Phase II: Reflections on Micro Lessons Implementation

1.               Instructional Decisions/Teaching:

·        What you did and learned from the teaching/facilitating process?

I learned that good preparation is essential for teaching a lesson to anyone, preschoolers to Adults. I learned that a teacher MUST possess the quality of “adaptability”.  When working with students.  Be prepared for any turn of events and make it work for you, not against you.  I learned that if you make a mistake, own up to it and correct it.  If you do, you will gain favor in the eyes of your students, BECAUSE nobody is perfect.

·        How alignment to goals and objectives was maintained

I learned that it is essential to have objectives and goals for any lesson.  Because I had a plan, and goals as I taught my lesson, I was able to stay aligned with those goals.  While teaching my lesson on Land and Water it would have been easy to get side tracked and not focus on the objective of the lesson which was identifying land and water on the globe. 

·        Modifications made for individual needs

Some of the students needed to see an example of how to color the map. I provided that for them (land=green, water=blue).  Some students needed more time.  So in order to give more time to the few students that needed it.  I provided a way for the students that were finished with their assignment to research more land and water transportation. 

     2.         Assessment of Learning:

·        Your students' level of success in achieving the lessons goals.

      I was pleased that my students could correctly identify land and water on a map and globe.  I knew that my students possessed this understanding because of the game I played and the i-Pad activity.  I also applied a second assessment by taking the lesson further and adding the aspect of ‘transportation’ both on land and water to the student’s learning.

·        The level of success you had in teaching the lesson

I feel that the main objectives and goals of my lesson were accomplished and the students had fun learning and participating in my lesson.  I also feel that the students learned new skills using their i-Pads.

·        How do your individual reflections support this?

I felt good about my lesson and the learning that took place.  I believe that students want to learn and that a “teacher” is the key ingredient to that learning.  I felt that I should of taken hold of classroom management EARLY in the lesson and it would have been a more productive learning environment for the students.

·        How do the comments from your classmates support this?

I received 3 or 4 comments from my classmates that they thought I should be a Kindergarten or first grade teacher.  They said I would be fun!  I know this sounds strange but that was really a great compliment to me.  I hope I can be a fun and exciting teacher that encourages FUN learning. My classmates also expressed that they liked my hands-on game and interaction. 

Final Reflection

How Did I As A Teacher . . .

Standard #1  -  Master

1.       Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.

In my lesson on The Globe-Land and Water I felt that my use of student iPads in helping students to be able to understand the difference between Land and Water on a map of the Earth and a Globe, was a great technology for hands-on learning.  Students had to identify and color a map of the World identifying the land and water.  iPad technology also aided students in identifying transportation that was for land, water and space. This technology was not only creative but a great identification and creation tool.

2.       Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

I took my students on a trip into space on ‘Google Earth’ to show why Earth was called a water planet.  As a class we also talked about how important it is for us to keep our water on Earth clean and unpolluted. Saving the Earth was another aspect of the lesson that I didn’t incorporate during my lesson BUT it would be ideal to let students during “Earth Day” week come up with their own ideas on how to keep our land and water clean, and create their own poster on their iPad to present to the class. As a Kindergarten or 1^st grade class students can create their poster very simply by using a word doc and a google image.  As a class we could even print out these student posters and hang them around school.  

3.       Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

I think that as Kindergarteners that using collaborative tools might be difficult but I could see how students in higher grades could research, through the use of the internet, (google, U-tube videos, science website on Earth Day, and neighbor community websites) the effects that pollution has on our world.  Each grade level could come up with ideas for keeping their school campus clean.  School administration could incorporate student ideas and put them into action on their campus.

4.       Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments. 

This would be fun and a great learning experience for students in all grades to participate in.  There is a “World Environment Day Contest” that grades K-12 can enter. Students submit a description of an environmental project and any supporting materials, such as photos, videos, Word documents and PowerPoint presentation, for World Environment Day.  This project can approach the environmental problem/issues in a new and novel way.  The website for more information and competition details is http://www.projectearth,net/Competion/Details/ob755bf6-7839-488d-a414-562465c18af9

Standard #2  - Master

1.      Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

In my practicum I created a PowerPoint to accompany my lesson “Symbols of our Nation”

 

I used this PowerPoint to enhance my lesson.  It was the first time that I had taught children with this technology, and to tell you the truth it was awesome.  I loved teaching with a PowerPoint, it accomplished two objectives for me;  One it kept me focused on the important ideas I wanted to present, and two it supported student learning by providing great visuals and allowed me an easy way to check for understanding. Students loved the ‘Jeopardy Game’ at the end of the lesson.  This game not only helped me to check for understanding BUT was a great way to review for the chapter test. http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/  Jeopardy Game website.

2.      Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

I have not had a whole lot of experience with developing this type of technology…But our technology class this summer has provided me with some great resources that I could use with my students.  I would do more investigating into edmodo.com, schoology has been really easy and helpful with this class and it could be a great resource for students. These kinds of technological resources give more of the responsibility and accountability to the student, which I feel is a good thing. Schoology and websites like this allow teachers the ability to create or join any number of online groups.   https://www.schoology.com/home.php  This is the Schoology website.

3.      Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

My lesson on “The Globe-Land and Water” was an example of addressing the diverse learning styles of young students.  I use verbal teaching by talking and discussing with students about the different parts of our Earth (Land and Water), I used a hands-on game to teach the same concepts to kinesthetic learners, and I accompanied that same learning with the technology of the i-Pad and Google Earth for visual learners. There was learning for everyone! Even me the ‘Teacher’.

4.      Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

There were two examples of using technology in formative and summative assessments in the Mini Lesson presentations that were given.  The first was the ‘Glogster’ poster.  Using the ‘Glogster’ website gave students the ability to research information quickly and easily using website information and images.  It also had the ability for students to use their creativity in creating and presenting information. I really liked that the posters could be made available to other students for learning but also to parents and school personnel.  The other really impressive technology that was presented in the Mini Lessons was the NASA websites where informational data could be collected and incorporated into an Excel program that students would then use to organize and clarify, using spread sheets and graphs.   www.solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/   Cool Stuff!

Standard #3 - Master

1. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.

I am learning so much and feel that I can look much more proficient to my students as I teach with technology.  The key to being fluent with technology is DOING! Try new websites and new technology…don’t be afraid to be creative and most of all share your ideas.

2. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
3. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
4. Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.

Communication is key with both parents and students.  Most parents will appreciate a quick note or view of their child’s work. This is soooo much easier if as a teacher you can use technology like e-mail, electronic newsletters, edmodo, and so much more.  Parents will appreciate the information and update on their child but also they will be grateful for your time and effort in their child’s behalf.  Realize that collaborating with parents is a good thing and will be beneficial to your students.   You will do a great service to your parents when you familiarize them with the technology that their child is using in class.  Modeling to them the benefits of using digital-age media and formats that they might not be familiar with.  This is my goal in the coming year to become familiar with more technology resources.

Standard #4 - Novice

1. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

To me this is an essential part of teaching with technology.  With technology comes power and responsibility, both teacher and student need to be aware of how to appropriately, legally and safely use these new found resources.  If we as teachers can teach students the importance of using technology correctly, and to our benefit, much can be learned.  But like everything else in life technology requires our RESPECT. In my Mini Lesson I made sure that students were aware that any inappropriate use of the i-Pad would result in them not being able to use this technology.  I modeled the use of the programs and monitored the student’s use of their i-Pad.  I stressed the importance of handling the i-Pad carefully.  In any grade, I feel that the monitoring of electronic devices is an important role of teachers. Teachers can monitor the use of technology by doing things as simple as walking around the room while students use these devices.

2. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.

