The seemingly instinctive need for a teacher to have absolute control, or at least the illusion of it, is an obstacle that needs to be overcome in order for a collaborative project based environment to flourish. This is not to say that the teacher should not have command of the classroom but that the more traditional management and teaching styles of “sage on the stage” should be traded in for a more constructivist approach of a “guide on the side”. Allowing the students to acquire increased ownership in their own learning processes could allow for an increased motivation within the classroom.
So far I understand that the new Out of the Box will include: Blogging, ActivStudio, ActiVote (Briefly), and Learning Essentials.
I would like to use LE as a separate program outside of Word or PPT. I know the templates are to be used in Office but it makes the Office programs run slow to have them embedded. On the other hand it is useful to have the guides when writing papers which show up on the side panel.
Many educators I've come in contact with as a Classrooms for the Future coach are passionate about the use of web logs, or blogs, in education. They argue that a blog allows students to engage the subject their studying in a more meaningful way.
I must admit, I was (am?) a bit skeptical. Using a discussion board to capture student's thinking made sense to me. A wiki to publish student generated knowledge seemed like a no brainer. A blog? What could a teacher do with a blog?
The answer, it seems, is limited only by the creativity of the teacher in question. (What does my skepticism say about me?) Ken Rodoff, from Springfield Township High School, had students blog in character to check reading comprehension while reading Hamlet.
This is from the "serene passionate gardener" aka Holly Jobe
It appears that a “Paradigm” shift needs to happen in terms of the teacher’s self concept – what it means to be a teacher. The metaphor of a “gardener” where seeds are planted and nourished with light and water seems like an option. The focus is not on the gardener, but the plants – their well-being and making sure they are in an environment where they will thrive (enough light, not too much or too little; and enough water, not too much or too little). So, to put this in education terms – the focus needs to be on the students – making sure they are doing the work. The teacher provides the environment and needs to be confident enough to let kids “take off” into unknown territory. In this environment, there are no “right” answers – the teacher’s role is to continue to help deepen student’s inquiry, reasoning and communication skills.
Jean Jacques Rousseau differed from his contemporary philosophers in that while John Locke and Thomas Hobbes saw society evolving toward the ideal, Rousseau championed the "noble savage." His greatest point of difference with his fellow thinkers, however, was the notion that human nature itself evolves and changes, that human nature is not static. As an educator, this is certainly a relevant and ponderable question. As teachers how do we balance what we know to be static student behavior (belittling a student results in hurt which breeds anger which interrupts learning has not changed down through the ages) with the cultural evolution (some may say devolution) of students' learning approaches? In our "music upon instant demand" world, hasn't our students' "patience quotient" changed? In other words, as teachers we might consider see which fundamental principles of learning still apply and which need to be revisited. Ralph Maltese
In response to khurley and what is included in Open Box -- there is not direct instruction on blogging and CFF are not using the ActiVotes. In 3 1/2 hours the Interactive Board/ActivStudio will be used as well as blogging will be demonstrated. More in depth training is provided on the Interactive Boards and blogging in the coaches trainings which can then be shared with the teachers.
I just wanted to say that before this training I was so lost, but I think I have a better idea of what is expected of me when using this program. I hope we meet again, Shavon. You were extremely helpful and knowledgable. Thank you!
I think that the webcams can be incorporated into a variety of lessons. I think students would love the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from experts during a web conference
The students will use the printer and scanner to print information to be used as a handout for the other members of the class. The info would include the comapanies that supply online quotes for car insurance. With this information the other students could then have the opportunity to do their own research.
In our excercise we we instructed to incorporate the use of a web cam. For leasing a vehicle, we decided to have a video conference with a person from a car dealership to answer questions and provide information.
The digital camera will be a real time tool to display real world examples. The students can chronicle the research process that they use to complete projects.
29 comments:
Hi All:
Sorry I am missing class today but I know I will catch up by using this blog
The seemingly instinctive need for a teacher to have absolute control, or at least the illusion of it, is an obstacle that needs to be overcome in order for a collaborative project based environment to flourish. This is not to say that the teacher should not have command of the classroom but that the more traditional management and teaching styles of “sage on the stage” should be traded in for a more constructivist approach of a “guide on the side”. Allowing the students to acquire increased ownership in their own learning processes could allow for an increased motivation within the classroom.
I agree that the use is limited by the teacher's creativity - I think we've seen a number of ed tools that have taken off with creative teachers!
So far I understand that the new Out of the Box will include: Blogging, ActivStudio, ActiVote (Briefly), and Learning Essentials.
