- We've been introduced to great Apps, videos and various tools to use. (ie: diigo, IMovie, QuickTime, etc)
- What are some KEY Apps and/or sites you use regularly and feel will enhance Professional Develop and enhance student learning.
7/23/2013
Thoughts and Reflections:
"Teachers as 'Learning Coaches'"---Teachers role changes from dictator to sitting side-by-side students helping to guide them. Teacher gets to know students' interests and build on their strengths to increase interest and production.
- Our current students live in the world of technology. We, as educators, need to build upon students' strengths and knowledge of technology to create buy-in and increase interest of content.
EdMotto connects you to other educators all over the world who are teaching same subject(s)/content as you and post their lessons/units online. No need in re-creating the wheel. Closed site where teachers can communicate with their students and students can communicate with their peers.
How and what are we doing with technology to enhance learning? How is technology used, in a different way, to bring forth knowledge to our kids?
- I think this is question we need to ask ourselves (supervisors, coaches, classroom teachers)---When "we" use technology, how is this enhancing the learning students? How can you tell?
diigo.com---this is where you create your account
Video: "If I were your son?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8&feature=player_embedded
- Great video to show @ PD---eye-opener for staff to realize/recognize kids are learning in a digital world. We must teach them with tools they know and use everyday---they will probably even teach us!!
- I like the idea of taking pictures throughout the year of different events and sharing it with staff.
You asked about sites..many of what I've presented on the classroom page are the online places I like to hangout on. Most recently, Mind/Shift has inspired me in many ways. Apps...that's an open book. So many lists. In Beaverton we have a collection device for "local" recommendations for apps. Its' a pretty short list right now, but growing.
ReplyDeleteIf you get the list from Beaverton SD share it with us. I went and looked at the apple app store under educators and it is less than one page right now but the student page is almost 2. Special ed & preK definitely seem to be the focus on the app store but I believe that will be changing.
ReplyDeleteI have a few open-ended app sites that I refer to and they update frequently:
ReplyDeletehttps://sites.google.com/a/eusd.org/eusd-iread/ipod-apps
I agree about when is the right time to use technology but "we" need to be mindful that there are some teachers (not necessarily in your district) who will never use technology because it is NOT the right time. Keeping the target in mind helps focus the outcome. Having multiple ways to show an outcome is creative and allows students to find their learning styles.
Great Blog! I am also interested in finding/building a list of apps and online resources for students and teachers (without having to wade through all the propaganda and sales-pitches...). I'm thinking of creating a shared google doc that teachers could submit apps and pages they find to be helpful. I could see this being a springboard into brief PD opportunities at staff meetings.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Brian! I think creating a google doc where educators could submit apps and pages would benefit so many---saves time, builds knowledge and builds social relations!
DeleteLove the content of your blog, but on a stylistic note - I also love the font you have chosen! Your last comment about photos hits close to home for me...and it is a great idea! I am a terrible photographer - not that I can't take pictures, but I simply don't do it. I worked for 5 years in a teaching team with varying strengths and we were lucky to have a techy guy who would take photos and videos from the year and compile them into a video yearbook for our kids. We did not have a yearbook of any kind prior to this and it was truly incredible. Using iMovie helps me to see how he was able to work with the photos, sound clips, transitions, etc. and it is truly inspiring that I might have the tools and knowledge to replicate something like that in the future. Time consuming for sure, but so valuable to the people who are in it and get to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog! I like the template you chose.
ReplyDeleteThere must be an online resource somewhere for authentic appraisal of educational apps. There are several educational technology groups in the Portland area. I will look at a couple I belong to and see if there is something there. If not, it would be a good idea to start one.