Lessons Learned

Throughout the course, integrating technology into the curriculum I have learned how to use many web 2.0 tools effectively in my instruction. Most importantly, I have learned that in order to use technology effectively, I must be proactive and plan ahead, I must be knowledgeable about how to use the web 2.0 tools, I must be adaptive to meet the needs of my learners, I must be culturally sensitive to adapt the technology to meet the needs of my students, I must be collaborative to find new, innovative ways to integrate technology into the curriculum, I must be make decisions about what technology to use, I must be a leader to integrate technology more extensively and assist others, and most of all, I must be reflective in order to continuously improve my teaching strategies.

As I completed online discussions with my classmates and the required projects for the course, I met the course objectives of being a part of an online learning community, reviewing learning theories and technology standards to evaluate technology proficiency at my school, creating and evaluating lesson plans that incorporate technology, and developing an instructional unit that meets a defined need and incorporates technology. Meeting these objectives have helped me to gain a better understanding of how, when, and why I should technology in my own classroom. I am leaving this class with a deeper comprehension of how to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum. I have enjoyed blogging about my experiences, and I hope to continue sharing my ideas and reading the ideas of my peers to find new, innovative ways to use technology in my classroom. Technology is constantly changing and it is up to educators to commit to being lifelong learners of how to integrate technology into the curriculum in order to prepare the future (our children) with the 21 century skills and knowledge that they need to be successful members of society!

PBL Proposal

In my most recent project, I collaborated with peers in my class to design a project-based learning proposal integrating reading into other content areas using technology. We used Google Docs to share our ideas and work together to provide examples of PBL that could be used across all grades at the elementary school level.

Our activities did not focus purely on tests scores, but rather they focused on creating engaging activities that involve students' literacy skills in an effort to improve their reading, while fostering a love for reading and encouraging them to be lifelong learners.

Here is a link to our wiki which includes the articles we used, activities we created, and our project proposal for Chapel Hill Elementary school.
PBL Project Proposal Wiki

Movie Maker

Throughout the last project, I created a movie addressing character education. Using the Movie Maker software is a great way to get students engaged and it allows them an opportunity to publish their work and share their ideas!

Here is the video that I created (with the help of my students):



Windows MovieMaker can be used to create mini-movies about various subjects (especially historical figures and procedures for how to complete math problems). I could also have Windows MovieMaker available in my class as a tool for students to use for performance evaluations of content areas of PBL for a variety of different units.

Some of the challenges for completing this project included student involvement/participation and finding appropriate visuals to use within the movie. Many of my students still have not returned permission slips, so some could not participate in the audio recording aspect of the activity. Also, due to my student’s lack of previous exposure to audacity, the use of the software required my assistance and was not completed independently. Next time, I need to make sure to model a lot before allowing them to try and use the tool by themselves. Finally, I had a bit of difficulty searching for pictures that matched the narration of the movie. I knew what I wanted in my head, but it was a little time consuming to find the picture that was most appropriate for the message.

I have had previous practice using this tool though my video production class I took last spring. I know how to do a lot with Windows MovieMaker and I feel like it is a fairly easy tool to teach young students. In my past experience, I have found that it is best to teach them one step at a time. For example, the first time they create a movie they might just have pictures with no video or sound. Then as they get more and more practice, I begin to model how to perform other tasks on Windows MovieMaker. As a learner, I have found that it is very important to create a storyboard and gather all of your visuals and audio clips before you begin the creation of your movie. The storyboard is the brainstorming part of the activity and it should be completed before starting the actual movie.

Although there are some challenges, they are far outweighed by the advantages of this tool. The possibilities for students are endless, especially after they begin feeling comfortable using the tool! I would recommend this software to any teacher, and the best part is...it is already installed on every windows desktop! Free! It doesn't get better than that!!!

Insights about PBL

Throughout our last class discussion, I was able to brainstorm ways to create a lesson plan for project-based learning by incorporating many different subject areas. I also had the opportunity to view some outstanding thoughts about how my peers would create a PBL with various subject areas. There were some excellent ideas which included many different types of technology. One of the lesson plans I brainstormed involved using music to teach about the science concept of recycling and conservation.
What are your thoughts about PBL and please comment if you have any good ideas for PBL lessons that you have implemented with success!

