I have come across quite a few STEM Education articles lately and it has been the topic of conversation amongst my colleagues. This is a topic I have been interested in for quite a while now. I feel as though it has become a "buzz word" in the field of education. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Educators are urged to teach students in these subjects and get them excited about these fields. As the world changes, STEM careers are being brought to the forefront and students are being encouraged to take part in them.
STEM has a lot to do with project-based learning. Students are being asked to think at rigorous cognitive levels. Kids these days are surrounded by technology and use it recreationally on a daily basis. Whether it is making movies, build websites, create games, etc. students are creating and consuming digital content at hyperactive speeds. The disconnect comes in the way students are learning. They absorb information for fun all day long, but when it comes to the classroom, technology in no where to be found. As educators, we need to bridge this gap in order to change instructional techniques. Students are the ones who will benefit from it.
In my third grade classroom, we do STEM labs every nine weeks. It is on a much smaller scale than say a middle or high school class, but nonetheless students are being exposed to new and innovative ways of thinking. I have had my students construct the tallest structure they can using one bag of marshmallows and one hundred toothpicks. The results were great! Each group came up with a different way to make their structure and best of all, the conversations they were having were high-level. The questioning and reasoning students were doing, as groups, was like nothing I had seen before in my classroom.
Keeping students engaged, motivated, and inspired is a hard task, but with STEM related activities it is possible to make learning fun again! Creating a rich digitally connected environment is something I aim for in the years to come.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
Blended Learning: Intelligent Adaptive Technologies
After watching a TED Talk on blended learning in the classroom, I feel inspired! I came across this video by chance while I was perusing a TED Talks library on YouTube. Jessie Woolley-Wilson discussed the importance of intelligent adaptive technologies. A program that I use in my classroom daily, comes to mind when I hear those words: i-Ready. i-Ready is an innovative program that adapts to students needs. As Jessie said, "It learns what the learner needs, as the learner learns it". That statement resonated with me quite a bit. I believe those words are very powerful because it sends a strong message.
For those of you who are not familiar with i-Ready, it is a reading and math program that tailors to students' needs. Students take a diagnostic test and the program creates lessons for a child based on his/her test results. If a student is failing the lessons, the program bumps them down a level until they start passing the lessons. This is so find the right niche for students which in turn helps them succeed.
In previous years, I have used i-Ready but this is the first school year in which I truly feel comfortable with it. I am acquainted with the program more and believe I am able to use it more effectively. I am able to pull reports, read the data, use the data to drive my instruction, and add extra lessons for students that need it. Monitoring student growth and projectile gains is something I have been doing quite a bit lately. I am coming to realize just how beneficial these adaptive technologies can be for students.
I have seen the effect it has had on my students. In three and a half months I had a students jump from a level 1 (1st grade) to a mid-3 (middle of third grade level). I teach third grade. This particular student is now exactly where she needs to be in terms of data points. Discussing the importance of the program with students has a huge impact on how they view it. Speaking from my own experiences, I have seen firsthand just how much a pep talk can motivate students to want to do more.
I would recommend all educators get out and search for intelligent adaptive technologies AND utilize the ones they have readily available, to the best of their ability.
For those of you who are not familiar with i-Ready, it is a reading and math program that tailors to students' needs. Students take a diagnostic test and the program creates lessons for a child based on his/her test results. If a student is failing the lessons, the program bumps them down a level until they start passing the lessons. This is so find the right niche for students which in turn helps them succeed.
In previous years, I have used i-Ready but this is the first school year in which I truly feel comfortable with it. I am acquainted with the program more and believe I am able to use it more effectively. I am able to pull reports, read the data, use the data to drive my instruction, and add extra lessons for students that need it. Monitoring student growth and projectile gains is something I have been doing quite a bit lately. I am coming to realize just how beneficial these adaptive technologies can be for students.
I have seen the effect it has had on my students. In three and a half months I had a students jump from a level 1 (1st grade) to a mid-3 (middle of third grade level). I teach third grade. This particular student is now exactly where she needs to be in terms of data points. Discussing the importance of the program with students has a huge impact on how they view it. Speaking from my own experiences, I have seen firsthand just how much a pep talk can motivate students to want to do more.
I would recommend all educators get out and search for intelligent adaptive technologies AND utilize the ones they have readily available, to the best of their ability.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Teacher Created Digital Storytelling Example
Hello all!
I would love for you to take a look at my teacher-created digital storytelling example at the link provided. Click HERE to view my example.
