Ruth

Ruth

September 24, 2012

After reading the assigned article about technology in the classroom, I started to consider how I have been incorporating technology in my own classes since they started in September.

Many more students are attending classes with their own laptops, iPads, iPhones and other gadgets. I have started asking them to use them in class to create small presentations which they can then share with the whole group, to do simple Internet searches of topics that have come up in discussion, and to link the rest of the class with interesting articles that they have researched.

Rather than fighting the technology, I am embracing it. I bring my own cellular phone to class and use it as a clock, I am then able to share information with students via text messaging, getting in touch with absent students who have agreed to text in comments and also to post on my Sharepoint site in the moment.

I find the students appreciate the use of technology in the classroom. Interestly, I am also finder fewer students who are scared of technology, likely because of their age. I find this interesting because the field of ECE rarely uses technology in it's basic sense, but it can provide opportunities for exploration. I like this new facet of our learning! Instructor comment: "You may also find that students are not using technology in a distracting way when they are encouraged to use it in a constructive, learning way."

(Bitia)- I like how you include the students who are absent to respond to texts so they are not missing out for that lecture period.

September 25, 2012

Here's a link to a video that our faculty made called How to be an effective classmate.

[]

(Cindy) - Ruth - I am very interested in watching this video but was unable to make it work. I could get it to start playing but no sound at all (and my speakers were on and turned up :) - is there a special program to download to watch it ? It looks like it would be great to see.

Comment form Aaron: This video should be shown to all new students. I have notice that students that do these things have difficulty in the class room. One of my favorite questions is are we going to be here all day.

October 2, 2012 The Flipped Classroom - I was intrigued by this topic, what does it mean to flip a classroom? I imagined that somehow the students would flip their role and become the teachers. In a sense that is what happens, but through watching several videos on YouTube of teachers at the Woodland Park High School I learned that the essense of the flipped classroom is that learners begin to learn for themselves and by themselves. Essentially the teacher provides content delivered via technology which the student learns at home and then comes to the classroom to apply the things that they have learned at home. The teacher's role then becomes more of a guide or a tutor. A second teacher described the mastery system that the flipped classroom offers. whereby a student would be challenged to meet a minimum of a 75% requirement in order to master the system. This particular teacher describes how learners of all capabilities can have their needs met and challenged because of the flexibility in the system. [] []

October 9, 2012

Here is a link to the blog I found: [] October 10, 2012

Here is a link to a webquest for Child Dvelopment Theories: []
 * Webquests:**

In November 2012 I will be teaching a new course Child Development 1 to our new intake of Early Childhood Education students. These students are novices when it comes to learning and understanding child development. Theories of child development can often be analogous with learning a new language. Students are usually unfamiliar with the terminology associated with child development and the theories, as well they are usually unaccustomed to linking their practice to theory. This is something that the ECE field strives for in achieving high quality early childhood programs for children.

I would develop a Webquest for my students based on the Learning Outcome: Understand key theories of child development.

The following websites would be recommended for Webquest. :

1. The Science of Early Child Development is a locally produced web resource (RRC) []

2. Discovery Psychology Life Span Development is an excellent source for students to review the milestones of child development []

3. Theories of Development is a website that has a clear outline of the key theorists discussed in child development. The website has many links that students can review and gain information. []

October 16, 2012

Feedback on student presentations: Kyle KWL Scaffolding Role Play

Great presentation, lots of good information. I especially like the idea of doing role plays with adult students. I think this is a brave thing to try. Many times adult students are reticent to attempt role playing for fear of looking silly in front of their peers. I think it's a great learning tool because they actually get to try things out and they will remember the process when it comes to the real thing!

Melanie Discovery learning Graphic Organizers Cooperative learning

I am proud to work with you, it sounds like you have a lot of respect for the students. I like that! I really like the opportunity for students to use the Popplet in class as it gives them the opportunity to use technology in the classroom.

Danya Learning Centres Discovery learning Cooperative learning

Good presentation - I especially liked that you engaged the learner in the assessment piece. It engages them in the whole process which is holistic learning in my opinion.

