Reflection on the lesson
How does the addition of the tech resources improve the lesson/deepen learning?
The technology allows students to explore the vast variety of online resources. We have up to date textbooks but even at that, they were copyrighted in 2011. Information is always changing and I feel that this is especially true when it comes to Health Education. Statistics change, resources change and information that teachers are using needs to change as well. Having students access information from web-based resources allows them to truly have the most current information. Students can get creative and create what works for them and select a topic in the Social and Emotional health unit that interests them. This is a really broad unit; we cover topics from mental health to goal setting and effective communication. With the added technology students are extending their learning and collaborating with students to get the most information possible.
How is the lesson transformed by the tech resource(s)?
Originally, this entire unit included a lot of teacher-centered instruction. I found information, presented it to them and had a few discussions on the information with the 15-35 students in that particular period. Now, students will share products they have created and post that to a Padlet website that will be accessed by all students in all my classes; this breaks down the walls of my classroom and opens up discussion and discovery to 165 students. While, yes, they will only be quizzed on the information presented by their class period's classmates, they could use all the resources from all groups in all my classes.
Does my redesign create a more learner-centered experience?
Yes, this turns this unit into a student-centered learning. Students pick their topic, access the information, add 2 other resources they find and summarize that information for their classmates. They are in charge of creating the final product and getting that information to their classmates. The only set up I am taking care of are some resources/questions on Blendspace to get them started and the instructions for the steps to complete the parts. I am not standing in front of my class, rattling off information while they take notes. They are producing products for their classmates and driving their learning.
The technology allows students to explore the vast variety of online resources. We have up to date textbooks but even at that, they were copyrighted in 2011. Information is always changing and I feel that this is especially true when it comes to Health Education. Statistics change, resources change and information that teachers are using needs to change as well. Having students access information from web-based resources allows them to truly have the most current information. Students can get creative and create what works for them and select a topic in the Social and Emotional health unit that interests them. This is a really broad unit; we cover topics from mental health to goal setting and effective communication. With the added technology students are extending their learning and collaborating with students to get the most information possible.
How is the lesson transformed by the tech resource(s)?
Originally, this entire unit included a lot of teacher-centered instruction. I found information, presented it to them and had a few discussions on the information with the 15-35 students in that particular period. Now, students will share products they have created and post that to a Padlet website that will be accessed by all students in all my classes; this breaks down the walls of my classroom and opens up discussion and discovery to 165 students. While, yes, they will only be quizzed on the information presented by their class period's classmates, they could use all the resources from all groups in all my classes.
Does my redesign create a more learner-centered experience?
Yes, this turns this unit into a student-centered learning. Students pick their topic, access the information, add 2 other resources they find and summarize that information for their classmates. They are in charge of creating the final product and getting that information to their classmates. The only set up I am taking care of are some resources/questions on Blendspace to get them started and the instructions for the steps to complete the parts. I am not standing in front of my class, rattling off information while they take notes. They are producing products for their classmates and driving their learning.
What ISTE-Teacher Standard does this lesson meet?
ISTE-T Standard?
This project hits on a number of the ISTE-T standards but I want to analyze my project based off of one: Standard 3- Model digital age work and learning.
3a Talks about the teacher being fluent in technology systems. I am comfortable with all the technologies in this project and I would be comfortable giving other tools for my students to use. The video tutorials on the webpage for my students I created. I wouldn't be able to create the tutorials if I was not comfortable with the technologies.
3b Requires collaboration with students, peers, parents and community members. My students are all collaborating with each other and I am guiding them through the process. I am also helping my co-worker work through this project as well. We colloborated on the Blendspace and some of the details of the project; outside of that, I am helping understand all the technologies.
3c Deals with communicating relevant information and ideas effectively using a variety of digital age media and formats. Students have a website that they need to reference. All directions and steps are in a media format; allowing them access to the information quickly and easily.
3d Lastly, all the tools I am using are emerging digital tools that help my students locate, analyze, evaluate and use information to support learning. They are in charge. They are creating. They are doing. The requirements are given to them and outside of that, they are in charge. The exposure to the variety of tools could be translated to other classes and projects.
This project hits on a number of the ISTE-T standards but I want to analyze my project based off of one: Standard 3- Model digital age work and learning.
3a Talks about the teacher being fluent in technology systems. I am comfortable with all the technologies in this project and I would be comfortable giving other tools for my students to use. The video tutorials on the webpage for my students I created. I wouldn't be able to create the tutorials if I was not comfortable with the technologies.
3b Requires collaboration with students, peers, parents and community members. My students are all collaborating with each other and I am guiding them through the process. I am also helping my co-worker work through this project as well. We colloborated on the Blendspace and some of the details of the project; outside of that, I am helping understand all the technologies.
3c Deals with communicating relevant information and ideas effectively using a variety of digital age media and formats. Students have a website that they need to reference. All directions and steps are in a media format; allowing them access to the information quickly and easily.
3d Lastly, all the tools I am using are emerging digital tools that help my students locate, analyze, evaluate and use information to support learning. They are in charge. They are creating. They are doing. The requirements are given to them and outside of that, they are in charge. The exposure to the variety of tools could be translated to other classes and projects.
What are some barriers to this lesson?
Barriers... Every lesson has them; what can you do to limit them?
Technology. We all love it until we hate it. Hiccups to the lesson is really the access to internet and problems with computers. We have all had that wonderful link to show our students and we have it all set up ready to go and BAM! the internet goes out. What can we do? Well, these things happen. Having a great technology team behind you to help you trouble shoot is always a great idea. I know our Media Center Specialists want to help. I would share all technology based questions with them and make sure they know how they could help. I have some classes as large as 33 students. I cannot help them all at once but asking for help is always a good thing. When people are prepared with what you are trying to do, they are much more willing to step up and help. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Remind your students that things happen. Let them know that there will be things you may not know how to solve. I do teach at a high school and I definitely have students who are light years ahead of my technology skills. Enlist those students to help! Organize your groups so you have a technology minded leader in every group. Play to your students' strengths. I know you may want them to pick their groups but sometimes that doesn't work. Keep the end result in mind: students need to create a number of technology based products- set your students up for success.
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Technology. We all love it until we hate it. Hiccups to the lesson is really the access to internet and problems with computers. We have all had that wonderful link to show our students and we have it all set up ready to go and BAM! the internet goes out. What can we do? Well, these things happen. Having a great technology team behind you to help you trouble shoot is always a great idea. I know our Media Center Specialists want to help. I would share all technology based questions with them and make sure they know how they could help. I have some classes as large as 33 students. I cannot help them all at once but asking for help is always a good thing. When people are prepared with what you are trying to do, they are much more willing to step up and help. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Remind your students that things happen. Let them know that there will be things you may not know how to solve. I do teach at a high school and I definitely have students who are light years ahead of my technology skills. Enlist those students to help! Organize your groups so you have a technology minded leader in every group. Play to your students' strengths. I know you may want them to pick their groups but sometimes that doesn't work. Keep the end result in mind: students need to create a number of technology based products- set your students up for success.
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