I have created an assignment for 3rd graders to complete and would like any feedback you have on the PowToon I created. The assignment itself is to bring an original poem to life.
Let me know what you think in the comments below! Thank you! :)
I would love for you to take a look at my teacher-created digital storytelling example at the link provided. Click HERE to view my example.
I have created an assignment for 3rd graders to complete and would like any feedback you have on the PowToon I created. The assignment itself is to bring an original poem to life.
Let me know what you think in the comments below! Thank you! :)
Friday, October 28, 2016
Digital Storytelling Assignment
Here is an outline of a digital storytelling project I would have my 3rd grade class complete. The students' task would be to take a poem they wrote and bring it to life, through digital storytelling. A fun idea would be to do this around Mother's Day and have students present their digital story to their moms. In years past, I always have my students create a poetry book that they present during our "Mother's Day Tea" event. This new and innovative twist on our poetry books would have students very excited, I am sure! Poetry is something we teach in 3rd grade, so it aligns with our curriculum.
Assignment: Bring your poem to life! You will need to create a digital story based on the poem you wrote about your mother.
Elements of digital storytelling:
1. video should be short and sweet
2. keeps the viewers attention
3. tone of voice is appropriate
List of platforms students could use:
1. PowToon
2. Animoto
3. Voicethread
4. Bubblr
5. ZooBurst
6. WeVideo
Resources: Click on any of the links below to view examples of digital storytelling.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--kdQs-EHx8 (how to make a digital story)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YESVSwZ6jPs (example)
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwgOWAa9Qhk (example)
Friday, October 21, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
In with the old, Out with the new?
I came across an article recently that discussed the topic of how many educators are against the use of technology in the classroom and it inspired me to write this blog post.
The biggest issue teachers are having is incorporating it into daily lessons. "Making it real", if you will. Being a third grade teacher myself, I catch myself thinking I am not using technology as often as I should. The article touched on how content, teaching, and technology are on nearly the same page. So, when a teacher lacks skills in one of those three areas, it seems as though he/she does not know what they are doing.
Educators nationwide are frustrated about the monetary factor that weighs in when trying to incorporate technology as well. Many times we educators are told to use a program in the classroom and so we do so. It seems as though as soon as you get the swing of the program and students enjoy it, we find out our subscription has ended and will no longer be able to access the program. It can get infuriating after a few times of it happening.
In my opinion, using technology in a meaningful way is what's most important and beneficial to the students. I personally, am a big proponent of using technology in the classroom. It can be engaging, fun, and exciting for students. It can foster a love for learning amongst students, as I have witnessed it happen. The web has a plethora of resources, you just have to take the time to weed out the bad from the good.
By using technology in the classroom, you open up a whole new door for students. They begin to love and become intrigued by computers and how they work. Kids soak up everything around them. As educators, it is our job to ensure they are exposed to content-rich environments meaningful learning opportunities.
Where do you stand on the issue of using technology in the classroom? Comment below and let me know your thoughts!
The biggest issue teachers are having is incorporating it into daily lessons. "Making it real", if you will. Being a third grade teacher myself, I catch myself thinking I am not using technology as often as I should. The article touched on how content, teaching, and technology are on nearly the same page. So, when a teacher lacks skills in one of those three areas, it seems as though he/she does not know what they are doing.
Educators nationwide are frustrated about the monetary factor that weighs in when trying to incorporate technology as well. Many times we educators are told to use a program in the classroom and so we do so. It seems as though as soon as you get the swing of the program and students enjoy it, we find out our subscription has ended and will no longer be able to access the program. It can get infuriating after a few times of it happening.
In my opinion, using technology in a meaningful way is what's most important and beneficial to the students. I personally, am a big proponent of using technology in the classroom. It can be engaging, fun, and exciting for students. It can foster a love for learning amongst students, as I have witnessed it happen. The web has a plethora of resources, you just have to take the time to weed out the bad from the good.
By using technology in the classroom, you open up a whole new door for students. They begin to love and become intrigued by computers and how they work. Kids soak up everything around them. As educators, it is our job to ensure they are exposed to content-rich environments meaningful learning opportunities.
Where do you stand on the issue of using technology in the classroom? Comment below and let me know your thoughts!
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| "Technology" by Technology_12 Received from Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/65264498@N04/9088181581 |
Friday, September 23, 2016
Using Social Media to Connect with Parents
Don't run the other way just yet! After reading the title of this article, many educators may so NO, NO, NO!