Rob Clicker Technology Webquests Practically speaking Cooperate Training

A good presentation. I found the prezi slides really hard to read because they had too much information on them. The small print is hard on the eyes. My recommendation is to use less and discuss more. The practical work is very good, students like this kind of hands on learning and it helps to solidify the learning.4


 * Hi Ruth...** Yeah, as I have mentioned to a couple of the others I would have been well-served to mention how the prezi could be made full screen and amplified to make the materails easier to read. Sorry. And thank-you for the feedback, it always helps me get better by thinking about the little things. See you in class. **(Rob)**

Bitia Case Study Role Play Blogs/journalling

Good presentation, easy to follow. The ideas are simple yet very practical for the students that you work with. If students are working directly with human subjects this will help them to develop empathy towards their patients. I also like the idea of blogs/journalling as it keeps them up with new information as it becomes available and it also allows them to air concerns or share questions with other learners.

Carol Discovery learning PBL and learning inquiry Role play

Good presentation! I like the discovery learning piece, using real-life situations makes a ton of sense and enables them to note differences or updates. Very practical!

Darrell Co-operative learning simulation role playing

Awesome presentation! I liked how you compared the present way of teaching and then identified these new ways to teach students. I think they would be way more engaged and it was very practical! Way to go Darrell. Pristine outcomes!

Andrew Jorunalling Simulation Role Playing

Good presentation! I liked how you identified that students would be able to see their own growth. I think this is a good learning tool. Also that it provides a confidential tool to converse with the instructor. Sometimes students have fears or concerns and it's good to have an avenue for them to identify them with the instructor.

October 23, 2012

Aaron - Thanks for the presentation! Problem based learning Simulations discussion boards - I really like the use of discussion boards. They are helpful and students can be candid with each other. The other nice thing is that videos can be uploaded and then shared through groups. They can then write a critique or do their own presentation using the board. They have many purposes.

Cindy - Well done Cindy! Role play discovery co-operative learning Good use of Animoto! I also like using role play in my classrooms. I have just come off of teaching streaming for 4 years so we were at a bit of a disadvantage because students were not all together and those who were in regional classrooms had to watch on a computer screen. I found my classes lacked a lot of "personality" because I didn't use role plays as much.

Don - Awesome! webquest cooperative learning simulations - I like the idea of simulations because it is hands-on learning. What is "constructor"? Looks like fun! if that is available as an app I could see that being used as a possible assignment that could be done as 5 pointers along the way.

Harry - very well done! Nicely laid out and easy to understand! PBL - maybe a rubric could be developed to assist students to know what is expected of them, rather than a pass/fail Discussion - the scenario to be discussed is great! Very practical and likely to happen right? Is a "credible" work plan evident to the students? Role play - I believe that role plays are good learning tools for adult students. They feel silly doing them, but they can be mood-lighteners and good for team building, but also great for understanding perspectives of others.

Stephen - Good presentation! Cooperative learning Case study - I like case studies! I think they are very hands-on and allow more experienced students to coach/mentor novice students, just as you said! It also opens up other opportunities to work cooperatively and perhaps other learner-centred approaches. Role play - I have said it to others that I think role playing with adults is a very good learning opportunity. They do often feel silly but it is valuable and they will remember the scenarios and how they reacted or felt.

Johanna - great job! Role play - I like how you identified your outcomes in italics! The action verb really stood out! Good work. I like role playing for adult learners and being able to offer a critique as it is occuring is helpful. Case study - very important!! Especially with new products I would imagine. Do stylists study chemistry? Cooperative learning - working with a group would help students discuss the issues that may arise in understanding

Derek - well done! KWL - I like that students have the ability to understand their own knowledge - metacognition. Do you ever have students with EAL who are intimidated to identify concerns with things not working? Thanks for answering my question! Scaffolding - Simulations - I like that students get to be hands-on, and think on their feet, very appropriate for students of all ages. Are your ideas of "satisfaction" identified somewhere?

Scott - I appreciated your sense of humor! You identified many learner centred approaches in your presentation. Good job! Webquest - use of technology is appreciated by more tech-savvy students. You identified how effective webquests can actually be. Blog - you identified many areas of student centred learning as part of the blogging process. Cooperative learning - group work, peer assessment, discussion and scaffolding. Role play/simulation - consequence free, I like that! It's important to show that you are human and don't have all the answers.

