Social Media & Professional LearningI have found the use of social media to have a huge impact on my growth as a professional educator. Some of the forums I've utilized include Facebook, Twitter, Edmodo, Instagram, and many blogs. Some of the groups I belong to and teachers I follow include: Global Read Aloud, Encouraging Teachers, 5th Grade Fanatics, Educators Book Club, Teachers Getting Real, Techie Teachers, Teachers Pay Teachers, Grade Flock, Edutopia, Angela Watson, Teaching In Room 6, Whole Brain Teaching, The Organized Classroom and Laura Candler.
For the past several years I have actively contributed to discussions and shared resources. In a way, I’ve developed my own Personal Learning Network based on my interests and needs as an educator. By seeking groups and following educators, I’ve been able to connect over ideas, be inspired, share resources, participate in meaningful conversations, and collaborate with other educators near and far. Through this, I’ve learned of so many great opportunities and developed lasting connections like a virtual book club with a teacher and class in Indiana. I learned of the Global Read Aloud through one of the groups I belong to and that alone has inspired me to grow as an educator and improve my technology skills along the way. I have been able to connect my students with students around the globe in a variety of ways through the Global Read Aloud experience. I think the relevant issues to consider when using social media in a professional manner include the relevance and accuracy and frequency of the content. I have turned off notifications for some of the groups since there are so many users actively posting in the group. I often go to the group and use the search feature and turn on notifications for the posts I’m most interested in following and new people post. If I came across an inappropriate post made by one of my students outside of school, I’d think about the best way to address it and based on the nature of it. Since my students are 5th graders, I feel it’d be important to bring it to a parent’s attention and follow any other protocols that are in place. I really like the letter on Patrick Larkin’s blog and may share that with the parent to stress the importance of helping their child learn the importance of establishing themselves as a responsible digital citizen.
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Key Ideas from Baggio, Clark and DervinBaggio:
Clark:
Dervin:
Reflection for Capstone Project and AudienceI am still undecided as to which direction I will ultimately go for my capstone project but at this time I believe my audience may be students and teachers. Based on this week’s readings, I will focus on making sure that I keep in mind the perspective of the learners in mind as well as trying to figure out what the right questions are to ask (Dervin). As a visual learner, I was not surprised to learn that 85% of what we know or learn comes from visual representations according to Baggio. In addition, I will need to make sure that I include clear visuals in my product to help develop a deeper understanding of the content as well making sure the content is relevant, purposeful and engaging. Connecting to the audience and knowing what the learners already know will be important factors to consider as is the efficiency of the learning model which will be developed (Clark).
Blog #1 Teaching Digital LiteracyTeaching technology skills and digital literacy is necessary but challenging with an already full curriculum. I try to incorporate the elements of digital literacy in with the skills lessons. I invited one of the academic specialists to my classroom to walk the students through the initial steps of accessing their NVUSD Google accounts. I know I could have done this with my students but felt that it might make a bigger impression upon my students to hear from someone else about the expectations and responsibilities that go along with having the access to the account.
Some of the skills I’ve taught so far include, writing and sending an email, creating and sharing Google Docs, creating a Google Slides presentation, sharing slides and then importing slides to create a group slideshow, and even presenting a slideshow this past week. I do have plans to have my students complete the digital citizenship modules from Common Sense Media soon as well as begin keyboarding skills. #702 Blog #2 Review of a Tech ToolI enjoyed looking over all the tech tools found in the links in the iCare document this week. There are so many out there and I look forward to trying some new ones soon.
The tool I chose to review is Kidblog. I started using this last year when my class participated in the Global Read Aloud (GRA). One of suggested the goals for participating in the GRA is to stretch yourself as an educator in the area of technology and foster connections and communication opportunities with others around the world who are also participating. At the time, blogging was a stretch and I dove right in. Many of the other educators who I had connected with in the GRA Edmodo group were also using Kidblog so I chose that platform to begin. To say my 5th grade students were enthusiastic about blogging would be an understatement! The first day, as well as all the following days, my students didn’t hesitate a second to begin typing their thoughts and responses about what they had just read. I was amazed that I didn’t have one student complain of not knowing what to write or ask if spelling counted or any of the typical questions I would hear from reluctant writers. It became immediately clear that my students were motivated to be better writers and put forth more effort knowing that their peers, near and far, may read their writing. Bingo! Instant authentic audience! And even more so when students began commenting on each other’s writing. They so looked forward to reading the comments they received which led to some very impressive dialogue. I was able to observe and assess student communication and critical thinking skills. Strengths: It’s a relatively safe space, blogs can not be found without a code shared by the teacher. Teacher has the ability approve all posts and comments and act as a moderator. Downfalls: It’s not free. It’s currently $44 for a class/per year. It’s not very intuitive, takes a bit to learn the ins and outs. Note: I plan to try Edublogs with my students this year since it is free and appears to have the same functionality. #702 |
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April 2017
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