First, I enjoyed most of the readings and some of the videos. More importantly, I learned or was inspired to become better in my teaching craft.
The class time is this class, 701, was enlightening. Learning from my peers and the speakers about what they have learned and what they are using was helpful. The discussions during our Zoom time went well. I appreciate how our cohort became more comfortable sharing ideas as the semester progressed. I have not been convinced that bringing in more technology is the panacea to educational issues. I question the efficacy of using computer technology in the primary and lower elementary schools. Our latest speaker, when I challenged her, points out the negative effects of technology changing our students’ brains. I question, then, why we would introduce more electronic stimuli to primary and elementary students in school. The 21st century skills of critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information do not, necessarily need technology infused elementary classrooms. Helping students learn the 4 Cs, likewise, does not necessarily need technology in the lower grades. Relating to today’s earlier blog about Flipped Learning, all, or almost all, of the examples were from high schools or middle schools. Regarding Challenge Based Learning, I see some, even a majority of, research being completed online, but much of the process and final projects do not require computer technology. With that said, I am excited about moving forward in our classes. The prospect of exploring CBL more in-depth inspires me to go on. I have thought about how I could inspire my students more in my classroom for all of my teaching career. I have, this semester, explored how to motivate students to ask more questions. The CBL process sounds like a perfect next step in my growth as a teachers and leader in my school.
1 Comment
BecI alky
12/6/2016 08:54:11 am
Great reflection. I have found that I really enjoy learning about technology and its uses. I have become more skilled, but I agree with you in some respects. Technology is like any other tool, it can be used to much, it can be used ineffectively and it can sometimes do more harm than good. During my school & NVUSD's relationship with NewTech & PBL, I have long said that many of the examples and projects do not fit in an elementary school. I have been told by New Tech directors that they believe "all" skills could and should be taught within a project. I also knew that this man had never, ever, ever set foot in a primary classroom and literally had no idea what he was talking about. Now since that time, New Tech has learned a few things, potentially listened to some primary teachers. The coaches have experience in primary grades and understand that some skills, like phonics, need to be taught explicitly. Pretending that the "silent e" rule has something to do with the Science PBL is as unauthentic as you can get. I do think that some of the resources I have learned about in this class can help teachers, even primary, deliver more meaningful PBL units to kids. Research has always been a problem in primary grades. 1st graders simply can't access the text and the teachers end up providing the content to the kids. The flipped model could be modified so that students could access resources through links that kids could explore with their PBL groups. I think this would really help give students some voice and choice at the same time putting the content in the students hands.
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About MeAfter teaching for 20 years, I've decided to pursue a master's degree! Archives
July 2017
CategoriesThis is me working on my classwork... usually at night after the heater is off.... sitting long times makes me cold!
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