My Final Refection

            These last seven weeks have really allowed me to look inside my classroom, help develop a better understanding of the different types of student learning there are, and incorporate different types of technology that benefits the students and allows their creative side to shine through. 

            Starting with my game plan, the only topic that I was able to work on was, “to design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.”  (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008)  My new found love are the websites, Pinterest and Web 2.0:  Cool Tools For Schools.  I have spent hours on these two websites and have found so many cool ideas that I have already begun to implement in my classroom.  For instance, QR codes.  I have already set up the online book editions for Algebra and Geometry using these.  I have also set up passes to leave my classroom using QR codes as well.  I know my students will be excited to see these changes that are happening in my classroom.  I have seen so many creative ideas for classroom décor and student projects.  It has made me become real excited for the beginning of school this year.  My other topic deals with professional learning communities within my district and since we are still on summer recess, I will not be able to start this process until we return.  However, I am looking forward to seeing the benefits that will come upon working with my colleagues.  At this time, I do not think I need to modify my game plan.  I have become very happy with my progress so far.  I believe that my students will give me great reflections on the integration of these new technology pieces and as a class we will both be able to grow and see what more there is to offer as time moves on.

            Not only will I be implementing the use of QR codes in my classroom, but on my website I have set up a link where students are able to turn their homework in, whether they are absent or forgot it at home.  I have also added a blog to my website to promote student communication.  I am still debating on whether or not to set up a wiki site, that way there is another way students are collaborating with each other.  I am in the process of working on electronic exit questions for students to respond to at the end of class.  It will be an easy way for students to use technology in the classroom.  Integrating of problem-based learning is something that my district has just announced that we will be working towards within the next few years.  They have already set up teams to work on these projects based on content areas.  I am extremely happy about this because I seen the benefits of my students while watching them work through the project on surface area and volume.  I was able to bring the real world into geometry.  The awesome part about this was being able to step back and watch the students work with each other and struggle through the different steps of the project.  The part that they seemed most intrigued about was the last part of digital storytelling.  Being able to search the internet for real world solid shapes and then create a video on their findings was neat to watch.  I have saved them all and plan to show them to future classes so they have a basis of what I expect of them.

            Over all, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to actually create a technology based project, allow students to work through it, and now I know what little aspects that need to be changed before I have an entire class complete it.  Having the time to do this doesn’t come very often, but I am very pleased so far.

 References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Cooltoolsforschools - Collaborative Tools. (n.d.). Cooltoolsforschools - Collaborative Tools. Retrieved August 12, 2013, from http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/Collaborative Tools

Monitoring My Game Plan

          So far I have only been able to work on one of my topics for my game plan which is “to design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.”  (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008)  I have found various lessons from the smart board exchange website.  There are numerous lessons that have interactive games built right in the lessons and lots with real world pictures and applications.  I have also used the ideas of my colleagues and started searching in Pinterest.  I have two books on order that deal with Algebra and Geometry and real world applications.  I am excited to receive them and see what they have to offer.  I also just recently came across a website, Web 2.0:  Cool Tools For Schools.  I have not had too much of a chance to go through all the links but I know this will be a great resource and plan to investigate it this current week. 

            As far as my second topic, “participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.”  (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008), I will not be able to start collaborating with my PLC’s until school starts.  However, I am definitely looking forward to finding out and sharing my own ideas with my colleagues. 

I have definitely learned that there are a lot of resources out there that are able to help educators incorporate technology related projects, lessons and real world applications into our classroom.  It just takes some time to actually search and be able to research the links and websites.  “It’s amazing how much a learning environment can change when technology is added to the mix!”  (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009)  This is what I am really looking forward to in my classroom along with watching my students use this technology.  

