Continuing the Journey with Zaretta Hammond

I began reading a book today that really grabbed my attention. Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond was just recently released and has taught me many things in just one day.

For example, on pages 12-13, she describes our jobs as educators as helping students to learn. "One of our key jobs in the early years is to help students become independent learners" (p. 13). We teach children and help them build their cognitive skills so that they can think complex concepts and learn independently.

On page 19, Hammond states that it is our job as educators to help students process what they are learning. We "mediate student learning based on what [we] know about how the brain learns and students' cultural models."

Over the course of my online classes I have been taking, I have learned much about many cognitive theories. I have learned about being culturally relevant. I have also learned a little about how the brain learns. What Hammond is stating is that all three go together. Culture affects how the brain learns. As educators, we must be aware of the cultures in our classrooms.

The question she challenged me with was "How do you support struggling students to become independent learners?" (p. 20) I think it is a valid question to ask ourselves as pre-service effective educators.

Hammond, Zaretta. Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigo Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, 2015.

Definition

What is a life-long learner?

Since I have decided to continue my educational blog, I figured I would talk about learning for a lifetime.

Is threre really any person on this planet who knows all there is to know about everything? No. Not one. I can tell you that every person is learning something every day. However, it means something completely meaningful when you learn intentionally. A life-long learner intentionally chooses to keep learning.

Intentional learning actually builds more brain connections. Learning helps to create new neurological pathways. Then as you continue to use the information, it becomes a part of you. However, if you don't use the information, you will lose it.

So, my question today is, what are you going to learn about today?

Final Project

It is already the end of the semester. In many ways, I am sad to see it go. I have enjoyed learning so many new tools for using technology in the classroom. One thing that I really enjoyed learning about was LiveBinder where I can keep all of my tools ready to use. I also enjoyed learning about the ReadWriteThink website. It is amazing where technology is heading for the near future. I think Agumented Reality will be very interesting to use with in classrooms around the country.

I will be using my blog in the future. I hope to continue my research to stay current on technology topics. I have found some very helpful websites which I can explore in the future and stay up-to-date. I hope to follow several of my coursemates' blogs as well. It is a neat way to keep in touch with coursemates throughout the time of being an online learner with United Tribes Technical College.

Bio Cube

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tDSoIWU0LFX1g5M1JzMXV1eUE/view?usp=sharing

I created a bio cube using the website ReadWriteThink. This website is full of different activities to use in a classroom to help reinforce the lesson being taught. I will definitely be using this site again and again.

Digital Storytelling

I made my digital story using My StoryMaker.    One thing I did not like about this app is that I was unable to share a direct link to my story.  However, you can use this code:  SWL071  at http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/storymaker/embed.cfm   to read the story I created.  It is a role reversal between a cat named Felix and a girl stuck up in a tree. My daughter loves cats and I thought of her while creating this story.    If you can view it, I hope you enjoy!

Open Education Sites: Open Ed

The other open education site I checked out was Open Ed found at https://www.opened.io. This time I signed up as a teacher. The program was user friendly until it came time to actually set up the mastery chart. Then I began to get confused.

This program also awards points for completing lessons. The teacher can assign suggested resources for the lessons. Or teachers can assign lessons from the world's largest common core lesson plan library which is found on the site.

This site was listed as the ISTE 2014 Best of Show. After I went to the help section of the site, I decided to change over to a student and see what things looked like from that perspective. There were videos showing teachers how to set up their accounts step-by-step. It looked more complicated than it was. As a student I was unable to see what lessons looked like since I needed a code to sign in.

There are lessons available for grades K-12. They are personalized and completely aligned with Common Core Standards. Students can play videos or games with the lessons. Assessments look like they could be very helpful. Another pro is that students and teachers can access the program from any device. The lesson content comes from well known publishers.

From what I can tell at this point, this app would be helpful in an Elementary classroom; however, it would be more beneficial for older students. Right now, it does not seem to grasp younger students' attention.