Experience Using Voicethread

Voicethread is a web 2.0 application that allows users to share their ideas through audio, text, video, or images.

I think Voicethread is a great tool and has lots of potential in the field of education. Although these are my thoughts after finishing the project, I cannot honestly say I had this same perspective 10 days ago when I first started the project.

Voicethread is very easy to use, once you have learned the basics of the tool. For instance, you need to know how to upload video, images, and PowerPoint presentations from your computer or the web, then you need to know how to create identities. It is also essential to have a microphone and headset to record audio comments.

For my first experience with Voicethread, I involved my students. They absolutely loved it and it got them very excited about learning and sharing what they knew with their classmates. I ran into a few obstacles when using my students, but I think any teacher would the first time implementing it. First of all, I should have modeled a little more before letting them do it independently. Second, I learned that you really have to use open ended questions rather than black and white questions. It needs to be set up so the students can discuss their ideas, rather than their answers. Finally, I learned that I need to remind the students to speak up when recording their answers.

Here is my Voicethread Project

Have you ever involved students in Voicethread? What advice would you give a teacher before they use it in their classroom for the first time?

Experience Using Comic Life

I can honestly say, I enjoyed learning to use the software Comic Life. It is a shame that my school does not have the program installed on our computers and all downloads are also blocked. Maybe one day, it will be a tool that will become available for me to use in my classroom with my students.



Throughout the completion of the assignment I learned a lot. I decided to personally take all the pictures for the comic strip (with an exception of 3). I quickly learned the importance of staying organized and planning ahead. I had to write out all the camera shots I wanted to get before taking pictures, and I have to write out the story before the creation the comic. I definitely think it helped in the final outcome of the project. When I implement this tool with my own students, I will make sure they write a story and gather all their pictures in a file before they begin to complete their comic strip.

This software has the potential to drive student enthusiasm and enhance their learning! I have showed the comics to my students the last couple of days and they get so excited just to read them! I can't imagine how they would react if they were creating them themselves!

Venting

I always get excited about all the new technology I am learning about and I can't wait to use it in my class. Unfortunately, due to so many "technology integration" expectations at my school it is impossible to do anything that I want to do with technology. My school considers technology integration to be Fastt Math (a math fact fluency software), Accelerated Reader (a comprehension and vocabulary assessment program), and study island (a standardized testing preparation program). Although I do believe some of these programs/software have their advantages, I do not really consider it technology integration!

So, you ask, "Why can't you do the required stuff, then do other stuff you choose?" Here is the problem:

20 kids, 3 computers, requirements:

Everyone must do Fastt Math every single day (takes 10-15 minutes a child)
*It usually takes about 1 1/2 hours to do Fastt Math.
Everyone must take an AR test once a week and before returning their library book. *1 hour a day
Everyone must do study island at least 3 times a week! ( about 2 hours a day)

As you can see, not only do I always have a student on a computer, I do not have enough computers or time to really use any of the new technology I am learning. I am trying to figure out a way to do both, but so far I haven't had any luck. Do you have any suggestions???

Comic Life

Comic Life Project

Comic Life is a tool that can be used by students to enhance their understanding of a topic and promote creativity. The above link includes a lesson plan (for 3rd grade but it could be adapted for 1st or 5th (aligned science standards)), an assessment tool, and an example of how to use a comic for student learning!

Please leave me comments about ways I can improve, things you like about it, or anything else that comes to mind as you look over it! Thanks!

Think Critically!

Google Images

PBL Reflection

Recently, I have learned a lot about problem based learning and the importance of creating student centered activities that make students think critically by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating.

Problem Based Learning is an important concept to consider when planning on integrating technology into your lesson plans. Using projects that require students to use higher-order thinking skills can enhance their learning across all content areas. According to Boss & Krauss (2007), “Projects are highly contextual. They are created through a series of decisions. Projects are designed for students by their teachers, the people who best understand their learning needs. Although the teacher edition textbooks that our county provides us with can sometimes be helpful, it is important to consider them only as a resource, and not as “the source”. There are countless web tools and software that can be used to support student learning and guide students to think critically.

