http://www.edutopia.org/video/movie.php?reset=cookie&keyword=137&id=Art_1145
My video was titled "An Incredible Journey." It was about a Charter School in Nevadan, California using project based learning curriculum. They talked about how usually students drag into school in the morning, and get more excited as the day goes on because its closer to the time they can leave, while teachers usually come into school with lots of energy and leave at the end of the day drained. This method of teaching should have the students leaving just as tired as the teachers because it requires the students to work for their learning. While this style of teaching is sometimes referred to as discovery learning, some of the teachers don't completely agree with that terminology. They feel this is more of a process of structured projects guided by the teacher rather than one "discovery" after a certain task which was specifically designed to evoke that discovery. This school used water probes to get data from a watershed nearby. They then took the data into their science labs, and math classes to analyze different aspects of it. They worked in groups which helped them with important social skills that aren't always addressed in regualr classrooms. This project lasted for 12 weeks which teaches important skills like time management and task management which are also sometimes ignored in regular lessons. The project culminated having them creating a video news report that discussed all of their results, and presenting their results at a showing in front of family, friends, and other professionals. Its a style of teaching that incorperates many different content areas as well various technologies.
There was a lot of technology used in the video. There was a lot more student centered technology. I think this is due to the fact that the idea of the teaching style promotes students using many different technologies to further their understanding in a broad scope of topics. Since there are so many different content areas that one lesson can cover, many different technologies can be easily incorporated. The students were using palm pilots with water probes to record data from their local stream. They were also in a digital media classroom which had computers, video recorders, green screens, and audio equipment. They later had to present all of their conclusions as a speech which involved the use of basic technologies like powerpoint.
I think technology made the lesson much more engaging simply because without the technology there would be nothing to be engaged in! This entire lesson was based on the fact that they were using technology. They not only used technology to collect their data and to analyze their data, but they also used it to creatively present their conclusions.
They recommended in the video that in order for a teacher to be well prepared for this type of lesson it is best to plan backwards. They feel that you should think about the expected outcome and go from there. Ask yourself questions like who are your students, what they need to know, what do you want them to know, and what should you teach them. Also, the teacher needs to become familiar with the technologies that are used. If a student is struggling with the technology and you as the teacher cant help them, the main idea of the lesson is lost in something that could have easily been prepared for.
I would assess the students by giving them periodic journal entries. This would allow them to tell me how they feel the project has been going, what they like and dislike about certain parts of the project, and any complications that have come up since the last journal entry. Since this style of learning is based over 12 weeks, and is a continuous effort it is difficult to quiz on their knowledge of the topic, since they every day they are working towards completing the cumulative final project. The movie said that the teachers in this case assessed the students by having classroom reflections where they debrief for self-evaluation, asking the students what worked and what didn’t. They said that reflection on learning is equivalent to retention.
The advantage to this is that the students must know what they are talking about in order to finish their project. They can’t learn something, be tested, and forget it since every part of the project is a continuation of earlier learning. Some of the challenges to this is that not every school has this advanced technologies, and even if they do, not all teachers will understand how to use some of them as well as others. Also, some of the teachers in the video said that as a teacher you have to keep track of all the groups of students’ because it is easy for them to fall behind and shut down. The students also voiced that sometimes it was hard for them to stay motivated on a project that was so long term and that they could get easily distracted.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Video Case Analysis
http://www.edutopia.org/images/movies/onlineoverviewb.wmv
The video case that I viewed talked about virtual learning and displayed the attributes of Virtual High School. It discussed the ways students could learn online and take courses online that were not offered at their high school. It also showed how teachers could integrate online learning with their classes. Some teachers would use blended learning. This consisted of teaching in the classrooms as well as teaching part of the course on the internet.
Most of the technology that was used in the video consisted of computers and the internet. There were also calculators, interactive whiteboards, and live whiteboards used in the math classes. Compact discs were used for the music class. Microphones, voice recorders, and speakers were used also. In one instance, telephones were used when students called their teacher.
The technologies used in the lessons were both student-centered and teacher-centered. The students were able to go online to take the virtual courses. They used the technology to better enhance their knowledge on the subjects. The students also used the live boards to do some of their work online. Some of the teachers used the virtual learning in their classrooms. They would create their own courses online through Virtual High School. The teachers also used the microphones, recorders, and speakers to communicate to the students. In most cases, the teachers would create or design courses or lessons through virtual learning and the students would use what the teachers created to further their knowledge.
I do agree that the technologies used in this video make the lessons more engaging. It is something new and different for the students to be involved in. It is not the same old routine of sitting in class taking notes and listening to the teacher lecture all the time. The students are able to get a more hands on approach to their learning. Also, the virtual learning allows students to be able to do their work at any time of the day. The students will have time to do other things in their busy schedule. For instance, one student was able to practice ice skating at a more opportune time since she could do the work at night. Also, I think using any technology gets students more interested in what they are doing. I think it helps them feel like they are doing something important and fun.