Open Education Sites: Khan Academy

This week,, my challenge was to visit open education sites and critique them. The first one I chose was Khan Academy found at https://www.khanacademy.org.. First of all, it struck my interest because it includes courses for K-College. This means that I can touch up on my Algebra II and maybe work on some Trig over the summer since I enjoy math.

It is a fun site that includes videos of teaching about the subject. The math modules included hints. At the end of the lesson, the student earns points, new avatars, and badges. There are plenty of rewards to keep the students' interest. So far I have earned 500 points and have mastered 4 skills. I also earned a badge and a new avatar just for completing the assessment short quiz.

There are lots of subjects to choose from. I even had my 10th grade son interested in the history of art lessons.

Teachers become the coaches for the students working through the lessons. Lessons are 5-20 minutes long which help to keep students engaged. The videos are conversational style instead of lectures. The site seems to protect the privacy of students. Teachers can add their whole class to the program.

This open education site would be helpful to fill in the gaps in school for subjects not offered in the school system. It can be used to "flip the classroom" when teachers assign a video for homework and students work on the problems during class time. The program is self-paced, individualized, and mastery-based. It would be a good program to use with Elementary students.

The only con that I have found so far is using my netbook, I cannot always see the buttons to close pop-ups or pages. Otherwise it has been very user friendly.

Digital Footprints

I plan to teach my future students about their own digital footprint. One source that I will use will be http://www.21things4students.net/21/3-digital-footprint/. I found that this resource was made in a way to keep students' attention and help them enjoy the important lesson. It helped me to understand this concept better.

What is a digital footprint? It is basically a permanent record of anything you put online. It is like a tattoo. Anything you put online will forever be there, even if you take it down or delete it. I was a little surprised when I searched my name on pipl.com. Old phone numbers and addresses were listed; as well as my various social media accounts. We need to teach students how to stay safe online. We need to help protect their privacy. 

Why Should We Teach Students About Mind Mapping?

According to Inspiration.com, "mindmapping is a visual form of note taking. It is a visual tool to help learners find the central idea and sub-topics of the information. Students can comprehend the information, create new ideas, and build connections." How to Teach mind mapping and how to make a mind map

Some benefits of making mind maps includes the following according to Inspiration.com:

• Brainstorming
• Explore any idea, concept, or problem
• Help students understand relationships and connections between ideas and concepts
• Communicate new ideas and thought processes
• Students can easily recall information
• It is a visual form of taking notes and planning tasks
• Organize ideas and concepts

According to TeachThought.com, mind mapping will "engage students, encourage creativity, and teach students how to learn instead of memorizing content." 10 Mind Mapping Strategies for Teachers

Both websites were accessed on 4-20-15. Please visit the websites for more information. 

Mindmap Regarding Technology Implementation Issues in Schools

Create your own mind maps at MindMeister

DoppleMe

  I created this avatar using DoppleMe.
I wanted to show how I like to read.
A good reason for students to use an avatar instead of their real pics and information is for safety. Students should never put their addresses, phone numbers, or any personal information out on the web due to people who could be predators.
Students can use an avatar when setting up social media, blogs, and more.

My Blog Disclosure Policy

The Federal Trade Commission demands that I tell you the following:

This blog is for educational purposes. I created this blog as part of an assignment for my college degree. While I am new to the blogging world, I am enjoying adding my small piece of information out to the world. 

I have not reviewed any products or services and, therefore, have not been paid for an advertising at this time. 

I will be honest with my readers. If in the future I choose to be paid for advertising products or services, I will tell you. 

Copyright Help!!

As I read through my fellow coursemates' discussions, I noticed that they already picked the "good" sites to use in the classroom for the discussion of copyright laws. However, I heard from them that it was difficult to find information to use for students about this topic. 

Therefore, I have found two websites full of resources for us to use as teachers. Some of the links do not work, but most of them are full of information for us to use as we teach this topic. 