I believe that no two students learn in exactly the same way.  This makes teaching quite a challenge.  That is why I will do my best as a teacher to differentiate my teaching.  Using the wonderful technology tools that are available to us today is important in reaching our diverse learners.  I would like to use different types of technology in my classroom.  In search of new technology available I found an interesting article on ways to use technology in the classroom using social networking and gaming. The article is called “Using the Technology of Today, in the Classroom Today” http://education.mit.edu/papers/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf  This would definitely be one way to meet the diverse needs of learners. When teaching my practicum lesson to 3^rd graders on “National Symbols” I felt I used technology in the classroom by using the Smartboard to create a patriotic feeling in the class when  presenting a visual tour with pictures and song (sung by students) for learning/teaching  about our National monuments and memorials.  I also used the smartboard in teaching students to fold our nation’s flag.

3. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

The saying: “I can’t hear what you are saying because what you are doing is ringing to loudly in my ears.” serves to remind us as teachers that the first step in modeling digital etiquette and responsible social interactions come from us, the teacher.  I will always remember, as I did in my 3^rd grade practicum lesson and my mini lesson to remind students of the need for appropriate behavior and responsibility when using ANY type of technology.  I will be sure to help students understand the ramifications of misuse.  I found on the internet a slide presentation that teachers could use to create discussion with  Junior High or High School students on the appropriate use of technology.  I am posting this slide presentation on my blog to remind me of the importance of teaching students about their responsibility when using today’s technology. http://www.slideshare.net/rebawayx/digital-etiquette-7549017 “Digital Etiquette”

4. Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools.

Collaboration is an important tool that we as teacher need to integrate into our teaching. Collaboration enhances engagement and requires students to not only learn, but to also digest what's learned, think critically, and formulate more complex thoughts. I am not very good at this and have not use collaboration in my teaching to promote the needed understanding for cultural and global awareness.  I feel that much can be learned from others and their experiences.  There are two resources that I would like to explore that would be helpful to me in engaging with others to better teach and learn.  The first is the Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ This site can give a clearer understanding of academic topics. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from people who have visited this site.  Another resource that could be used is “Ask a Historian” from the National History Education Clearinghouse.  http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian  This website can assist teachers in helping students to better understand history or what might have occurred in history by submitting a question asked in a class discussion to this website. The question posed to “Ask a Historian” by the student, will be answered by a historian that is familiar with that particular topic. This sounds like a great resource for students and teachers.

Phase I: Reflections on Micro Lessons Preparation

Phase I: Reflections on Micro Lessons Preparation

1.                Assessing Prior Knowledge:  My targeted grade level of students is KINDERGARTEN

Prior experience would have taken place for this particular lesson as I showed the inflated globe and asked the students question about what it was.  ie: What is this? (Globe) Answers that might help me assess the students prior experience might be -- World, Earth, Planet, Water, land, I don't know, ball, beach ball. These answers would help me know how much I would have to explain and where to begin my teaching instruction.

2.                Plans Instruction: 

As I plan my lessons, knowing what prior experience is, and where to start my teaching from, is essential.  Knowing your students is what it is all about.  Teaching is best when you can relate your teaching to something familiar to the students. My objectives are clearly stated in my lesson plan.  I have thought through how my teaching can challenge students on all levels and tried to foresee the abilities and actions and finishing times of my students.  I have provided curriculum that is appropriate for Kindergartners  and aligned my teaching to fulfill the objectives of the state standards.  

3.                Designing Instruction: Lesson Plan Link:

My lesson plan is contextually and logically organized. I have taken each concept and explained them and provided opportunities to check for understanding.  I have used scaffolding in my teaching concepts, building on what the students know to expand their knowledge.  I will give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through hands-on opportunities on the worksheets and the iPad.  I  will give students the opportunities to share ideas with one another and share their experiences with land and water, maps and globes. Students may also share experiences with boats, water, land, mountains, ... Using Google Earth and/or the video will provide perspective for students. I will be prepared and make sure that the technology that I will be using is ready and working properly  One other aspect of my teaching that I feel is very important is the displaying of work.  I feel when you display a child's work it accomplishes a couple of things. One, is it provides a way for a student to take pride in what they have created and learned.  It also helps students be accountable for finishing their work.  It doesn't need to be displayed long sometimes only until the students go home that day. 

