Module 3 Reading Response

A Day in the Life of Web 2.0

On a daily basis most educators use the internet and technology in the lessons they present to the class.  Most of this technology probably occurs through the use of power points, Smart notebook presentations, or websites.  These efforts are nothing compared to what I just learned from the article, A Day in the Life of Web 2.0. The teachers at the school discussed in the article take technology to a whole new level.  Web 2.0 tools are interwoven into every aspect of their day.  The teachers take full advantage of Web 2.0 with their students as well as their colleagues.

In most articles I read I often find myself saying, “I already do that”.  A Day in the Life of Web 2.0 is not one of these articles.  I was in awe of what these teachers are accomplishing through technology.  The way that they are able to communicate with each other, share lessons, collaborate, and use professional development through the linking of blogs was amazing.  I especially loved the way that the physical education was able to integrate his lessons by reading the blogs of the content teachers.  So many times throughout the day we don’t have time to stop and talk.  Communicating what you are doing through a blog allows for teachers to access what you are doing at anytime.

The use of Web 2.0 tools for student education may be even more inspiring.  Having students take charge of their own education through the use wikis and podcasts is extremely innovative.  Allowing parents to connect to the wiki takes the experience to another level. The parents no longer have to ask what they student learned in school.  They now know exactly what they learned and even know exactly how their child participated in the discussion.  Students, teachers, and parents are tuned into the learning experience.

This district’s use of Web 2.0 tools connects every to each child’s education. From the superintendent all way to the parent everyone is able to get in on the action by reading blogs, accessing podcasts, and viewing wiki sites. Many teachers may feel this is too much or a waste of time, but getting everyone involved in each child’s education is sure to help with student achievement.  

Module 2 Reading Response

A New Bloom

         

 After reading the article, A New Bloom, I was excited and rejuvenated by the “new” levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.  I will be the first to admit that when my principal comes in and observes one of my lessons and then later asks in a review of the lesson what level of Bloom’s I used I am often stumped.  Although, I learned about Bloom’s Taxonomy in many of college courses I never fully understood what the expectation of each level.  Synthesis? What exactly does it mean if your lesson is reaching the “synthesis” stage? The wording alone confused me far too much for me to ever actually believe I was meeting any of the criteria. So I just had hope that I could skirt past the question and get on with rest of the evaluation of my lesson without my principal realizing that I was clueless when it came to Bloom’s Taxonomy.  This article however has given me understanding of the levels and confidence that I have been applying the stages all along. 

          

The new framework of making each level into a verb makes each level of Bloom’s much easier to understand.  As teacher, it is easy for me to apply each level into my lesson by thinking about what my students are doing and how they are learning.  It is also much easier for teachers to explain the levels of Bloom’s to the students in their class and encourage them to meet the levels by asking them to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create when learning.  Explaining the different types of questioning and what is expected at each level will drive students to develop a deeper understanding of all topics.  Even at the elementary level I think students should be involved in their learning process.  They need to understand the terminology just as teachers to so they can identify when they are reaching each level. 

            

The addition of the Knowledge Dimensions will also help educators to use Bloom’s more successfully.  Thinking of how learners process information allows teachers to tailor their lesson to individual student.  Understanding what and how a student gains information on a topic ensures greater development of concepts. 

           

Lastly, I enjoyed seeing how Modin applied each level of Bloom’s Taxonomy in her own lesson.  Having an example of how a lesson can reach each level of Bloom’s especially through technology was a great learning experience for me.  I cannot wait to apply these types of questions and activities in my own lessons and confidently acknowledge the level of Bloom’s I am using during implementation.     

Module 1 Reading Response

Power Up! Stimulating You

While reading, Power up! Stimulating you, I became quite confused.  In the article Andre Harrison writes about Microsoft Power Point like it is a new phenomenon or some amazing computer tool that was just released.  He discusses how to use a black box to hook up the computer to the television so that the presentation can be presented on a larger screen. All I could think was; why is he talking about a television and not a Smart Board? The author raves to his colleagues and encourages them to try using the program in their own classrooms.  Each sentence intrigued me more until I looked down at the corner of the page and saw the article was written in 1998.  So at the time of this publication Power Point was a new trend in the digital world.  It was most likely quite amazing and a tool that teachers should try to engage their students. 

           

Although this article is dated I still believe that Power Point is a great tool to engage students.  Its effects on teaching are even more so now with prominence of Smart Boards to display presentations.  Students are still engaged by these presentations and the special effects that they can bring to a lesson.  You are able to break down information by topics and add in sounds, charts and videos to support the subject you are presenting.  Power Points are convenient way to present information to people of all ages.

            

I enjoyed the way the article explained how to incorporate this type of technology into all types of education content.  It provided great examples of how Power Points can be used to present information in Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science as well as how it can be used to break down steps of Mathematical Processes.  However, what I found most encouraging was how Andre Harrison discussed how to use Power Point Presentations to help student collaborate on their own presentations.  Allowing students to present their research and what they have learned through an interactive presentation allows for students who may shutter at the thought of a long report to successfully inform others on what they have learned. 

           

I believe students of all ages can use Microsoft Power Point as a tool to learn with and a tool to learn from.  Student are can be engaged in lessons through the visual stimulation of presentations and learn to present their own information in an equally interesting manner.  In addition to interactively presenting the information teacher’s can also print handouts to for student reference at a later date. As, an educator I see Power Point as an essential tool to keep student’s focused on the information I am presenting.