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Cooltoolsforschools - Collaborative Tools. (n.d.). Cooltoolsforschools - Collaborative Tools. Retrieved July 23, 2013, from http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/Collaborative Tools

SMART Technologies ULC. (2012).  SMART Exchange.  Retrieved July 21, 2013 from, http://exchange.smarttech.com

Carrying Out My Game Plan

            I have two topics that I plan to focus on in my classroom.  First is “to design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.”  (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008)  The second is to “participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.”  (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008)  By creating a game plan, I am able to set goals, make a plan of action, monitor my progress, and then finally evaluate my goals.   

            For my first focus, there are plenty of resources that I can use in order to link real world applications to Algebra and Geometry.  I have started searching for images of different topics related to certain sections in both classes.  I am able to just cut and paste them into my lectures.  I have also searched you-tube for video segments related to real world math, but this seems to be more challenging.  I think incorporating video clips into my lectures will be more beneficial and engaging for the students, compared to just images, but I will have to take what I can get, until I have more time to spend searching.  As far as designing lessons that include technology, I have started using the Smart Exchange for Interactive White Boards for lessons that match my topics in Algebra and Geometry.  I have found several lessons that I can use but would change certain aspects of them.  Most of these have different pieces of technology that allows the students to be active participants which helps them become more engaged.  I will also seek my colleagues in my district and here at Walden University for ideas and lessons for using technology in the classroom. 

            For my second focus, I can only begin to imagine how much information I will gain once I join the technology PLC’s within my district next school year.  The first PLC is strictly on the use of Interactive White Boards and the second is on using I-Pads in the classroom.  Working with my colleagues will allow for many resources to be shared and gained in order to improve my students learning.  I did begin to look into different professional development classes that I can take or have my district pay for me to take, to learn about different emerging and engaging technologies for the classroom.  I did find on the Smart Exchange website an entire section of trainings.  I have written down those that appeal to me and plan on contacting my principal to see what he thinks of paying for me to take the trainings, and then I will be able to share what I learn with my school and even with my colleagues here at Walden University.  According to Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer, 2008, there are many ways that technology can be used to promote creative thinking skills among students in my classroom, but simply using technology will not accomplish this goal, (p.79) which is why it is so important to collaborate with others to determine technology that actually improves students learning.

            I believe I am on the right track so far with my game plan and can only hope that I can continue to strive to make myself a better educator which in turn will make my students more successful.  If anyone knows of any websites that offer technology related math lessons, I would definitely be interested in checking them out and passing on any information along that I can find.

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

SMART Technologies ULC. (2012).  SMART Exchange.  Retrieved July 16, 2013 from, http://exchange.smarttech.com

My Personal Game Plan

        The integration of technology in the classroom seems to be more common than not.  With that being said, as an educator I need to become more familiar with not only using, but understanding how it will benefit my students and me.  The NETS-T “are the standards for evaluating the skills and knowledge educators need to teach, work, and learn in an increasingly connected global and digital society.” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008)  After reviewing the website, I have found two topics that I am going to try and focus on as an educator.

2.  Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments:  Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

Goals:  I plan on spending more time linking real world applications to Algebra and Geometry.  I also would like to spend some time designing lessons that include different technology applications that I could use in my classroom.

Action:  I plan on browsing the internet for different videos that I could incorporate into my lessons that have real world applications.  Instead of trying to come up with lessons that include technology all on my own, I plan on searching the internet and asking colleagues and classmates of different projects that they have use in the classroom.

Monitor:  I will have the students reflect on the difference of having clips of videos that relate to the real world during the lessons compared to lessons without the videos.  I will try different projects that I found on the internet and incorporate them as much as I can.  As far as projects that I will receive from others, I will have the students and teachers reflect on them and observe them in action, before incorporating them into my classroom.  For the projects that my students complete, I will have them reflect on them so I know what to change, if anything, for the following classes.

Evaluate and Extend:  I will keep track of the videos that the students enjoyed and use their reflections to determine what to include the following year.  I will also make note of the projects that worked well compared to those that did not along with using the reflections of the students to determine what to change, if anything.

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership:  Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.

a. Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

Goals:  I plan to participate in the technology PLC and the iPad PLC within my school next year.  I will learn from my colleagues at Walden University of any creative Algebra and Geometry technology lessons.