·    

1.                Planning Assessment: 

·       I feel that student discussions, game and worksheet all provide assessments for my students and the material I have presented.  Expanding students thinking through sharing about the Earth's land and water and then identifying the means of transportation

that are used on both land and water will help to cement learning.  Learning can come from discussions and worksheet activity but also I will give the students opportunities to research and learn about other aspects of the Earth, maps and globes through picture books, creative drawing with the iPad and learning through actual pictures of earth (video, google earth).

Digital Literacy

•         Safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology is a must for teachers and those working with children.  This is an amazing world that we live in.  But there are dangers that as educators we need to be aware of and we as educators have a responsibility to keep our students safe and educate them to the dangers that they can fall into with the wonderful age of technology.  As I have researched some of the web site that are there to help us I found a helpful site called “I keep safe” here is the link to that web site. http://www.ikeepsafe.org/youth/ .  There are so many great videos and links that teachers can use as a resource to educated themselves and their students.  Safety is of the utmost importance for students but knowing the legal and ethical uses of digital information and technology is crucial too. 

•         Digital etiquette and responsible social interactions “With great power come great responsibility” (Spiderman 1) We need to keep this in mind when educating our students about their responsibility when using digital technology.  We all need to remember how powerful this technology is that lies at our fingertips.  Here is a resource website that is full of lesson plans and ideas to teach about responsible social interactions with technology.  This website is appropriate for students ranging in age from 8 to 17.  “Faux Paw and the Dangerous  Download”ƒ http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/fauxpaw/FP4%20Curriculum.pdf

•         Meeting diverse needs of learners through learner-centered strategies and equitable access Who are our diverse student learners?  They might include students from racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse families and communities of lower socioeconomic status.   As educators we can make a difference if we act on the knowledge that research offers to us. Learn the strategies that give all students equitable access to learning.  My desire as an educator is to be able to realize the educational excellence with technology and teaching strategies  that is available to all children regardless of their diverse needs. I have a responsibility to know how to access the technology available and use the strategies that are best suited to my students. Here is a web resource that can help enlighten us in this area.  This site is full of actual classroom situation that teachers may encounter.  http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/107003/chapters/diverse-teaching-strategies-for-diverse-learners.aspx  

•        Global awareness and digital-age communication

"We live in a culture where young people—outfitted with iPhone and laptop and devoting hours every evening from age 10 onward to messaging of one kind and another—are ever less likely to develop the “silent fluency” that comes from face-to-face interaction. It is a skill that we all must learn, in actual social settings, from people (often older) who are adept in the idiom. As text-centered messaging increases, such occasions diminish. The digital natives improve their adroitness at the keyboard, but when it comes to their capacity to “read” the behavior of others, they are all thumbs." --Wall Street Journal
This is one of my biggest concerns with our electronic generation of children.  Children are losing the ability to talk face to face to one another.  There is an art to reading facial expressions and body language.  I worry that electronic communication makes communication impersonal and it is easy to say things that we would never say in person.  This link on communication in the digital age sums up some of my concerns and some of the effects on society today.  

http://smallhandsbigideas.com/generation-y/communication-in-the-digital-age-lost-in-translation/
There is of course the upside to our ability to communicate all over the world. The sharing of knowledge and information from the other side of our planet has provide cultures to unite and collaborate in the fields of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Farming and Agriculture, and so many more areas that have benefited mankind. Coming together with ideas would have never been possible without global communication.

http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-0-387-73315-9_20#page-2