 

I feel it is important to use Pedagogical Content Knowledge as well as our Knowledge of the Content itself to teach this topic. Lecture alone will be confusing and boring for our students. 

 

Check out these resources:

 

http://www.schrockguide.net/intellectual-property.html

 

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/%20%20%20241080%20%20?present=true

 

Pros: Full of information to use within your lesson planning.

          Idea starters for you to create your lessons. 

 

Cons: Not all of the links are active.

           Not a neat package of just one site to click on and go.  

 

 

I hope these are helpful for you,

Laura  

QR Code Assignment

I have created this assignment using QR Codes. Looking back on this project, I should have put page numbers on each slide. After you read the QR Codes, print the pages and you can create group projects learning about fractions. 

Fractions Assignment Using QR Codes

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tDSoIWU0LFLURacW1xWEduX0E/view?usp=sharing

SMORE Flyer: Go Beyond the Soapbox!

Socrative -- Online Quizzes Real-Time Assessment

Socrative is an online application that teachers can use to view students' understanding of the information being taught. This program gives real-time reports for the teachers to see how effective they are teaching. Up to 50 students can be logged in at one time. There are several different types of quizzing methods including quick questions, space race, polls and more.

You can read my full report at

Socrative

Summary of ClassPager

ClassPager is an interactive application where teachers can communicate via texting with students. It is safe and does not invade privacy. Neither teachers nor students are given phone numbers. Teachers can send messages to remind students and families about upcoming events, receive feedback on learner understanding, and so much more!

ClassPager -- Safe Mobile Communication

I tried to embed my paper on my blog; however, it was not publishing correctly.

You can view my paper at

ClassPager

Promethean Favorites

I found a list of favorite downloads for Promethean Planet for 2014. I really like the first download of Cut Up Sentences. This presentation can be very helpful with learning spelling words and seeing them in sentences.

You can find the Top 25 Downloads for 2014 here:

Free Lessons

Promethean Planet can be very helpful when using the smart boards in the classrooms. I think I will be visiting this site often for ideas on how to present certain concepts.

Student Response Cards

I have created some 3 x 5 student response cards for students to use during whole group instruction. While I am explaining a concept, I can ask students either a multiple choice question or a yes/no question. Each student can respond by holding up their answer. This allows for every student to participate with answering questions.

Kid-Friendly Search Engine

I found a great search engine that is safe for kids to use. I like this one because it uses auto type to bring up a list of suggestions, there are no advertisements, and the search includes images. Visit:
 GoGooglians to check it out!

Technology Toolbox PowerPoint Presentations

See my PowerPoint Presentations of my Technology Toolboxes:

Wordle

Technology Toolbox 1

Clip Art Tools

Technology Toolbox 2

Beginning of the Year Information Form

Technology Tools for Diverse Learners

As I am working on some finishing touches on my WebQuest, I am also learning about several online writing tools. These tools will work for most students in the classroom setting.

Two tools I used are located at ReadWriteThink.org.  ReadWriteThink.org blew me away with all of their interactive writing tools. Students can organize their thoughts in fun ways using these tools.

The first one is the Cube Creator. I created a worksheet for students to fill out regarding the information they discovered during their Pi Day WebQuest.

The second one I wanted to include with my WebQuest was a Timeline for students to answer their question about who discovered pi more in depth.

I will be using ReadThinkWrite.org for many more projects in the future.

I wanted to use an online tool called Kerpoof; however, it has been discontinued. I did a quick search for similar online tools and found Story Bird. I created a poem relating to my Pi Day WebQuest.

Pi Day Poem

You will also notice that I used Voki to create an animated and audio introduction to my WebQuest. This fun tool will help visual students to see a cartoon of me giving an introduction to the WebQuest.

I just made a new Voki for my WebQuest. See it here:

I just made a new Voki. See it here:

WebQuest: Pi Day: A Day to Celebrate Pi!