Teachers wanting to create a course through the virtual learning site would have to go through about the same amount of preparation as though they were actually teaching it in a classroom. They would have to think through what they would want to get across to the students. The teachers would have to provide more explanation for the students who may not know how to use the technology. They would also have to try to use wording online that their students would understand. The teachers might also want to think about common mistakes their students might make. They might also have to provide more examples for the students since they are not interacting with the students in person.
Teachers who want to assess student performance who use the virtual learning could test them in the same way they would in the classroom. They could use online documents with questions they have to answer. Teachers could have examples of different things that the students have to answer. Students could also be assigned final projects that they would have to post online. Then the teacher could evaluate their performance on the projects.
Some advantages of using the virtual learning are the flexibility of taking classes and doing homework when you want. Students might be more interested in learning what they are doing when technology is involved. Teachers and students get to know each other better when they interact online and phone each other. Teachers can detect student weaknesses faster. Students can have hands-on experience and can learn through the use of visuals. Students and teachers can communicate to each other through a microphone. Also, teachers can tell students what they are doing wrong while working on a problem online. Both the teachers and students can be at home while doing this.
Some challenges the teacher would have is not getting all of the students involved in what they are doing in class while using the virtual learning. Some students may get lost and not know what they are doing. Teachers would have to go more in detail about what exactly they want the students to be doing if the class is taught online only. Students have to be more self-motivating. If they do not have the teachers with them telling them to get their work done they may not do it. Another challenge with virtual learning is that students may not understand what is going on in the class. If no communication is involved, the students may have trouble with the work and the teachers will not be able to tell the students what they are doing wrong. Finally, teachers and students are not able to form good relationships with each other through virtual learning.
The video case that I viewed talked about virtual learning and displayed the attributes of Virtual High School. It discussed the ways students could learn online and take courses online that were not offered at their high school. It also showed how teachers could integrate online learning with their classes. Some teachers would use blended learning. This consisted of teaching in the classrooms as well as teaching part of the course on the internet.
Most of the technology that was used in the video consisted of computers and the internet. There were also calculators, interactive whiteboards, and live whiteboards used in the math classes. Compact discs were used for the music class. Microphones, voice recorders, and speakers were used also. In one instance, telephones were used when students called their teacher.
The technologies used in the lessons were both student-centered and teacher-centered. The students were able to go online to take the virtual courses. They used the technology to better enhance their knowledge on the subjects. The students also used the live boards to do some of their work online. Some of the teachers used the virtual learning in their classrooms. They would create their own courses online through Virtual High School. The teachers also used the microphones, recorders, and speakers to communicate to the students. In most cases, the teachers would create or design courses or lessons through virtual learning and the students would use what the teachers created to further their knowledge.
I do agree that the technologies used in this video make the lessons more engaging. It is something new and different for the students to be involved in. It is not the same old routine of sitting in class taking notes and listening to the teacher lecture all the time. The students are able to get a more hands on approach to their learning. Also, the virtual learning allows students to be able to do their work at any time of the day. The students will have time to do other things in their busy schedule. For instance, one student was able to practice ice skating at a more opportune time since she could do the work at night. Also, I think using any technology gets students more interested in what they are doing. I think it helps them feel like they are doing something important and fun.
Teachers wanting to create a course through the virtual learning site would have to go through about the same amount of preparation as though they were actually teaching it in a classroom. They would have to think through what they would want to get across to the students. The teachers would have to provide more explanation for the students who may not know how to use the technology. They would also have to try to use wording online that their students would understand. The teachers might also want to think about common mistakes their students might make. They might also have to provide more examples for the students since they are not interacting with the students in person.
Teachers who want to assess student performance who use the virtual learning could test them in the same way they would in the classroom. They could use online documents with questions they have to answer. Teachers could have examples of different things that the students have to answer. Students could also be assigned final projects that they would have to post online. Then the teacher could evaluate their performance on the projects.
Some advantages of using the virtual learning are the flexibility of taking classes and doing homework when you want. Students might be more interested in learning what they are doing when technology is involved. Teachers and students get to know each other better when they interact online and phone each other. Teachers can detect student weaknesses faster. Students can have hands-on experience and can learn through the use of visuals. Students and teachers can communicate to each other through a microphone. Also, teachers can tell students what they are doing wrong while working on a problem online. Both the teachers and students can be at home while doing this.
Some challenges the teacher would have is not getting all of the students involved in what they are doing in class while using the virtual learning. Some students may get lost and not know what they are doing. Teachers would have to go more in detail about what exactly they want the students to be doing if the class is taught online only. Students have to be more self-motivating. If they do not have the teachers with them telling them to get their work done they may not do it. Another challenge with virtual learning is that students may not understand what is going on in the class. If no communication is involved, the students may have trouble with the work and the teachers will not be able to tell the students what they are doing wrong. Finally, teachers and students are not able to form good relationships with each other through virtual learning.
