Learning Environments that Kids Need
Case study #1: The first case I examined did not necessarily focus on the incorporation of technology, but rather on creating a unique learning environment that engages students. One message that the teachers really emphasized was the importance of collaboration. The teachers in these classes provide students with “open seating” in different areas around the classroom. This means students are encouraged to select their own seat on a daily basis. This allows students to reflect on their own work habits and consider their own needs when it comes to working individually as well as collaboratively. It is clear that the students are not only comfortable, but actually learning because they all look genuinely engaged in what they are doing. Many of the students are sitting in very unique, less traditional styles of chairs such as couches and on pillows, usually alone in a unique place, even a little loft! When opportunities to collaborate occur, they all seem to be engaged and participating. What I learned from this video was that I should give more consideration to the environment that I create for my students. I should focus on providing my students with a classroom where they each feel comfortable working. I will give serious consideration to the idea of a building a “reading corner”. Perhaps a couch on a carpeted area, with some interesting pillows. I worry though, that many students would be tempted to take advantage of the relaxed setting and the effect it might have on their work. Worth trying! Link: http://www.edutopia.org/practice/flexible-classrooms-providing-learning-environment-kids-need Collaborative Digital Presentations Enrich Projects Case study #2: The focus of this video was to demonstrate how students can work collaboratively while using Google applications to create a lesson. Big picture, these students are being asked to teach the rest of their classmates on a specific topic. The means of their lesson however, are very open ended. The teacher only has 3 requirements: Visual aides, a physical handout, and some type of activity. I would make the assumption that the students are learning as they appeared to be very engaged in the task. The students explain what they are creating, and the digital tools they use to accomplish it. One student even mentions that he believes, “Projects make learning more interesting.” As a PBL teacher, I found it very interesting how much creative freedom the students were allowed, outside of the simple 3 point criteria. I especially enjoyed the teacher’s mention of different modalities of learning, and how she asked the students to try to reach all types of learners in their presentation. I fully approve of this lesson. In a PBL school, I really see myself as a facilitator and therefor I support these types of activities and learning opportunities for students. We do similar work in my classroom. Students need voice and choice in the classroom and often it yields positive results! Link: http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-collaborative-digital-presentations-video Free Online Resources Engage Elementary Kids Case study #3: The focus of this case was how to utilize free digital resources and various tools that can be accessed online in order to increase both student engagement and learning. Students were assigned to create a video. Similar to the previous case study, these students were also given a lot of choice when it came to what kind of video to make (personal narratives, tutorials, or poetry). Students then create their presentations; the worked first on their audio and then on their video, and put them together. Their teacher acknowledged the academic value of being able to share this type of differentiated work with others. The students appeared to be learning as once again they are deeply engaged in the creative process. There were opportunities for students to help each other with different parts, and sharing what they accomplished. They also engaged in a metacognitive reflection about what they're doing, and how and why they are doing it. My take away from this video was the importance of celebrating creativity as well as promoting the use of 21st century skills. I am always interested in new web applications that I can bring to the classroom. My students are actually a great resource for finding new and interesting applications and tools online. Currently my students all access Google drive/docs/slides on a regular basis, but new resources are being created everyday, it is hard to keep up! Link: http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-free-online-resources-video
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AuthorThe best teachers never cease to be students. Archives
December 2017
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