I believe connecting with parents is one aspect of teaching that we all need to master in order to have a successful year. As our to-do lists get longer, but time frames remain the same it can feel like our workload is impossible. Teachers do not have to make parent communication feel like a chore. Using social media to get information out to parents in a quick and timely manner may seem like the perfect solution, all while getting to incorporate technology into the classroom.
As a new Twitter user, I can say I am truly enjoying the endless amount of tweets to read and access to new information. Imagine using Twitter to engage parents and keep them informed about what is happening in your classroom. Instead of using old school emails, teachers can create a class twitter account and have parents follow it. Tweeting out if there will be an upcoming test or when an important date is approaching can be so helpful to parents. Having them sign up on "Meet the Teacher Day", to ensure participation on the parent end is a great way to get the ball rolling.
Instagram is another social media platform often used in the classroom. I have teacher friends that use it in their classrooms and say their parents love it! Uploading and sharing pictures of activities you do in the classroom is a great way to get parents involved in their child's education. Letting them see firsthand what is going on in the classroom is a luxury many parents wish they had. Giving that to them can help create a positive and inviting classroom culture as well. Although I do not have a class Instagram account, I do plan on implementing this next school year. I will update this post and let you know how it goes!
In my eyes, staying connected with parents goes far beyond a note home or the occasional email. Small updates a couple times a week helps to have parents be informed about classroom activities, etc. A quick tweet about a math lesson that went well is sure to brighten a parents day. Leave a comment below telling me if you use any social media in your classroom; I'd love to hear about it!
I believe connecting with parents is one aspect of teaching that we all need to master in order to have a successful year. As our to-do lists get longer, but time frames remain the same it can feel like our workload is impossible. Teachers do not have to make parent communication feel like a chore. Using social media to get information out to parents in a quick and timely manner may seem like the perfect solution, all while getting to incorporate technology into the classroom.
As a new Twitter user, I can say I am truly enjoying the endless amount of tweets to read and access to new information. Imagine using Twitter to engage parents and keep them informed about what is happening in your classroom. Instead of using old school emails, teachers can create a class twitter account and have parents follow it. Tweeting out if there will be an upcoming test or when an important date is approaching can be so helpful to parents. Having them sign up on "Meet the Teacher Day", to ensure participation on the parent end is a great way to get the ball rolling.
Instagram is another social media platform often used in the classroom. I have teacher friends that use it in their classrooms and say their parents love it! Uploading and sharing pictures of activities you do in the classroom is a great way to get parents involved in their child's education. Letting them see firsthand what is going on in the classroom is a luxury many parents wish they had. Giving that to them can help create a positive and inviting classroom culture as well. Although I do not have a class Instagram account, I do plan on implementing this next school year. I will update this post and let you know how it goes!
In my eyes, staying connected with parents goes far beyond a note home or the occasional email. Small updates a couple times a week helps to have parents be informed about classroom activities, etc. A quick tweet about a math lesson that went well is sure to brighten a parents day. Leave a comment below telling me if you use any social media in your classroom; I'd love to hear about it!
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| "The Art of Social Media"by mkhmarketing on Flickr Received from Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkhmarketing/8468788107/ |
Friday, September 16, 2016
Apps for the Classroom
Using iPads in the classroom has been on my mind a lot this school year (2016-2017). I find myself always actively searching for new ways to incorporate technology in my class. With the constant changes in education, I know the use of technology will be a big one in the upcoming years. At a recent staff meeting, I was told Orange County Public Schools will all be digital by 2019. That makes me very excited! My short term goal is to get all of my students using iPads at least once a week within the next two months.
I researched quite a bit and came across an app called Plickers. It is a formative assessment data tool that is extremely user friendly. The steps to get started are easy:
1. Add students in your class to your group
2. Each child is given a special QR code that you can print off
3. Have students hold their QR codes in a specific way to show whether they choose A, B, C, or D as an answer.
4. Ask a question through the Plickers app
5. Scan the students' codes and the app will graph the results right away. (The best thing about this is that you can stand at the front of the class and scan your entire classroom in one go; It is amazing!)
Another, quite popular, app is Class Dojo. Although I have never used it, I have heard great things about it being used as a classroom management tool. It enables the teacher to give students positive or negative points, based on a child's classroom behavior. After researching Dojo, I found that parents can have instant access to when you give students points or negatives. Parents are able to set up alerts that will be sent straight to their phones. I am currently questioning whether I should introduce it to my class now (although we are 4 weeks into the school year) or wait until next school year. Comment below and let me know what you think I should do.
