Testing has
become such a controversial topic over the last 5 years or so. Traditionally,
there was actually little focus on testing, and more focus on open-ended,
authentic learning. With teacher evaluations harsher than ever, “teaching to
the test” is a hot topic. Please view the video for a quick refresher on the different types of assessment:
Objective assessments
are assessments where there is really only one answer. The idea that tests are
the only objective assessments of student learning is entirely false. There are
many ways students can be assessed. Whether or not it is objective or
subjective isn’t really the point. And honestly, in this day in age, we should definitely
be implementing more subjective assessment and projects into curriculum to
appeal to everyone’s interests and new, higher order learning styles.
I have multiple thoughts
on what I think a technology infused classroom should like. First, the actual physical
plays an important role and should reflect a clean and professional setting. To
achieve this it should have a carpeted floor, much like a real office work environment,
and well-sized individual workstations for the students – the overcrowded computer
tables that students share in pairs are outdated, ineffective, and inefficient.
I currently have no control over the actual look of my classroom, but my plan
is to use my laptop cart that I got based on a grant I wrote last year. I have established well-structured procedures
and policies for my students to follow when they use thelaptops to keep the neat, clean, and in good shape for
years to come. My classroom almost always has some sort of technology infused
into the lesson or unit we are currently doing, as this teaches and enforces
computer and digital literacy as well as keeps the lessons fun and engaging for
the learners. I seek online resources and forums to keep current with my
knowledge and skills, as to not get stale. This type of content changes and evolves
rapidly, so it is important o keep up to date with current literature and research.
Visual literacy and the use of Internet can impact the
teaching and learning process by making it more authentic, real-world, and more
up-to-date than ever before. For example, students can now collaborate with other
students or even professionals from around the world! In addition, they have
access to more web-based applications and software that can teach them skills
and knowledge they couldn’t otherwise learn, such as coding and software design.
Some visual thinking strategies I would like to use in my classroom include the
use of video tutorials. For example, I do a lot of software units in my class,
and each day builds upon the previous. Due to absences, it became stressful to
re-do yesterday’s lesson every day for the few kids who missed it due to
illness, a music lesson, or travel. Student absences are becoming an issue with
schools across America. More than ever, kids miss more and more school. Check
out this info graphic to get an idea of how bad the problem is becoming.
Now with videos, they can log on and go catch up very
easily. This also helps the kids who need frequent reminders as they can go re-watch
them as they need. I want the Internet to act as a tool and resource, not quite
something I rely on to exploit the kids or take over my facilitative role. I want
it to supplement my teaching and their learning. Below is an example of one of my video tutorials. Let me know what you think!
It
is crucial to use a variety of instructional strategies in today’s world of
education for multiple reasons. Most importantly, if a teacher uses a variety
of instructional strategies, the teacher has a better chance of relating to all
of the various learning styles in the classroom. Especially in today’s society,
we are more diverse than ever before, so it is essential that a teacher try to
meet the needs of every learner. Take a second to look at a chart I created
illustrating the learning styles of all the students I see every day:
As you can see, there are various
styles I need to accommodate to. If a
teacher only uses one strategy, they could be missing out on huge opportunities
to reach other students. For example, most student learn by seeing or doing, so
if those students take a class where the teacher is lecturing a lot, they will
not be learning to their full potential.
Luckily for us, we live in a world
where it has become easier than ever! We have access to all kinds of
technology! We can easily create engaging presentations using Prezi or Microsoft
PowerPoint, or edit videos to tailor them to our classroom content or style.
With the growing popularity of Chromebooks and laptop carts in schools, more
and more kids are getting access to the Internet and World Wide Web. This will
make technology integration and teaching of 21st century skills much
easier and more authentic. Watch the following video to gain a better
understanding as to why it is so crucial we get students learning 21st
century skills:
In
my classroom, I will be able to implement more collaboration and team work projects
than ever before – a huge skills employers look for in potential job
candidates. I will also be able to teach more computer science and digital
literacy, such as computer coding and programming, and how to leave a good,
ethical digital footprint – which are also big 21st century skills
students need to succeed. I am excited with the opportunities and resources we
now have access too, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the near future.
