Stephen

Stephen

Journal Entry
 * How Technology Can Improve Learner-Centered Teaching **

When I read this article I was immediately drawn to the author's first about shifting the balance of power towards the learner. While my instruction follows set lesson plans, there is time allotted to specific learner's needs; they can voice their concern about a particular issue affecting them on their own personal project and to seek assistance from me. Of course, this, in turn, allows me to open it up in the form of a class discussion; to seek the assistance of the other learners. While this strategy builds cooperation, confidence, and a nurturing educational environment, I have yet to add a technological catalyst. Right now it works in a face-to-face learning situation. Could I transfer this activity to work equallywell online? Perhaps the use of Wiki-pages or discussion forums may well fit the bill. With me providing guidance and commentary, I see no reason why the learners could not achieve the same outcome.

His second-last point regarding responsibility for learning rests with the learner resonates with me. From time to time I come across a learner who is disengaged for some reason. When this occurs I ask myself if have successfully shown the learner how to practice connecting with the material. If I think the answer is no, then I must re-evaluate something I'm doing or not doing. If the answer is yes, then the learner must be accountable for his/her own learning destiny or outcome.

Journal Entry
 * The Flipped Classroom**

I watched a short video on this subject earlier today. //(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H4RkudFzlc)// Aaron Sams, a high-school science teacher, describes how he was determined to provide his students with the ultimate learner-centered approach to learning. By using newer technology to his and their advantage, he delivered his lecture, thoughts, ideas, and tips via email/video AFTER school hours. Students would then research and study at home and complete their assignments and homework at school under Aaron's supervision.

My first thoughts were to be wary of this approach. Would it work over the long term? Will students apply themselves genuinely to the tasks at hand? Are they mature enough to embrace this kind of approach?

Perhaps I overreacted.

When I watched it a second time, and a third, I began to think, why not? Those same questions would need to be measured no matter how teaching is delivered and learning is learned. With young students adapting to new technology so quickly after being born nowadays, they are the most suited group to adopt this style of learning. There is some merit to using this approach.

However, here are questions I would like to ask: Is his the only class at high school adopting this approach? Would this style work equally well if all teachers adopted the same style? Watching let's say eight videos at home, doing research, and then doing homework at school? Or does it work now in part because it provides variety and contrast to traditional methods? Do the the students see it as "different" to the others classes and so enjoy it more?

Lastly, one of the big advantages of asynchronized delivery is that you can replay or re-read it over and over. Mull it over in your own time. Then when you've done your research, come in to the classroom armed with questions. Perhaps there's a good deal to be gained after all.

(Cindy) Stephen - you raise some good questions about the flipped classroom. I agree with you that one of the benefits to having access to the videos at home is to be able to replay them over and over - which is not the case in the live classroom. If an instructor says something you missed - it interrupts the entire class if a student asks them to repeat what they said - so it doesn't always happen. As a remote student for this course - I have definitely re-watched the videos to hear what I may have missed !

(Ruth) Stephen - I watched the same video and what resonated with me was the teacher identifying that he no longer has to stand up in front of the classroom and lecture to students, rather his role has adjusted to one of guide or tutor. Isn't that what teaching should be all about? A more-experienced person sharing and mentoring one who is less experienced? I also liked the idea that students came to school prepared to apply the things that they had learned. It looked like from this video and from the other that I watched that there was some pretty hands-on types of learning going on, so it looked like a good mix of both technological based learning and practical learning, something that was identified in many of the models that we presented on in class this past week.

Another thing that I strongly believe in is the capability of students. When we give them a task that they find interesting and are able to master their own learning, there is a shared sense of understanding of the capability of a student. The relationship is fostered and there is a greater likelihood of knowledge retention. I loved the idea of the flipped classroom! It seemed that these particular teachers really enjoyed what they were doing too!

Here is a relatively simple but effective blog on golf. Largely gossip but it's updated quite often and looks like a great place to discuss particular aspect of the game. http://armchairgolfblog.blogspot.ca/
 * Looking for a Blog...**

Sample use of Popplet and how it could be used in the classroom


 * Learner-Centered Approaches (Presentations)**

For Kyle: Well done Kyle. I liked the fact that your presentation was simple. Yet you had a lot to say about your topics.

For Melanie: Congratulations Melanie. You use props to explain your first learner-centered approach which I believe always helps to acquire a better understanding of where you're coming from. Well done.

For Bitia: Well done on your presentation. I like the fact that you gave us a little bit of background so that we could identify with you your situation more accurately.

For Cindy: I really enjoyed your presentation. Short but to the point and quite accurate. I'm not sure if it was you who suggested to use a quiz as an evaluation tool for a case study; if it was would you be better off asking them to provide written or verbal analysis, as well as recommendations?

For Aaron: Good presentation Aaron. It's a pity the outcomes didn't come through correctly. That said, both you and I are learning something new during this course with the adoption of Prezi for some of our presentations. Cheers!

For Cindy: Congratulations on using Animoto. I've never seen it used before in a presentation. Lots of information too about applying these learner-centered approaches with your students.

For Don: Your presentation was very detailed and noteworthy. I liked you Prezi template a lot. Congratulations.

For Harry: Another different delivery method. Lots of information too.

For Scott: Great presentation Scott. You seem to cover all the bases very well. Congratulations!

Michelle: Well done Michelle. An effective presentation with clear outcomes.


 * Webquest**

The Goal: The Search for Design Inspiration. For novice graphic artists to develop a curious mind and expose themselves to other artists work in the search for their own solutions. One of the fundamental quests that designers/artists will participate in is the search for design inspiration. This is a cornerstone of any designer's professional practice; they will be continually involved in it during the lifetime of their professional career.

With that said, here are three websites that could be proposed as a starting point for my learners. They are: [|www.creativedepart.com] A website that showcases professional artists work and which could act as a catalyst for learners thoughts and ideas. [|www.smashingmagazine.com] A great website that contains, amongst other things, hundreds of tutorials on how to execute certain design elements. [|www.mashable.com] A website that contains hundreds of links to traditional and digital design, social media considerations, and coding websites.

Pertinent Information for this Webquest Learners need to keep in mind that there are two major parts to the design process: (a) the thought, vision, or idea of the design itself, and (b) the execution of that design. Learners need to develop their curiosity for both parts so that they can fully understand the complete design process. In addition, learners are advised to search and view for online video content (YouTube etc...) for matters related particularly to execution. Learners should also identify suitable tools to use (design software, traditional methods, photography) in order to execution design aspirations. Upon completion, learners should be able to discuss and present their explorations to the class and, based on their findings, propose at two ideas which they could develop into excellent design solutions.

Note to myself: Ideally I want my learners to explore; (a) other artists work available on websites or in print media, (b) examine how design techniques are executed - as per examples shown on one of the websites above, and, (c) how new designs are implemented and displayed in media (print, posters, websites, etc...).


 * Project-based Learning Presentations**

Ruth - Skipping Presentation Ruth I liked the fact that you used props effectively. I also learn how to measure the correct size of rope that I would require if I ever wanted to try skipping. The video within the presentation was very effective too - not too long or short and just the right amount if information. Congratulations!

Derek/Scott - Window Replacement Presentation Lots of information in this presentation - though I question the value of the short video within it. Did you presentation really need it?

Michelle - Re-Upholstering Furniture Presentation I think you learned two things here. 1) How to re-upholster furniture and 2) how to use Animoto! Well done.

Bitia/Rob - Learn to Paint Watercolor Presentation Nice presentation! Rob if you ever quit you're day job, I may have a career path in mind for you!!

Cindy - How to use a Hammerdrill Presentation Cindy I liked the humor in your presentation. Also, even though you had a tough time with it, you had the common sense to stop and realize it's not for you. So, you learned something!

Melanie - Elder Care Presentation Thanks for presenting this empathetic subject to us. I thought it had a lot of information particularly when it came to having to make difficult decisions on behalf of the patient in the aftermath of the hospitalization process. Thank you!

Don - Excellent presentation. You're just about ready for the Academy Awards!

Carol - I hear CTV are about to offer you your own cooking show! Well done!

Harry - Great presentation. Honestly, I never heard of this activity before (Geo Cache). I learned something new today. Aside, the BBC tagged a cargo container so that it could be tracked as it traveled the world on various cargo vessels.

Johanna - You're Lasagna looks delicious.

Danya - Pay it Forward. This is worthwhile idea that I think is not talked about enough. The goodwill potential is huge! Congrats!

Kyle - Your presentation is insightful but too far beyond my comprehension. Still, I suspect this presentation could be very interesting to the right audience. If I ever need to hack a phone I know who to turn to. Cheers!

Andrew/Darrel - Fiddle and tuning - I used to play the fiddle when I was a young lad. I used a different device to tune my instrument - not digital of course. Your style of "playing" reminds me of my efforts back then. Congratulations!

Aaron - Plant Propagation - This is a timely presentation for me since I plan to do something more presentable with my garden in the spring.