How do you use problem based learning to plan activities that integrate technology?

Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2008). Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age. Washington D.C.: Intl Society For Technology In Education.

My Blogging Experience (thus far)

Google Images


I am truly enjoying creating posts and editing my blog, as well as viewing the thoughts and ideas of my peers revealed in their blogs. I feel like I have already learned a great deal about blogs, and I look forward to all the great ideas we will gain from our peers. Using Blogger to communicate will give us the opportunity to share our thoughts and experiences about integrating technology into instruction!

After reflecting on the quality of my blog, I realized communication was my weakest point. No one felt compelled to post on any of my comments (with the exception of Dr. B) and continue conversation! Isn't that what blogging is all about???

Please take a minute to respond with your thoughts by commenting on this post, or contribute your opinions to my new poll- "The best way to encourage communication through blogging" (on the right). Let me know your ideas for how you can effectively get your students to comment on their peer's blogs to keep discussion flowing! I'd love to hear from YOU!

If you are interested in learning new ways to encourage communication on your blog, check out these helpful links:
*Want More Comments on Your Blog?
*4 Ways to Encourage Comments on your Blog
*10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog

Taking Technology to the Classroom: Pedagogy-Based Training for Educators

Taking Technology to the Classroom: Pedagogy-Based Training for Educators

Summary:
This article addresses the questions "what type of training is necessary?" and "how much training is sufficient?" in relation to instructional technology. Diaz states four principles for technology training which are all created around the student and their learning! The four principles are emphasize good teaching, not good technology, focus training on application, not construction, make product development a team effort, and bring more training to the teacher, not the teacher to the training. All of his ideas can be used as a strong foundation for administrators and technology specialists to plan and implement in-services to train teachers how to use technology in their classrooms.

At one point Diaz states, "To create technology products (e.g., Web sites and multimedia presentations) these days, faculty must learn multiple new skills within a vast array of hardware, software, and peripherals, and keep these skills current in the face of increasingly rapid technological change."

Value?
I believe this article is very valuable for media and technology students because it addresses key issues that we all need to remember as we plan and reflect on ways to use technology successfully to enhance student learning. The most important thing Diaz mentions is the fact that student learning is the focal point and to "emphasize good teaching, not good technology." He tells us the importance of not solely training teachers to use the technology, but training them on all the skills and concepts that can be taught using the technology. This article is a quick read, but full of very beneficial ideas relating to integrating technology and professional development for teachers.

Diaz, D. (2001). Taking Technology to the Classroom: Pedagogy-Based Training for Educators. The Technology Source Archives. Retrieved August 30, 2010, from http://technologysource.org/article/taking_technology_to_the_classroom/

Reflection

Reflection = Higher Achievement for All!

Blogs can definitely be used as a tool for reflective learning and teaching. I plan to use this blog to show the ways I incorporate technology in my own classroom. With the use of this web tool, I will reflect on how I use technology for instruction, as I learn how others use technology in their lessons. By reflecting, I should be able to learn from my peers and myself in order to become more effective with integrating technology into my classroom. The most important thing I will consider about reflection is ACTION! When I reflect on ways I can improve my instruction and student learning, it is important I put those ideas into action to become a better teacher!


"At the moment you are no longer an observing, reflecting being; you have ceased to be aware of yourself; you exist only in that quiet, steady thrill that is so unlike any excitement that you have ever known."-May Sinclair

Introduction/Definition of Technology Integration

My name is Katrina Shirley and I am an instructional technology student at the University of West Georgia. My goal for this blog is to provide ideas of how to incorporate technology into a lesson to actively engage students, add value to the lesson, and support the standards addressed in the lesson. Hopefully, the articles, posts, and comments throughout this blog will help you learn how technology can work for you as a teacher, not how you have to work for technology!

I believe that effective technology integration is the incorporation of electronic tools to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. It begins with the school system having the technology available and accessible for use. The teachers should have the skills necessary (through trainings and in-services) to use the technology in their classrooms as a routine, habitual way to support student learning. The main focus is student learning. If the technology is not providing an opportunity to increase student learning and add value to a lesson, then it is useless! The process of using technology integration is one of constant reflection, adaptation, and continuous improvement centered around student learning!

References
Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.