The hosts in this video reflect on the ISTE standard of Knowledge Constructor. It begins talking about how far we have come with technology and research . . . from encyclopedias and video discs to research engines, iPads, and AI.  As a veteran teacher, it is always fun to tell students about, and see their reactions to, how we did research “back in the day.” The video touched on what each host considered the most important part of the standard.  While one commented on students making meaningful learning experiences for themselves and being responsible for their own learning experiences, the other went on to expand on making meaningful learning experiences AND creating content for others to learn from.  They both agreed that the shift from consumption to creation is vital. The video also further explained that while students will have some consumption to learn new things, what they DO with that knowledge is where this standard comes in.  When we think about the future of our students, we don’t want students who are able to memorize facts, we want problem solvers and inventors . . . students who think creatively and are ready to change the world! To do that, we must provide opportunities like those we are exploring in this class, specifically opportunities to be Knowledge Constructors.

While this is a short video, I found it very relevant to the ISTE standard of Knowledge Constructor. In very simple terms, it explained that his standard includes students researching effectively to gather information, ensuring that the information is accurate, credible, and relevant, and connecting research to create conclusions. Within this standard, students specifically ask questions and seek out explanations. The reason I chose this video is because of how the information is presented.  PowToon is an easy program for students to also use to create their own projects as Knowledge Constructors.  Providing students with a variety of tools to use to present their learning can be just as important at the knowledge itself.

This Padlet is a great resource to use in any classroom if students are doing research on anything that relates to the environment.  It has links to videos, songs, search engines, educational websites, and discussion posts. The search engines include National Geographic Kids, Pebble Go, and The Kid Should See This.  The last one was a resource that I have never heard of before exploring this Padlet.  It has tons of informational videos on science, technology, space, animals, nature, food, music, history, art, and so much more! I'm excited to use a new resource and continue to learn more about the others.

This is a resource that I could use in my own classroom later this year. My students often use Seesaw to complete digital activities, and they also use it as a portfolio system.  When learning about life cycles in science and informational writing in language arts, my students complete a research project on an animal of their choice.  One requirement in their research is to describe the animal's habitat and how that habitat affects their diet, behavior, food, and appearance. In this Seesaw activity, the students would use Pebble Go to explore different animal habitats and could then take the information they found to incorporate it into their research project.  

This is an amazing Weebly that has a plethora of resources to use for this standard. The resources are geared more toward elementary aged students, but a few of them could be used for older students.  The resources include search engines, online resources, virtual reality experiences, and virtual field trips.  There are links for research as well as links to websites and platforms students can use to create their final products, from slideshows and mind maps to video presentations.  This is like a one-stop shop for almost anything students would need to research almost any topic!  I plan on creating my own research Padlet for my students and I will include most of these resources on it.