Spotlight on Emerging Technology: Online Learning in K-12 Schools

Link to my Power Point presentation.

http://cid-0df2e0320294a41b.office.live.com/view.aspx/.Documents/Spotlight%20on%20Emerging%20Technology.pptx

REFLECTION EDUC 6714

As a result of EDUC 6714 I will begin each semester by giving each student in my class an online Student Survey that attempts to identify their interest, learning styles, multiple intelligences and pertinent data with a learning profile inventory. Tomlinson notes that “learning is enhanced when a mode of learning or approach to learning matches an individual’s learning preferences” (2009). Utilizing this tool will make me a more effective teacher by providing more flexibility to my instructional practices.
Universal Design for Learning has prompted me to work harder and smarter to provide the alternatives necessary so that every student, regardless of their challenge, can learn. I am in the process now of seeing to it that all of the students in my classes that have reading difficulties will soon have access at home and in class to online text books that have the capability to read the pages aloud to them. Adapting the curriculum this way will help remove the barriers that stop students with reading difficulties from achieving academic success.
Differentiated Instruction has taught me to adapt my teaching approach by offering my students options for learning and to be more responsive to their needs. Tomlinson said that “students learn more when they work in ways that work for them” (2009). I plan to start doing more project based activities that require technology to produce artifacts. These activities will enable my students to work more toward their own individual strengths and as a result have more fun and achieve more academic success.
It is my hope that combining the adapting of curriculum promoted by UDL with the adapting of the teachers approach promoted by DI and combining each with technology that the result will be improved instruction that reaches and engages all learners. Technology will make my classroom learning environment student centered.

Reflection - EDUC 6713

The GAME Plan format is an ideal method for helping students learn new skills because it provides an outlined format with specific steps. When students follow the format they have a systematic, organized approach that can be repeated over and over without confusion.

As a result of following the GAME Plan format I have learned the value of beginning with a broader approach when doing research online. This method will enable me to waste less time and be more productive initially.

I plan to start using concept maps more extensively in my instructional practice. Concept maps are excellent Mind Tools that help students make connections that broaden their understanding of material.

Developing Proficiency in NETS - S, Using the GAME Plan Process

The GAME Plan Process requires one to think about and use specific, organized steps to master or learn a new skill. The ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students (NETS-S) are intended to help students prepare to work, live and contribute to their communities in general and society as a whole. The skills involved in the NETS for Students include the ability to: demonstrate creativity and innovation, communicate and collaborate, conduct research and use information, use critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions and use technology effectively and productively. I will utilize the GAME Plan Process with my students to give them a method for becoming proficient at the skills outlined in the NETS for Students by seeing to it that they use a systematic, organized approach to guide their efforts in obtaining the outlined skills.

GAME Plan Revisions?

I have found several sites with good simulation programs that will be valuable in my instructional practice. I have also developed an even greater appreciation for "Concept Maps" as Mind Tools and how they can helps students create connections with material.

I am satisfied with the initial learning goals that I set and do not feel like it is necessary to set any new goals. My goals evolve around creating learning activities and experiences that address diverse learning styles using digital tools and resources. I plan to extend my use of concept maps and continue searching for computer tutorial programs to assist in physical science.

To improve my learning next time I will begin with a broader approach and attempt to work toward refining it as I go. This time I believe my initial approach was to specific and it made it difficult to find material I was interested in.

GAME Plan Progress

Since I adapted my GAME Plan to include Mind Tools and/or Computer Tutorials I have had some success in finding material. Concept mapping is an excellent cognitive tool to help students make connections with material they are studying. Each student will have different ideas and needs when it comes to organizing material and concept maps are a great tool for addressing this diversity. I have not given up on Computer Tutorial for physical science and will continue to look for and explore whats available. I have found a number of good simulation programs (www.phet.colorado.edu/) that I plan to use. I do not think any further adjustments in My GAME Plan are necessary at this point.

GAME Plan Progress

I am not having the success I had hoped for in finding tutorial software for assistance in high school physical science. I have decided to modify my plan as such, G) Learn more about using digital tools and resources such as computer tutorials and/or mind tools to personalize learning activities and address diverse learning styles. The next phase A) will be to look for and hopefully find information on using tutorials and/or mind tools in biology and/or physical science to address diverse learning styles by personalizing activities. To do this I will use a search engine online. The third and fouth phase M and E will remain virtually the same.

So far I have learned that free software for physical science tutorials does not exist and that I have to find an alternative solution to helping students with diverse learning styles.