Assessing Meaningful Learning With Technology & Inspiration/Kidspiration

    

     The use of rubrics in my present day college career has dramatically increased since I first went to college back in 1988.  I personally like the rubric because it gives me something concrete to follow so that I can be sure that my assignment is done accurately according to the professor’s requirements.  A usable teaching method is to provide a rubric for student use for both formative and summative assessment purposes.  The rubric also allows the teacher an opportunity to evaluate the student's understanding of a topic by levels of performance on based on certain criteria.  I would definitely use rubrics in my classroom because this will not allow room for misunderstanding on what is specifically expected from the student on an assignment.

     Qwizdom uses advanced radio frequency technology for its clickers, which integrates with Qwizdom curriculum software so that students may take computer based assessments.  This form of student response systems not only inspires but also motivates the students as they are assessed.  It provides immediate right/wrong feedback to the student and allows them to ask for help discreetly.  One supplemental software curriculum offered is ReadySet.  This program not only assesses student progress towards mastery of specific state standards but it actually takes the time to teach the concepts.  We are a few short days away from the TAKS and would have loved to have had access to this hardware and software.  I read over a few case studies in which Texas teachers wrote on the positive impact it had on its Title 1 campus.  Maybe one day, our campus will be so fortunate to have access to it. 

     Kidspiration has been created for K – 5 learners and is known to develop strong thinking skills, strengthen reading and writing skills, and build a conceptual understanding in math.  Kidspiration's Picture View can build graphic organizers including concept maps, webs, bubble diagrams and Venn diagrams.  In math students can use manipulatives such as color tiles, pattern blocks, base ten blocks, fraction tiles and fraction boxes to build essential math skills.  I work with 3^rd grade bilingual and Kidspiration’s emphasis on developing and using independent strategies such as pictorial representation of thoughts and concepts, and sight vocabulary lists aids ELL students in building vocabulary and English comprehension.  .  This software is wonderful for visual learners and is capable of engaging the students. 

References

Audience Response Systems | Electronic Voting | Interactive Learning | Qwizdom. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://www.qwizdom.com/?gclid=CNLygeH3mpcCFQZqswodWV6D-g>.

"Kidspiration - The Visual Way to Explore and Understand Words, Numbers and Concepts | Inspiration.com." Inspiration Software, Inc. - The Leader in Visual Thinking and Learning | Inspiration.com. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. <http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration>.

Rubric, Rubrics, What Is a Rubric?,Sample Rubrics, Holistic Rubrics, Free, Downloadable, Rubric Links, Rubrician,Templates, - Rubrician.Com. Web. 21 Apr. 2011. http://www.rubrician.com/

Digital storytelling

     Digital storytelling by Kate Kemker is the process of creating video through the use of cameras, videos, kidpix, storyboards and such (Jonassen, 2008).  It allows the creator to make the video come to life in such a way that it captures the viewers’ attention.  The student uses beginning, middle, and end to write the story on their storyboard prior to transferring it to a movie.  At this point, the students are given the chance to work on their own without the teacher’s assistance.   As they create their video they are also able to go back and edit their work.  Upon completion it is presented to the class and then a discussion follows.  Yes, I believe it should be integrated into the classroom.  Not only does digital storytelling improve their writing but it gives their words a voice and demonstrates their creativity in a way unlike any other. 

     The graphing calculator would aid the student in visualizing mathematical concepts (Jonassen, 2008).  This calculator plots graphs and solves simultaneous equations helping the student to make connections with various mathematical procedures.  I personally am a visual learner and would benefit from this calculator.  Geometric supposer and tinkerplots in which students can apply graphing and statistic problems help students who may be weak in math to visualize the problem therefore making it a little bit easier to understand the concept being taught.  I am enrolled in two math courses this summer and will definitely look into the tools mentioned in Chapter 9 for help. 

     I do not think that watching television alone allows us to learn completely unless it is followed with hands on.  For example, just watching the youtube video on creating an interactive powerpoint did not help me to create one.  I had to watch the video while at the same time I played around with the powerpoint software.

References

Jonassen, Howland, Marra, and Crismond (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology (3rd ed.).  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:  Pearson Education, Inc.