Michele - great presentation! Role play cooperative learning journalling - good classroom management technique! End of the day, for marks...heh heh heh! Excellent pictures!

October 30, 2012

Here is a link to my PBL Project - [|Skipping Class]

Derek and Scott - PBL How to buy a window started with a video demonstrating influences of technology, you learned about the industry and gathered some research on windows. Discovered about different types of windows, and their energy efficiencies. The Window Performance slide was a little crowded, perhaps you could have just summarized the top line of things to consider, and have the paper copy as a handout or a pdf to send to people. Good advice for window buyers! I have questions about the garden door window I have, who do I ask? Good tips for using PBL as a teaching tool.

Michele - PBL recovering a poof. Nice close photography! The music was captivating! Excellent use of Animoto! That was a good choice of presentation tool! Way to go Michele!

Rob & Bitia - PBL learning to watercolor paint Nice to have hands-on props. Nice to know that anyone can do it and that it is a hobby that can be taken up for a low cost. Try using visuals for your history, this helps for the visual learners. The Prezi was awesome - some of the slides had too many words on them though! Acronyms are always good! You can use the Elmo to project your work up close. It's a great tool for showing this type of stuff up close. Feeling confident after the first paintings, obviously you had fun doing this project! It showed! Hooray!

Cindy - PBL How to operate a Jack Hammer! Love it!!!! I applaud your use of technology, it must have been very stressful.I loved how you referred to it as an "adventure" rather than a venture, it shows your creativity and enthusiasm. Your presentation flowed very nicely. Good for you for attempting something very challenging.

Melanie - PBL Elder Care - Stroke Recovery A timely topic for you dear! A very personal story and this was unfortunately a learning expereince for you.Your information was really well shared, I wonder if it might be worth sharing on You Tube, or with Heart & Stroke. There is such a gap of information in elder care and many people with differing opinions and pieces of information. Well done Melanie! I applaud you for keeping your sanity!

November 8, 2012

Don - PBL - Dust in the Wind Your presentation could not have come at a better time for me! I absolutely loved it! The best part was the shark, it sent me into a fit of laughter. The unfortunate part for me was not hearing your discussion, and I can only imagine that the process was to learn how to animate. Well done! You have a future outside of electrical work.

Darrel & Andy -PBL - It's Fiddling Time My husband and I watched your presentation and were both blown away by the information you compiled. Way to go! Darrell, I loved Uncle Bert's party and thought you were a standout dancer!

Danya -PBL - Paying it Forward Hi Danya, I loved your presentation! It was effective, yet simple at the same time. Excellent slides and I agreed with your statement about it being a whole lot more complicated than you would have originally thought! I had a discussion the other day with a colleague who had experienced driving along side someone with road rage. The person pulled into a Tim Horton's behind her and was doing brake stands (general obnoxiousness), I told her that she should have paid for the guy's coffee...that's the kind of paying it forward I like to do, try to put some "love" back in the world. Good job!

Harry - PBL - Geocaching Hi Harry, nice presentation! I have always wanted to try geocaching. I am going to save your presentation so that I can follow your directions - very succinct! Apparently there is a geocache hidden in a tree by my cottage. Every now and then someone will walk through my property and when I ask them what they are doing they say they are looking for the geocache. Apparently it's named 123 Cabin. I have found it once but never again and that was with someone else's GPS. Well done! and Don't give up! It's good to do outdoor activities!

Aaron - PBL - Cloning What a wonderful presentation! It looked beautiful first of all, the script suited the topic, delicate yet powerful! I have always wanted to learn how to do this. Do you think it would work with willow trees? Nicely done Aaron!

Kyle - PBL - doing something with an android phone Kyle I couldn't open your prezi!!!! and I really want to see your presentation because I have an android phone!!! Can you send to me in Gmail perhaps? Or check the prezi to make sure it's still alive. thanks!

Carol - PBL - making sushi I love sushi! I also love to cook, so this is a good lesson for me, thanks Carol! You did a great job on your presentation!