TIE 575 21st Century Literacy

What do you consider the most important aspect of 21st Century Literacy?


I think the most important component of 21st Century Literacy is inquiry based. When people are allowed to explore and discover and have a hands on experience that creates a learning opportunity that will increase critical thinking and build on problem solving capabilities that as a result will filter into real life connection.With 21st Century literacy students will learn to self assess, analyze and access to solve problems. 21st Century Literacy will teach through means of multi media and project based learning that will implement various subjects. 21st Century literacy is the new way of creating lifelong learners.Inquiry based learning is the most important aspect of 21st century because it allows students to analyze, access, and assess through media and critical thinking and problem solving.

http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/ConnectingtheDigitalDotsLitera/157395

http://www.ncte.org/pathways/21stcentury

http://www.evalutech.sreb.org/21stcentury/whatare.asp

TIE 575 - Definition of Professional Development

My definition of Professional Development is a class, workshop, or seminar that will teach a new technique or strategy to be used in the classroom or your profession. If you work in the medical field, law, schools or McDonald's ongoing training is needed. As times change so does work skills or procedures.While reading the article I disagree that professional development is conducted several times a week in a school building. The only way I can see that happening, is if it an ongoing training that take several sessions to facilitate. This could be a good idea, because some PD sessions can provide such an overwhelming amount of information that it is possible for a participant to forget or not grasp all that is offered, especially if it is a technology training. I feel like professional development should be continuous with a mandated follow up so that teachers can show evidence that the strategy was attempted in their classroom.When teachers are constantly involved in professing development I think that they are practicing what they preach to students and that is learning takes place for the rest of your life.

http://www.iop.org/activity/cpd/Professionals_wishing_to_undertake_CPD/page_3979.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Professional-Development---Life-Long-Learning-and-the-Power-of-Positive-Thinking&id=2308677

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-ann-wolf/the-importance-of-teacher_b_191259.html

TIE 575 Reflective on My Last Staff Development

The last staff development that I implemented was on using iPod's in the Classroom. The Lead Tech Teachers as well as two 3rd grade teachers were trained on using iPod's and as a result we trained the teachers at our school. I would not say that the training was bad and I don't know if I would say it was GREAT, but it went well. The training was after school and I decided at the last minute to show video footage of other school districts that are more experienced with using iPod's. As a result I was setting up the LCD Projector as well as the screen when teachers were entering the session. The teachers had an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience of using iPod's and they were able to touch, feel, and play around with the iPod's as part of the session. All of the main components of the iPod was explained and teachers were able to record a voice memo and play it back. Overall the teachers had a good time and were excited and motivated about using iPod's in the classroom. Lesson Learned: Set up all materials before teachers/participants arrive at the training session, because anything can go wrong if things are done at the last minute. For resources and a Step by Step Guide to Using iPod's in the Classroom go to the Dumas Technology Professional Development Wiki: dumaspd.wikispaces.com

TIE 512 Reflective on Problem Based learning

Reflect on the experience of creating and implementing a problem based lesson and what you might do to improve the learning experience.


The problem based lesson I presented to students in my technology club went well. The students were exposed to a new technology tool that stimulates their thinking and allowed them to be problem solvers. All of the primary teachers have Kidspiration 2 installed on their class computers and personal laptops, so they can share with the students as well as have them complete activities so that the students are familiar with the program. To improve the learning experience for the students I would allow more time for students to complete activities on their own and allow for more exploration by the students.

TIE 512 How to Get Teachers to Use More Technology In Schools?

What is the best way to get others at your school to use more technology in their teachings and students learning?