An app that I have been actively using for the past year now, is called Remind. It is used to communicate with parents via text messaging. The most enticing aspect of it, is that all phone numbers are secure. You are able to send out class announcements, text parents individually, and even create group chats. Teachers are also able to set virtual "office hours", that work with their schedule.
I have found it to be extremely useful and practical in the classroom setting. Parents can reach me quickly when they need to communicate important information. Last school year was the first time I used it and I got a lot of positive feedback from parents. They loved that I was using technology and how easy it was to reach me.
I hope to get more technologically savvy as time goes on and get my students to show their critical thinking skills via different forms of technology.
I researched quite a bit and came across an app called Plickers. It is a formative assessment data tool that is extremely user friendly. The steps to get started are easy:
1. Add students in your class to your group
2. Each child is given a special QR code that you can print off
3. Have students hold their QR codes in a specific way to show whether they choose A, B, C, or D as an answer.
4. Ask a question through the Plickers app
5. Scan the students' codes and the app will graph the results right away. (The best thing about this is that you can stand at the front of the class and scan your entire classroom in one go; It is amazing!)
Another, quite popular, app is Class Dojo. Although I have never used it, I have heard great things about it being used as a classroom management tool. It enables the teacher to give students positive or negative points, based on a child's classroom behavior. After researching Dojo, I found that parents can have instant access to when you give students points or negatives. Parents are able to set up alerts that will be sent straight to their phones. I am currently questioning whether I should introduce it to my class now (although we are 4 weeks into the school year) or wait until next school year. Comment below and let me know what you think I should do.
An app that I have been actively using for the past year now, is called Remind. It is used to communicate with parents via text messaging. The most enticing aspect of it, is that all phone numbers are secure. You are able to send out class announcements, text parents individually, and even create group chats. Teachers are also able to set virtual "office hours", that work with their schedule.
I have found it to be extremely useful and practical in the classroom setting. Parents can reach me quickly when they need to communicate important information. Last school year was the first time I used it and I got a lot of positive feedback from parents. They loved that I was using technology and how easy it was to reach me.
I hope to get more technologically savvy as time goes on and get my students to show their critical thinking skills via different forms of technology.
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| "iPad" by Sean MacEntee on Flickr Received from Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/6972694584 |
Friday, September 2, 2016
Technology in the Classroom
Technology is being sought after more and more as the years pass by. How can we integrate technology into our classrooms on a regular basis? Do we have the resources to use it effectively? The world is ever-changing as is the field of education. We are living in such a pivotal time where teachers and students alike have to adjust to new methods of classroom instruction. I am biased when saying it is more stressful from the teacher perspective versus the students, because I am a teacher. It is unbelievable to think within the next four years, education will be transformed completely.
After watching the Did You Know video, I came to the realization that everything is changing around us; Whether we want to embrace it or not. I was fascinated at the thought of, "We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist". We are teaching students to think in creative and innovative ways so that they are able to attain a skillset for a job that still needs to be invented. When you think of that, it puts the pressure on, but it also gets me excited. Excited to try new teaching methods and get students to think in ways they never have.
Jahana Hayes (2016 Teacher of the Year) brought up some valid points in the article on EdSurge. She said, "We don't have the resources to keep up with technology". This is something I believe all educators can relate to. Funding is limited for schools, which in turn limits our access to resources for our children. Jahana came up with the notion to partner with companies/universities who do have the resources to keep up with technology. This partnership, I believe, can create so many other opportunities for students. It could lead the path for children to become interested in STEM activities in turn leading to working in that field. The possibilities are endless and I believe Jahana has many rational suggestions that can be the start to something bigger.
After watching the Did You Know video, I came to the realization that everything is changing around us; Whether we want to embrace it or not. I was fascinated at the thought of, "We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist". We are teaching students to think in creative and innovative ways so that they are able to attain a skillset for a job that still needs to be invented. When you think of that, it puts the pressure on, but it also gets me excited. Excited to try new teaching methods and get students to think in ways they never have.
Jahana Hayes (2016 Teacher of the Year) brought up some valid points in the article on EdSurge. She said, "We don't have the resources to keep up with technology". This is something I believe all educators can relate to. Funding is limited for schools, which in turn limits our access to resources for our children. Jahana came up with the notion to partner with companies/universities who do have the resources to keep up with technology. This partnership, I believe, can create so many other opportunities for students. It could lead the path for children to become interested in STEM activities in turn leading to working in that field. The possibilities are endless and I believe Jahana has many rational suggestions that can be the start to something bigger.
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