Direct Instruction, Tech Centers, & TPACK

I think direct instruction is necessary, but can easily be overused.  I think students need some kind of engagement and way to make learning meaningful.  Spitting information at them for hours on end with no break in teaching method is, I think, not effective.  However, I do think I will use elements from the DI philosophy in my teaching (teacher instruction, guided practice, independent practice, accountability), but definitely mix in more hands-on activities where kids are "masters" of their own learning.  I think you'd definitely have to give direct instruction on how to use certain technologies, but then students can use independent practice to guide their own learning.

I thought the tech centers were very cool!  My favorites were the "Flip Your Science Class," and "Gamification of Math."  I think those are the two most likely activities I would incorporate into my classroom.  For the "Lego Robots" center, our group discussed that you could easily create a science lesson about force using the robot.  Our robot was programmed to kick his leg, so depending on the starting point and amount of rotations the leg made, the force would be different, and if an object was placed in line with the leg, would travel different distances (depending on the force).  Teaching students about how to make predictions and hypotheses could also be incorporated into this lesson.

At the "Flip Your Science Class," one idea we had for elementary school students was to have them watch a safety and instructional procedure video at home, and therefore come to class prepared to start the lesson (without extension explanation from the teacher).  Another idea was to have the class visit an interactive website prior to the beginning of a unit, so they are familiar with vocabulary and what they will be learning about.

Our problem-solving activity from the "Lego Simple Machines" center was to have students build a model of a vehicle that would not use gas or electricity. We built a car with a sail, so it would be run on only wind.  In the lesson, you could ask the students the advantages and disadvantages of their model to build critical thinking.

At last center, "Gamification of Math," we thought of a game with real-life application.  Have grocery ads from the newspaper in your classroom, and tell students they are going "shopping".  Give them a spending limit of $20, and instruct them to go "shopping," to make dinner.  They must buy a main dish, a side dish, and a dessert, and try to use up as much of their money as possible. As for a student math project, simply having them vote on a game they like to play at recess, and then (you, the teacher) incorporate math into it (they choose what kind of math ex- addition/subtraction/multiplication/division) will have them be invested in the project.

My TPACK is growing by learning about all of the new technologies, and ways to integrate them into the classroom. There are so many I hadn't even heard of prior to this class, and learning how to use them is very helpful.  I'm surprised that I am picking them up so quickly-I don't have much confidence with technology! Once I learned how to use it, I really liked Goggle Trek!

Goggle Trek

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zzjOXUdJa3no.kjuU3pJRybek

Aurasma

I was amazed at how Aurasma worked!  I'm still in shock that something like that could be made-people are so innovative! It can be such a helpful and engaging tool in the classroom, especially since teachers are now in competition with other distractions more appealing to kids than learning.  However, it was frustrating for me when the set up, and having to add/follow channels, did not go smoothly.  But, like anything else, practicing and coming to class prepared and equipped to deal with glitches will eliminate much of that frustration.  I think this could be extremely helpful for ESL students learning English, like when they are being introduced to new vocabulary- connecting a word with a picture and sound through video sounds like the magic formula!

6 word memoir

I appreciated being taught how to use iMovie because I've had a Mac for 4 years and had no idea how to work this program.  I was surprised at how simple it was to use!  With more practice, I would definitely use this in my class.  However, I think it would be for an assignment done solely during school hours (not as homework), because I would want to be available to assist them, and not assume they would have parents who knew how to help if they ran into difficulties.

I thought that the website popplet.com was a great tool to use for storytelling, especially since you were able to use it as a very manipulative visual of a story curve.  You could also leave certain parts of the story curve blank for students to fill in-there's so many things you can do with this program!

SS Timeline/ELA 1 word memoir

I loved the SS timeline idea!  I thought it was a brilliant idea with no drawbacks.  The activity utilized multiple learning styles, and since the teacher would ask students why they placed the American figures where they did on the timeline, she made sure the students had a logical reason for placing them where they did.  Also, if students made a mistake, they could easily fix it-it would have been more of a hassle to do if it were a paper/pen timeline.  It also was a great platform for discussion between students, which promoted critical thinking and collaboration.  I would definitely use this activity in my classroom.

I thought the ELA 1 word memoir was a powerful activity.  It showed how influential visual literacy truly is.

TPACK and Integration

I think integrating technology in teaching will eventually become a necessity in order to keep students' interest and attention in the content being taught.  Depending on where you are teaching, students will have varying levels of exposure to different technologies, and to make learning interesting, you will have to be innovative in how you teach. Personally, I will have to make a conscious effort to learn about the new technologies and how to effectively implement them into my instruction, since it is not something that comes naturally.  I believe it would be easy for me to become complacent and stay in my comfort zone of not using technology, so a lot of prep and practice on my part is something I will need to do.