I've worked for CPS for 15-16 years and whenever something new came around for teachers to use in the classroom there were always categories, the "I'll try It", the "I'll act like I'll try It, and the "Im not doing it! Nothing has changed, I think about my school and I wonder what I can do to get more teachers to be self motivators? Hmmmm, Well I think having other teachers highlight what they are doing in their classrooms might motivate teachers. Maybe having grade level projects and teachers can help each other with using technology, they can learn together. The LLT (Lead technology Teacher)can assist in helping teachers start off with baby steps and start with something small (power points, digital stories, etc.) and then work their way up. Getting students involved will supplement student learning and the teachers instruction. Solid, effective training on various technology tools so that the feels comfortable and not overwhelmed.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/faq/#1

http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin310.shtml

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech130.shtml

TIE 512 Computer Games A s Eduactional Tools

Contribute to the debate over the use of computer games as educational tools.

Yes, yes, yes. Educational computer games should definitely be use as educational tools. What about Leap Frog? It's a computer game that assist in building the foundation of reading and language skills. Children LOVE computer games, why not teach with a manipulative that they love, understand and get excited by. Computer games are usually colorful,have great sound effects, and easy for students to quickly understand. Think about it, when a student hears the "incorrect buzzer" on a computer game, it motivates them to try to figure it out and try again.But, when they see all the red markings that a teacher marks on a paper, THAT is discouraging. I think it is one of the best ways to supplement a lesson or a skill taught by a teacher. When students are using computer games they are constantly developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. Educational computer games are definitely a positive attribute to a child learning experience.


http://www.stevehargadon.com/2009/10/computer-games-as-educational-tools.html

http://www.forevergeek.com/2010/01/school_uses_video_games_as_teaching_tool/

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/56516.html?wlc=1268974421

TIE 512 - Evaluation of Student Use of Tech Tools.

Discuss the evaluation of students use of technology tools.

I feel that anything taught should be evaluated, how will you know what has been mastered or not. Technology is such a cool and hot trend, that excites children to no end. Are they into it for learning or just the excitement? With anything taught there should be a rubric created. Students should be aware of the expectations of using the technology tool ad the content that goes along with it. So if you are creating a podcast or a digital story, were technology standard as well as academic standards meet. Are teachers using technology just to be using technology or are they effectively using tech tools to enhance learning. Here are some questions to think about....
Is the technology being used just because it is there?
Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do Old things in Old ways?
Is the technology allowing the teacher/students to do Old things in New ways?
Is the technology creating new and different learning experiences for the students?

Are the children learning with technology? How do you know?


http://www2.ed.gov
/pubs/EdTechGuide/index.html

http://www.thethinkingstick.com/evaluating-technology-use-in-the-classroom

http://teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-evaluate-technology-use-in-our.html

A Really Good Professional Development TIE 575

A really good professional development that I participated in was on Balanced Literacy. When leaving a professional development, I think it is very important to feel sure and confident that you can take the information presented and actually use it in the classroom. The Balance Literacy Professional Development that I attended was facilitated by an Area Reading Coach and her approach was very simplistic... Balanced Literacy is an approach of reading and writing. She was careful and detailed in explaining Reading TO, WITH and BY Children and Writing FOR, WITH, and BY Children . There were many clear examples in real life inner city classrooms, and not examples from "pleasantville." I think, it is always soothing for a teacher to see a new strategy with students that are more realistic with behaviors and learning styles. The facilitator also allowed the participants to practice administering an assessment on each other for clarity and understanding. Within the first three minutes we knew exactly what would be covered in the presentation, what would be expected of us, and was informed that a reference and resource guide would be provided at the conclusion of the session. Besides being very detailed, transparent, and extremely knowledgeable about her craft the presenter was pleasant and was able to answer any questions that was posed to her. A good professional development consists of a knowledgeable presenter, with examples that are helpful and realistic, and that can be easily implemented into the classroom. If you leave a professional development feeling confident, informed and excited about the possibility of implementing new strategies then I think it will fall in the good to great category.

http://www.sharingsuccess.org/code/bv/pd.html

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1996/04/17/30chart.h15.html

http://peterpappas.blogs.com/copy_paste/2009/03/a-guide-to-designing-effective-professional-development-essential-questions-for-the-successful-staff.html