Back to the Basics with Learning Literacy

Leadership is...

After a collaborative and in-depth cohort discussion on various types of school leadership, the functions of a school leader, and what defines a leader, we were asked to discuss what type of leadership most relates to us, and to come up with our own Edtech leadership statement.

I believe that passion is one of the most important characteristics of a leader, and also the most contagious when it comes to social influence and shaping action. Others may not agree that most leadership skills can be taught, but I strongly believe that any leadership skill can be improved with on going practice.

As I curiously searched for “leadership” on Goggle News, I was not surprised to see how almost every article was related to political leadership. Media will attempt to have us believe that leadership means being a politician, yet ironically, politics does not relate to the most authentic leadership values.

This had me thinking about our responsibility as teachers to discuss, and model every type of leadership to our students, not just as Edtech leaders in our schools but as teachers making a difference in our communities.   Leaders come in all areas, genders, ages and cultures. In a school leadership context, true leaders value all forms of leadership and use their strengths to make a difference.

Teaching with Technology Showcase

The 2012 Brock University Teaching with Technology Showcase in Hamilton, Ontario attracted top Edtech exhibitors, leaders in the field, and hundreds of attendees. I was fortunate to experience the showcase both as an attendee and a presenter.

Being able to present at the Live Learning with Livescribe session specifically on “Livescribe Smartpens for Early Readers and English Languages Learners,” along with my colleagues Candice Lee and John Dang, reassured my passion for instructional leadership and being able to inspire and encourage educators and administrators to explore the benefits of incorporating Smartpen technology into their classrooms.  Collaboration as presenters allowed our session to provide examples of activities that targeted primary, junior and intermediate divisions. Check out my learning object for this session.

 I eagerly attended the Gamification of Learning, and Google in Classroom sessions led by fellow colleagues, and was very impressed with their knowledge and leadership in these areas. These sessions greatly expanded my understanding of social media tools and using video games in the classroom. Additionally, the exhibitor showcase provided me with valuable information on new technologies, and opportunities for collaboration in the Edtech community.

Overall, I took away practical and ready to use Edtech tools and ideas for the classroom and expanded my PLN by meeting some passionate newbies and leaders in the field.

See you there next year!

The 21st Century Classroom

During an Educational Technology Leadership class, we were asked to come up with what we thought the ideal 21st century classroom looks like. We could think about anything we would want in the classroom including academic, technical, physical and cultural aspects. The project discussions brought up amazing ideas and new concepts that even challenged the current definition of a "classroom," as well as discussions with more of a realistic vision. 

As small and large group discussions filled the room. I though it was strange that be the end of the class, no one brought up the idea of treadmills in the classroom. There were some discussion on having enough space for physical activity and DPA activities, but it didn't go beyond that. It seemed to me that most ideas of classroom physical and technical features seemed to focus around computers, laptops, tablets, boards, furniture, space, storage, etc., bu isn't physical activity equipment considered technology too? I think so! With so much more attention over the past few years on research done on the benefits of physical activity on academic performance,I would have thought that is this is something most teacher would think about, why is is still not so?

A barrier in having people live active, healthy lifestyles is the motivation to make physical activity part of peoples' daily life, not an added extra thing they have to do. As adults, most of us know when we are feeling sluggish, unproductive or when we are having trouble focusing. Going for a walk/jog can help us feel better and re-charge. 

Children can start to be taught to identify what helps them feel and think better at an early age, and should be given the opportunity to move whenever their bodies need it. We have all come across the "student who can't sit still." Would he/she learn better if they were given the opportunity to walk during the lesson? Treadmills may not be the most efficient solution, but there are other options out these. I strongly believe that teaching students to identify when they need a movement break is a life long skill that will lead to positive learning experiences for the rest of their lives.

