Reflection Post

Throughout my educational path I have taken many online courses. I have to say that this online EME 2040 class is one of the best and most challenging virtual classes I have taken without a doubt in my mind. Being able to debate and elaborate on sensitive topics without being interrupted or offended played a critical role in my understanding of the material in this course. Learning how others feel about certain topics broadens my understanding about the subject that is being discussed even more. Although it is fairly easy to decipher through a realistic post and a “fluffed” one, it is always exciting to let others know how you feel about their way of thinking. This class has done nothing but prepare me for my future in the educational field as a career teacher. One topic that I vividly remember going over and consider to be extremely helpful talked about a “digital teaching portfolio”. I cannot recall for once in this class a subject that I didn’t think was going to of assistance to me in the future. Module 3 for me was the most influential chapter for me which covered problem solving, communicating and collaborating. In that chapter, I learned the importance and effectiveness of learning theories and project base learning. Being informed about how people learn through behaviorism really sparked my interest, “People have no free will – a person’s environment determines their behavior”. All in all, I can confidently say that I soaked up as much information I could have from this class and will highly recommend it to future students.

 Cited Resources :

 Behaviorism | Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2015, from http://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html

Prezi
Retrieved June 23, 2015.Prezi.com

Digital Blog Post #F

The Role of Assessment in Teaching and Learning:

Assessment has three interrelated elements, the new teacher assessment, student assessment, and the student-self assessment. The new teacher assessment is what all teachers have to go through in order to be recognized as being prepared to take over their own classroom. They have to work alongside other teachers so they can make the transition from learning how to become a teacher to actually teaching in a classroom environment. The student assessment is how exactly you will be able to assess student’s learning, grades and your own success as an educator. The way that a teacher chooses to deliver a student’s performance is extremely vital to the students ability to recover from any academic deficiencies. The student self-assessment is when the students actually get involved with the learning and assessment process. There is nothing more important than being able to assess each other in both roles so they can maximize the learning experience.

Digital Teaching Portfolios:

As a teacher, it is important to be able to adapt to any situation you are placed in. Whether it is teaching without certain materials that you are accustomed to having, dealing with a students’ personal issues that’s impeding with his/her learning abilities or knowing how to teach a specific subject. Maintaining a digital teaching portfolio assists you in keeping all the materials, resources and advice you have collected on your way to becoming a teacher. It definitely makes it extremely easier for you to maintain a portfolio that grows along with you and your experience.

Technology Integration Stages and Issues:

Anything that brings positive and good results will always come with its cons. Technology has supported the demand for different and effective styles of education. Not only has it given teachers an easier and more operational way to communicate with students but it has helped students who already have a difficult time learning in person a different shot at learning on their own. There still isn’t a way to help student’s families who struggle financially. Some teachers are completely relying on students to have computers and for those who don’t, are facing a problem that in some cases are hurting the families more than helping. 

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #E

Standardized Testing:

This form of testing has been around for a while and has always been an issue for many people who cannot seem to agree with it. Growing up I faced this form of assessment many times, but three of those times were extremely crucial. The one I took was called the FCAT, whoever is from Florida can relate. Many of these tests, including the FCAT, determine if you are going to pass or fail the grade level. Like everything, standardized testing has weaknesses and strengths. For many students testing time is a very nerve wrecking experience and cannot truly show their potential. But people who agree with this form of testing believe students cannot be afraid of testing if they’re planning to attend college. Some people think that it is not fair to compare students with one another too. I think standardized testing is a good way to detect the flaws of the education system. Although I do not agree with it one hundred percent, I do believe it helps teachers, schools and parents know where their student stands.

Assessing and Evaluating Students:

Assessing and evaluating students is a crucial job a teacher continuously works on throughout the year. There are many factors that come into play when creating tests or assignments for students. Grade level and subject are the two major factors that contribute to the process. The three elements that also strongly influence teachers when assessing students is their personal experiences standardized testing, and teacher tests. All teachers have their own ways of thinking and being when it comes to teaching because of their personal experiences. Standardized testing is extremely essential because it is the teacher’s job to prepare their students for any testing they will have to take. The teacher tests depend on the individual teacher and their feelings towards assessments. Some teachers prefer long tests, short quizzes, multiple choice or long responses. There are many ways to evaluate and assess students depending on their individual needs and learning styles.

Multimedia Technologies:

Multimedia technologies have changed the classroom environment forever. Today, teachers do not just teach a lesson using a chalkboard and a book. Now there are so many technologies that can relate and contribute to the lesson in so many ways. Even in the lower grades of elementary power point presentations are being used. Power points can be used in any subject and in any grade because the teacher is the one who customizes the presentation. You can also write on your presentations on a smart board using the special markers that it comes with. Videos on you tube are also a popular feature that many teachers are combining to their daily lessons. If your lesson is about animals, then you can quickly pull up a video on any particular species. Since technology is now a big part of our daily lives it is important to have it in our classrooms for means of engagement and inclusion for each student.

References:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #D

Educational Websites & Apps: Educational websites and apps are now the easiest and most accessible tools students can use and understand daily. Students are able can access these tools on their phones, tablets, and computers. It gives students the ability to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their home as well. I have witnessed students enjoying and wanting to use these websites on a regular basis. They can relate to these resources because they are modern and use a lot of the same techniques that video games have too. Debates over Virtual Schooling:I can see why there would be a debate on this concept especially for older generations that would not in any way shape or form understand this kind of schooling. Virtual schooling today is from K-12 , which means students who are being home schooled can actually work with real teachers instead of just their parents. No matter what there is always going to be parents who do not want to send their child to school for whatever reason. But, it would definitely be an advantage to have those students be taught by teachers who are trained professionals. But there are many reasons why students cannot attend school and can definitely benefit from this kind of program such as students who are athletes or who have traveling parents. Text Reading Software: This topic is one that can also be debatable. Fortunately and unfortunately technology has taken many jobs from people, making it kind of easy to become lazier. Reading helps students with vocabulary, which significantly aids them in every subject they will ever have. I think reading should be done by the student or teacher in most cases. But if there are students who have special needs then they should definitely have the devices accessible to them. Resources: Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #C

By mchica | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Digital Games for Learning: There are several ways to teach students and help them understand a certain subject. Increasing number of software programs throughout the years have been developed to help assist students in learning when the classical “teacher – student” method wasn’t enough. Not only is it a gruesome task to grasp the students attention in the classroom, it has also become a daunting method to have them focus on a software program. This has led to educational software developers to create games that correlate fun and learning. This is an exceptional method for students to be able to enjoy time off of school and gain some ground in an educational aspect. Electronic Communications between Teachers and Students: It is extremely vital for students and teachers to maintain an educational communication after classroom hours. Several teachers have mastered this concept by being able to cover the subject by recording themselves during classroom hours and uploading it to a blog they have constructed for the classroom. Also, maintaining a connection through e-mail can solidify a classroom’s ability to adapt to change and overcome any obstacles given the circumstances. Creating Your Own Teaching Blog: Organizational blogs, subject blogs and teaching and learning blogs play an essential role for teachers to reach out to students if the students weren’t able to understand while they were in class. Blogging has become a popular way of communicating in teaching and in many other fields such as journalism, entertaining, and politics. Some teachers use it to post extra information or for homework, and they’re using it for all subjects as well too. I think blogging is a great way to keep students and parents informed and updated. Blogging is an extra resource that is easily accessible to most students who are usually using the internet throughout the day anyway. Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #B

By mchica | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Instructional Methods to Engage Students: Educators usually use these four teaching methods to engage with the students; one-on-one tutoring, learning groups, inquiry learning, and metacognitive thinking. One-on-one tutoring is something that can benefit many students who have issues in a certain subject. Sometimes the learning time in class is not enough for a teacher to teach every student individual student. With tutoring it can help a student with their specific needs and concerns. Learning groups helps students prepare for the real working life after they graduate. Sometimes we are going to have to work with others that have different views and opinions. Inquiry learning also works along learning groups because it allows students to seek outside information and requires them to actually go out to the work field they like to get it. Metacognitive thinking engages students by showing them how to examine their own learning methods. Online Problem-Solving Environments: Technology has brought many activities and simulations that help students with their social abilities. Many people think that technology can deter students from having a social life but it actually has many programs that help develop problem solving and critical thinking. Educational games and apps of those games can be accessed on the go from their phones or tablets too. There are three characteristics for the online educational games. The first one is students doing what they cannot do easily on a sheet of paper. The second is students encounter types of problems that can happen in real life or that personally interest them. I personally think these activities are a great success. Students can access educational apps with the tip of their fingers at any time and can be comfortable using the device because it is nothing new to them. Most children and teens are usually already on some kind of technical device throughout the day so might as well add some educational programs to them. Active Learning: Active learning is also known as discovery learning, learning by doing, or hands-on learning. In a classroom you will always find a variety of learning styles that you will have to cover as a teacher. One that works for many students is active learning. It benefits students who have a hard time concentrating on lectures or reading material. Doing the work physically helps the students memorize and remember the material because they’re actually being hands on with it. Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post #A

By mchica | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Student-centered teaching can be hard to do for many teachers who are primarily accustomed to the teacher-centered approach. I find it to be challenging for not only the students but for the teacher too. When teachers engage with students by asking questions and making conversation they are opening a “can of worms”. Students can ask questions that the teacher did not expect and vice versa. The student-centered approach keeps both the teacher and student on their toes. By creating different experiences for students you are able to see how each individual reacts to certain situations. A student-centered classroom is mostly concentrated on each student’s development skills and learning tactics. The second concept that intrigued me was the concept of ‘Using Technology to Enhance Teaching’. Technology is now being used in all levels of schooling, even with kindergarten classes who are just learning how to read. It helps students interact with visuals or videos instead of just words on a chalkboard. Technology helps the teacher interact with students in a different and fun way. Most students from all levels are already using technology at home which helps them relate to the technology used at school. Technology is growing everyday and is being used in most of the job fields. Highly interactive classrooms require a lot of multi-tasking skills. It raises student standards by requiring them to interact and engage into the lesson plan for the day. This environment is based off of many learning activities that incorporate many or most of the different learning styles. It also gives students a sense of responsibility because they are required to make websites using their own knowledge of the subject. Highly interactive classes value the student’s opinion on what they are learning from online, which is very unusual from the traditional teaching methods. Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc