- Learner-centered Teaching: Make sure to spotlight ways in which you have been able to focus instruction on the students and in small-group or centers. What has worked well and what pitfalls could you share for the rest of us? I have used my laptop centers twice a day everyday for both literacy centers as well as STEM centers. The students use the center independently mostly on websites that allow practice of the literacy skills being taught that week or as a math review game. Each day I rotate the group that goes to the center so each day different children get to use them and everyone gets to go to the laptop centers twice a week. The students are engaged and it allows for me to do my independent reading and math groups without being interrupted.I also am lucky to have Ipads to use with my small guided groups which I have used Big Universe, a website that has leveled nonfiction guided reading books. My students have really enjoyed these books and I have figured out ways to use it best and for differentiation. The Ipads are funny sometimes though and when I download a new app, sometimes the old ones disappear which has been troubling.
- Relation to Common Core & Essential Standard: How were you able to use technology while adhering closely to the new curriculum? The new common core standards are all about learning through hands on interactions and through play. The use of the laptop center allows students to learn through interactive online games. It allows students to think deeper and learn through experience and also keeps them engaged and on task. I love using the laptop center for STEM time because it is a great tool to integrate science. I use unitedstreaming.org a lot for students to watch a clip on the laptops about a science concept or to expose them to a culture through video clips. I have found that having this visual tool has also helped inspire the students in writing which is now with common core very self directed with topics of their choice. The Ipads are similar in the fact that the students can play learning games and I love the nonfiction guided reading books on the Ipads to help integrate across the subject area.
- 21st Century Skills: Perhaps the opposite of the prior question, how were you able to use technology and learner-centered instruction to promote the acquisition of 21st century skills? I am using the laptops to make my students more independent. Also we sometimes use them to practice typing and writing. My students read on the Ipads and they have become so good at using them. At this point they can already independently open the Ipads and get to Big Universe and choose a book to read for Independent Reading Time.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Pinnacle Reflection Fall 2012
Pinnacle
Student Work Samples: see videos
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It sounds like things are going well this year. It is fantastic that your students have been able to discover a sense of independence with the technology. I have found that many students have a sense of helplessness and are too afraid to mess things up rather than try to work things out for themselves. I hope things continue to go well this year!
ReplyDeleteI love how you are using technology to build content understanding and foster independence while keeping curriculum standards in focus. I like your idea of using the iPads for small group instruction. I haven't thought about using the laptops for small group instruction before seeing your blog, but I think it is something I may try! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a pleasure to watch your little ones move into their centers and immediately jumped into whatever activity you have for them to do at that station. The organization of your centers is well thought out and it shows. I can't wait to see the students start creating things on the laptops as well. I bet they could make some awesome graphic organizers!
ReplyDeleteI loved actually getting to witness your wait time as the student came up with the right answer for the vowel 'i'! Also, the close ups of the students using the ipads were really neat! I would love to come visit your classroom and see your set up and your transitions. You are amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job :)
ReplyDeleteI like your shout-out to United Streaming. I feel that the clips on United Streaming sometimes are easier for students to understand than it is for teachers to explain a concept. I often bring up a quick two to four minute video to help students hear the information from another side. Good job :)
I love the centers. I like to see teachers using all this technology, even with the little ones. So many teachers are afraid of trying because they think the young ones won't be able to handle it. I think you are proof that they can.
ReplyDeleteI would love to observe your room and see how you have organized it. You rock! The student examples using the technology is wonderful.
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