901 Activity 8.2: Final Reflective Blog

The CITEC 901 Innovative Pedagogies course has been instrumental in the evolution of my teaching practice. And, even though with every new module it seemed that I was "trying to drink from a fire hose", I have been truly inspired! I've looked at each module as a stepping stone to leading me along the path of acquiring the knowledge, resources, and ideas that I am able to implement in my classroom; ideas designed to encourage engagement and creativity with my students. It is so very hard to keep my focus as there are so very many ideas just racing around in my head that I want to share with my students right away. It's so tempting to want to try EVERYTHING that I learned immediately; however, I am doing my best to try to stay focused and start "small" so that I have a great set of personalized resources that I can build upon in the coming years.

The THREE things that I chose to focus on this year were: Innovative Learning Spaces, Flipped Learning, and Using Social Media to Curate Web 2.0 Resources. These innovative practices have transformed my thinking on how I teach and I look forward to implementing them in my classroom and instruction in the near future..

Innovative Learning Spaces

This was probably the most near-and-dear to my heart. I have been playing around with seating over the last couple years and really wanted to pull in flexible seating, soft seating, and "standing" options. For some reason, I had been holding off, however, when this topic came up, I was very eager to go straight to my classroom and begin rethinking how it was organized; and, how I envisioned seeing it. This included what I wanted for groupings and for special seating options that could be more engaging and students oriented. I made friends with the custodian and scoured my neighborhood for yard sales and ended up adding 2 round tables, 4 yoga balls and 2 tall tables with tall bar stools that could be used for standing options. Over the summer, I plan to cover the rounds and the tall tables with whiteboard paint. Additionally, I've added a few elements to my V.I.P. section which includes: a sofa, 2 large soft chairs and 2 smaller soft chairs. I love offering places where students may collaborate and brainstorm, some in mid-sized groups and some more intimate. Another project during the summer: I plan to eliminate my teacher desk(s) and transfer my kidney table to that area so it may be dual functioning and will open up more space in the room.

Flipped Learning

The Flipped classroom model is something that I have always wanted to try since I learned of it during my credential courses. I am eager to try new things, but hadn't seen or heard of any of my colleagues doing it so I became reluctant as a new teacher. However, this course has reinvigorated that dream and I want to move forward on pursuing more ways that I may provide students the resources they need regardless of where they may be when they need it. There is still a "question mark" in my mind about accountability; will students complete these assignments; and, how do I verify it was in fact done. After working through this module, I do have a better sense about how this will look. It is hard to let go of conventional teaching models so I am slow to start; however, I have been successful in creating a few videos myself, and then curating and customizing content found on the internet. This process takes some time and much planning to do it well. I just need to remember that I continually allow for reflection and feedback. I will slowly begin incorporating the Flipped teaching with my class for the remainder of this year to determine what I want to focus my time on over the summer to get ready and launch beginning next school year.

Using Social Media to Curate Web 2.0 Resources

Through this module, I have been exposed to new ways that Twitter and Pinterest may be used in the classroom with my students. As with all of the Modules in this course, it was packed full of surprises and insight. I gained so much more understanding about how these applications may be used to infuse technology as well as innovation into my lessons and activities. Just as students' needs and abilities and interests are different, so are the multitude of uses Web 2.0 tools have to offer. Time and possibly school policy are really the only limitations that stand between an awesome lesson and an amazing learning experience.

With my new found interest in creating Hyperdocs, the procurement of relevant and innovative resources to build my lesson activities has become my focus of my time spent in front of the computer screen; and, learning how to optimally utilize those resources in ways the engage my learners while still meeting learning targets, it my biggest goal I've set for myself. I have become so passionate with the vast variety of dynamic tools that are available to students and educators; I can hardly think about anything else!

Google Community

I was involved in sharing ideas I found on Twitter, Pinterest and within the G+ Community as well as commenting on articles and ideas shared by my fellow CUE IEC Community members. It was fun browsing through others' Pinterest boards and "stealing" ideas from their board! I now have more tech educators to follow on Pinterest and Twitter.

Project Status

Project status is a bit fragmented. I've got my ideas and the makings of a some great resources for Hyperdocs and Digital BreakoutEdu games that I will assemble together for a set of resources and templates that may be used "as is" or be tailored to suit other curriculum and grade levels.

Elective Status

Unfortunately, my one (1) elective that I registered for, continues to sit on the back burner, so to speak. I've just been having such a challenge to keep up with the pace and demands of the modules in this course that I've really got no spare time to work on the Elective work. The instructor did say it was at my own pace so I can always work on it over the summer if it comes to that.