Blogs/Articles 

Treadmills in the Classroom
Morning workout at Etobicoke school helps kids focus

Exercise Revolution

The Launch Education Blog, Treadmills in the Classroom
Science Daily, Physical Activity May Strengthen Children's Ability To Pay Attention

Mp3 Players for Literacy, Fluency & Comprehension

Grade 3 student using mp3 player
to time and reflect on reading

As a part of the daily Language Arts block, it’s now time for independent reading. Each student has the routine down. Students pick up their numbered packages containing an assigned mp3 player, headphones, an individual leveled book, and recording/self- assessment folder.  Students spread out and choose a quiet spot to read in the classroom or pod. They read two pages at a time while their mp3 player records their reading. They play back their recorded reading and actively listen for further understanding, errors and fluency.  They time and record their readings, note new vocabulary and provide an overall rating for difficulty as self-assessment. Students read two pages, at least three times, before moving on in their book/novel.

Grade 3 student using mp3
player to record his reading voice

As they read, record, and play back their reading, the objective is that they will become more fluent and efficient readers. As they are able to listen to themselves read, they can continue to create, build on and reach their personalized literacy goals. As I walk around the room for reading support, I realize all students are truly engaged in their reading and learning. 

As a teacher candidate in BrockU’s Educational Technology cohort, I was fortunate to have my first teaching placement at a modern grade three classroom at P.O.W. Elementary School in HWDSB. As part of an innovative project, my practicum class is working towards fluency and comprehension using simple mp3 players to reach their literacy learning goals.  It was great to be part of the beginnings of this project in this classroom and I’m looking forward to the findings as the school year progresses.

I learned that it doesn’t have to take much to engage primary students, especially when it comes to technology. The average child will know how to use mp3 players to play their favourite songs. Even if a child doesn’t know how to use a mp3 player yet, it’s a great experience to teach a child to use an educational tool that can multi-function to support them in building their literacy skills. I also envision that teaching students this learning strategy can extend into all other subjects and various types of projects, such as, practicing for an oral presentation, using voice journals for learning reflections, creating podcasts, etc. Many adults say that hearing their own voice makes them feel uncomfortable.  Perhaps if recording our voice and thoughts, and playing it back to ourselves is taught to us early enough as an efficient learning strategy, some of us might take on more of a comfort level using the play back button more often and explore the learning that can come out of it.

Teaching & Learning with Technology ~ Reflections

As first semester came to a close, the students at Brock U’s Educational Technology Cohort entered our first teaching placement with a virtual tool belt of educational technology tools and ideas to implement into our lesson plans, but most importantly, with motivation to make a difference by teaching with tools that most students probably haven’t seen before.

There are so many different tools out there that it can be very overwhelming to find the right tool for the each lesson.  Our learning process will include trial and error, teaching and reflecting on what we can do to engage students in a way that creates meaning in their learning, and connections that are necessary for them to learn new concepts successfully.

Understanding the culture of blogging was a project on its own, as I’m still learning something new every day. The tools that we’re able to embed within blogs are endless, and it feels like new tools are created all the time.  In an educational context, maintaining a classroom blog is a great way to communicate with parents by having them involved in their child’s learning. Going one step further and teaching students how to blog can be a rewarding hands-on experience for them. It’s an exciting way for teachers to incorporate cross-curricular connections such as reading reflections and research assignments while engaging students, but more importantly teaching students about social media and online safety.

Having learned how to use SlideRocket expanded my understanding of creating presentations that we’re able to embed and access online at anytime. Even the concept of embedding instead of simply pasting, taught me a new way of thinking about blogging and sharing information. It is a tool that could not be only be used in my professional capacity but can also be taught to students for sharing project assignments.

Prezi can seem intimidating with so many features to include in your presentations, but once I took the time to learn the features, it was well worth the effort. Why not create a Prezi presentation for or with your students, especially if it is something they have not seen before! It is a great way to capture their attention.  The opportunities are endless…creating web or graphic organizers, zooming into details such as paintings for art lessons, create Venn diagrams, or build on a topic or unit that you are learning about as a class.

BitStrips for Schools is becoming more and more popular in Ontario classrooms. With many school boards now subscribing to a BitStrip membership, this allows teachers to create their own virtual classroom with each student and teacher as an avatar. There are so many opportunities for learning trough comic creation. As the teacher, you can ask questions tied to one or many curriculum subjects for your students to respond to by creating their own comic.  Using BitStrips as a classroom activity is a great way for students to show you what they have learned and spark their humour and creativity.