Podcasting

     As I watched the video on podcasting I found that this type of technology gives us a way to capture shows now so that we can watch later.  This makes it on demand according to our schedule.  There are three reasons that podcasting is becoming popular:

1. Anyone can do it.  No satellites, radio towers, or studios needed all that is needed is a computer, connection to the web, a microphone and/or video camera needed.  There is a wide variety of podcasts. 
2. Subscriptions – clicking a button and subscribe to receive future shows using a podcaster like iTunes and
3. Gadgetry – downloading podcasts to portable device and taking it with you.  It works on mp3’s, iPods, and other devices (Ranchofrijol 2008).

One use in the classroom is for students to create their own podcasts containing original material thus deepening their understanding of existing material.   It also supports curriculum integration as it can be used instead of text-based information.  Students of today are familiar and comfortable with iPods, mp3’s, and other portable devices making podcasts easy to implement. 

     Podcasting is completely different from wikis’ and social bookmarking in concept and use.  Unlike wikis’ and social bookmarking, podcasting enables one to create online radio programs.  It enables one to be their own independent producer and distributor that can be offered worldwide via the web (Jonassen, Howland, Marr, Crismond 2008).  Voice threads are similar in that it uses a microphone to record or an audio file and can also be imported onto an mp3 player. 

     I presently do not own an iPod but my seven year old got an mp3 player for Christmas which I downloaded music onto.  I love connecting it to our van stereo enabling us to listen to our music rather than at the mercy of the radio stations and its numerous commercials.  I personally would use it in my classroom.  Our school uses it as an extension of its classroom allowing the 5^th grade students to check one out enabling them to complete an assignment or homework.  The advantages of online communication tools are primarily the speed of connection.  One is able to connect to classrooms across the ocean in a matter of seconds, they are able to glean new information, and are able to learn from others all over the world.  I see myself integrating podcasting into my classroom but of course, I must first enroll in professional training so that I implement this accurately and effectively. 

References

Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond (2008), Meaningful Learning with Technology, Columbus, OH:             

     Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

Ranchofrijol (Nov. 12, 2008).  Podcasting - Plain English

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDLqu0d-z8o

Wiki blogging

     Wiki’s are an amazing way to engage students in education.  I would use the wiki to post classroom pictures, personal info about me, and games related to the subject I am teaching.  As the students complete the class assignment then those scheduled for computer time will be allowed to “play” on their homeroom wiki.  They do not even realize they are learning because to them it is “fun”.  I included wiki's from two of the teachers I currently work with, in the resources below.  I have not experienced blogging in the classroom but I would like to use it as daily journaling for the students.  I can use their blogs as informal assessment on their writing skills and therefore have an idea as to which TEKS we may need to revisit. 

     First of all, kudos to the creator of that video (Lefever 2007)!  It was like watching socialbookmarking for dummies, lol!  I found that this would be extremely useful for me as a teacher.  How many links have I added to my favorites tab, the computer catches a virus, then get a new computer and have to start all over again?  Also, there are websites that I know other teachers use as classroom resources that I would absolutely love to have once I become a teacher.  I have already added this to my browser.  I was not that impressed with voice thread. Not sure how I could apply it to third grade.  As a matter of fact, our media specialist introduced this to us at a training last year and the majority of our staff was not impressed nor have they used it in the classroom.  I would need a little more in depth training and ways to implement this. 

     A learning community would be beneficial to a teacher desiring to continue professional development.  It enables one to stay on top of current events, educational trends, and technology.  I have not personally explored it but I would like to.  Tapped in says it is “the online workplace of an international community of education professionals”.  This is a strong description of itself and it seems that it holds up to it.  According to the text, one is able to engage in professional development programs and informal shared activities with other educators (Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond, 2008).  It seems time consuming but I will not know for sure until I explore it myself. 