Action:  I will not only take what I am gaining from the PLC’s, but also share my findings of technology and lessons to my colleagues within my district and Walden University.  I will ask that my colleagues do the same.

Monitor:  I will keep track of the number of times that I use technology in my math classes.  I will also ask the students to reflect of the use of different technologies and projects as we go.  I will see which type of technology the students prefer, and try to challenge them in any way I can to use different pieces of technology that the students may need more practice with.  I will also ask my colleagues to keep me informed of any new or creative applications they may find as we go.

Evaluate and Extend:  I will consistently check with my colleagues and see which technology applications they are using, figure out what is working and what is not.  I will reflect on every application to determine which are beneficial and which are not.  I will ask my colleagues to do the same.

I really look forward to working with my colleagues in my district and here at Walden University to determine what technology applications are beneficial and keep the students engaged in my math lessons.

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

My Final Reflection

            When I first began this class, I stated that my personal learning theory was a mix between behaviorist and constructionist.  Now that we are finishing, I have some what changed what I believe my learning theory is.  However, I still believe that I do not just have one learning theory; it is definitely a combination of them all.  

            Starting with the behaviorist learning theory, classroom management techniques are still a majority of this learning theory.  I think there are always going to be rewards and punishments and students need to know what behavior is acceptable in the class and not.  Also, the drill and practice teaching strategy falls into this learning theory and with teaching math; I think that I still have to teach this way.  However, I am now aware of the technology options that will help elevate some of this way of teaching but a majority of math needs to be practiced in order for concepts to be understood.  With the cognitive learning theory, the strategy that I have already incorporated into my classroom deals with the virtual field trips and the summarizing of notes.  I have added a section to my teacher provided notes that allow the students to summarize what they have learned at the end of each lesson.  I am also looking into having them post to my classroom blog and summarize what they have learned after each chapter once I have it up and running.  The constructionist/constructivism learning theory is more learner centered and students are able to construct their own meaning behind certain concepts by using more hands on activities.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  For this, Web quests are what I have fallen in love with this semester.  I just completed my first one on my own for Geometry and I know my students will enjoy it.  The reason I like this piece of technology so much is because students are exploring on their own, with little guidance from me.  It will be hard to just step away and watch them learn but I know they will benefit tremendously from it in the future.  The social learning theory is probably what I lean towards the most because it deals with cooperative learning. “Cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning.”  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)  I do this every day in my classroom.  My classroom is set up in groups and during notes and practice time they are allowed to work with others.  Little pieces of each of these theories make up my own learning theory.  

One of my future goals for my classroom starts with the smart board technology.  I currently have lessons for each math section but none are interactive, meaning I want to incorporate more videos and more activities that allow the students to get out of their seats and actually become a part of the lesson.  I have already started looking into different videos and incorporating them into lessons.  This will help my students become more involved and interested.  My second long term goal is to incorporate more virtual field trips and web quests.  Now that I have already made my first web quest, I have experience which will make it easier the more lessons I come up with.  They are extremely interactive and allow the students the chance to learn something on their own.  I also like the fact that I can incorporate real life applications with web quests as well.  

  I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to incorporating all the different types of technology options for my students.  I know it will not happen overnight, but anything that will allow my students to be successful pushes me to learn more about it.  I believe by using these new technology strategies, my students will be able to make connections be successful not only in their classes but out of school as well. 

