5364+Teaching+with+Technology

Week 1

The most profound idea I read about this week was Warwick's idea of using chips to increase human learning. When I first started listening to his ideas, I really thought to myself, "This guy is crazy." The more I thought about it the more I began to realize, he's right! What will the future bring with all of this rapidly growing technology? I also started skyping this week with parents, students, and friends. I keeping a list of all the possible uses of technology in my classroom. This class has already made me start to think of all the possibilities of technology in the classroom!

Week 2

Wow! I've learned a lot this week, and I'm looking forward to working with my team! From the discussion board, I've learned about some new free software that I plan on trying this week. I learned about the 3 principles of the Universal Design of Learning; multiple means interpretation, expression and engagement. They all stem off of the CAST networks of learning; recognition, strategic and affective networks. I have begun to reflect about how the brain of the 21st century learner actually works in regards to learning. I also started thinking about how we can reach all children of all needs through technology.I'm looking forward to learning more from this upcoming week!

Week 3

I have been inspired by an 11 year old boy named Cameron from the videos this week! The next day I walked around my school in search of a blank wall that we could paint lime green to create a green screen. I just couldn't believe that an 11 was so knowledgeable about technology.

I also learned about making a book using book builders through the UDL CAST website. I enjoyed making the book and can see several ways to use this technology in the classroom to enhance learning. I also learned about a new form of video conferencing other that skype, oovoo, This is what our team as been talking through. Honestly, until this class, I had never used any kind of video conferecing except with the help of our IT facilitator. I'm pretty proud of myself. I have also grown more comfortable with our new macbooks at school. I now never go anywhere without it!

Week 4

This week was a little more difficult as far as executing our final assignment. It is hard to collaborate when your peers are in different parts of Texas and have very different schedules. I did enjoy reading about cooperative learning from the book, __Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.__ I also was in a meeting last week and was able about to talk fluently about the strategic network of learning. I have also began to really think about project learning and how beneficial it would be for students. I'm thinking after TAKS in March, I may work with my two other teachers I team with to see if we could go up with a collaborative unit of study that will reach across the disciplines we teach.

Week 5

This week I enjoyed watching the videos, especially the interview with James Paul Gee. I found it very interesting as to how playing a game is really a great way to learn. He really put it into perspective when he spoke about games not separating learning and assessment. When playing a game you learn while assessing yourself. Where in the classroom students learn and then we assess them. It made be begin to think about how we are teaching 21st century learners today. No wonder we still have a high drop out rate. We are not teaching how students are learning. I have several students who are great at playing video games, but aren't doing well in the classroom.

I also liked hearing from Howard Gardner. In college we always heard about Gardner's different types of learners. So it was good to hear that he is now researching digital media ethics. I am curious to learn more about his Good Play Project.