I have spent hours and hours creating a WebQuest on the topic of Pi Day. You may wonder why I chose to take the time to create such a project. First, I wanted to challenge myself with creating a WebQuest for students in Grades 3-5. Second, I wanted to learn more about the celebration. Third, Pi Day is on my birthday.

I hope you will take a few minutes to browse my first WebQuest!

WebQuest: Pi Day: A Day to Celebrate Pi!

Dynamic Instructional Design Model

The dynamic instructional design (DID) model was developed by Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2011). It is a six-step lesson plan model. One of the primary focuses of this model is that it is learner-based. The first step is to know the learners. Step two is that you document the objectives you want to reach through this lesson. Step three is to make sure you establish the learning environment. Step four is where you plan which teaching strategies you will use for this lesson. Step five is when you intentionally plan what technology you will use for this lesson. Step six is planning what you will use for assessment and evaluation.

Jeffrey Hunt suggested in his YouTube video to start at Step 6 when beginning your lesson plan while using the DID model. He suggested that once you have determined whether you are going to use a rubric, test, or other tool, then you can go back to Step 2 and determine what objectives you want the students to learn. You can watch his video at Dynamic Instruction Design Model

I was able to locate a few examples of lesson plans using the DID model.
Dynamic Instructional Design Lesson Plan Example
Lesson Plans

There are many various instructional models available. The DID model is useful because it intentionally includes technology within the lesson plan.

At this time, I was unable to locate a tool to assist in creating a lesson plan while using the DID model.

I also accessed the following presentation to help me understand the DID model better:
Dynamic Instructional Design Model Presentation

LiveBinder for John

I had to share this story with my blogging coursemates.

Today I have been working with my son, John, to find some resources to study for the upcoming State Geography Bee. He won the bee at the Beulah Middle School and will hopefully be heading to state if he qualifies.

So as I am finding these resources and websites, I remember the LiveBinders. I set up an account for him and started a binder for his National Geographic Bee resources. His account is set up like a student account using my email. I also set up the binder for me to collaborate with him on it.

John said to me, "Hmm. This is really interesting. Why haven't I learned about this before?" I have totally won him over to LiveBinders. My techie kid can't wait to create more binders for science and more.

I love when I can teach my children about things I am learning. This totally made my day!

LiveBinder Summary

I created a LiveBinder to organize the digital information I have been learning during my college courses with United Tribes Technical College for Elementary Education. As I reflect back on previous courses, I will periodically add websites, videos, completed assignments, tips, resources and more to my LiveBinder.

I have created tabs relating to Classroom Management, Educational Psychology, Technology in Education, Library Resources, and Standards. I have created many sub tabs and even some base tabs.

I hope to use this LiveBinder to keep myself organized. I can open the LiveBinder and review important information I have learned. I believe this will help me tremendously as a future teacher.

Live Binder Link

I have created a direct link to the right so you may access my Live Binder.

I will also include the URL link in this post.

If you are unable to access my Live Binder, please let me know.

Kamama's Live Binder

My Main Multiple Intelligences

Top Image from http://www.osmosysinfo.com/multipleIntelligences.html
Other Three Images from https://tadahgroup.wordpress.com/multiple-intelligences/

These photos were uploaded through an app called photoboother. I did not like using this application. There could be several uses for the application; however, you can only upload four pictures at a time and you cannot center your pictures in the program. I will probably not use this app again. 

My Personal Technology Strategic Plan

Adding Blog to Bloglovin

I am checking to see if the embedding works.


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hello!

Osiyo!

Welcome to my personal journal dedicated to sharing my journey of being a life-long learner. I have always dreamed of continuing my education. However, when I married my best friend and began parenting five children, I thought this dream would never come true. A little over four years ago, I began walking on the path of online learning with United Tribes Technical College. Every semester I learn something new which applies not only to my professional life, but also my personal life. I have never regretted continuing my education even with a family and a full-time job. 

I will be posting information that I am learning pertaining to educational technology as well as other subjects which I find interesting and useful. 

I welcome you to join me on this journey of learning throughout the course of life!