I found that having the background in understanding the theory of the TPACK approach was so important when I started to plan lessons that incorporated technology.  As educators, it is crucial that any technology we use in our lessons adds to the value of the lesson, rather than take away from the lesson goal. The technology tool has to fit the purpose and aid the students in their understanding, thinking, communication and application of the concept.  For example, just providing students with a Smartpen does not provide them with the instruction they need to aid in their learning. Rather, if it is a tool for them to record thoughts, ideas and reflections in groups, this allows for a valid purpose of using the tool to aid in the groups recollection and collaboration of ideas.

As our first semester comes to an end, I feel fortunate to have so many tools and resources to use at my fingertips!

21st Century Clipart

It has been such an insightful few weeks as I've been reading blogs from my classmates and colleagues on so many different topics. I've read some great insights on what it means to be a 21st Century teacher, and I thought I would provide a few of my thoughts.

Valuing diversity in the classroom is an important focus when we are discussing what it means to be a 21st Century teacher. Having a stereotype-free classroom can be a daily challenge. With Ontario having one of the most diverse student populations in the world, it is so important that all teachers take into consideration the impact that everyday decisions can have on students’ thoughts and perceptions about the world around them.

As teachers, we often use interactive presentation software to enhance our lessons or collaboratively engage the class in an activity. During my Smart Board Level 2 Certification, I was planning a grade one activity on Smart Notebook software when I noticed something that I had never really paid attention to before. In the picture gallery under the people category, it was apparent that most clip art visuals had a gender bias. About 90% of the clipart available were male dominated in stereotypical jobs such as police officer, judge, construction worker, janitor, athlete, firefighter, etc.

 

We teach our students that they can grow up to be whatever they want, and that there is no such thing as ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ jobs, but at the same time we may contradict ourselves by the clipart that we repeatedly use in our everyday lessons. It may seem like such a little issue but if you think about software being so widely spread, it makes me wonder how many teachers are using clipart on a mass scale without giving it a second thought to what may be leaking into our students’ subconscious.

Technology is moving at such a fast pace but shouldn’t the concepts that go along with 21st Century thinking accompany this. As edtech teachers we are so wide-eyed to all the possibilities that new technology can bring to education, but there is obviously still some things that are lagging behind.

As teachers we want to inspire dreams into our students, not limit their imagination. Let’s not forget about the “little” things that we can do to change the next generation for the better.

Using appropriate clipart may be something that we have always overlooked, especially when we are so rushed to plan our lesson activities. If you search hard enough, you will probably be able to find clipart to suit your needs, but that takes time of an already busy teacher’s day.

Shouldn’t bias-free clipart be the standard in all software?

The top 5 things I learned in my first two weeks of teachers college…

5.  Use positive energy as motivation!
In all the hustle and bustle of a new school year, with eleven new classes, several project groups, and assignments up to my ears, positive energy in your cohort can make such a big difference for your state of mind. We may feel overwhelmed with so much new information coming at us in all directions but when you have such supportive classmates and instructors/advisors, it doesn’t have to feel like course work.

4.  Time management is key.
Everyone has different strategies for getting everything done; let’s learn from each other. If we think this is busy, just wait and see how we'll feel as teachers.

3.  Including your last name initial on your nametag can be useful.
There can apparently be up to three Stephanies in a class of 25.  

2.  Collaboration is such an important strategy for not only our but every student’s success. 
It’s as simple as creating an online study guide for all to share and provide input, or reading each others' blogs for new ideas or perspectives. The more information we make available at our fingertips, the more we learn and the better we can teach. 

1.  Educational Technology is so much more than just being “techy” and knowing how to use tech tools to teach.
It's about creating a comprehensive approach to teaching that will not only enhance student learning, but contribute to creating a more connected community of learners in each classroom, school and school community.

P.S.  Blogs and tweets are not so scary after all  ツ

Welcome to my Digital Portfolio!

As a P/J teacher candidate at Brock University in the Education Technology Cohort, I will develop new skills and learn new technology and methods to enhance student learning across the curriculum. This blog will highlight my projects and reflections throughout the year.