Sunday, September 23, 2012

Net Gen


Are you more comfortable composing documents online than longhand? Either---I always enjoy a handwritten document.  I do see a big difference in spelling among students that have always been able to rely on "spell check."

Have you turned your "remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a technology device?

Do you go to meetings with your laptop, iPad, or tablet?

Are you constantly connected? No--I am not constantly connected to the Internet.
 
Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? My computer is almost always on--but not online, we do have wi-fi in our household
 
Is your cell phone always with you? I actually do not carry a cell phone at this time!  I am a SAHM that runs an in-home daycare and just have my land line.  I am sure when I get back OUT into the work force, it will not take me long to get on board!

How many different activities can you effectively engage in at one time? At this time--taking care of kiddos and working on homework during nap time is about all I have to worry about!

Do you play video or computer games?  I very rarely play computer games--although I do have several games downloaded onto my Kindle and do play them on occasion!  I do not play computer games--I am too busy... :)

What generational category do you fall in or are you a mixture of a few.  I think I am a mixture of a few categories--I am not afraid or against technology, my biggest issues right now is time constraints!

 

This article focused on implications primarily for higher education; however, the characteristics for the Net Gen remain true for students in K12. What and how do we need to change?
I think most schools are making changes in curriculum as well as training for teachers.  Allowing students to BYOD, etc. is one way that I see many schools and classrooms incorporating changes.  My 1st grade son will be allowed to bring devices to school after the holidays and practicing with the devices they have at the school (i.e. MP3 players, iPads in the classroom, etc. )

Friday, September 14, 2012

AFL

I most identified with the AFLthat should focus on how students learn.  I feel that there are many different learning styles and that each needs to be addressed as often as possible in the classroom environment.  Knowing that students learn in different ways and at different times/levels, I feel that the best benefit to the students is to focus on how they learn.  Is your classroom composed of students that tend to learn better with hands on activities (tactile) or is composed of students that are more visual? Giving students the opportunity to select items that go in their portfolio will allow them to display and select things that they are proud of and give them a sense of ownership.

In college level classes, we do a TON of work.  I think this would allow me to be able to go back and select things of value for an interview process, etc.  It is also a reflection of things that I see as valuable and might forget along the way--it would be nice to reflect on my thoughts at the time of an assignment and not try to remember things down the road!

I am not sure that I see any value in a portfolio assessment, in that it I think it should include things that the owner sees value in, not something that a "grader" sees.  I think noting that certain items must be included is fine, but I am not sure how I would benefit from being told what I should/not have in my portfolio.

I do see a value in collaboration and commenting within a class!  It's always nice to have notes, ideas, etc. from an individual that has "been there and done that."

Which tenent did you most relate to and why? What potential if any, do you see for portfolio assessment? What do you think the creation and development of your portfolio will do for your learning?




Sunday, September 9, 2012

Mapping wk 2

Mapping can be a very simple tool used by an individual/group to display several facts/notes, etc. in one easily readable, organized format.  I used the Wordle tool and enjoyed it!  I had "played" with Wordle once before, but had forgotten how easy the program is to use and know that young elementary school aged students can handle using it!

Teaching skills such as this to our students is valuable in that it allows the educator a more diverse and  technological  way to have students present information to a classroom, for a project,etc.  Teachers are always looking for SIMPLE, innovative ways to have students participate in classroom discussions/presentations and the samples provided in our notes were all great!  Students attending school in this day and age don't really have an option to not learn technology skills.  These types of skills can be used in the work force, school, fun, etc.   It is vital that our students are taught the most effective/productive skills in technology.

Wordle