Video Analysis
http://www.edutopia.org/video/movie.php?reset=cookie&keyword=137&id=Art_1127
The video “Laptops on Expedition” documents a seventh grade class’ journey to success. This school in Maine is the most ethnically and economically diverse school in the district. The students were struggling and test scores were in the bottom third of the state. Then, students and teachers began to work with technology on a regular basis. All classes are connected to work on one central project. In the video, the students analyzed and discussed the endangered animals of Maine. The information which included, a paper or report, a video documentary, artwork, and data all came together on a CD that was given to each of the students at the project’s end. The goal of this interconnected project was to allow students to contribute to the project in an area they excel in. Every student is a part of the final product; everyone is a team.
This unity and project were helped in a major due to the school’s use of integrated technology. Students had access to laptops with wireless Internet. This allowed them to research individual parts of a project while at the same time working on a common task. Students had access to digital media technology. The students were responsible for filming, directing, and editing their documentary. The students used cameras and editing software again on the provided laptop computers. Another use of technology was used in the soundtrack of the documentary. Students in the band and orchestra recorded and edited their own musical talent and placed it on the documentary. Students ran this project themselves, and it always turns out well.
The students are engaged in the technology and the project. The teachers in this film simply led the students to an ending goal. The students did the research, the students made the film, and the students organized the CD. The technology was for them. The only time a teacher assists is when students have questions about guidelines or using the technology. The teacher becomes a guide or mentor and the students and their technology drive the project.
The technology is what makes this project so special. Any student can write a report on an endangered animal. Any teacher can take the class to the library for research. Instead, the teachers left it up to the students. The technology helps them engage in their task. It makes it exciting, fun, and different. I personally feel it may be easier for current students to research on the Internet than in the library. The openness of the project let the students venture to any desired goal. They had access to pretty much anything and that opportunity to work with such fun, new, exciting technology inspired the students.
The teacher may not be “teaching” in the old fashioned sense, but that does not mean they are not busy. The teacher needs to ensure that all students are working and on task. This technology may inspire students, but it can also distract them. Teachers also need to do a good job introducing the lesson or project and the technology. If either part is unclear, students will be in over their heads. Lastly, as a team of teachers, a project like this takes a tremendous amount of planning, creativity and dedication. Every area has to be involved, while still teaching the material of a school/state’s curriculum.
In the end, the project and technology provide students with a new way of thinking and learning. School is no longer centered at the front of the classroom, but at the front of their own ability to explore.
The video “Laptops on Expedition” documents a seventh grade class’ journey to success. This school in Maine is the most ethnically and economically diverse school in the district. The students were struggling and test scores were in the bottom third of the state. Then, students and teachers began to work with technology on a regular basis. All classes are connected to work on one central project. In the video, the students analyzed and discussed the endangered animals of Maine. The information which included, a paper or report, a video documentary, artwork, and data all came together on a CD that was given to each of the students at the project’s end. The goal of this interconnected project was to allow students to contribute to the project in an area they excel in. Every student is a part of the final product; everyone is a team.
This unity and project were helped in a major due to the school’s use of integrated technology. Students had access to laptops with wireless Internet. This allowed them to research individual parts of a project while at the same time working on a common task. Students had access to digital media technology. The students were responsible for filming, directing, and editing their documentary. The students used cameras and editing software again on the provided laptop computers. Another use of technology was used in the soundtrack of the documentary. Students in the band and orchestra recorded and edited their own musical talent and placed it on the documentary. Students ran this project themselves, and it always turns out well.
The students are engaged in the technology and the project. The teachers in this film simply led the students to an ending goal. The students did the research, the students made the film, and the students organized the CD. The technology was for them. The only time a teacher assists is when students have questions about guidelines or using the technology. The teacher becomes a guide or mentor and the students and their technology drive the project.
The technology is what makes this project so special. Any student can write a report on an endangered animal. Any teacher can take the class to the library for research. Instead, the teachers left it up to the students. The technology helps them engage in their task. It makes it exciting, fun, and different. I personally feel it may be easier for current students to research on the Internet than in the library. The openness of the project let the students venture to any desired goal. They had access to pretty much anything and that opportunity to work with such fun, new, exciting technology inspired the students.
The teacher may not be “teaching” in the old fashioned sense, but that does not mean they are not busy. The teacher needs to ensure that all students are working and on task. This technology may inspire students, but it can also distract them. Teachers also need to do a good job introducing the lesson or project and the technology. If either part is unclear, students will be in over their heads. Lastly, as a team of teachers, a project like this takes a tremendous amount of planning, creativity and dedication. Every area has to be involved, while still teaching the material of a school/state’s curriculum.
In the end, the project and technology provide students with a new way of thinking and learning. School is no longer centered at the front of the classroom, but at the front of their own ability to explore.
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