References

Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond (2008), Meaningful Learning with Technology,

     Columbus, OH:  Pearson Prentice Hall

Lefever, Lee (2007).  Retrieved 3/2/11  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rqw9_social-bookmarking-in-plain-english_school

Marks, Susana (2010).  Retrieved 3/2/11  http://3rdmarks.wikispaces.com/Discovery+Education

Wolfe, Claudia (2010).  Retrieved 3/2/11  http://3rdmarks.wikispaces.com/Discovery+Education

Retrieved 3/2/11  http://voicethread.com/

Chapter 10

     

     Assessment activities are used so that in assessing the results of the activities one can also assess the learner’s performance (Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond 2008).  As teachers our responsibility is to assess our students then we gather and analyze the results to determine learning achievements.  Through this process we can tell if the student is on task or requires some form of intervention.  
     An e-portfolio is a way of collecting digital artifacts in a comprehensible way that will represent a student’s learning outcomes (Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond 2008).  There are three types: 

1. Working portfolios – students have feedback and time to improve their portfolios.
2. In standards-based portfolios – teachers define the content based on curricular requirements. 
3. External evaluation – generally summative and created for an external audience.

For the teacher these portfolios offer flexibility because they can be created over time and it also demonstrates student growth.  For the student these can be used to show their ability to create, present, and complete an assignment demonstrating student growth in their content area.  They are also able to take pride in the portfolio because it is a product of their hard work.  Computer-based tests requires that it be completed on  the computer.  Its main value is that they can be used to collect feedback on students progress and these tests make it easy for the teacher to gather the data.  These tests can impact validity when teachers generate poorly constructed tests.  There are tools that make the creation process easy but it is up to the teacher to write a well-structured test to begin with (Jonasen, Howland, Marra, Crismond 2008).

     Chapter 10 on the e-portfolio was very interesting.  I personally look forward to using e-portfolios with my students.  The flexibility they offer is especially attractive as a teacher.  I will be able to assess them on a unit, grading period, or per subject.  The children of today are more technologically literate than we are so they will take to this quite easily.  I cannot wait to see the works my students will produce.

References

Jonassen, Howland, Marra, Crismond (2008).  Meaningful Learning with Technology.  Columbus, OH: Pearson Prentice Hall

 

Copy right and Fair Use Policy

     One must respect copyrights and fair use rules in order to keep legal action from being taken against you.  Copyrights were created in order to protect the owner of the copyright from his work being reproduced without permission.  It also protects the way an author expresses themselves.   Section 107 of copyrights covers “fair use”.  Through this there are four factors used to determine whether reproduction of a particular work used for various purposes is or is not fair (U.S. Copyright Office).  It is important to protect one legally.  Why would we risk “stealing” someone else’s work and legal action taken against us?  There is no assignment worth the legal ramifications for infringing on someone’s copyright.   The video clip, Taking the Mystery of Copyright, was both educational and entertaining (Loc.gov).  What a neat way to introduce copyright information to my students.  I would like to make a permanent chart of the “cheat” sheet given to us by you, Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers (TechLearning).  This is a handy reference as my students work on their assignments to double check in case any copyright questions may arise.  The cyber bee is another interactive website my students will have access to (Super Cyberbee 2011). 

     Online safety is teaching students to never reveal personal information with anyone online.  They are to use their cyber names and not reveal themselves to anyone.  Online bullying refers to bullying online.  There are many forms:  cell phone, MySpace, YouTube, and more.  This type of bullying entails threatening text, negative posting on blogs under someone else’s name, or getting Fraped (Bullying UK 2011).  Do not give out any personal information, password protect your accounts, and tell your parents if you feel threatened in any way. 

     Learning about copyrights and fair use was enlightening.  I guess as an educator many of us make the mistake in assuming that if we were using a resource for educational purposes then it was no big deal.  As I think back to the numerous times I have made copies of printed material not thinking twice about copyrights I cringe.  Well, that will no longer be the case!  I appreciate this week’s lecture and assignment thoroughly. 

References

Adventures of Cyber bee (February 3, 2011), retrieved February 15, 2011

     http://www.cyberbee.com/cb_copyright.swf

Bullying UK (2011), retrieved February 15, 2011

     http://www.bullying.co.uk/

“Cheat Sheet” for copyright and fair use, retrieved February 15, 2011

    http://www.techlearning.com/techlearning/pdf/db_area/archives/TL/2002/10/copyright_chart.pdf

Taking the Mystery out of Copyright, retrieved February 15, 2011
     http://www.loc.gov/teachers/copyrightmystery/#

U.S. Copyright Office, retrieved February 15, 2011

     Http://ww.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html