Hello Readers.
The fishbowl exercise was something that I need to keep in mind when it comes to discussions. The dynamic that it sets up is great for students to really control their own learning environment. Since my subject is based on a lot of analyzing and writing, I feel that this exercise will help students. By having a set of laptops or even a full one-to-one inclusion of technology in the classroom will help provide my classroom the environment for positive, engaged learning. Just getting the kids writing is a powerful thing and this activity gives them the opportunity to sort out the important information and pose questions to their classmates as if they were the teacher of the room. There are multiple facets that help create this environment of learning and it's one that I plan on using in the future!
I too loved the video "Monster Trap" because it showed how great the learning experience can be for kids. To be able to spark that much interest in a student will be incredibly rewarding. What I took from that video is that as teachers we will fail, but it's up to us to celebrate those failures by finding solutions to better ourselves and our classrooms. Failure doesn't have to be a thing that inhibits our growth as individuals and teachers; rather it should be the very basis that helps us realize that we are all human and make mistakes. If I could celebrate like that kids after even successful lesson and had a few failures in the beginning, I'd be elated!
Lastly, This class has taught me humility in the sense that technology is ever-changing and we cannot assume the role of expert on technology. I thought I knew it all when I came into the class, but something as simple as "site:" I had no idea about. There are many tips and tricks that we as educators can learn to help better our students. Collaboration is key to success as we all embark on this journey together! We are the faces of the classroom and the students ability to better their lives an be something even greater then them!
Cheers.
Ryan
"we cannot assume the role of expert on technology"
ReplyDeleteI would push this to...do not assume you are an expert at anything. Be a learner with your students in all aspects of the classroom. By being a "Learning Leader" with your students you allow them to own the learning journey with your guidance. Opening up amazing learning opportunities for all.
Ryan-
ReplyDeleteWell said! The "Monster Trap" video was hilarious, but mostly endearing. You summarized it perfectly. One other interesting takeaway I had from it was his "trap" itself. Anyone, in any decade, could have built that elaborate trap (well, minus the toaster). The trap itself was an incredibly creative use of household items, no technology involved. A child in 1960 could have made it. Now, however, kids can share their creation with the world! Children of the past were lucky to get a photo of their monster trap. Kids today can video their success and post it online to provide inspiration for upcoming monster trappers. And I think that is truly amazing.
Nice work! Cheers!