CED525 Class 2

The strategies we studied this week are a great reminder of what educators need to focus on. I think at times we find ourselves moving into a routine and not always thinking our lessons through. Why would a student want to do the work, if they don't understand what the objecctives, or what the purpose is? Setting objectives helps the students understand the direction of the learning, along with short and long term accomplishments. I asked my students to answer some Social Studies questions on an online survey I had created. I used survey monkey to poll the students. I wanted to get an idea of what they knew, wanted to know and what they found difficult, about learning history. It worked really well and they took the questions serious. I explained that the answers they gave would dictate what they would learn this year. In a way I actually allowed them to set their own objectives on what they wanted to learn in my class. I put the results of the survey on my Smart-board, so they could all see. I really like my students to be involved in the classroom decisions and taking an active role in their learning. In our book chapter 2 had great ways to give feedback. Communication and feedback also helps build that bridge of respect between the teacher and student. Praising and showing your students recognition is also an important key to building a mutual respect. Without respect your student will not use their potential to the fullest in your class. I don't care how great of a teacher you are.

CED525A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of teaching and learning

The introduction to this article talked about the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. I've had a great deal of mixed emotions about that act for years. The act is placing a new emphasis on research and having evidence based programs for schools. Honestly, my initial thought after reading that sentence was "why". I thought to myself, why would we need all this research and evidence to show that students learn better through technology. I just thought that was common knowledge and didn't require all these fancy case studies. I liked the paragraph that stated technology is dramatically different in schools today, than years ago. Well...... yes I would have to agree and state that evidence is clear, without research. Our cell phones are also our computers, navigational devices, media players and so on. I did think some of the results of the studies were very informative and useful for educators. I strongly believe in group work and one of the results of this article, reinforced the importance of it. It stated " small-group learning had more positive effects than individual learning" when using technology. I think that more and more research will be done and needs to be done on technology and it's effects in schools. We must use the research to make our schools a safe, engaging, and a technologically based environment. So, I understand the need for all the case studies, but I also think that we don't need to do studies on the "obvious". That is strictly my opinion. I know that this type of research is only going to help me be a better educator. Overall, I thought this article was interesting and informative with all the studies that were conducted.

CED525 Principles of Teaching and Learning

This article reinforced the "goal" an educator strives to achieve. Knowing how your students learn and being able to teach based on their needs. Throughout my teaching career thus far, I have strive to focus on the multiple intelligences and how students learn. Meeting our students "needs" in the classroom is the key to their success. I found many statements and facts throughout this article, that made me reevaluate my teaching style.
"Students’ prior knowledge can help, or hinder learning". I found that statement very interesting. The information you present to a child is only relevant if they filter and interpret the information correctly. Sounds self explanatory, but is it really? Every child learns and perceives information differently. " We cannot control the developmental process, we can shape the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical aspects of classroom climate in developmentally appropriate ways". Educators need to focus on direct instruction, feedback, assessment, and other communication tools. Feedback is not only important for students, but for teachers as well. Teachers need to take the feedback their given and adapt and make the appropriate changes, to enhance student learning. Feedback should be used to help a teacher develop and enhance their teaching style.
Effective teaching involves aligning the three major components of instruction: learning objectives, assessments, and instructional activities.

CED520 End of Week 3

Well.......this class flew by like all the others. I have enjoyed this it as much as the others. I'm excited about the internet tools we just learned about. I just love the idea of publishing work and being able to access it from anywhere, especially my phone. The new tools were interesting and full of fresh ideas. WOW---- I still can't believe all the things I'm learning. I guess I'm a geek and love school!!!! haha

CED520 Second Class

I'm really enjoying this class. I'm looking forward to learning about Wikipedia this week. I haven't done the homework yet, but I'm most excited for that assignment. I don't allow my student to use this site while doing work for my class. I have found in the past that information was not correct. That was years ago though. It should be interesting to see if things have changed.

CED520

Last night was a great start to another course. I think it's funny how we all mesh so well and we have never met face to face. Our new instructor seems funny--it's hard to pull off a sense of humor through a computer, but he was funny and enthusiastic. I'm excited to set up some ideas for my students to work with. The part I'm most excited to explore is safety--that being my biggest fear with technology!!! I'm so------- worried I'll give an assignment and my students will encounter something inappropriate. I'm not worried about them doing these actions on purpose, but I need to feel in control of the situation. I want to guide them in ways that will be successful and useful to their learning. I'm excited to get started in this course. Hopefully I leave this class with a little more confidence. I have gained it in every class thus far!! :)

CED515 First Class

I hope this class helps me become more comfortable with instructional technology. It's great to know a lot about technology, but being able to use it as an educator is another story. I feel I have learned a great deal in the last two classes, but now I'm going to learn how to implement it into a classroom.
Knowing different tools to connect with all the different learning styles is important to me. I highly believe in the multiple intelligences and knowing how to stick to that with technology is important. I feel this class will be a great tool to help me stay on track with that while using technology.
I think this class is going to provide me with great ideas and insight on the technologically advanced educational world. HAHA :)