system that works for you!
-Nicole
Our district uses Moodle and while I do like it, it is very time consuming to input quiz information. I love using it to assign writing prompts. Students can respond right on Moodle and I can provide immediate, inline feedback. It also has the option to allow resubmissions, so they are required to continue revising and editing their responses until they meet quality expectations. I don't know much about Blackboard, but I would definitely recommend Moodle.
ReplyDeleteNicole,
ReplyDeleteOn some levels I"m glad we don't have to maintain a website through the district. There's more room for creativity. I hit a wall with Moodle when it said I needed to be an administrator to start a class. It kept advertising it was free. From all sides it appears to be free. I haven't had the chance to delve deeper. Blackboard, you are a right, does not give you many options. I believe it is designed for simple use. It wants you to be able to get your stuff out there.
Heather,
Apparently we need to get together on the phone or Skype or Google plus about the Moodle thing. I'm just not seein it. Let's talk. You're very good with web tools. Teach me, Yoda.
Heather.