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Constructionist & Constructivism Theory [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Social Learning Theory

The Social Learning Theory is a theory that is student-centered.  Students are able to be engaged in constructing their own meaning through cooperative learning with others and their environment around them.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  This is very beneficial to students because it seems that a majority of the goals at schools deals with students being academically and socially proficient and this ties right in with this type of learning theory.  One type of instructional strategy that relates with this theory is based on cooperative learning.  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007) 

“Cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning.”  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)  With this process, students can be separated by their ability but a majority of the time, I prefer to choose groups either at random or place low achieving students with high achieving students.  It seems that when I break up the groups this way, the lower achieving students try harder and seem to want to better themselves like the higher achieving students do.  In the past, I have not been the best at incorporating projects into my classroom.  I always had a hard time seeing the benefits in completing a project rather than the drill and kill practice for my math classes.  I now see the importance of this and will try to incorporate more in years to come.  However, I do allow my students to work with other students on a daily basis when it comes to homework practice.  A lot of times, students do better with the help of another student rather than just sitting by themselves.  Having another student explain a certain concept to them can make all the difference in the world, so once again it goes back to peer interaction and collaboration.      

“Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of the groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face.”  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)  There are quite a few pieces of technology that can greatly help with allowing students the opportunity to collaborate with others, such as using multimedia, web resource’s, creating a website, and much more.  Giving the students a rubric to follow for whichever type of resources is ideal.  This allows them to know what is expected of them and how they will be graded.  I still really like the idea of using web simulations or Web Quests.  I think both of these allow students to see the math content in more of a realistic setting and also allows for them to work with others as well. 

This social learning theory is a great way for students to be able to comprehend material.  It lets students work together and be engaged in the process.  Learning from peers can be so beneficial and from personal experience, I agree that a lot of students prefer and learn more from this type of engagement. 

Voice Thread Assignment

http://voicethread.com/share/3259980/

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Constructionist & Constructivism Theory [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Constructionist/Constructivism Theory

           The Constructionist/Constructivism Theory is a theory that is learner centered.  Students are able to construct their own meaning behind certain concepts by using more hands on activities.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  This is very beneficial to students because these types of activities are more engaging due to the fact that students are completing them themselves.  The teacher is still involved but more to promote discussion and direction.  Technology has definitely assisted in this type of learning because it is more project based learning.  One type of instructional strategy that ties in with this theory is based on generating and testing hypothesis.  There are three types of strategies:  making spreadsheets, data collection tools, and web resources.  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007) 

Making spreadsheets would be very beneficial in my math classroom.  I especially liked the activity described in Chapter 11 of Using Technology in the Classroom.  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)   The activity consisted of breaking the class into groups of students and each group had to determine how to finance a given amount of money.  So, the students made a hypothesis of what they thought would be the best scenario and then they used an excel spreadsheet that was premade by the teacher to see if there hypothesis was correct.  This is definitely more of a visual, hands on approach to this concept and I will use this same thing in my classroom this year, but just change a few things. 

            The other instructional strategy I see beneficial for my classroom in particular is web resources, especially the simulation type software and WebQuests.  The simulation software allows students to be placed in certain situations and have to make decisions along the way.  This would definitely keep the students attention and once again follows the idea of having the students make a hypothesis and then based on their actions and the game simulation, see if their decision was correct or not.  I did find one game online, The Lure of the Labyrinth, that I could use in either my Algebra or Pre-Algebra math classes but it costs the district money to play.  I will continue to research it and then decide how to approach the math head regarding this.  I also think that WebQuests are a great idea.  This allows students to learn the same information but in a different perspective.  I found quite a few of these that I see beneficial for my Algebra and Geometry classroom.  I especially like the Shopping for a New Car WebQuest.  It is an activity where students use real life applications and have to graph a system of equations which students always struggle with in class.  I believe by incorporating this WebQuest into my class, it will give the students a better perspective of this concept.  I also like the fact that it involves using the website Geogebra.  We currently have this on all of our computers at school and we have been trying to find different activities that use this and now I am so happy that I have found one and it is one that I believe the students will enjoy as well.  I really look forward to using this next year.  

            This Constructionist/Constructivism Theory is very important to incorporate into the classroom.  I believe it is extremely effective in the math classroom because it allows students to try and solve problems in different ways.  Anything that I can incorporate into the classroom that is hands on and visual is a huge plus.  I look forward to researching more web resources, simulations, and WebQuests and hope to find activities that I can bring into my classroom for the students.

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Constructionist & Constructivism Theory [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD