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901 Assignment 5.4 Reflective Blog Post
901 Assignment 5.4 Reflective Blog Post
To say that this course has been like "drinking from a fire hydrant" would be a HUGE understatement! Being somewhat older, it usually takes me a bit longer to process information; I like to savor it a bit and let it digest; one "course" after the other, in due time. But this has been like the All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet when and you've got 5 minutes to eat as much as you can or it will be taken away! The assignments and work came swift and strong, seemingly endless, I'd read and comment throughout the week; then, cram through the bulk of "homework" as soon as weekend arrived, barely catching my breath before the next wave of new assignments crashed upon me. Now, don't get me wrong, I have LOVED every minute of it! I have gained so much more understanding about what I'm capable of; and, what I can offer my students, than I ever imagined I could.
This week's module introduced "Flipped" instructional models; something I'd heard about and have played with a bit since I began teaching 3 years ago. Some of the issues I had encountered on my own were: 1) How to I address the needs of students who "don't have access to a computer at home"?; and, 2) How do I create ALL the videos I needed in order to teach my curriculum?? Well, the answers came to me as I read and learned through the resources in this module. I realize that most of my students will (most likely) have access to the internet and will be able to view my videos. Those that don't, may watch them in our school library before or after school, may watch them in my room during Lunch Bunch, or (as a last resort) may watch them the first few minutes of class as a warm-up. Either way, the "access" issue, really isn't an issue. And, even more importantly, I realized that I don't have to create ANY videos!!! There are so many videos already created, I can just find one that I like and edit it using an App like Educreations, Explain Everything, or EdPuzzle. All of these Apps are really easy to use and offer enough features (for free, or nearly free) that I was able to create, edit and upload a lesson really easily. I am so much more confident and comfortable with the idea of implementing a flipped classroom.
I am thrilled by the potential this revelation has provided me. I spent the better part of an evening, watching a CUE Conference presentation by Catlin Tucker, exploring every resource and suggestion she made as I watched. I downloaded tabs on my computer to things like: NOVA, TIME, National Geographic, and The History Channel for the Classroom, all offering videos and resources of news, images, and articles about worldly events. I was very impressed and interested in learning more from Caitlin Tucker and her ideas of the flipped model; her website provides some practical and meaningful ways to utilize flipping in the classroom through sample lessons, websites and ideas to use; additionally, her YouTube Channel offers a large library of resources ready to view and use.
Another Blended Learning "Guru" I discovered is Ramsey MusalIam who spearheaded the "Explore-Flip-Apply" model of Flipped Learning. I enjoyed viewing his TedTalk on "3 Rules to Spark Learning"; he "expands curiosity in the classroom through multi-media and new technology". I was so impressed by his perspective of learning. I love how he gives students a question or a glimpse into something new and then lets them explore to see what they know or don't know; this type of introduction helps to elicit new thinking and curiosity. I completely agree that by preparing my students for their classwork and practice work ahead of time, will help to build their confidence levels and push them to push themselves. Also a great resource for students and families to revisit again when review is needed; basically a virtual teacher. I love it!!
I love the idea of "Flipping" Bloom's Taxonomy by doing at home the tasks that traditionally are done in the classroom; and, creating experiences and opportunities for students to use higher levels of thinking in the classroom. This makes so much sense to me; students benefit more from using the time in class with the teacher and supports in place that can help them develop critical thinking and problem solving skills while interacting and engaging with their peers in discussions, questioning, and debate.
The topics of the Gamification and the Flipped Classroom were of high interest in the Google+ Community. Several really interesting posts and comments were discussed as members responded to each other's posts. I was excited to discover and learn all I could about these topics; I enjoyed reading and researching articles from other Cohort members.
Allison recommended an App called "Klikaklu" that literally turns your lesson into a game like a Scavenger Hunt! This was so inspiring to me since I had been looking for ways to create scavenger hunts that allow students to explore around the the world online while solving math and science problems/questions. The downside is that this app does not appear to be compatible to use on Chromebooks. However, I did discover a digital form of the BreakoutEDU that I ended up purchasing membership for so that I could create my own Breakout (Escape Room) scenarios for students to play.
Another one she posted that intrigued me was really just helpful in understanding that we (teachers) must utilize a variety of teaching strategies; whether it's to gamify your classroom, or "send" the classroom home, each of these offers special characteristics that provide for versatility for instruction and for learning.
Project Status Update:
I have to say that I feel much better at this point about my project than I did a couple months ago. And, although it's still in its innovation stage, I have so many more ideas about what I want to do with my knowledge through these modules. I will continue to develop a library of Hyperdocs and (now) Digital BreakoutEdu "games that may be used to explore the real world through math and science activities and tasks. Students will use these activities to collaborate with others and learn about the world outside of the classroom.
Elective Status Update:
Sadly, I've made so very little progress on the one Elective that I registered for: Kahoot in the Classroom. The instructor did indicate that it is meant to be self-paced, thank goodness! I really had not anticipated being so completely overwhelmed with fitting in my time with the coursework that I really have no "extra" time available for Electives at this time. However, I know that I have up to a year from registration to complete and plan to do them towards the end of the school year and into the summer.
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