Self evaluation is not a favored activity. Having said that, I would put myself at the intersection of Authentic and Infusion.
I will use the example of teaching the concept of "Inflation" from my Computer Applications class.
"Find the current rate".
The students get the latest and greatest inflation rate and CPI from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Go shopping".
They go online to find prices of 25 items.
"Organize your data."
They create a spreadsheet in Google Sheets and have to utilize and copy the correct formula.
"Make a visual representation of your numeric data."
They select the appropriate type and element format of a chart.
"Roleplay the interaction of wages and prices."
They divide into co-dependent groups of producers and consumers.
"Explain Inflation in terms a 2nd grader could understand with text and images."
They take creative pictures of objects of incrementally larger size.
They write an example, usually allowance related, of the upward spiral of prices.
They create a presentation in Google Slides of all of the above.
The class selects their favorite the presentation and presenters and Skype with 2nd graders in our feeder schools.
All the technology uses above are chosen by the students as an effective tool to accomplish the assigned task.
It is after all the class "Computer Applications".
I teach economics concepts in spreadsheets - design and layout in digital photography - marketing and advertising in photo editing - writing for social media for Facebook and Twitter - I can go on and on.
I am not teaching technology use per se - it is a tool to achieve tasks.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Constant Partial Attention.
I have fallen in love with that term. It so captures the essence of today's high school student.
Smartphones are their watch, calendar, calculator, and of penultimate importance - often their primary social connection. As if all the drama of high school was not vaunting enough, now the old school face-to-face or point-to-point communication is replaced with the instant social media delivery to the multitudes. At-risk students fall further behind without the resources to maintain equilibrium in a BYOD world. As digital natives, they are so used to what they consider successful multi-tasking that engagement with traditional content delivery is now a new on-going challenge.
Or is it?
Not so very long ago we teachers bemoaned the "Sesame Street" generation as having uber short attention spans, having to be constantly entertained and being -- look! A bunny!-- too easily distracted.
I am an old guy. 56. My AdvApps (Advanced Applications class) tease me about being a digital immigrant. Yep. I freely choose to go where they live. I think blended learning will take me personally there.
After piloting it with a select group of students and LOTS of work up front, Gibson Southern is going 1:1 with Chromebooks next year. This is going to remove the barrier of the difference of financial differences with our students - an even playing field. GSHS will be using Schoology. This Learning Management System will remove the barrier for students who struggle to keep up with the pace of a class by giving them access to class content at times outside the traditional school day. At the other end of the spectrum - advanced students will be able to explore an expanded amount of content especially through threaded discussions with classmates and/or instructors.
I cherish my interaction time with students. Nothing can replace the incredible knowledge of a content area, the one-to-one help, the concern for their students, and the practical know-how of a master teacher. E-learning will enhance it.
"Brick and mortar"? Time for "Click and mortar".
I have fallen in love with that term. It so captures the essence of today's high school student.
Smartphones are their watch, calendar, calculator, and of penultimate importance - often their primary social connection. As if all the drama of high school was not vaunting enough, now the old school face-to-face or point-to-point communication is replaced with the instant social media delivery to the multitudes. At-risk students fall further behind without the resources to maintain equilibrium in a BYOD world. As digital natives, they are so used to what they consider successful multi-tasking that engagement with traditional content delivery is now a new on-going challenge.
Or is it?
Not so very long ago we teachers bemoaned the "Sesame Street" generation as having uber short attention spans, having to be constantly entertained and being -- look! A bunny!-- too easily distracted.
I am an old guy. 56. My AdvApps (Advanced Applications class) tease me about being a digital immigrant. Yep. I freely choose to go where they live. I think blended learning will take me personally there.
After piloting it with a select group of students and LOTS of work up front, Gibson Southern is going 1:1 with Chromebooks next year. This is going to remove the barrier of the difference of financial differences with our students - an even playing field. GSHS will be using Schoology. This Learning Management System will remove the barrier for students who struggle to keep up with the pace of a class by giving them access to class content at times outside the traditional school day. At the other end of the spectrum - advanced students will be able to explore an expanded amount of content especially through threaded discussions with classmates and/or instructors.
I cherish my interaction time with students. Nothing can replace the incredible knowledge of a content area, the one-to-one help, the concern for their students, and the practical know-how of a master teacher. E-learning will enhance it.
"Brick and mortar"? Time for "Click and mortar".
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