I would like to use LE as a separate program outside of Word or PPT. I know the templates are to be used in Office but it makes the Office programs run slow to have them embedded. On the other hand it is useful to have the guides when writing papers which show up on the side panel.
Intro to Blogging
Many educators I've come in contact with as a Classrooms for the Future coach are passionate about the use of web logs, or blogs, in education. They argue that a blog allows students to engage the subject their studying in a more meaningful way.
I must admit, I was (am?) a bit skeptical. Using a discussion board to capture student's thinking made sense to me. A wiki to publish student generated knowledge seemed like a no brainer. A blog? What could a teacher do with a blog?
The answer, it seems, is limited only by the creativity of the teacher in question. (What does my skepticism say about me?) Ken Rodoff, from Springfield Township High School, had students blog in character to check reading comprehension while reading Hamlet.
This is from the "serene passionate gardener" aka Holly Jobe
It appears that a “Paradigm” shift needs to happen in terms of the teacher’s self concept – what it means to be a teacher. The metaphor of a “gardener” where seeds are planted and nourished with light and water seems like an option. The focus is not on the gardener, but the plants – their well-being and making sure they are in an environment where they will thrive (enough light, not too much or too little; and enough water, not too much or too little). So, to put this in education terms – the focus needs to be on the students – making sure they are doing the work. The teacher provides the environment and needs to be confident enough to let kids “take off” into unknown territory. In this environment, there are no “right” answers – the teacher’s role is to continue to help deepen student’s inquiry, reasoning and communication skills.
This is an excellent training device for newbies to do this particular engagement tactic. One doesn't need to be verbose. One only needs to be brave.
Jean Jacques Rousseau differed from his contemporary philosophers in that while John Locke and Thomas Hobbes saw society evolving toward the ideal, Rousseau championed the "noble savage." His greatest point of difference with his fellow thinkers, however, was the notion that human nature itself evolves and changes, that human nature is not static. As an educator, this is certainly a relevant and ponderable question.
As teachers how do we balance what we know to be static student behavior (belittling a student results in hurt which breeds anger which interrupts learning has not changed down through the ages) with the cultural evolution (some may say devolution) of students' learning approaches? In our "music upon instant demand" world, hasn't our students' "patience quotient" changed? In other words, as teachers we might consider see which fundamental principles of learning still apply and which need to be revisited. Ralph Maltese
this is an excellent opportunity for the shy or passive to participate without fear!
I am enjoying this blogging exercise.
I think Pennsylvania will have great success with the Classrooms for the Future program. I believe other states will follow Pennsylvania's lead.
In response to khurley and what is included in Open Box -- there is not direct instruction on blogging and CFF are not using the ActiVotes. In 3 1/2 hours the Interactive Board/ActivStudio will be used as well as blogging will be demonstrated. More in depth training is provided on the Interactive Boards and blogging in the coaches trainings which can then be shared with the teachers.
Just testing the choices
Good morning
Blogging is a nice way to request a quick answer to an in class question....
Having a good time in Williamsport
I'm posting a comment :)
Using Blogs
How teachers/students/administrators can use blogs in the classroom.
Teacher:
Can have review sheet/homework on a blog.
Post notes on a blog.
Save Promethean pages into the blog.
Post extra credit assignements on a blog.
Post hyperlinks on the blog.
Blog can be useful if students are absent.
Administrators:
Teachers can submit lesson plans/weekly assignments on a blog.
Students:
Submit work using email based on an assignment posted on a blog.
Great training. Introduced many new programs and concepts. She also was able to adapt to make real life connections on a multiple of scales.
Hi!
I am so glad the weather wasn't a factor for us today. I learned so much today and look forward to exploring what else I can do with my students!
I just wanted to say that before this training I was so lost, but I think I have a better idea of what is expected of me when using this program. I hope we meet again, Shavon. You were extremely helpful and knowledgable. Thank you!
There printer can be used to print out information that was researhed. It would be use to report information in a table, handouts, etc.
I think that the webcams can be incorporated into a variety of lessons. I think students would love the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from experts during a web conference
The students will use the printer and scanner to print information to be used as a handout for the other members of the class. The info would include the comapanies that supply online quotes for car insurance. With this information the other students could then have the opportunity to do their own research.
In our excercise we we instructed to incorporate the use of a web cam. For leasing a vehicle, we decided to have a video conference with a person from a car dealership to answer questions and provide information.
Scanners could be used to scan photographs or other artifacts that you could want to include in your presentation or lesson.
The digital camera will be a real time tool to display real world examples. The students can chronicle the research process that they use to complete projects.
You write very well.
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