Derek

Derek

Week 1 Assignment "How technology can improve learner centered technology"

I am amazed at how far technology has come, and to how it can be and is used in the classroom of today.

However, there is a saying I like to live by "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I agree that technology is nice to have, but not everyone is computer literate. It seems to me so much emphasis is placed on technology that the basics of teaching is being forgotten. Sometimes I have found that too much time is being placed on fixing the programs and trying to get on line when the content could have been covered the old school way. As an example, I remember two years ago there was a power outage here at the college. A few of the instructors ended the class because all they ever use is a computer. However, in my case I was able to continue because I had paper copies and a white board. Don't get me wrong, I do use power point presentations and a few other things. But I can always rely on my binder.

(Don) Good point about power outages Derek, it does make a lot of sense to keep paper copies of your material. I sense you are exercising a little caution about jumping all in with technology and education and I would agree. Like anything new the pendulum will swing but eventually we will learn what works best if we haven't already and hopefully find the middle ground.

Week 2 Assignment "The flipped classroom"

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I found this article interesting, and troubling. It is always nice to have student interaction. Peer student teaching is very important, but it can cause some problems at the same time. When a student watches a lecture, the information is processed in a different way than with other students. Knowing this, way can understand that the content could be miss-understood. So at a certain point there could be mass confusion about the content.

In my personal opinion, it is best to have a class discussion with the instructor, than just the students on their own while the instructor walks around from group to group. Posting a lesson on line for the students because they cannot attend class because of other obligations dose not teach them how to manage their time. It could give them an excuse not to come to class. We need these students to be more responsible with their time. In short the world doesn’t revolve around the student.

-Comment Kyle- I think it is interesting that you seem to be saying (and correct me if I am wrong) that students need to be in a classroom to learn anything, when so much learning on all topics happens individually, and outside the classroom, all the time. Are you saying that the content is of a nature that it cannot be learned via video or audio in the students time outside the class? Or that the time in the classroom that you would need to clarify would be the same amount of time that would result in the same amount of learning?

-Comment Scott- I think what Derek is saying is: The course material that is being taught directly in class (for apprentices) can easily be tilted of effective usefulness if students are permitted to interpret the material in a way that is not spot on. The science based information must be solid if there is to be progression to higher levels. Other than initial concieving of concepts, the students must be watched closely to ensure their not wandering off course. The time constraints do not permit a lot of time for correction in this manner and, as you probably know, sometimes the trip to "back on course" can be a lot longer than the trip "off of course". I think I tend to agree with his assessment in this case; employing this method of student centered learning would have to be done very carefully.

-comment Harry - I agree with you Derek when you say teachers need to help students learn how to manage their time and that the world doesn't revolve around the student. Instructors need to have similar expectations to what an employer will have. I think that, especially in the Trades, we should be preparing them for a job not just providing course material.

(Comment from Stephen) Students who are not good or responsible at managing their time will likely struggle. This will occur whether he/she is sitting face-to-face in class with the instructor or watching a video outside class provided to him/her by the instructor. Lack of responsibility will always be an issue but it should not prevent those students who want to embrace strategies like //"The Flipped Classroom"// from doing so.

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=**POPPLET**=



= **Here is an example of a web quest I designed.**=

=//__ Learner centered approaches __//=

Great real world examples, and explinations. Good knowledge of content. Nice to hear how popplet was used in the classroom. Nice to see how these technologies are used to teach the special needs kids. Impressed with the use of technology in the class. Nice to hear that the students are allowed to discuss situations and solutions with eachother. Very well spoken. Great clear cut examples and outcomes. Short and sweet and very informative. Well done!! I like the role play you get the students to do. Great examples. To the point, with good information. Great prezzi, very infomative. Great description of learning centered approaches and outcomes. Nice way to add to real world situations. Really intresting presentation. Well done. I think the flipped class would suit your style as well. Regardless youve done a swell joj. Good presentation! Good explanation of real world situations and outcomes. Very thorough explanation of what you teach and how you teach it. Great examples of learner centered approaches and how it pertains to your subject matter, as well as the outcomes for each approach. To the piont and very clear. Good web quest. Well done, good examples, direct and to the point. Well spoken, good examples of learner centered approuches and outcomes as it pertains to your field.
 * Kyle
 * Melanie
 * Danya
 * Rob
 * Bitia
 * Carol
 * Darrell
 * Andrew
 * Aaron
 * Cindy
 * Donald
 * Harry
 * Stephen
 * Johanna
 * Ruth
 * Scott
 * Michele

=__** PBL **__= Very informative presentation. Great example of how everyone should start to learn about any subject matter. I never would have thought that I would have to learn how to skip. I thought this was something that I would do as a trial and error type subject. Very entertaining, with a lot of insight and work. Animoto is like a breath of fresh when compared to the norm. Well done. I found your presentation very entertaining and informative. Easy steps to follow, and the drive to find another way when the obstacles are hit, as there are more than one way to do something. Love the explination of how the two of you went about to learn how to paint. Also was nice to see how much fun you had in learning. I wish everthing could be that fun. I found your presentation VERY INFORMATIVE. In addition I am troubled to see how much I do not know. That being said I am happy that I have not been placed in that position. You are a very strong person and I wish you all the best. Wow!!!! Really well done. You mentioned a few things you had to do that I never would have thought of. A good point was made that if you give the students the abillity to go on thier own the outcome could be very satisfying. Great explanation as to the steps you took to learn and make the sushi. Cache- I have never heard of this. Sounds like a fun way to spend some time with the kids. Interesting to see how all the rules for such a thing. Good reason to get out of the house. Never say die. Even though you were worried and unsure about the task you followed through and completed the project. Love the fact that even though you do not like to cook, you still took the time to learn. Too bad the web was not working. Nice concept, I just don't think it will continue on. Too. many bitter people in the world today. Love your enthusiasm, I found it difficult to keep up to what you were saying. You seem to talk at a very fast pace. A very difficult topic. Very informative, great enthusiasm and I love the way you engaged the class. Good job. Love the topic with great explanations.
 * Ruth
 * Michele
 * Cindy
 * Bitia/Rob
 * Melanie
 * Don
 * Carol
 * Harry
 * Stephen
 * Johanna
 * Danya
 * Kyle
 * Darrell/Andy
 * Aaron