Class Overview

This class has given us so many things to look at. All of them are interesting and entertaining, which will catch students' attention. But overall, I think the one thing that will help the students the most will be the constant evaluations (self and peer) while they are continuing through the unit. While the use of web based materials will help them buy in to the assignment, and content knowledge will be gained, I believe their constant assessment of the tasks, websites, material, and their thinking will do them the most good.

Facilitating Projects

Which strategy from the Facilitating Projects materials do I plan to use?

I really like the idea of having a project at the begining of the unit rather than only at the end. I believe that doing some sort of project, whether research based or just a survey, would help the students to be more connected to the work and might, therefore, be able to help them have more invested in their learning.

I will continue to assign projects during and after the units, but will do my best to vary the 21st century skills accessed and to give more options in what types of projects can be used.

Also, I hope to incorporate web-based surveys for feed-back during and after the projects. I think that this will help make connections for the students and help them go a little deeper with their thinking.

Surprise!

I've been slacking and not checking the email account associated with my school blogs. I need to keep up with this better. I was contacted by someone from the BBC interested in the Canterbury Challenge project, I do with the English 7 students. I've emailed them back. Depending on what they say, this may up the levels on that project / class. 

And I really need to start paying attention to that email! Maybe use it as my main account for google things and student interactions next year?

Module 4

How can technology be used most effectively to support and assess student learning?

Assuming that students are properly acquainted with the technology, and therefore aren't focused on learning a new program as well as the material, technologies can be a great tool for assessing student learning. One of the most valuable ways that technology can be used to assess work, in general, is if the students are able to use the technology to address all aspects of the material.  For example, does the power point they create not only cover the topic, but make interesting connections? Do they include sounds or videos appropriate in theme and content to what is being discussed? Do they include a works cited page for info. as well as photos, sounds, and videos?   This would show the student has a complete knowledge of the subject.

Taking this a step further, students can start to making connections between subject matter and appropriate mediums. For example: What does a visual slide show tell us that a regular time line wouldn't?

There are a million things that can be demonstrated through technology, but proving you understand something is a bit harder.

Module 2

"How can I plan ongoing student-centered assessment?

Many of us have fears of being judged. Whether this is fear of being judged too harshly or just being judged at all...this is a fear we have. It came from somewhere. Our students have it. It can appear in a variety of ways: test anxiety, stress over an assignment, not turning in assignments, focusing on non-essential details, and often choosing to not attempt a new skill at all. With all these options and more, why would any teacher feel that only one test can accurately assess anything?

Ongoing student assessment needs to be just that...on going. A teacher should evaluate a student as they begin a new subject. This could include an knowledge inventory (KWL chart or survey), participation in class discussion, or even a pre-test. During the learning process assessment is essential to both the student and the teacher. Student centered learning is not just letting students teach themselves. Assessments such as lower and higher level questioning, completion of a variety of small tasks such as research and analysis need to occur. Constant assessment during learning ensures that students are on the "right track" and can give the teacher feedback as to speed and understanding levels. The conclusion of a unit or project is the perfect time to include some cumulative assessments. Students should be able to utilizes their strengths and apply their new found learning in a way that shows not only basic comprehension but also applies what they learned to making connections. Final assessments can be the formal completion of a test or creating a portfolio or web based project. Student created wikis are great ways to showcase research projects. Students can create videos and other presentations to demonstrate their learning. Assessment doesn't always have to be a pencil and paper test.

In the beginning

...there was a filler post holding space until actual content is added.